Monday, December 21, 2009

So many updates!

Well, as of today I am 34 weeks pregnant and should have about 6 weeks to go - but, I really only have about 3 weeks! At my 32 week appointment the doctor discovered that my blood pressure was higher than it should be. So, I was told I had "severe pregnancy induced hypertension". The sent me for blood work, had to do a 24 hour urine test, and then upgraded my condition to "pre-eclampsia". What this means is that I have high blood pressure, a decreased platelet count, and a high level of protein in my urine. So, I have been on bed rest for the past week, and will remain that way until our little girl is delivered.

She is still doing great and is growing right on schedule, well, a little ahead! Every Monday we have a BPP (biophysical profile) to check her lung function, fluid level, movements, and placenta function. Last week and today she scored an 8 of 8! Last week I had steroid injections to help her lungs mature a little faster, so everything is looking good!

The preinatologist we meet with every week told us that I will be induced at 37 weeks if my condition doesn't worsen. So, we are looking at about Jan 12th for her due date! I pray that everything continues as it is now, and she can cook for another 3 weeks! At the appt today she was estimated at 5lbs 14oz, so at least we know she will be a healthy size!

Anyway, that is the update. I look forward to every Monday and Wednesday when I am allowed to leave the house for doctor's appts! Sad, I know!!!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

32 week update - the good and the bad

Well, I went to the Dr this morning because I wasn't feeling well. I have been coughing a lot and just wanted to make sure everything was okay. The Dr said I just have a viral infection and that there is nothing to worry about. My lungs were clear so there is no fear of bronchitis or anything - yay for the good news! So, I can take Tylenol PM at night to help me sleep. Other than that, it just has to work it's way out of my system. Another piece of good news was that my blood sugars look great and there is still no mention of needing insulin!! I got to hear Brighton's heart beat, and it was nice and strong at 154 BMP! She has been very active the past 2 weeks! Last night Jeff was actually able to feel her have the hicups!

Now for the not-so-good news. The Dr said I had 2+ protein in my urine (whatever that means) and my blood pressure was high. This is the first time the entire pregnancy that I have had high blood pressure! It was 122/96. They said the combination of the high protein and the elevated blood pressure makes me a candidate for "pregnancy induced hypertension". Yippi! Now instead of going in every 2 weeks, I have to be seen every week to monitor the blood pressure. I am at a high risk of developing pre-eclampsia which can lead to an early delivery. But, they are going to watch me closely so everything will be okay! I had blood work done, and have to do a 24hr urine collection - the fun times just keep coming! Oh, and I take my blood pressure twice a day at work and record the numbers. If I get about 140/90 then I call right away. So far I haven't been in that range!

Anyway, that is the latest! I finally got the nursery primed, so we just need to paint and get all the trim work done. We still have lots to do! But, school gets out on the 18th, so hopefully we will have a little more time then! I'll try to post a new picture soon!!

Thanksgiving and our trip to Colorado

This Thanksgiving Jeff and I flew up to Colorado to visit family and friends for the holiday! At the time I was 30 weeks, so flying was still okay by my Dr! The flight was good - a little uncomfortable towards the end, but nothing too bad. I didn't have any swelling or anything!
Anyway, when we got up there on Sunday my wonderful mother-in-law and sister-in-law threw me a baby shower! It was so much fun! Thank you to all the wonderful ladies that attended - you really made me feel special! Everything was perfect and I couldn't be happier! Not to mention I was truely blessed with everyone's generosity! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
The rest of our trip was relaxing just spending time with family. Jeff and his dad worked on the baby's furniture in the evenings - I am sooo excited about seeing the final product! Now I just have to be patient until they get to come down after Christmas! We had a great trip and weren't ready to come home. But the positive side is we get to see mom, dad, and Steph again in a few weeks! Yay!