We just got back from our appointment and great news - Madeline is not coming this week! Yay! We had a biophysical ultrasound (checking blood flow, placenta, fluids, etc.), and everything came back normal.
Every week will be touch and go. On Mondays, I'll have biophysical ultrasound and/or growth ultrasound and every Thursday will be a non-stress test (NST). My OB said I definitely am not going to make it past 38 weeks, and we'll just have to keep a close eye on when we do need to take her out. AND, I might not have to have a c-section, but induced instead....just depending on Madeline's condition. Also, reassuring news.
I'm not concerned about the NSTs on Thursdays because Madeline is very active. Basically, they hook a belt like contraption up to my belly and measure her breathing and movements. I'll of course be anxious every Monday, but I feel much better now after my appointment.
My OB stated that if she were to have to come next week at 34 weeks, she might only be in the NICU for a couple days, and at 35 weeks, maybe not at all. It just depends on her lung function and feeding. Of course, 37 weeks for a girl is considered full term. They'd like to keep her in my stomach for as long as possible, but it really just depends on her growth and testing each week.
We did not have a growth ultrasound today because it's too soon to see a significant amount of growth since I just had one last week. I believe I have one next Monday....but I'm a little confused because of all the appointments (which I've scheduled). I'll ask this Thursday when I see my OB again for the NST.
Unfortunately, I'm on modified bed rest. Boo. But, it's what is best for Madeline. Looks like Tommy gets to enjoy housework and grocery shopping. And, she said I can still do some light activities. I don't have to become a recluse on the couch/bed, but I do need to take it easy. (Which is difficult for me).
All in all, a good appointment today. We'll have to see what next Monday's appointment brings. My hospital bag is packed and ready to go just in case. And like I said, I do have Thursday appointments, but I'm not too concerned. Those are just for extra precaution.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Speculation
I would be lying if I said that I'm not concerned, worried, or stressed about tomorrow's appointment. It's been running through my mind since I received the phone call. And, of course, I've had to Google everything under the sun with my condition, and I've spoken to several people who've gone through this.
From what I've gathered, those with Asymmetrical IUGR (yes, it's what I have), are carefully monitored up until delivery and/or 36 weeks. I say 36 weeks because doctor's typically do not allow for the patient to go beyond 36 weeks due to increased risks. The cause of *my* Asymmetrical IUGR (there can be many factors) is the abnormal flow from the cord, which is also causing the very low abdominal growth (8%), and my slowed belly growth. Basically, we're preparing ourselves for Madeline's arrival within the next 3 weeks. It could even be as early as tomorrow....depending on the results from my new ultrasound.
Basically, if the umbilical cord flow is not allowing her to get the proper nutrients, oxygen, and blood flow, and she'd do better outside of my belly, they'll remove her. However, if there has been any improvement within the last week, they'll keep a close eye on her (with my biweekly ultrasounds) and decide the appropriate time for delivery.
Unfortunately, you can follow every pregnancy rule and still have complications. There isn't anything that could have been done to prevent my condition. I may be able to get a steriod shot on Monday to help with Madeline's lung function, and my OB may recommend baby aspirin. However, every OB is different, and I'll wait until I have direct orders.
Babies with IUGR usually spend some time in the NICU or Special Care Unit depending on how severe the case or how early they are delivered. However, the majority end up being perfectly fine in the the end. We are also prepared that we are most likely not going to be able to bring her home with us right away.
My mother is convinced I'm going to be put on bed rest, and it is a possibility. I'm already going stir crazy and I'm bored out of my mind since I'm having Braxton Hicks and back pain and can't really do much. I've just stuck with light cleaning, cooking, and running errands, but I might not even be able to do that.
Also, it's pretty certain that I'll have to have a c-section. While I know it's the best for Madeline, I also have a huge fear of surgery. I've only had minor surgery once (oral surgery) and it was a complete nightmare....so this is where my fear comes from. I guess I'm just going to have to suck it up and put my big girl panties on.
We'll see what my OB (whom I love) has to say tomorrow afternoon. I'm a big researcher and I like to prepare myself for everything....and every option. At least I know what the processes and procedures are, and it's not going to be a big shock.
Right now, Madeline is kicking away in my stomach and pushing on my rib cage...so that's very reassuring!
