We had scheduled a csection for March 6th because of all the different issues. It would have made him 36weeks and 2 days. So still early but things were just not looking good for him and we were grateful to have already made it that far. I was being monitored twice a week for fetal distress and blood flow. We went to an appointment Wednesday and Thursday he passed both of them. We had packed our bags bc we knew as soon as it was a bad test we would go straight to delivery.
On Monday February 27, we were going in at 11 for another nst. It monitors his vitals and my contractions. I recieved a phone call from the doctor office that morning asking if we could come on in earlier. Our doctor had a surgery at noon and wanted to make sure we had plenty of time on the nst for little guy to show us he was doing good and get another ultrasound.
We had to take Savannah because Andrews parents were not going to be able to get to our house in time. We've taken her many times and she does well. It is just hard with her cast now. I was hooked up and Ethan was doing good actually moving around. Our doctor said she would be in and out checking on us. Then I had a contraction and Ethan's vitals dropped. The doctor was in another room with a patient and heard the heartbeat slowing and came right in rolling me. Ethan's heart rate started slowly coming up. She said time to deliver and called the or. Andrew had his parents come get Savannah, while I was being prepped.
He was born at 12:18 pm weighing 4lbs 9 oz and 18.5 inches long. He initially had apgar scores of 8&9 but once they were in the NICU assessing him, he became angry and passed out. Then they put him under a hood and gave him an IV. He had the hood maxed out at 40% oxygen so they moved him to a CPAP. It pushes the air in through his nose down to his lungs. Then they gave him a tube into his stomach. The tube was for venting and eventually feeding him. His heart rate was to high to introduce food. After three days they tried giving him 10 cc of breast milk. He tolerated it and now is receiving 10 cc every four hours. It seemed very strange to me not to feed him right away but they informed me it was best not to overwhelm his system.
He doesn't like to be touched at all. They said since he's early his body gets over stimulated very easily. He gets very upset and his oxygen levels start dropping. So, they bundle everything together - like diaper change, temp check, measurements, etc. that way he has long periods of uninterupted sleep.
He's doing real good but we don't know when he's coming home. We were told he's not due till 40 weeks( march 31) and not to expect him till then. One of our nurses said it would probably be before then but sometimes you can't tell. He has certain criteria to meet. His first step is to be breathing room air on his own.
It was very sad to be discharged from the hospital with no baby but we are managing. I like the fact he's on all kinds of monitors and being watched super close. He looks pitiful with wires and tubes everywhere though. He will continue to grow and come home when he's ready :)
I will continue to post periodic updates on Ethan's status. Sorry, it took so long for an update about his delivery.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Aysemmetrical IUGR
Wednesday we went to our doctor appointment and had our growth scan. Ethan was still head down and so very very low but he's still in. He's measured 4lbs 0 oz. He is a little guy, his head measured 37% but his belly was in the 2%. This put him in the 6% overall which means he has ayssmetrical inter uterine growth restriction. His blood is being shunted to his brain, doctor said its a survival technique. This meant we needed to go to a maternal fetal medicine specialist for them to doppler Ethan's blood flow to various parts of his body. She informed us that he did grow from the last ultrasound and that's a good sign. I put on 10 lbs in two weeks, must have been the ensures and extra breakfast ( I added at like 4 am). Trying to beef up the little guy. We were lucky and didn't have to drive down to Birmingham bc the office has a tech ( I guess ultrasound tech)come up on Thursday's and they got us in. We were informed that once the dopplers look bad they will deliver that day or sometimes will say within 3 days.
Then we checked my cervix. Ethan's still right on it and the stitch is right there but it's holding at 3. Most of it is belw the stitch but either way it's still there and behaving. She said at this point cervix start dropping anyways so it's not a big deal anymore. Still important but not a critical as it was earlier in the pregnancy.
Doctor mention its getting close to stopping the procardia but I haven't had to take it in just over a month. I forgot to ask about the 17 p shots that I get weekly though. Im ready to be finished with those. My butt is still bruised from last weeks.
My doctor had to head out to labor and delivery so I guess we'll discuss more next week.
