Baby Update

We had our weekly appointment yesterday.

Elise passed the Non Stress Test.  It took a while because she decided to fall asleep, but after some snacks the Dr. got what he needed to see.

My BP was 140/88...not great, but not terrible.

We also found out that my C-section isn't scheduled until April 14th!!!  I was not anticipating them waiting till I was 40 weeks, but that's when they have me scheduled.

Since the bed rest is working, I have 2 more weeks to go.  Obviously if I go into labor, or something else happens, they will go ahead and do the c-section before the 14th.

We have the Biographical Profile on Friday, we'll let you know if anything new happens there!

Baby Update

36 Weeks & 6 days...

Today we had another OB appointment.

My BP was 150/78.  A bit high, Dr. Long wasn't too thrilled. :)

So, they did some more blood work and a Non Stress Test.  My blood work came back normal and the Non Stress Test showed that Elise is getting the oxygen she needs!  Good news!

We found out in the last week, that high blood pressure can limit the oxygen that Elise recieves.  It can also cause limited fetal growth.

Dr. Long decided that he wants to get weekly tests done, so each Tuesday we will go for our normal OB appointment for blood work and a Non Stress Test.  Then each Friday, we will go for a "Biological Profile" a specific ultra sound that checks her movement, tone, cord blood flow and resperation.  

We also are going to schedule a C-section, since Elise is still breech.  We are waiting for a phone call to schedule that!  So, unless something else happens beforehand, we should know soon what day Elise is coming!!

I'm pretty tired of being on bed rest, I'm definitely ready for Elise to be here and for life to start getting a bit more normal.  

Saturday is our dear friend, Amy's LHC Baby Shower!  I'm really hoping to go (Tim and I think it's a good enough reason to break a few rules!).  So, if my ultrasound goes well on Friday and my BP looks ok, I'm hoping to go!!  It will be a nice break from bed rest and so much fun to see Dan and Amy blessed as they prepare for their first little one!!  I can't wait to meet him/her!  (selfishly I want Amy to have a  girl, so my girls can grow up with a great friend!!) :)

Nora is enjoying the "warmer" weather.  She loves being out side, playing on the slide and in the sand box!  It's hard to believe that she's going to be 3 next weekend!!!  She's getting to be such a big girl!  

She's really enjoying her time with Lizzy.  She's been very imaginative, playing with her play clothes and dolls.  She loves to play "dog".  She crawls around barking, looking for someone to pay attention and play with her.  She did it for over an hour with me the other day.  It was pretty funny!!  She's also ready for Elise to be here.  She talks about her a lot and puts her babies in Elise's crib or bouncy seat.  I think she's going to be a great big sister!

We'll pass on any other new info that we get!

Yet ANOTHER crazy day!

So, yesterday I was minding my own business on bed rest when I got a call from the OB's office!

They had just recieved some results from my ultrasound on Wednesday and Dr. Manning didn't like something that she saw!  They asked me to go to the Birthing Center, ASAP.  When I told them it would be in about 1 hour, they say "An hour?  You need to get here right away?".  Yeah, that put me into panic mode!

Tim was already on his way to Holy Spirit to drop of my 24 hour urine test, so I called him and he came back to get me.  Mom, Tim and I headed once again to the Birthing Center.

We got there and they hooked me up to a monitor and had me do a Non Stress Test.  Then sent me to Radiology for another Ultrasound.  While in the Ultrasound, Dr. Manning stopped in to chat with me.

Here's what happened.

Evidently, when she ordered the Ultra sound on Wednesday, she was only looking to see if Elise was still Breech.  However, the Radiologist did a more detailed U/S that gave them information that worried her.  

There is a grading system they use for 4 specific areas: Cord Blood Flow, Resperation, Movement, and Tone.  They give a 2 (good) or a 0 (bad) for each catagory.  So, the highest "grade" you get is 8.  Elise only got a 4 on Wednesday.  Cord Blood Flow - 2, Resperation - 2, Movement - 0, Tone - 0.  They start to worry when the baby gets a 6 or below.

So, they redid the test to check Elise's movements and tone.

She passed with flying colors!  She got an 8 out of 8 this time!!  What a relief!

They sent me back upstairs and told me everything looked good.  So, we waited to see Dr. Stegman to release me.