From what I've gathered, those with Asymmetrical IUGR (yes, it's what I have), are carefully monitored up until delivery and/or 36 weeks. I say 36 weeks because doctor's typically do not allow for the patient to go beyond 36 weeks due to increased risks. The cause of *my* Asymmetrical IUGR (there can be many factors) is the abnormal flow from the cord, which is also causing the very low abdominal growth (8%), and my slowed belly growth. Basically, we're preparing ourselves for Madeline's arrival within the next 3 weeks. It could even be as early as tomorrow....depending on the results from my new ultrasound.
Basically, if the umbilical cord flow is not allowing her to get the proper nutrients, oxygen, and blood flow, and she'd do better outside of my belly, they'll remove her. However, if there has been any improvement within the last week, they'll keep a close eye on her (with my biweekly ultrasounds) and decide the appropriate time for delivery.
Unfortunately, you can follow every pregnancy rule and still have complications. There isn't anything that could have been done to prevent my condition. I may be able to get a steriod shot on Monday to help with Madeline's lung function, and my OB may recommend baby aspirin. However, every OB is different, and I'll wait until I have direct orders.
Babies with IUGR usually spend some time in the NICU or Special Care Unit depending on how severe the case or how early they are delivered. However, the majority end up being perfectly fine in the the end. We are also prepared that we are most likely not going to be able to bring her home with us right away.
My mother is convinced I'm going to be put on bed rest, and it is a possibility. I'm already going stir crazy and I'm bored out of my mind since I'm having Braxton Hicks and back pain and can't really do much. I've just stuck with light cleaning, cooking, and running errands, but I might not even be able to do that.
Also, it's pretty certain that I'll have to have a c-section. While I know it's the best for Madeline, I also have a huge fear of surgery. I've only had minor surgery once (oral surgery) and it was a complete nightmare....so this is where my fear comes from. I guess I'm just going to have to suck it up and put my big girl panties on.
We'll see what my OB (whom I love) has to say tomorrow afternoon. I'm a big researcher and I like to prepare myself for everything....and every option. At least I know what the processes and procedures are, and it's not going to be a big shock.
Right now, Madeline is kicking away in my stomach and pushing on my rib cage...so that's very reassuring!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Reviews
Since I'm trying to keep myself occupied this weekend, I thought I'd take a few moments and review a few products that I've been meaning to do for quite awhile now.
First, I am going to start off with the most delicious ice cream bars I have ever had: Magnum Bars. Yes, I fell for their marketing campaign. My favorite are the double caramel bars. The outside layer is a decadent Belgian milk chocolate coating, then a layer of oozing chocolate sauce, another layer of caramel sauce, then you get to the vanilla bean ice cream. These ice cream bars are truly amazing. Tommy really enjoys the mint bars, but I'm not a big mint and ice cream fan. The next flavor I have to try are the "white" bars with white chocolate and vanilla bean. I will admit, these bars are pretty pricey, but right now there's a coupon available at coupons.com. Also, they've gone on sale a few times at Publix in the past few weeks. These are my new favorite summer treat!
Speaking of Publix, I'm switching back. I went to Harris Teeter this week to do a full grocery shopping trip, and well, they didn't have much of a selection and several items were priced $1-$2 higher than Publix. I think I'll just go to Harris Teeter when they offer their double coupon promotions up to $2. I was sad that they didn't even carry some staple items that I buy every week...but oh well.
Next up, I am trying out TRESemme's Split Remedy hair line. A couple of weeks ago I stumbled upon the spray in/leave in conditioner when I was needing it for a swimming day. Oddly, it was the only leave in conditioner I could find at Target, so I figured it would have to just do. I loved the leave in spray, so I thought I'd give the shampoo and conditioner a try. So far, so good. It leaves my hair soft, manageable, and feeling stronger. I'll report back in a couple of weeks and let you know if it is actually any good. And, on a side note, TRESemme's dry shampoo rocks! I use it all the time, and has become an essential product for me.
If you recall a few months back, I reviewed Suave's Keratin line. I completely forgot to mention that I ended up having to stop using the products because they were stripping out my hair color! So, I will NOT be using these products again!
That's it for me for now. I think I need a nap!
Speaking of Publix, I'm switching back. I went to Harris Teeter this week to do a full grocery shopping trip, and well, they didn't have much of a selection and several items were priced $1-$2 higher than Publix. I think I'll just go to Harris Teeter when they offer their double coupon promotions up to $2. I was sad that they didn't even carry some staple items that I buy every week...but oh well.