Andrew figured we would be delivering either today or Monday because of Ethan's downward trend over the last month. We knew it depended on the results of today's test. We did pack a bag and camera stuff just in case they said it was time to deliver. We had to get there early to fill out aper work. One of the questions was current pregnancy problems- I giggled because we have so many I figured they would think I was kidding. He tech was really nice - she said she had to check his measurements first before dopplering to make sure he really needed it. She said wow he's low and said he was hard to measure bc of it. Ethan measured in the 7 % based on her measurements- head and arms 22% and belly and legs 5%. Oh and my fluid was 8 which is good. She then began to check the flow to his brain, heart, and umbilical cord. I'm pretty ure that's what she checked. She said it looked good for now and a doppler reading is good for seven days. She said the results would be sent down to Birmingham and the specialist would send the results to my doctor. She said I'll keep seeing her weekly for these until it's bad - then she said she would keep us there call the specialist and immediately send him the results. Thankfully, we are good till next week. Then we do it all again. I go to my on Wednesday for a nst then Thursday to the doppler thing. Hopefully, my cervix continues to behave and we only have to worry about growth.
Oh and Savannah broke her leg this week which makes life just a little more complicated. We are both now laid up on the couch. She has started crawling around and pulling up. So, maybe she will walk on the cast soon. Right now she has to be carried everywhere and I can't. Well, I could if I had too but I'm pretty sure Ethan would fall out if I strained at all and I'm really not kidding :)
We are almost 34 weeks which is great news!!! We will see when he decides to make an appearance. we've been anticipating his arrival for months and still technically have a month and a half to go. I feel like this pregnancy is lasting longer than most peoples but I'm sure everyone has those thoughts too! Atleast, we are really getting close now.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We are doing so well considering all the issues.
Then we checked my cervix. Ethan's still right on it and the stitch is right there but it's holding at 3. Most of it is belw the stitch but either way it's still there and behaving. She said at this point cervix start dropping anyways so it's not a big deal anymore. Still important but not a critical as it was earlier in the pregnancy.
Doctor mention its getting close to stopping the procardia but I haven't had to take it in just over a month. I forgot to ask about the 17 p shots that I get weekly though. Im ready to be finished with those. My butt is still bruised from last weeks.
My doctor had to head out to labor and delivery so I guess we'll discuss more next week.
Andrew figured we would be delivering either today or Monday because of Ethan's downward trend over the last month. We knew it depended on the results of today's test. We did pack a bag and camera stuff just in case they said it was time to deliver. We had to get there early to fill out aper work. One of the questions was current pregnancy problems- I giggled because we have so many I figured they would think I was kidding. He tech was really nice - she said she had to check his measurements first before dopplering to make sure he really needed it. She said wow he's low and said he was hard to measure bc of it. Ethan measured in the 7 % based on her measurements- head and arms 22% and belly and legs 5%. Oh and my fluid was 8 which is good. She then began to check the flow to his brain, heart, and umbilical cord. I'm pretty ure that's what she checked. She said it looked good for now and a doppler reading is good for seven days. She said the results would be sent down to Birmingham and the specialist would send the results to my doctor. She said I'll keep seeing her weekly for these until it's bad - then she said she would keep us there call the specialist and immediately send him the results. Thankfully, we are good till next week. Then we do it all again. I go to my on Wednesday for a nst then Thursday to the doppler thing. Hopefully, my cervix continues to behave and we only have to worry about growth.
Oh and Savannah broke her leg this week which makes life just a little more complicated. We are both now laid up on the couch. She has started crawling around and pulling up. So, maybe she will walk on the cast soon. Right now she has to be carried everywhere and I can't. Well, I could if I had too but I'm pretty sure Ethan would fall out if I strained at all and I'm really not kidding :)
We are almost 34 weeks which is great news!!! We will see when he decides to make an appearance. we've been anticipating his arrival for months and still technically have a month and a half to go. I feel like this pregnancy is lasting longer than most peoples but I'm sure everyone has those thoughts too! Atleast, we are really getting close now.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We are doing so well considering all the issues.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Still pregnant !!!
