Afraid to visit Dr. Google (and could use some creepy internet hugs)

rachswi

Hey ladies.

I had my 36 week appointment yesterday, and since I figured it would be a routine appointment, I told DH he didn't need to bother coming (since it's our first, he's wanted to come to pretty much all the appointments, but now they're so frequent I didn't think he needed to be there). Well, I would have really liked to have his support since when the doctor did the doppler, she noticed that his heart kept skipping beats. This is the first time anything had been wrong with how the baby's heart has sounded, but DH was born with a congenital heart defect, so I started to internally freak out.

A nurse called me this morning and told me they wanted me to come back to do a NST so that they could forward the info to the perinatologist (high-risk doc at the hospital). So I went this afternoon and had the test. An OB at the office confirmed that while LO doesn't have a heart defect (he checked the AS from my 20w appointment), LO does have a slight arrhythmia. So now I need to go to the high risk doctor once a week and have NSTs twice a week for the remainder of my pregnancy (which is kind of annoying because we live an hour from OB/hospital).

While I haven't had the easiest pregnancy, I've always taken solace in the fact that LO has been fine. I'm taking it really hard that now he's not doing ok either. OB told me the arrhythmia usually corrects itself after birth, but I'm still nervous. I'm also afraid to visit Dr. Google because I don't want to freak out more. Has anyone else had experience with their LO having an arrhythmia that could help me feel better? If not, I'll take some creepy internet hugs and/or smile/chuckle-worthy gifs.

kaybubar

I can only imagine how you both are feeling. Definitely try and stay off the internet. Sending prayers and hugs your way.

kmkrushi

No experience. But I'll send some creepy internet hugs and tell you to stay off Dr. Google. You're doing everything you need to by visiting your doctor and they will give you the information you need. If you feel like they aren't, definitely ask questions. But I'd still ask the professionals instead of the internet.

Ceridwen77

I don't have experience with this but good luck. I'm dealing with some unexpected medial stuff right now myself and I can definitely relate to how you're feeling. You're not alone and it sounds like you're getting great care!

sadyy131

I actually had a cousin that had this, she was born just fine and the problem corrected itself. She still goes to the cardiologist annually to check but she is a very healthy little girl. Internet hugs and prayers to you and your family!

lulamagoo

A perinatologist is going to be such a great resource. (Generally the nurses and midwives on staff also have done an additional fellowship for maternal/fetal medicine)
I have seen one for both pregnancies. They are great in that they have so much knowledge that they know when to freak out and when not to. Don't be afraid to ask them questions.
I often ask, "if this were happening to you, would you be upset?"
I hope this is something small that corrects itself and that you get some answers from your doctor soon.

Lolo427

So I have NSTs for other reasons but what I can say is for as much of a pain in the ass it is booking wise, I've really come to enjoy my NST time twice a week and even look forward to it. It's relaxing and reassuring to hear LO's heartbeat and to know that they are being monitored so closely. We had a scare with one but it was watched so closely that it was a tech issue that was fixed quickly (DD had moved pretty far back so they couldn't find her). I've done them now for 10 weeks, and actually tomorrow is my last one. Thoughts and prayers with you!

MercyC1130

I had a slight arrhythmia before I was born. It did correct itself, And never ever in my life have I ever had an issue.
I played basketball in highschool and one of our best players who ended up playing in college had arrhythmia as well.
I would trust your doctors on this one, and even if by chance it didn't correct itself, that doesn't mean LO won't have a "healthy" heart. Just a different beat.

jpierre91

No advice buy sending loads of creepy internet hugs your way

ashleywuli

No advice but creepy Internet hugs coming your way!

lakesideknitter

No advice, but hugs!! Glad you're getting good care#

MargaretC5

I have NST daily for other reasons and as PP mentioned they really do help put your mind at ease and know your baby is doing well.
Creepy Internet hugs >:D<

Lsager424

Sending positive vibes your way!!

katiedhunter

Not sure if it's the same but my oldest DS was born with a heart murmur. He is now three and although he hasn't yet grown out of it we've seen a pediatric cardiologist and he has reassured us that it is an innocent murmur. It can be very scary as a FTM to hear something could be wrong with your babies heart. Just stay strong and I highly suggest you do not Google, trust that your doctors know best. I'd also like to add that my second DS also had a murmur but his is gone already.

itstheblackwidowbaby

Sending you all the creepy Internet hugs!

sullyv23

Hi, sorry you are going thru this, I know exactly how you feel. About two weeks ago I went exactly thru the same thing. During a normal NSt they notice the baby heart beat kept on dropping from 140s to 70s. At first they thought the machine wasnt working so they sent me to the hospital to double check. The same thing happen. I had a follow up 48hrs later for anothet nst and confirm the baby has arrythmia.
So the next day went to my ob and when she hear her heart,she headr the arrythmia. At this point she had no idea how they had missed it.I get an u/s everymonth because of GD,every u/s had shown everything was perfect with baby. They schedule an emergency u/s with the Highrisk 2 days later. When I got there dr checked me an told me that he can not say my baby has arrythmia because he didnt see anything wrong with her heart and he doesnt see the arrythmia. He explain how in most babies it just goes away on its own.they dont really know how or why babies get it. But in most cases as soon as baby is born the arythmia goes away. Its been 2 weeks I get 2 NsTs a week and so far everything seems fine with the baby. They still dont have an answer for what happen.
My advice is try not to worry I know easier said than done, I personally was a crazy lady. I will say please dont google it will only make it worst. Just listen to your doctor. I wish that everything goes well for you and baby.
Sorry this is so long. * creepy hugs*

rachswi

Thank you ladies!! It's relieving to hear the assurances!