In his conversation, we talked about how Elise is still breech and what that means.  He likes to do "versions", which means manipulating the baby from outside the womb, to get her to move head down.  I've heard of this and seen a video of it.  It looks HORRIBLE and painful!  I also know that you can go through all this and either the baby never turns, or once turned, flips back into the breech posision!!!

3 out of 4 Dr.'s at the practice are willing to do Versions, if the circumstances are right.  Dr. Daggs showed up and said she wasn't too comfortable with it, because of my previous C-section.  But, Dr. Stegman said that he'd be free to do it Wednesday night if I wanted.  Dr. Long doesn't do Versions (that's who my next appointment is with).

We are going to try some excersizes over the weekend to see if we can get her to flip naturally, but then need to decide by Wednesday what we want to do.

I'm feeling very unsure about what is best, to try the Version and attempt a VBAC, or to just go ahead and schedule another c-section.

Prayers would be appreciated!!!

Modified Bed Rest...

34 Weeks - 6 Days

Today we had our weekly OB appointment.

My blood pressure was 145/90, but there were NO traces of protien in my urine (which is really good).  The midwife went over my blood work from the hospital on Saturday and everything looks good, except that I'm anemic (need more iron).

I've officially been put on "Modified Bedrest", which means that I'm allowed to get up for 5 minutes at a time for things like the bathroom, showers, getting food and going to a different room.

Otherwise, I'm supposed to stay on my side, switching every half hour or so (to reduce the chance of blood clots).

We had a bit of a scare, when the midwife couldn't find Elise's heartbeat!  But, found out that was because Elise decided to switch positions her heart was in a different place!  They had to get an ultrasound machine to check her, and it turns out that she is BREACH!  She was in perfect position for a VBAC two weeks ago and decided to switch on us.  I've been given some positions to try and get her to switch back!  We really have our hearts set on a VBAC, so we are praying she switches back.

I'm pretty bummed that I'm on bedrest.  I know that it's only 5 weeks, but I really wanted to avoid this!  I want Elise to be safe and to come at the right time...but this really is a bummer.

Anyway, I'll let you know if there are any other changes!  Thanks ahead of time for your prayers!

p.s while doing the ultrasound, the midwife could see Elise "practicing to breath"!  She said this was a good sign (this was before she detected a heartbeat) because that means that she's NOT in distress.  Baby's who are in distress don't practice breathing.  We were able to see her chest rise and fall.  It was pretty cool!!!

a little scare

So, on Friday night, Tim and I headed off to Birthing Class.  We decided, since Nora's birth was far from normal and we are planning a VBAC, that it would be helpful to take the class again.

Afterwards on Friday night, I noticed that I had a headache and wasn't feeling so well.  I took my blood pressure and it was a little elevated for me.

The next day, we headed off to the rest of Birthing Class.  Throughout the day, I took my BP just to keep an eye on it.  My hands started swelling and by noon it was around 130\88.  By 3:00 it was 156\97.  

Needless to say, we were a bit worried.  So, I called the answering service at the OB, told them what was going on and since we were at the Hospital, we headed upstairs to the Birthing Center.

They took my BP and it was 147\91.  They found traces of protien in my urine and did some bloodwork.  At this point, Tim and I were thinking, "here we go again...we're going to have this baby early".  

After laying on my left side my blood pressure started going down and went well below my normal BP.  My blood work came back all normal.  So, they released me!

So, that night, my BP went back up but not as high as it had been earlier.  I'm taking it easy, checking it a couple times a day and making sure I keep my feet up. :)

I have an appointment on Wednesday, so we'll see what my OB has to say then.

My BP was normal yesterday...and is a little bit elevated today, but not REALLY high.

Anyway, the baby was monitored while we were in the Hospital and she's doing well.  We have about 5 1/2 weeks till her due date...and we are super excited to see her!!  

We are praying that God keeps my BP down...and that we both remain healthy.  We'd really like to avoid a C-section if at all possible!!!

Baby Update

33 Weeks - 5 days

I had another OB appointment today.  Everything is looking good.  My blood pressure was 112/74...which is GREAT!  No swelling, no protiens or sugar in my urine.