Hooray!! We are almost 32 weeks and still baking a baby!!!! Andrew has believed from the beginning we would make it to 32 weeks. I worried that we might not be that lucky but here we are. My cerclage is still holding even after being able to move some this week. Ethan's head is really right there. He's so low it's hard to get his measurements. Our ultrasound lady didn't have an appointment after us so she let us watch him for alittle while. I have been concerned with his movement bc somedays I don't feel him at all. This is not a new problem it's been going on the entire pregnancy. I know each pregnancy is different and we joke that he's just lazy. I sure hope so. The doctor said she has never delivered a baby with abnormalities from a two vessel cord but there is always a chance. Our little guy has nothing showing up on ultrasound, so odds are he's fine. He was moving but not much. Since, he was sitting so still she took his measurements- 3lbs 7 oz. his belly was still a couple of weeks behind. So, he on the smaller size but still in normal range. His heat rate was 143. We will have his real growth scan in 2 more weeks. The doctor said the reason we wait is because the baby needs time to grow.
I am still allowed to move around the house but not to increase my activity. Yesterday, after we left the doctor, we took Savannah to dance class. Savannah was so sweet she ask if I would go watch her. I just couldn't say no. I sat most of the time but I guess I over did it. I had alittle too many contractions but luckily they died down with just rest and water. I hate having to take meds to stop them but sometimes I have too. I am very sore today as well. Bedrest is just brutal on your body. Just standing makes me sore and exhausted - hard to believe but it's true.
I didn't gain any weight these last two weeks. She said I needed to bump up eating. I've been eating cookies like a monster so I was sure I had gained a ton. Andrew reminded me I did move this week and that burned calories unlike just laying. Total I'm at 27 pounds.
The doctor made our next three appointments, which makes me very excited bc early on she would not let us schedule anything in advance. Our next appointment is feb. 15, then we have one on the 22, and 29. After that it is time to decide when to remove all devices and deliver. She said she's still debating on that. Normally, she removes the cerclage at 36 weeks but said with me she doesn't want to risk me going into labor. So, we will wait and see what she decides.
Only four more weeks till we meet Ethan- it might be alittle longer but not much. Hopefully, nothing changes and we continue holding good.
I am still allowed to move around the house but not to increase my activity. Yesterday, after we left the doctor, we took Savannah to dance class. Savannah was so sweet she ask if I would go watch her. I just couldn't say no. I sat most of the time but I guess I over did it. I had alittle too many contractions but luckily they died down with just rest and water. I hate having to take meds to stop them but sometimes I have too. I am very sore today as well. Bedrest is just brutal on your body. Just standing makes me sore and exhausted - hard to believe but it's true.
I didn't gain any weight these last two weeks. She said I needed to bump up eating. I've been eating cookies like a monster so I was sure I had gained a ton. Andrew reminded me I did move this week and that burned calories unlike just laying. Total I'm at 27 pounds.
The doctor made our next three appointments, which makes me very excited bc early on she would not let us schedule anything in advance. Our next appointment is feb. 15, then we have one on the 22, and 29. After that it is time to decide when to remove all devices and deliver. She said she's still debating on that. Normally, she removes the cerclage at 36 weeks but said with me she doesn't want to risk me going into labor. So, we will wait and see what she decides.
Only four more weeks till we meet Ethan- it might be alittle longer but not much. Hopefully, nothing changes and we continue holding good.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Accessory placenta
We visited the doctor twice this week. First time was Tuesday. I was afraid I was leaking amniotic fluid, so they had me come in and check it. Thankfully, it was not. The doctor decided to let the pessary stay out overnight and see if I noticed a difference in leaking/discharge. I did notice a difference but pressure started again.
We had an 8:00 am ultrasound the next day. Andrew tried to make it but he was driving from Florence and got stuck in rush hour traffic. I'm not supposed to drive but sometimes I have too. We checked the baby out and he's so cute :). He was head down like he's been the whole time ( except for after a night of vommiting bc of a stomach bug) he also had his hands and feet near his noggin. No wonder I never get any high kicks. He pressing straight on my cervix and would not budge even with a litte giggling. My cervix measured 3.1 so holding good and no dilation.
He measured and looked great! He is in the 22% which is normal. He weighed in at 2lbs 15 oz. but his stomach area measured alittle small, nothing to worry about though. We will do another growth scan in 4 weeks to check him again.
