High Risk Pregnancy Check-in 04/03

harleyquinn0621

How far along are you?

Why are you high-risk?

Any additional monitoring or testing this week?

Rants/Raves/Questions?

GTKY: Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why?

harleyquinn0621

How far along are you?

18+5

Why are you high-risk?

AMA, Diabetes, IC

Any additional monitoring or testing this week?

next appointment is the AS on 04/09

Rants/Raves/Questions?

i know i posted in our last thread yesterday regarding anxiety.. i am doing much better today- but it is day by day... thank you for everyone who replied with your suggestions   

GTKY: Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why?
this one is really hard for me because i love aspects of both... right now i would say Alaska, i think it's just so different than anywhere i have been.. Hawaii is tropical but i've been to a lot of tropical places

mrsbubbles-2

How far along are you? 20+4

Why are you high-risk? Diabetes and AMA

Any additional monitoring or testing this week? Nothing for a whole month! I'm so happy! I was having weekly appointments between ultrasounds, OB and MFM appointments that this is a nice break. Next appointment is for the fetal echo on Star Wars day

Rants/Raves/Questions? I'm looking into diabetes management for after baby is born and I really want a pump or something. Metformin didn't do anything and my numbers were all over the place and my A1C was a 6.7. Anyone have a pump or experience they want to share?

GTKY: Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why? Alaska 100%. An Alaskan cruise was going to be our honeymoon plan but we got pregnant with DS right after the wedding so we postponed. I think we're going to try to plan the cruise for when DS and this LO are a bit older.

neeraja_k

How far along are you?

19+2, 

Why are you high-risk?

AMA, GD, Previous miscarriage, History of Hypertension, Partial Placenta Previa

Any additional monitoring or testing this week?
Standard OB appointment tomorrow that I'm thinking of rescheduling due to this awful cold. But if I end up going I'll wear a mask, but it's just a standard pee in the cup, vitals, doppler, chit-chat type of visit. Rather pointless if you ask me. 

Rants/Raves/Questions?

Baby is kicking more consistently now, not strong enough to be felt from the outside, much to my husband's disappointment, but obvious enough to get me to take notice. 

GTKY: Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why?
Alaska. I can drive there (I don't like to fly). I hate heat and humidity, and Alaska seems as far from that as possible. It has snow covered mountains and an alpine landscape that I prefer. If I ever managed to fly to Hawaii I'd totally just go to look at the volcano and want to turn around and come home. lol

mrsbubbles-2

@harleyquinn0621 - I'm so glad you're feeling better today! Your a/s is right around the corner, I hope the time flies by!

harleyquinn0621

@mrsbubbles-2 thank you! how has your blood sugar been? i know you were having some difficulties with it

mrsbubbles-2

@harleyquinn0621 - thanks for asking! I'm running pretty high lately but the team in my MFM's office doesn't seem too terribly concerned since my A1C is looking good. I think it's just stress and I've been pretty lax with my food choices so I just need to get my act together!

@neeraja_k - yay for baby kicks! Do you have an anterior placenta? Weird to ask, I know, but my u/s tech told us during the a/s that since mine is anterior I'll be able to feel baby kicks long before DH will - basically baby has to be stronger and bigger before those kicks can be felt through belly + placenta. Also I hope your cold clears up soon!

neeraja_k

@mrsbubbles-2 Hopefully you can get your blood sugar levels moderated and start being good again, although I know it's no fun.

According to my A/S the placenta was on the lower left side with some covering the cervix. I just have a pooch thanks to the PCOS, every bit of my overweight-ness goes to my belly. So there's still some extra fluff between the outside and the uterus. But as my uterus expands, I'm noticing my fluff is decreasing in general in my belly. I'm converting it all to baby apparently, thus no real pregnancy weight gain so far. And I'm sure once its little bones harden and it gets bigger and stronger, people will be able to feel it from the outside soon enough.

hoodwink89

@mrsbubbles-2 I am actually going to my nutritionist in a little over a week to get my pump ordered. From what I found online it really helps keep everything leveled out and much better control. Plus it only needs to be changed every three days so no more shots! Right now I am doing 5 or more shots daily depending on how much I am eating and my numbers. My MFM is fine with me starting it during pregnancy and I am looking into the omnipod.

@harleyquinn0621 I am so glad you are feeling better today. 

@neeraja_k I hope you start to feel better soon!

How far along are you?

19w4d

Why are you high-risk?

Diabetes

Any additional monitoring or testing this week?

OB appointment tomorrow. I am meeting with my midwife to ask her if she thinks I am fine to stick with her or if I should be seeing an actual OB. The OB I had before her completely dismissed any questions I had and kinda blew me off. I had asked about possible induction and the different ways we could donut and she looked at me and looked at my daughter and said well that one came early so you should be fine.  Pretty much end of discussion. So I am really hoping I can stick with my midwife since mg mfm oversees everything anyway.

