Kyle and I are nearing our estimated due date and we are very excited to be adding this little boy to our family. The days seem to feel like months but the months feel like days, so I'm sure we will be pleasantly surprised when it's already time to welcome our son in to this world.
This pregnancy has nearly been a polar opposite of my pregnancy with E. With her, I was nauseous for 35 weeks. It was definitely a pain but it seems to be nothing in comparison to how I'm feeling this time around. I was grateful to avoid the morning sickness with Baby D but as we have been in the second half of this experience, we've learned a lot about this little boy and how my body is handling being pregnant for the second time.
At our anatomy scan when I was 20 weeks along, everything looked great. He was measuring 1-2 weeks ahead but that was nothing new, E measured a little bigger too so we figured that Baby D will just be like his sister. Fast forward to our next regular prenatal appointment, where although we didn't have an ultrasound done, the fundal height was at 28 weeks when Baby D should have been measuring 24 weeks. Our doctor found it a little odd but said it was possible that it was due to our son's positioning in my uterus. Nothing was found to be wrong so we went on our way.
A few weeks later, at our 28 week check up, Baby D was measuring 5-6 weeks ahead. This time, our doctor wanted to check things out so he ordered a growth ultrasound. While Kyle and I were glad to get to see our baby again, we were unsure of what to expect. During the scan, it was determined that my amniotic fluid was on the higher end and Baby D was 2-3 weeks bigger than most babies at the same gestational age.
Based on that ultrasound, our doctor wanted to keep a closer eye on me and this little one. The next appointment that came, when I was 32 weeks, only added more fuel to the fire. I was measuring large yet again and our doctor felt it best that we get referred to the perinatologists, AKA high risk doctors. Diagnosis? Polyhydramnios and Macrosomia. In other words, too much fluid and a big baby.
I was able to get an appointment with them within 2 days. Kyle had an interview at work so he was unable to come, but my sister came with me and my mom kept E at home for me.
Another appointment, another ultrasound, another "we'll have to wait and see" answer. The ultrasound was very in depth as they checked all of Baby D's vital organs as well as took more measurements. Based on this ultrasound, his due date should have been 4/30 instead of the due date based off of my last menstrual period, 5/24. The perinatologist came in and talked to us about some of the possible reasons for these conditions. She didn't see anything physically wrong with Baby D, though she said we would not know for certain until he is born. She did suggest that I take the 3 hour Glucose Tolerance Test to rule out Gestational Diabetes, and she recommended that we go ahead and schedule a repeat cesarean section. Goodbye, hope of a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean).
Following the ultrasound I had my first ever non-stress test, which I now get to experience every week. I sit on a chair for about 30 minutes while monitors are placed on my belly to record Baby D's heart rate, accelerations, and any contractions I may be having. They also do a quick fluid check each time I go in. Last week, my fluid had gone down by 6 cm.
This week, I had my next usual appointment with our OB/GYN. I have been feeling a lot bigger recently and definitely more pain in my pelvis, but I attributed it to being so far along in this pregnancy. When we measured the fundal height this time, I was measuring at 41 weeks. In other words, more than full term. Based on our original due date of 5/24, I should only be about 35 weeks right now. We asked about what that meant for us as far as delivery date goes and we will have to discuss that with the perinatologist.
The day after my prenatal appointment, I had my weekly NST. During the fluid check, it was discovered that my fluid had gone up by 7 cm in the past week. I wasn't surprised, I definitely feel like a balloon that is about to pop. The perinatologist didn't seem to find anything wrong with that, though, so I didn't see, nor speak to, her. I did the 30 minutes of monitoring and I was sent on my way.
I'm feeling really discouraged at this point. I know that my son needs as long as he needs to grow and develop in my womb. I understand that every week and every day counts toward his chance at being born without medical issues. I also am very well aware that the doctors just want what's best for me and my baby. Even so, I'm miserable. I'm big and sore. I'm barely fitting in to any of my shirts (or Kyle's, for that matter) without having to constantly pull them down over this big belly.
I have another prenatal appointment coming up next week, as well as my next NST. I'm hoping and praying that answers come from one, if not both, of those doctor visits.
We don't have another in-depth ultrasound for 2 more weeks. At that point, I suppose we will see what the course of action will be.
I'm hoping and praying that this little boy can join us sooner than our scheduled c-section. I am ready to be done. I know, it's a sacrifice. I know, it's a miracle and a blessing that Kyle and I were able to get pregnant on our own and that I am carrying this little boy. I know, pregnancy can be hard and a lot of people feel the way I am feeling. Even so, I'm allowed to be upset. It's not about the specific date that he'll come, or the way in which he enters this world. I just wish I knew what was going on (and why) as well as a definite plan of action to get him here safely and me out of pain sooner than later.
I've been pregnant before. With E, I wasn't feeling this way at 35 weeks. I wasn't even feeling this way when I was 5 days over due with her. I can't describe my symptoms or pain in any way other than extremely unpleasant.
I try to put on a happy face and act like I'm fine, though I really just want to lay down for the next 5 weeks. I can't even do that, though, because no matter how hard I try I can never get comfortable.
I am extremely grateful for this little boy. I am grateful for E and for Kyle and for all of the things we have been blessed with. I feel so trusted and privileged to be able to carry our children and bring them in to our family.
After all of this, I pray that these April showers will really bring an early May flower in the form of a sweet little boy.