We did discover I have an accessory placenta. It looked like I had two placentas and he was moving his arms between them. I guess it just something else odd to note. We didn't really talk about it at all. Doctor said none of these things I have are related. I googled it and it pretty much said delivery can be a problem but I'll have to have a csection. We asked this time and she said I have a lot of variables. First I have prolapse problem and if I deliver vaginally it will get worse. Second she said she has had two vessel cord babies not tolerate contractions. Then third the accessory placenta can cause massive bleeding and not to mention the risk associated with uterus rupture. Plus, I have scar tissue from the cerclages. She said she believes I could deliver vaginally and it could go just fine but it could go very very bad for both baby and I. So, there is no reason to chance it.
Oh I am now allowed to move around the house alittle. I can't walk to the mail box yet :) but atleast I can move.
His name is Ethan Alexander !!! We are ready to meet him but hope he keeps baking for many more weeks! We will be the big 30 in just a few days !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 30 weeks we are very excited!!!
Our next appointment is in two weeks!! We are really making it!!! Keep us in your prayers!!
We had an 8:00 am ultrasound the next day. Andrew tried to make it but he was driving from Florence and got stuck in rush hour traffic. I'm not supposed to drive but sometimes I have too. We checked the baby out and he's so cute :). He was head down like he's been the whole time ( except for after a night of vommiting bc of a stomach bug) he also had his hands and feet near his noggin. No wonder I never get any high kicks. He pressing straight on my cervix and would not budge even with a litte giggling. My cervix measured 3.1 so holding good and no dilation.
He measured and looked great! He is in the 22% which is normal. He weighed in at 2lbs 15 oz. but his stomach area measured alittle small, nothing to worry about though. We will do another growth scan in 4 weeks to check him again.
We did discover I have an accessory placenta. It looked like I had two placentas and he was moving his arms between them. I guess it just something else odd to note. We didn't really talk about it at all. Doctor said none of these things I have are related. I googled it and it pretty much said delivery can be a problem but I'll have to have a csection. We asked this time and she said I have a lot of variables. First I have prolapse problem and if I deliver vaginally it will get worse. Second she said she has had two vessel cord babies not tolerate contractions. Then third the accessory placenta can cause massive bleeding and not to mention the risk associated with uterus rupture. Plus, I have scar tissue from the cerclages. She said she believes I could deliver vaginally and it could go just fine but it could go very very bad for both baby and I. So, there is no reason to chance it.
Oh I am now allowed to move around the house alittle. I can't walk to the mail box yet :) but atleast I can move.
His name is Ethan Alexander !!! We are ready to meet him but hope he keeps baking for many more weeks! We will be the big 30 in just a few days !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 30 weeks we are very excited!!!
Our next appointment is in two weeks!! We are really making it!!! Keep us in your prayers!!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Steriod shots complete
Today we are 28 weeks!!!! This is huge - third trimester we are here!!! We bought a stroller for Christmas ( a double bob) and I've now ordered him a few outfits from online :) It's exciting to know we have made it this far. We could go all the way but we are grateful for each additional day he is still baking.
Steriod shots are to help the baby's lungs develop faster in case of premature delivery. Typically, you are only given them once in a pregnancy. So, they try and get them as close to delivery as possible because they don't last forever. Since, Andrew gives me my progestrone shot every week , my doctor was okay with him giving me these as well. It's a series of two shots given 24 hrs apart. The pharmacy had to borrow it from the hospital because it's not something they keep in stock. This shot stung but it was not near as bad as the progestrone shot. That night I was restless and uneasy and the next day I became flush and hot. I had to get my second steriod shot and progestrone shot at the same time but in different cheeks. Double sore bottom!! I was afraid I might not sleep again but I did. The following morning I was flushing and hot again but over all it was not too bad.
Hopefully, he stays put for a few more weeks!! In just over a week we will find out his stats again. I'm excited to see how much he weighs now!!!