Next up, I am trying out TRESemme's Split Remedy hair line. A couple of weeks ago I stumbled upon the spray in/leave in conditioner when I was needing it for a swimming day. Oddly, it was the only leave in conditioner I could find at Target, so I figured it would have to just do. I loved the leave in spray, so I thought I'd give the shampoo and conditioner a try. So far, so good. It leaves my hair soft, manageable, and feeling stronger. I'll report back in a couple of weeks and let you know if it is actually any good. And, on a side note, TRESemme's dry shampoo rocks! I use it all the time, and has become an essential product for me.If you recall a few months back, I reviewed Suave's Keratin line. I completely forgot to mention that I ended up having to stop using the products because they were stripping out my hair color! So, I will NOT be using these products again!
That's it for me for now. I think I need a nap!
Friday, July 6, 2012
Thoughts and Prayers
I posted on Monday about my 32 Week OB appointment and growth ultrasound.
On Monday, they only received the "short" report from the ultrasound...and today they received the full report.
There are still issues with the umbilical flow, my belly size, and her abdominal is measuring 8th percentile (all other measurements are normal). Originally, I was going to go in next Wednesday for another u/s for her umbilical cord..then another growth u/s in 2 weeks.
Well, because of the "full report" they received today, they bumped my appointment up to this Monday, and I'll need to come in twice per week for ultrasounds. I'll get more information on Monday, but I'm really hoping that Madeline's okay.
They apologized profusely for calling late on a Friday afternoon, but they wanted to make sure to get me in on Monday...and if it weren't for the holiday this week, I would have come in this morning.
They urged me to call or go to the ER this weekend if anything seems "off." Especially kick counts, activity, etc. Thankfully, today and yesterday she's been super active with kicks and rolling around.
Hopefully, they are just being proactive and wanting to monitor to make sure everything's going okay. But, of course, there's a chance that she might even come earlier than we thought if anything is significantly wrong.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. This is going to be a very long weekend.
On Monday, they only received the "short" report from the ultrasound...and today they received the full report.
There are still issues with the umbilical flow, my belly size, and her abdominal is measuring 8th percentile (all other measurements are normal). Originally, I was going to go in next Wednesday for another u/s for her umbilical cord..then another growth u/s in 2 weeks.
Well, because of the "full report" they received today, they bumped my appointment up to this Monday, and I'll need to come in twice per week for ultrasounds. I'll get more information on Monday, but I'm really hoping that Madeline's okay.
They apologized profusely for calling late on a Friday afternoon, but they wanted to make sure to get me in on Monday...and if it weren't for the holiday this week, I would have come in this morning.
They urged me to call or go to the ER this weekend if anything seems "off." Especially kick counts, activity, etc. Thankfully, today and yesterday she's been super active with kicks and rolling around.
Hopefully, they are just being proactive and wanting to monitor to make sure everything's going okay. But, of course, there's a chance that she might even come earlier than we thought if anything is significantly wrong.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. This is going to be a very long weekend.
What day is it?
My days are totally off due to the 4th of July falling right smack in the middle of the week! Although, this week has flown by and I can't believe it's almost the weekend. Tuesday night, we went to dinner with Rick and Shelby and they came by to see our house. Then, on the 4th, Tommy and I had a "lazy day" until we got ready to head over to Lance and Shellie's for a shrimp boil. We hadn't had a chance to visit with them or the kids in awhile, so it was fun to get to catch up again. Plus, I was able to ask Shellie any random newborn/pregnancy questions that I was unsure of.
I'm not too sure what our plans are for this weekend. I know Ray is coming over to help remove boxes from our garage (we seriously must have 100 or more boxes from our move/renovation projects). We have storage boxes in our garage that need to be moved to our storage room, but it's just way too hot to even attempt. It's been in the 100s well over a week now.
Because I'm bored, I thought I'd post a progression of belly pics from start to finish. Scroll down if you're interested!
10 Weeks:
15 Weeks:
18.5 Weeks:
20 Weeks:
22.5 Weeks:
24 Weeks:
29 Weeks:
32 Weeks:
You can definitely tell that I finally "popped" at 26 weeks. My belly is starting to feel a little bigger everyday now. I try to wait to take pictures 2-3 weeks apart so you can tell a noticeable difference. Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos until 10 weeks. I wish I would have at least gotten a 4 week photo for a true start to finish, but oh well.
I'm not exactly sure what's in store for the rest of my day. I'll probably finish up some laundry, and just stay indoors as far away from the heat as I can.