MoonUnitNugget

Sending positive vibes to you and LO!

doodleoodle

Creepy internet hugs!

eamarat

No advice but I send creepy internet hugs and positive thoughts.

JLW0504

I'm sending positive juju your way, Momma.

brianna91chavez

Sending lots of creepy internet hugs. >:D<
You and LO are in my thoughts & I hope the best for both of you.

ajmcarroll

Lolo427 said:

So I have NSTs for other reasons but what I can say is for as much of a pain in the ass it is booking wise, I've really come to enjoy my NST time twice a week and even look forward to it. It's relaxing and reassuring to hear LO's heartbeat and to know that they are being monitored so closely. We had a scare with one but it was watched so closely that it was a tech issue that was fixed quickly (DD had moved pretty far back so they couldn't find her). I've done them now for 10 weeks, and actually tomorrow is my last one. Thoughts and prayers with you!

I too have been on weekly appointments and twice a week NSTs. I totally agree what a pain in the assignment it has been but am so grateful I have health insurance and that LOL is being well cared for.
Stay away from Google and God bless!

Squirtgun

Creepy Internet hugs! Dr. Google doesn't know what he's talking about anyway, glad you're trusting the professionals .

bellie1223

no personal experience, but I've heard from many other people that arrhythmias tend to correct themselves after birth. Also silver lining? At least they caught it now and can monitor you before the birth so you have some idea what to expect instead of it being a surprise later. Sending lots of positive vibes your way!!

Ahalpin10

Yes, no google & lots of hugs!

rachswi

Perinatologist called this morning with a cancellation so I go in an hour to meet with the high risk doctor. Glad I'm getting more answers sooner! (Although I admit there's part of me wondering why I was on the cancellation list if there's not really anything to worry about as the OB said yesterday)

archer0429

To give you an example of a scary "other extreme", but everything turned out fine:

My cousin was born with a congenital heart defect.  It came as no surprise, as my aunt had a very difficult pregnancy.  Around 8 months old, she started randomly passing out, particularly when she got excited.  After a few months of in-and-out hospitalization, testing, and heart monitoring, it was determined that her arrhythmia required a pacemaker because her heart was stopping beating very often throughout the day.  At 10 or 11 months old, she had a pacemaker implanted.  The entire time she was going through this, she was so strong, always smiling and upbeat.  In fact, she would show off her belly to anyone who wanted to see (you could see the pacemaker), as if she was proud of her battle scar.

Fast forward 9 years...she is a very happy and healthy little girl.  She plays sports, performs well in school, and loves art.  You would never know she went through such a trying time at such a young age.

Moral of the story: Children are so resilient!  On top of that, technology is so amazing and medicine has advanced to the point where what was tragic before is now just a slight hiccup with treatment.  So even if you are having trouble pushing out the worst case scenario out of your head, know that your LO has access to amazing treatment should she need it.  She is going to teach you to find inner strength that you never even knew was buried deep inside of you.

CarrieOct15

T&P!!

elbou

So sorry to hear you were caught by surprise with this! I'm hoping your appointment this morning goes well, and you come out of it with some peace of mind. I'll be watching for an update *hugs!*

dmiller1213

No advice or experience. Just creepy internet hugs!

onebadmotha

Sending you loads of creepy internet hugs! 

Also, I'm not sure how similar the issues are, but my sister was born with a heart murmur, and she hasn't had any big issues- in fact, (not to get too braggy.....) she's run numerous marathons and ultra marathons, and is a surgeon

Charismatic69

Sending you lots of creepy internet hugs & good vibes your way! >:D<

Ceridwen77

Good luck - let us know how the appointment goes!

rachswi

Had great news from the perinatologist! He told us the arrhythmia was a "normal variance" in the heartbeat and that the structure of his heart is fine. Unless something changes, we will only have to go visit my OB for my normal once a week check but have the non-stress test as part of our appointments. He said there's no need to lose any sleep over it - we'll just need to let the pediatrician know so he checks baby's heart after he's born. I'm so relieved! Thanks for the hugs and thoughts and prayers!!

KeHill08

No advice or experience here, just wanted to say I hope goes well. Also, creepy internet hug!

lulamagoo

rachswi said:

Had great news from the perinatologist! He told us the arrhythmia was a "normal variance" in the heartbeat and that the structure of his heart is fine. Unless something changes, we will only have to go visit my OB for my normal once a week check but have the non-stress test as part of our appointments. He said there's no need to lose any sleep over it - we'll just need to let the pediatrician know so he checks baby's heart after he's born. I'm so relieved! Thanks for the hugs and thoughts and prayers!!

Wonderful! Glad you can breathe a little easier.

elbou

rachswi said:

Had great news from the perinatologist! He told us the arrhythmia was a "normal variance" in the heartbeat and that the structure of his heart is fine. Unless something changes, we will only have to go visit my OB for my normal once a week check but have the non-stress test as part of our appointments. He said there's no need to lose any sleep over it - we'll just need to let the pediatrician know so he checks baby's heart after he's born. I'm so relieved! Thanks for the hugs and thoughts and prayers!!

I am so happy to hear this! *more hugs* Thanks for the update!

MRSJESSICAX

I can't give any advise but sending you lots of positive vibes and health xxx ps