Steriod shots are to help the baby's lungs develop faster in case of premature delivery. Typically, you are only given them once in a pregnancy. So, they try and get them as close to delivery as possible because they don't last forever. Since, Andrew gives me my progestrone shot every week , my doctor was okay with him giving me these as well. It's a series of two shots given 24 hrs apart. The pharmacy had to borrow it from the hospital because it's not something they keep in stock. This shot stung but it was not near as bad as the progestrone shot. That night I was restless and uneasy and the next day I became flush and hot. I had to get my second steriod shot and progestrone shot at the same time but in different cheeks. Double sore bottom!! I was afraid I might not sleep again but I did. The following morning I was flushing and hot again but over all it was not too bad.
Hopefully, he stays put for a few more weeks!! In just over a week we will find out his stats again. I'm excited to see how much he weighs now!!!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
It's been awhile
We've had three doctor visits since I last wrote. One was right before Christmas and it was a great visit. My cervix length, we had checked by a different lady, who didn't say but I think it was around 5. I didnt post bc we celebrated Christmas early bc Andrew was working and my parents were visiting. Then last Thursday I had not been feeling well for a few days, so they had me come in. I had been cramping and thrown up a few times. She checked me and I was not dialated. Hooray!!!!Then we did a quick cervix check. It was around 4 I think (we were in a different room and I couldn't see) plus the little guy turned frank breech. It was his first position change we've seen. I knew he had been moving a ton after I was finished throwing up. He normally doesn't move very much at all. I guess he's just comfortable head down. Our doctor said she's fine with him head down at this point now. Oh, I must have just had some kind of bug, which is what Andrew thought. The doctor said I did need to come in and be checked just to be sure I wasn't in labor or progressing.
Today, I had to have a glucose test done this morning. I was super hungry and the drink made me feel alittle ugh... They said nothing to eat or drink after midnight. I packed me a snack bag though. I still missed a meal this morning and I guess I'll just eat two dinners to catch up. I'm up to 132 lbs. whoo hoo!! He's growing and so am I !! We had the finger stick first and I passed. Hooray! But my hemoglobin was low so now iron pills. I wasn't surprised. I've had to take iron pills multiple times before. Then my cervix check, it was a new machine in a normal exam room - so, I couldn't see the screen at all. I asked what it measured and it was 3.5 and he's head down again but i didnt even get to see. We'll do a growth scan on him next visit but doctor thinks he's fine. I'm measuring good on my belly. His heart rate was 138.
I also am going to get steriod shots for the baby's lungs today. I get 2 shots 24 hours apart. Andrews going to give me one this afternoon. Max benefit starts 48 hours after first dose. Hopefully, he stays in longer than that, I think he will.
We will be 28 weeks Friday!!!! That means third trimester and we've made it!!! Only 8 more weeks till cerclage removal!!! So far it's been 16 weeks of bedrest - ugh.... I'm ready to move again. I hope recovery is faster this time around since I am allowed to get water and make sandwiches. It's not much but still better than not being allowed to move at all like with Savannah. We have completed our second goal to make it to the New Year!!!!
Hope everyone is having a Happy New Year!!!
Today, I had to have a glucose test done this morning. I was super hungry and the drink made me feel alittle ugh... They said nothing to eat or drink after midnight. I packed me a snack bag though. I still missed a meal this morning and I guess I'll just eat two dinners to catch up. I'm up to 132 lbs. whoo hoo!! He's growing and so am I !! We had the finger stick first and I passed. Hooray! But my hemoglobin was low so now iron pills. I wasn't surprised. I've had to take iron pills multiple times before. Then my cervix check, it was a new machine in a normal exam room - so, I couldn't see the screen at all. I asked what it measured and it was 3.5 and he's head down again but i didnt even get to see. We'll do a growth scan on him next visit but doctor thinks he's fine. I'm measuring good on my belly. His heart rate was 138.
I also am going to get steriod shots for the baby's lungs today. I get 2 shots 24 hours apart. Andrews going to give me one this afternoon. Max benefit starts 48 hours after first dose. Hopefully, he stays in longer than that, I think he will.
We will be 28 weeks Friday!!!! That means third trimester and we've made it!!! Only 8 more weeks till cerclage removal!!! So far it's been 16 weeks of bedrest - ugh.... I'm ready to move again. I hope recovery is faster this time around since I am allowed to get water and make sandwiches. It's not much but still better than not being allowed to move at all like with Savannah. We have completed our second goal to make it to the New Year!!!!
Hope everyone is having a Happy New Year!!!
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