I had another appointment yesterday at the hospital's perinatal center, which included both a nonstress test and an amniotic fluid check. Once again, Emma aced the nonstress test. However, while my fluid had increased - from about 5.9 to 7.6 - it is still below the normal range (8+). I was glad to see that my incessant drinking paid off some but wish it could have done even more. The doctor did give me the ok to go back to work next week.
It looks like the diagnosis is a bad placenta, which is contributing both to the low amniotic fluid and the low weight. We did learn that it is specifically her abdomen that is measuring small (11th percentile) and that the average of all of her measurements put her in the 25th percentile. Well, that at least sounds a little better. Because my fluid is still below normal, I will continue to go to the perinatal center twice a week for a nonstress test and fluid check. They will also weigh her again at my next apointment on Monday to make sure she is increasing in weight.
I met with my OB today and, through a few tears, told her all my concerns. My number one concern is that the placenta will just stop working all together. She said that this is highly unlikely and that the twice a week monitoring will be able to detect any decreases in function. She said, right now, the best place for baby is inside her mommy. I take comfort in how closely they are monitoring me and know that once they make the determination that the baby would be better off outside than inside me, they will take her. Both the doctor at the perinatal clinic and my OB seemed to indicate that 37 weeks is the goal. Goodness, that's just 3 weeks away! Glad we have the nursery all done :)
On a completely different topic, the area I live in - Northern Virginia - is bracing for a winter storm that is expected to dump up to 30" this weekend. I am so sick of snow! Hopefully it means we are due a beautiful spring! Hope all my friends out there in blogworld have a nice, relaxing weekend.
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If you are with Inova Fairfax, my husband's cousin's wife had a great experience with them with her high-risk twin pregnancy (both natural and on the 1st cycle after going off BC - sooo annoying!).
ReplyDeleteI will be sending good, strong, healthy thoughts towards the placenta.
As for the storm, I'd rather have the snow now than hurricanes in August when I'm due, so I'm hoping for both a beautiful spring and a quiet summer!
So glad they're keeping such a close eye on you...that is so reassuring...AND...YOU ARE SO CLOSE!! Three weeks! You can do anything for three weeks...and then...you'll get to meet your little one! :o)
ReplyDeleteYeah how about this snow...we braved the grocery store and are prepared to be snowed in...CRAZY!!
Great news that she's only got a small belly. I have a feeling my girl has the same issue - belly has always been the smallest measurement. But my amniotic fluid is fine, and they check the umbilical artery dopplers each time to make sure there's no evidence of poor blood flow. Did they do umbilical artery or middle cerebral artery (MCA) dopplers for you? From what I've seen at the MFMs, those are the best way to follow what's going on with the placenta and try to deliver. If the end-diastolic flow disappears on the MCA dopplers, that's a sign that the baby's no longer able to shunt enough blood to her brain, and that it's time to deliver. (At least that's what I think I remember from med school).
ReplyDeleteTwice weekly checks should be enough to keep a close eye on things. And your fluid levels have improved, so hopefully you'll be able to keep on going for at least another couple weeks.
I wonder if you're going to get all the snow that I haven't gotten up here in Canada. Hope it's not too crazy a storm!
Praying for you and little Emma! You are doing a great job and she will be here before you know it!
ReplyDeletei know exactly how you feel, i was so worried about the baby being inside me while i was on all those pain meds but the dcotors assured me that inside mama was the best place for her. i just know little emma is going to be ok and there's nothing wrong with being a little small, right?!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you are going through this right now & I imagine it makes for some anxious times. Still praying for you and baby Emma! So glad you are being closely monitored and that 37 weeks is right around the corner. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I'm in NOVA too - this snow is ridiculous! I'm so sorry you are dealing with this right now - lots of T&P being went you & lil Emma's way!
ReplyDeleteUm...somehow I missed your nursery post....LOVE IT!! Its absolutely beautiful..and so girly...very nice!!
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