Elise is definitely measuring 1 week larger.  The Midwife said today, hopefully you'll go a little early!!  Otherwise, I'm looking at the possibility of a 9 lb. baby!!!  A FAR CRY from Nora's 3 lb. 9 oz.!!!  I can't even begin to imagine a 9 lb. baby!

I gained another pound, so we are up to 8 lbs. total pregnancy.  At this point, Elise should gain about 1/2 lb. a week.  

Other than that, no news!  

Mom and Dad have been delayed in Florida due to some electrical problems that Dad's trying to fix.  Hopefully, I don't go too early and they aren't here!  Mom's supposed to be in the delivery room with us, so hopefully they'll be here in plenty of time. :)  

Baby Update

Week 33 - 7 weeks to go!!

Today, I am officially 33 weeks! Which means this baby will be born later than Nora was! YAY!!!

We had an ultrasound and an OB appointment yesterday.

We haven't heard results from the Ultrasound, but we found out that she weighs about 4 lbs. 14 oz. (give or take 11 oz.) No matter what, that's bigger than Nora was!!

Tim noticed on the ultrasound that her size was equivilent to 33 weeks & 5 days (my actualy dates were 32 weeks and 6 days) so it will be interesting to see if they keep my due date the same or push it up.

She is head down, in the perfect position for a normal delivery! We are attempting a VBAC, so that is great news! I'd like to avoid another C-Section if at all possible!

Dr. Long said that everything looks good. My Blood pressure and urine (one of the first ways to see if preeclampsia is occurring, is if there is protein in the urine) both look good. He gave me a list of symptoms to keep an eye out for...swelling of hands and face, flashes of light in my eyes, dark urine etc. But, at this point, we are anticipating a normal delivery!

We are settling into my parents home. I'm starting to go through Nora's baby things. She's loving the idea of Elise being here soon and seeing all the things that Elise will need!!

Mom and Dad are still in Florida (there are electrical problems at the Florida house that Dad's trying to fix before they come home). We aren't sure when they will be home, but Nora asks everyday where they are!!

Baby Update

Week 31! Only 9 to go!!

Yesterday we had another Ob appointment. My blood pressure was a few points higher than normal for me, but still in the normal range. Not to get too specific, but my urine was good...no sugars and just a trace of protein. Just to be safe, they sent blood work in to make sure my liver and kidneys are working correctly. The Dr. still needs to look them over, but a nurse called yesterday afternoon to say that my platelets looked good and she expects the Dr. to sign off on the tests as normal! So THAT's good news!

I'm not dilated or effaced at this point...more good news!

The Dr. decided that she wants to see me weekly now. When I got preeclampsia with Nora it all happened quickly over one weekend. Therefore, she doesn't want to take any chances again of that happening, so weekly check ups.

I'm still measuring larger than my due date indicates, so I'm scheduled for another ultrasound on the 26th. They will compare it with the ultrasound from before (which will be six weeks apart). I'm wondering if they think my due date is wrong?!?! I'm OK with having her a little early! :)

Elise's heart rate was 140 bpm, which is normal. She's been moving A LOT...making me uncomfortable at times. I've been having Braxton Hicks...which is interesting. I didn't have any with Nora.

Next Thursday starts the week to beat Nora's arrival!! She came at 32 weeks, so we are praying that Elise stays where she is longer than that!

We are getting excited...nervous...ready for Elise's arrival! I'm going to go get our clothes from the storage unit this weekend and see what I have in Newborn size! Hopefully I have enough WARM clothes. Nora didn't really start wearing that size till summer, so we'll see! :)

Baby Update

29 Weeks (Tomorrow!)

So, we are finally in the home stretch!  It's hard to believe it's only 11 weeks away!  (Or sooner!)

We went to the Doctors today and everything looks normal!  YAY!  No exciting news is good news.

Her heart rate was 147...and all measurements are normal.

My Blood Pressure was 124/80 which is still good and I gained 3 pounds.  (for a total of 4 lbs.)

Now onto Janelle's wedding this weekend...

An Elise Update

Yesterday we had another Ultrasound to see how big Elise is.

I was measuring larger than my dates indicate, so the Doctor wanted to make sure that Elise wasn't too big.

We haven't heard from the Dr. Office yet, but the technician said that she is measuring about 1/2 week larger than normal.  I doubt that is much to be concerned about.  

