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10/16/2009

The final two week wait



Today, I am 37w2d pregnant! It been like forever since I've blogged. I've had a really rough time with this pregnancy. That's why I haven't been updating. I appreciate all of your concern and I feel badly for not updating you all.

The last time I posted, I was extremely nauseous. Guess what - Nothing has changed. Zofran is still my best friend. ha ha Because of of the constant nausea, I haven't been able to eat much. As a consequence, I've lost about 25 lbs. Normally, I'd be thrilled. What woman wouldn't want to lose a few pounds, right? But not during pregnancy. Thankfully, my weight has steadied toward the end of the second trimester.

In addition to the nausea, we found out that we have marginal cord insertion. That's when the umbilical cord is at the edge of the placenta. When I had the bleed early on (at around 6 weeks pg), the placenta must've hit a big artery when it was digging in. And when the placenta hit the artery, it stopped growing in that direction and started growing in the opposite direction. So the umbilical cord is left at the edge of the placenta. The reason that both my OB and perinatologist are a bit concerned is that the umbilical cord might not be as firmly planted as if it was in the center of the placenta. And there might've possibly been some issues with the umbilical cord not passing on enough nutrients to the baby or the umbilical cord detaching (worse case scenario). My doctors have been keeping a close eye on me and the baby. I've been seeing the OB every week and the peri about every three or four weeks.

Earlier this week, during my 36w5d peri appointment, it was discovered that the baby measured in the 37th percentile (6 lbs 3 oz) so he's a little on the small side. Oh did I mention that we're having a boy!!!! Anyway, the ultrasound also revealed that I had low amniotic fluid. Jerry and I both freaked out. My peri said that it could be caused by a few things, including dehydration or the placenta not functioning as well. All I heard was the latter, so we started freaking out. Thankfully for my sanity, I had an appointment with my OB a couple of days later. So on Tuesday, I've been keeping track of my water intake more diligently. Jerry would give me water and keep track of how much I've been drinking.

At my OB appointment last Wednesday (37w), we spoke with her about our concerns. So she gave us "the works" - cervical check, fetal monitor, and biophysical profile (BPP). My cervix has thinned, which is normal at this stage of the pregnancy. I was put on the fetal monitor, and everything was normal. The baby wasn't moving that much, so I stayed on the monitor for a really long time. I didn't mind though. There's something about hearing his beautiful heartbeat (really sounds like horses galloping) that puts my mind at ease. Then my OB did the BPP and saw that the amniotic fluid was within the normal range and gave me a score of 8 out of 10. So maybe I was a little dehydrated. My OB wanted me to have another BPP the next day (last Thursday) and then two more next week.

So yesterday, I had my BPP at my OB's office. The baby measured in at 6 lbs 12 oz. I'm not sure if the baby grew that much or maybe just a different person doing the measuring (peri's ultrasound tech vs OB's ultrasound tech). The amniotic fluid was still within the normal range. And the umbilical cord blood flow was good as well. Whew!

This has been a long, rough, and lonely road. I don't feel like we've beat infertility. We'll always be infertile. Instead, we're one of the lucky ones that found a way to by-pass it. This baby "saved" us. Not in the sense of "saving" us as a couple (we've become closer than ever through this struggle) but "saving" us in another sense. We were both at the end of our ropes, not knowing how to get past the feeling of loneliness, despair, hopelessness. That's all we knew for the past 10 years. And now, we look forward to starting another chapter in our life. I am planning on starting another blog, as I don't think "Empty Vessel" applies anymore. But I will let you all know!

Thank you for keeping up with me and for all of your support! You have been there for me during my lowest point. I wish you all the best and may each & everyone of you receive your miracle baby(ies) one day!!!

14 comments:

DAVs said...

LINDA!!! This is so great to hear an update! Of course I've seen some of your posts on IVFconnections. It's funny--two days ago I updated my PlanetDavila blog and moved the blogroll around and categorized you as "Succeeded and no longer blogging." I'll have to move you back! I don't blog as much on PlanetDavila anymore--more about my Dad and other stuff, not much on IF, but I think you're in the know from reading stuff on IVFconnections.
I'm SO EXCITED FOR YOU! That picture is so cute and it sounds like you're little guy is going to be just perfect. And just think--you will not start off as a new mom worried about your weight :) OK, I know that doesn't make up for all the worry, but at least it's something.

Sue said...

I am so happy to see a post! I've been missing you (but, yes, checking in on IVFC). You look GREAT. I'm so happy to see you towards the end of your pregnancy and moving along nicely. It seems to have been a scary road! I know lots of babies born at full term around 6 lbs, so I think your little guy will do just fine...hang in there. Just a few short days or weeks to go:-) Hugs!

Jill M. said...

So good to see a post from you! You're almost there mama and you two are just precious in that photo.

You really have been through the wringer on this pg, so not fair after having to deal with IF.

kayjay said...

Welcome back Linda!!! It's good to hear from you and I have been checking in on IVFC to see how you've been doing. I know you're 25lbs lighter than pre-pregnancy but you and Jerry look really, really great and I got misty eyed looking at the photo. Zofran is your friend - Diclectin is my friend. I have to watch my water intake as well. It's amazing how one u/s tech can measure something completely different from another and cause so much freaking out...oh but wait - didn't we go through this with cycling???!!! Some things just don't change do they?! I will be checking back to see your birth announcement in a few short weeks.

Linda said...

DAVs - I was going to go see what you've been up to, but it looks like you've privatized your blog...

Phoebe said...

I'm so sorry this pregnancy has been difficult for you. After all you have been through, to have been robbed of the joy of pregnancy.

To me, it sounds like your boy is at a perfectly fine weight. I'm excited for you that your boy will be here soon!

DAVs said...

Linda
Send me an email at: planetdavila@gmail.com and I'll add you to the PlanetDavila list and also give you the scoop :)

Unknown said...

I'm so happy for you and your husband. My husband has the same translocation as yours. Unfortunately we've had 2 failed IVF's so we're moving on to other options at this point. But please know that you are an inspiration to those of us with balanced translocations that good things can happen, even though they may take a long time. I hope the last couple weeks of your pregnancy go well, and that your little boy brings you all the joy in the world!

onemuse said...

Wonderful news, Linda! I'm no longer in town (we moved for DH's promotion--wah) so I'm sorry we never got to meet up.

But! I'll continue to keep your family in my prayers--we'll always be friends in this crazy thing they call IF, right? (((Hugs!)))

elliej said...

Linda, I LOVE the photo. So wonderful to be where you are after all the travails and heartache you have been through. Thanks for updating and I'm looking forward to hearing all about your first meeting with your little boy xxxx

elliej said...

Linda, I LOVE the photo. So wonderful to be where you are after all the travails and heartache you have been through. Thanks for updating and I'm looking forward to hearing all about your first meeting with your little boy xxxx

The Kyler said...

Yea, so happy to hear from you. I am sorry that this hasn't been a great pregnancy for you, but you are almost there to meeting your little guy!!!! Thanks for updating and I look forward to hearing more from you!

Mo said...

Great to see an update!!! Rooting for you these final two weeks. So soon and you will get to meet your little boy!

Mo

Nikki said...

Linda - it's so good to see an update from you! You're almost there! Good luck with the delivery and everything. Can't wait to see pictures!

I'm sorry the pregnancy was rough on you. But you're getting to meet your little baby in just a few more days! How awesome is that!?

I am so happy for you, and I wish you the best!