See Mommy Do It

Today is a big day for me. I have been looking forward to it this whole pregnancy. Getting here was my first big goal.

Elizabeth was born prematurely at 33 weeks, 3 days. I am now one day beyond that (and counting). Happy dance time!

My next goal is 36 weeks (my doctor’s goal for me). Luckily, my progesterone shots go through 36 weeks so I am pretty optimistic about reaching that one too. From there we might actually make it full term.

Of course, I always seem to have a complication or two. At my last appointment, my doctor told me I was measuring large (measuring at 38 weeks instead of 33). That is quite the difference.

There could be various reasons for that:  stretched abdominal muscles, a very large baby (possibly caused by gestational diabetes), wrong dates, or extra amniotic fluid.

I was already tested for gestational diabetes and didn’t have that (though the baby still could be large on its own), and I am sure my dates are right and the past three ultrasounds have confirmed that.

I am hoping it is just because my abdominal muscles are looser. The “too much amniotic fluid” option could cause the baby to stop growing and cause me to go into preterm labor. I am really hoping it is not that option.

I get a special ultrasound next week to check growth and see if we can find the answer to why I am measuring so much larger (and get another look at this little one), so I should know more by then. In the meantime, I am going to assume the best and work on nesting and continuing to simplify our house and life.

~Krista

This week has been so much better on the pregnancy front than the past two stressful weeks.

I’m actually feeling joyful right now.

Not only did I hit the 28 week mark (take that fetal fibronectin test!), but I had my gestational diabetes testing done and, wait for it:

I DON”T have gestational diabetes this time. WHOO-HOO!

I am so very happy about this. Both Duncan and I will be spared a lot of whining through the rest of this pregnancy (I completely admit that I was a major whiner last time).

I know it wouldn’t have been the end of the world (and in worrying about preterm labor, it didn’t even seem like a big deal if I had gestational diabetes again), but I have to say that being a vegetarian with gestational diabetes sucked. When carbohydrate combinations (like pasta & cheese, rice & beans, ect.) were some of my chief sources of protein (and joy!) it was pretty hard to dramatically overhaul my diet- especially at a time when I was hungrier and moodier than ever.

I know it would have been easier this time. My diet is very different than it was then. Greek yogurt and almonds are my daily protein friends, so some of my previous protein combinations aren’t as important (though I do get crabby if I can’t have a big bowl of pasta once a week).

I am mostly feeling surprised, fortunate, and very happy. Adding to my joy is the fact that this new little one has been moving around more than ever (both Duncan and Elizabeth have now been able to feel her kicking).

So, the seventh month is off to a promising start. Every day closer to my due date makes me more giddy. I may even start nesting again (after giving it up because I worried that being too ready would jinx things- yes, I can be that superstitious).

I also wanted to say thank you for all the well wishes I received after my Complications post. The comments, texts, e-mails, and calls, were very sweet and I am feeling very lucky.

~Krista

This past week has been a bit stressful due to some pregnancy complications.

Since I had a preemie last time, I am treated as high risk and everyone at my OB-GYN knows my first name. I go in at least once a week (a few times it has been twice a week). I started getting once a week progesterone shots at 16 weeks and will continue to get them through 36 weeks (assuming I can stay pregnant that long).

Starting three weeks ago I’m on an alternating week schedule of getting a fetal fibronectin test one week then a cervical length check ultrasound the next. The fetal fibronectin test helps tell if you are going to go into labor within two weeks. The cervical length ultrasound will track cervical length. Shortening of the cervical length usually means impending labor.

Last week at my 26 week appointment, I found out I had both a bacterial infection and a positive fetal fibronectin.

Boy did that lead to a stressful week.

Having a preemie at 33 weeks (like Elizabeth) is very different from a preemie at 26-28 weeks. We were awesome NICU parents, but we had a best case preemie with no lasting problems caused by her premature birth. That would be near impossible to say about a preemie born this early (though I do know from my NICU experience that there are lots of happy success stories).

I started taking antibiotics for the infection and cut out bending and lifting. I rested as much as I could (with a three year old running around). My wonderful mom and husband keep the house clean and in working order even while both of them were coming down with Elizabeth’s cold. My wonderful friends have been volunteering to help in any way.

I couldn’t tell if the discomfort and pains I was feeling were related to the infection, general pregnancy growing pains, or pre-term labor (or a combination of these things). It was really hard to be calm and assume the best.

Luckily, my cervical length check was great this week. My stress level plummeted. My symptoms cleared up just as I finished the antibiotic and my doctor confirmed the infection was gone.

I made it to my 27 week appointment and got another progesterone shot. We are all optimism and joy now.

My doctor and I have developed the mantra of “36 weeks” as our goal (which would be Thanksgiving Day). That means nine weeks to go. I’m really hoping for 37 weeks or more so we aren’t on the holiday, but I don’t want to ask for too much.

Hopefully now that I am not paralyzed with fear, I will be back to blogging. Sorry for the absence and hope my explanation doesn’t include too much information.

~Krista