However, they will take her 20 week ultrasound and compare it to this 26 week ultrasound to determine her growth rate.  Then, they can see if she's growing or gaining weight too quickly.

Her heart rate was 146 bpm which is the slowest we've heard so far.  But, we think she'd been sleeping.

She weighs about 2 lb. 3 oz.  Which is hard to believe, because Nora was born at 3 lb. 9 oz. and we still have 13 weeks left!

Here's a few pics from yesterday.

Profile.  She was opening and closing her mouth when the tech was taking this picture.

Her Foot

Re-confirmation that it's definitely a girl!

Baby Update

25 Week & 5 days...

Today I had another OB appointment.  I had some concerns over the weekend, so the timing was perfect! :)

Here's what we found out...

...Elise's heartrate was 166 bpm

...I gained 1 lb. this past month, which brings my total weight gain to...1 Lb!

...I'm measuring larger than the dates indicate, so we are going in for an ultrasound on monday to confirm the size of Elise.  I've been feeling like she's bigger than Nora was, just from her movements and such.  She can REALLY sock a punch!!

...I started itching again on Sunday, so they are checking my liver again.  It will take about 10 days to find out those results.  They are expecting negative results again, but are double checking since the itching has come back.

...I'm 25% effaced, but the Dr. isn't concerned about it.  (I don't know if that's normal or not!!)

...On Thursday I have the normal Glucose test done...so I get to drink an AWEFUL sugar drink...yay.

The Dr. will see me in 3 weeks and then every 2 weeks after that!

If we get some more pictures on Monday, I'll post them as well as an update on her size. 

I think that's it!  

Today is the first day...

...in 16 weeks that I don't have to get my injections!!!!  No waiting in the Dr. Office, no painful injections!!! 

I just hope that stopping them, causes the itching to go away. 

 So far, no cigar.

Baby Update...or rather Mommy update!!

The last few weeks I've had a TERRIBLE itching problem.  It started out mild, but by last weekend, it became unbearable.  All over itching made in nearly impossible to sleep at night...which made everything worse!!!

We had an OB appointment today and here's what Dr. Manning decided...

1st - yesterday I had blood work to check the Bile Salts/Liver excretions.  That will take another 5-7 days to get those results back.  IF it is Cholestasis, there is little they can do for me.  They are doing research, but don't think there is any medications that are approved for pregnancy!!  If that turns out to be the case, it's going to be a LONG 20 ITCHY weeks till this baby girl comes!!!

2nd - they have decided to take me off the progesterone injections, in case I'm having an allergic reaction to them.  Basically, my body has such a build up of the progesterone oil, that my body may have begun to reject it.  It's most likely the sesame oil the progesterone is in, not the progesterone itself.

Next week I'll get my progesterone levels checked, to make sure they are still at a safe level.  This is all a bit unerving as the Dr.'s have been so sure I need the progesterone!!!  But, Dr. Manning said that the baby's heartrate is strong, her ultrasound came back normal and even though the levels are low...they ARE moving up, albeit  slowly.  

My weight, measurments, blood pressure and amniotic fluid are all normal.  So, everything looks good, beyond the lack of sleep due to the annoying itching problem! :)

And the results are...

We are having a baby GIRL!!!

The ultrasound went well, although baby girl wasn't being very cooperative! She kept crossing her legs and wouldn't turn so that we could get a picture of her spine. :) BUT we got it. :)

We are excited to have another little girl and are pretty sure we have a name picked out, but that's for another time. :)

I'll post the pics soon.

We are excited!

Only 4 days till we find out if new baby Clark is a boy or a girl!!!!

We are so excited to find out this news and to begin dreaming about what this little girl or boy will be like!! :)

Don't forget to vote!

Baby Update

Yesterday we had another OB appointment.  Here are the highlights...it was a short visit. :)

1.  We are getting the higher dosage of Progesterone till the 18th, then depending on my levels, we may add another form of progesterone.

2.  On the 18th I'm getting a full blood work-up done.  I don't know what it's all for, except that it has to do with my health history for Nora's pregnancy.  I think they called it a Metabolic something bloodwork.

3.  At that time, I will also have to do a 24 hour urine, to check my protien levels. (That is one of the first signs of preeclampsia.)

