Summary of recent events
As P posted a while back I was hospitalized due to pregnancy related problems. I spent a grand total of eight days in the hospital hoping that one of the myriad of tests they were running on me would come back with an explanation as to why the baby's heart rate is so high (average fetal heart rate is between 110 and 140 bpm, this baby averages between 175 and 200 bpm), why her fluid is so low (average amniotic fluid for this stage of pregnancy is 10 on a 1-10 scale of measurement, this baby has a 2), or why my blood pressure was frequently high.
They did decide that I have mild pre Preeclampsia, which is a blood pressure disorder caused by pregnancy irregularities. Actually, they don't have a solid explanation for what causes it, but the cure is simple - delivery. I am being closely monitored for signs that the Preeclampsia is worsening. It can be extremely dangerous for both the mother and child as when it becomes severe the mother's body can start to systematically shut down, starting with the liver, lungs and heart. I am also monitoring my blood pressure from home, and watching closely for signs that mean I should head back to labor and delivery - like liver pain.
However, not one of the tests they ran on either the baby or myself could explain her heart rate and fluid problems. Generally babies who have those symptoms aren't developing properly, but daily ultrasounds clearly showed the doctors that she is developing perfectly. Her size, blood flow, and activity levels are normal. The placenta appears normal as well as does the sac, and the baby seems to be getting the proper amount of nutrients, but for whatever reason she just isn't producing enough urine (for those of you who don't know, amniotic fluid is mostly made up of fetal liquid waste (urine) produced from unused nutrients given to it through the placenta). The doctors are stumped, and because they are still concerned I have to return to the hospital three times a week for ultrasounds to check her activity and fluid levels, and I meet with specialists once a week to discuss that they think we should do.
As of now, we know this; if the baby does not increase her fluid, or if she shows signs of stress she will be delivered early. Already she is quickly running out of room, so delivery could happen in a week, or anytime in the next month. The baby is only 28 - 29 weeks along, so in preparation of early delivery I have been given special steroids that force the baby's lungs to develop faster, and which prepare her under developed brain to mature enough as to not allow for much, or any bleeding which is common in pre-term babies. Also, if my Preeclampsia worsens they will likely do an emergency c-section. It is scary, but I am trying not to worry, as that will only raise my BP even more. I have been confined to bed rest with very limited activity for the remainder of the pregnancy.
For now all I can do is continuously monitor my BP and feel for any unusual symptoms that could mean problems for either or both of us. I hope she can remain safe in the womb for at least two more weeks. I hope she gains weight steadily from this point (she weighs about 2 1/2 lbs now. The hospital will not release even a healthy preemie until they are at least 4lbs). I hope she deals well with her expected early birth. All we can do is wait.
They did decide that I have mild pre Preeclampsia, which is a blood pressure disorder caused by pregnancy irregularities. Actually, they don't have a solid explanation for what causes it, but the cure is simple - delivery. I am being closely monitored for signs that the Preeclampsia is worsening. It can be extremely dangerous for both the mother and child as when it becomes severe the mother's body can start to systematically shut down, starting with the liver, lungs and heart. I am also monitoring my blood pressure from home, and watching closely for signs that mean I should head back to labor and delivery - like liver pain.
However, not one of the tests they ran on either the baby or myself could explain her heart rate and fluid problems. Generally babies who have those symptoms aren't developing properly, but daily ultrasounds clearly showed the doctors that she is developing perfectly. Her size, blood flow, and activity levels are normal. The placenta appears normal as well as does the sac, and the baby seems to be getting the proper amount of nutrients, but for whatever reason she just isn't producing enough urine (for those of you who don't know, amniotic fluid is mostly made up of fetal liquid waste (urine) produced from unused nutrients given to it through the placenta). The doctors are stumped, and because they are still concerned I have to return to the hospital three times a week for ultrasounds to check her activity and fluid levels, and I meet with specialists once a week to discuss that they think we should do.
As of now, we know this; if the baby does not increase her fluid, or if she shows signs of stress she will be delivered early. Already she is quickly running out of room, so delivery could happen in a week, or anytime in the next month. The baby is only 28 - 29 weeks along, so in preparation of early delivery I have been given special steroids that force the baby's lungs to develop faster, and which prepare her under developed brain to mature enough as to not allow for much, or any bleeding which is common in pre-term babies. Also, if my Preeclampsia worsens they will likely do an emergency c-section. It is scary, but I am trying not to worry, as that will only raise my BP even more. I have been confined to bed rest with very limited activity for the remainder of the pregnancy.
For now all I can do is continuously monitor my BP and feel for any unusual symptoms that could mean problems for either or both of us. I hope she can remain safe in the womb for at least two more weeks. I hope she gains weight steadily from this point (she weighs about 2 1/2 lbs now. The hospital will not release even a healthy preemie until they are at least 4lbs). I hope she deals well with her expected early birth. All we can do is wait.