Rants/Raves/Questions?

It is snowing here, BOO! We should have 8 to 12 inches by tomorrow morning.

For those with diabetes, how do you log your numbers? Standard paper and pen, do you have a favorite app for your phone?

GTKY: Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why?
I really would love to travel to both but right now I would choose Hawaii. So much to see and experience and it is warm (see above comment about snowpocolyps) plus I really do love the beach!

mrsbubbles-2

@hoodwink89 - thanks for the info! For your question about logging - I have a spreadsheet on my computer that I put in all my readings manually then clip the part I need to send to the MFM office and attach it to my patient portal. I'm sure there's a better way to do it though! A friend of mine has an app that when he plugs his meter in to his phone it offloads the data and puts it in a chart. It's great for seeing trends. I'm not sure which program it is, I'll ask next time I see him

neeraja_k

@hoodwink89 My MFM's office has these little paper booklets that I fill out and hand in when I go in, the nurse practitioner inputs all of the data in my official records for their practice and will make dosage adjustments based on how my numbers have been trending.

mrs_drc_rn

How far along are you? 21+1

Why are you high-risk? Prior pre-term birth and myomectomy 

Any additional monitoring or testing this week? Bi-weekly vaginal ultrasound Friday. I need to make sure I schedule my MRI to rule out placenta accreta!

Rants/Raves/Questions? Despite missing the holiday, it was a really good weekend at work! I don’t mind working three straight shifts when I get good patients that I really connect with. One woman I was with all weekend and we really connected, she was hysterical; three other really nice ladies I had for one or two days. 

As far as baby goes, definitely feeling some stronger more consistent kicks! I love that feeling! I’m hoping I can get motivated to get back to the gym this week since my surgeon cleared me!

GTKY: Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why? Under normal circumstances I’d probably say Alaska (I’ve always wanted to do an Alaskan cruise), but I’m over this cold weather right now and wouldn’t mind Hawaii! 

harleyquinn0621

@mrsbubbles-2 i have an app like that- it downloads the data from my meter through bluetooth and then i can either get charts or email out a spreadsheet... mine is through One Drop, which is the meter i use. 

kc0711

I have no personal experience with pump vs shot, but DH’s entire family is diabetic and they all use a pump. They all say it is much easier to manage and keep track of everything, and dosing is easier. I’ve worked with a few athletes who have pumps and from a sport stand point, it is much more consistent as well. 

How far along are you?
21w+6d

Why are you high risk?
Genetic condition, heart condition, vasa previa

Any additional monitoring this week?
This is my week off, so nothing this week. 

Rants/raves/questions?
I’m with everyone else, love feeling baby move. She kicked DH in the head yesterday when he rested his head on my belly when they were having their daily chat. Melted my heart. 

GTKY: Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why?
This is a hard one for me! I lived in Hawaii for 5 years as a kid, and I love to go back and visit. DH has never been, so I’d like to show him where I grew up. But I’ve never been to Alaska and have always wanted to do an Alaskan cruise, so I’ll go with Alaska. 

hezzer78

How far along are you? 20w+2d

Why are you high-risk? AMA, 2 previous losses, corrected septate uterus

Any additional monitoring or testing this week? Nope - no appointments until 4/16

Rants/Raves/Questions?

I was doing okay until I noticed tonight that one of my ankles is ridiculously more swollen than the other. The internet tells me it could be a sign of DVT so now I'm anxious/nervous. I'm going to call the doctor in the morning and see if there's anything she wants me to do, but it doesn't stop me worrying. I know, I know...stepping away from google is the best thing. 

GTKY: Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why?
Probably Hawaii. I MUCH prefer heat and tropical places - although my Uncle goes salmon fishing in Alaska every year and it looks amazing!! 

elsieisamoocow

How far along are you?

22 weeks tomorrow

Why are you high-risk?

2 placental abruptions, 2 losses

Any additional monitoring or testing this week?

Nope. My doctor is "out of town" but really he's just taking 2 weeks off and only going out of town for a few days next week (he told me in secrecy). I see him next on the 18th and my specialist on the 19th. 

Rants/Raves/Questions?

This week is the start of one of my loss milestones. (TW obviously) My first baby girl was born at 22w6d, so I get really on edge close to there. I'm going to be a basket case this whole week, I'm sure. Thankfully baby boy is kicking me like crazy, and I have the doppler. And knock on wood I'm not contracting or bleeding, so I'm sure everything will be fine. I just can't wait to get to 24 weeks (viability) so I can stop worrying a little bit. 

GTKY: Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why? 
Alaska! I've always wanted to go on an Alaskan cruise, and especially now that I live in a hot place, I don't want more heat plus humidity. Though we did honeymoon on Kauai and I'd love to go back one day soon, so we can do the few things that we didn't get to while we were there - beach side couple's massage and the Na'Pali Coast catamaran and snorkeling trip. 

mrsbubbles-2

Sending so much love and hugs to ladies that are getting close to loss milestones. I truly hope for the most blissfully boring next few months for everyone.