I'm not too sure what our plans are for this weekend. I know Ray is coming over to help remove boxes from our garage (we seriously must have 100 or more boxes from our move/renovation projects). We have storage boxes in our garage that need to be moved to our storage room, but it's just way too hot to even attempt. It's been in the 100s well over a week now.
Because I'm bored, I thought I'd post a progression of belly pics from start to finish. Scroll down if you're interested!
10 Weeks:
15 Weeks:
17 Weeks:
18.5 Weeks:
20 Weeks:
22.5 Weeks:
24 Weeks:
26 Weeks:
28 Weeks:
29 Weeks:
32 Weeks:
You can definitely tell that I finally "popped" at 26 weeks. My belly is starting to feel a little bigger everyday now. I try to wait to take pictures 2-3 weeks apart so you can tell a noticeable difference. Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos until 10 weeks. I wish I would have at least gotten a 4 week photo for a true start to finish, but oh well.
I'm not exactly sure what's in store for the rest of my day. I'll probably finish up some laundry, and just stay indoors as far away from the heat as I can.
Monday, July 2, 2012
OB Appointment Update
I just got back from my appointment! The good news is, Madeline is doing just fine right now in my belly. She's weighs around 3 lbs, 9 oz or 3.5lbs...give or take a little since ultrasounds can be off. All of her measurements came back normal, except for a small abdominal circumference, but she might just have a small waist like myself. And, we know that she's going to be a small baby. She's also measuring 45th percentile in height...so I have a feeling she'll be around 5'3 or so.
On the down side, the umbilical cord flow is abnormal and my belly is still measuring small. So, I go back next Wednesday for an ultrasound to get more in depth information on the umbilical flow, then another growth ultrasound in 3 weeks to see if she's able to grow appropriately in my belly.
If not, we'll have to have a c-section and deliver early. For now, we know that she's fine in my belly for the next couple of weeks, so that is definitely a relief. We really won't have more information until my next ultrasounds and monitoring. Right now, I don't have any cause for alarm. If she has to come early, she has to come early. I have a feeling this is going to be the case sometime around 36-38 weeks.
Here are a few photos from the 3d scan:
Ignore the hole near her left eye....it's not anything abnormal!
On the down side, the umbilical cord flow is abnormal and my belly is still measuring small. So, I go back next Wednesday for an ultrasound to get more in depth information on the umbilical flow, then another growth ultrasound in 3 weeks to see if she's able to grow appropriately in my belly.
If not, we'll have to have a c-section and deliver early. For now, we know that she's fine in my belly for the next couple of weeks, so that is definitely a relief. We really won't have more information until my next ultrasounds and monitoring. Right now, I don't have any cause for alarm. If she has to come early, she has to come early. I have a feeling this is going to be the case sometime around 36-38 weeks.
Here are a few photos from the 3d scan:
Ignore the hole near her left eye....it's not anything abnormal!
32 Weeks!
Yay! I am 32 weeks and 1 Day along today. I will admit that I'm both excited and anxious about today's OB appointment. I'm excited because I get to see Madeline - it's been 2.5 months! My doctor's office does the 3d imaging, so I'll actually get a more clear idea of what she's going to look like since everything has formed.
And, well, I'm anxious for the apparent reasons to see why my belly (fundal height measurement) is still only measure at 24 weeks, instead of 32..... 8 weeks behind. It's normal to be up to 2 weeks off on fundal height measurements (behind or ahead). As far as weight gain, I'm not sure if I've gained in the past 2 weeks or not (I don't weigh myself at home). I should have gained 2 lbs this time around.
So, I'll just have to wait it out and see. My appointment isn't until later this afternoon, so I'll update this evening or tomorrow morning on my results.
Below are my belly pics for 32 Weeks:
Please excuse my paleness!
And, well, I'm anxious for the apparent reasons to see why my belly (fundal height measurement) is still only measure at 24 weeks, instead of 32..... 8 weeks behind. It's normal to be up to 2 weeks off on fundal height measurements (behind or ahead). As far as weight gain, I'm not sure if I've gained in the past 2 weeks or not (I don't weigh myself at home). I should have gained 2 lbs this time around.
So, I'll just have to wait it out and see. My appointment isn't until later this afternoon, so I'll update this evening or tomorrow morning on my results.
Below are my belly pics for 32 Weeks:
Please excuse my paleness!
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