4.  I am officially a "high risk" pregnancy.  Basically for now, that only means that I'm only allowed to see Doctors (no midwives or nurse practitioners) for my appointments.  They will also be seeing me more often than normal pregnancies.

5.  I lost a few more pounds, but the Dr. isn't concerned at this point.  I just haven't been able to keep everything down still.  Sometimes it's hard to eat.

6.  The Baby's heartrate was a strong 150 bpm!  That's nice and strong.  (Wivestales would say that it's a girl!)

7.  Which bring us to the last bit of business.  On Black Friday we have a 9:00 AM ultrasound to check all the babies parts...and to find out the sex of the baby!!! :)  We are excited about that... and plan to take Nora so she can "see" the baby!!!!

Thank you for your many prayers, we'll keep you updated with any changes!

Discouraging News

Tim and I are away for our anniversary!  We are having a great time relaxing and being together, despite the rain. :)

This morning I got a phone call from my OB's office.  My progesteron levels have only gone up 1 point in the past two weeks. 

This is VERY dissapointing news for me.  They are going to up my dosage to the maximum again.   I was hoping I was almost done with this, only to find out that no end is near. 

More injections...more uncertainty.  

Why can't  I just have a "normal" pregnancy!?!?!?!?

We have an OB appointment on Friday, so hopefully I'll learn more from that.  Hopefully we'll hear the baby's heartbeat again.

Please pray for the protection of our little one.  I know that God can choose (and has already) to sustain the life of this child, no matter what my progesteron levels are.  

Please pray against discouragement for me.  I'm still sick (even while we are away) and that on top of this topsy turvy pregnancy, it's easy for me to be discouraged.

Baby Update

Here's the latest Baby news...

15 Weeks and  5 days along...

Last week we found out that my progesterone levels rose 7 points!!!  This is VERY exciting and the largest jump I've had so far. 

We are anticipating that it means my placenta has finally started producing it's own progesterone.  

The Dr's reduced my Progesterone Injections in half, so I'm only getting 100 mg, twice a week!  This is GREAT news! :)

Next week they will check my levels again, and hopefully we'll continue to see them rise!  I also have an OB appointment next week, so hopefully we'll hear the heartbeat again and schedule the 20 week ultrasound!!!! :)

Thanks for your prayers!  

Tim and Nic

Baby Update

13 Weeks Pregnant - Due date April 16th, 2009

Yesterday we had another Dr. appointment.

We found out that my progesteron levels are at 17.9 which means they have only gone up 7 points in the past 8 weeks after getting 400 mg of progesterone a week.  I should be in the upper 40's by now.

The Dr. doesn't seem worried, because there is a strong heartbeat.  That is what is important.  

One curious thing we found out yesterday is that low progesterone levels can cause pre-term labor AND preeclampsyia...which may explain my problems with Nora!

During the weeks of 12-14, the placenta is supposed to start taking over and producing the progesterone. So, please pray that will happen!!!!

Also, they have started me on a combo of baby asprin, Vitamin B12, Vitabin B6 and Folic Acid.  Evidently there is new research that this combo may keep blood pressure down during pregnancy.  So, they are having me take this, in hopes that it prevents Preeclamsia again.  I have a 50% chance it could happen again.

We have another appointment in 4 weeks.  And will continue getting Progesterone Injections twice a week. We'll have another level check in 2 weeks.

Ways to pray...

That my placenta starts taking over and producing the progesterone that I need...

That my blood pressure remains normal...

That pre-term labor does not occur...

That Tim and I have faith that God is in control of the pregnancy and this little baby and no matter what problems may occur, God has the best in store for us.

A Short Baby Update

Today I got the results of my bloodwork. It isn't great news, but it's not terrible news either.

My progesterone levels are 14.4 which puts me in the bottom of "Level 2". I should be in the middle of "Level 2". Whatever that means!!! So, I will continue going twice a week for 200mg of progesterone oil.

Depending on the situation, I may have to teach Tim how to do it, because we are going on Vacation at the end of the month!! THAT could prove to be a challenge. :(

Anyway, other than that news and my all day sickness things are going well. We are keeping busy getting the Clarks basement ready for us to move in.

Tim was knocking down a closet and is putting up a bit of drywall before we paint and recarpet. It's a lot more work than I thought we were going to do, but it will be well worth it in the end. :)

I'll have pictures up of our progress soon!