@hezzer78 - keep us posted on what the doctor says!

mrs_drc_rn

@elsieisamoocow ugh, so sorry for the upcoming stressful week. I hope you can find some time for yourself to relax and deal with this week. Sending lots of hugs! 

@hezzer78 better safe than sorry! I have seen patients who just get swelling more on one side at the end of the day, but I always like to err on the side of caution. Do you have redness or tenderness on your calf or anywhere on that leg?

harleyquinn0621

@elsieisamoocow big hugs to you!!!!     this is a loss week milestone for me too and it's been really tough... i lost my son at 19+1 last year and today i am 18+6, so Friday will be the milestone.. thankfully my AS is Monday so i'm just crossing my fingers for a good AS 

elsieisamoocow

@mrs_drc_rn @harleyquinn0621 thanks for the hugs ladies! 

Stac928

How far along are you?

20w3d

Why are you high-risk?

AMA, RPL, creeping up hypertension 

Any additional monitoring or testing this week?

Nothing extra but our anatomy scan is Friday. 

Rants/Raves/Questions?

Not really. Just still crazy tired. Not feeling regular movement. I spend the days leading up to every appointment preparing myself for bad news. 

GTKY: Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why?
No question, Alaska. Not a beach person. But love the mountains and cold. Also the wildlife, the glaciers. 

harleyquinn0621

@Stac928 fingers crossed for a good AS on Friday!   i totally understand the mentally preparing for bad news.. i do the same thing     but everything will go great i'm sure!!

mrs_drc_rn

@harleyquinn0621 sending hugs as well and hoping for nothing but good news at your AS!

neeraja_k

@hezzer78 Wondering how your call to the doctor about your swelling came out. Fx that it was all okay.

Stac928

harleyquinn0621 said:

@Stac928 fingers crossed for a good AS on Friday!   i totally understand the mentally preparing for bad news.. i do the same thing     but everything will go great i'm sure!!

Fingers crossed for yours too! 

Stac928

Hugs to all with milestones coming up. Those are hard. 

nll0803

How far along are you?

20+4

Why are you high-risk?

Crohn's disease, autoimmune liver disease, autoimmune arthritis, elevated afp

Any additional monitoring or testing this week?

More liver bloodwork, awaiting redraw results from panorama, nothing else until 4/17

Rants/Raves/Questions?

Realizing I'm more than halfway done, not just because i hit 20 weeks, but knowing I won't be allowed to go past 38 if i make it that far..really makes me want to slow down time 

GTKY: Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why?
Spent two weeks in Kaua'i in October for our honeymoon, so my next trip would be Alaska. I can't wait to go back to Hawaii, but rather get the chance to see Alaska first.

hezzer78

@mrsbubbles-2 @mrs_drc_rn @neeraja_k Thanks ladies.
I don't have any pain or swelling in my calf - but I do in my thigh. I have bad varicose veins in the right leg (the one foot that was more swollen yesterday) and they give me pain at times, which is just another reason I was concerned. I called the doc and she said it's more than likely nothing (because my leg's not red and my calf doesn't hurt) but she wants me to go in for a doppler anyways. I'll be doing that tomorrow afternoon. It makes me feel better that she doesn't think it's anything.. .I wish the test wasn't so pricey, but I know I'll freak out until I know it's nothing, so I may as well go. 

mrs_drc_rn

@hezzer78 glad they’re not just blowing it off and are sending you for the Doppler! FX for good news tomorrow!

hezzer78

@mrs_drc_rn Right? I guess I'd rather my doctor be overly cautious with testing than not cautious enough! 

mrsbubbles-2

@hezzer78 - thinking of you today - how is the swelling this morning? I'll be stalking for updates from your appointment!

harleyquinn0621

agree - stalking thread for updates @hezzer78

hezzer78

@harleyquinn0621 @mrsbubbles-2 @mrs_drc_rn Thanks ladies. Tech didn't say much today - she said if she saw anything major, she would have to notify my doctor immediately, otherwise the vascular surgeon was just going to look at the results. She didn't mention calling the doctor, and when I left she said the surgeon would read them and pass it on to my doc so I'm guessing nothing major was there..  Hopefully it's just my body being weird with the swelling! 

mrsbubbles-2

@hezzer78 - so happy to hear she wasn't concerned! how is the swelling today?

harleyquinn0621

yay! it's a good sign when they are unconcerned! lol

hezzer78

@mrsbubbles-2 The right foot is still more swollen than the left, but I've been elevating it and it looks a lot better than it did a few days ago.

Stac928

@hezzer78 glad it’s getting better 

Update: A/S went well today. Placenta is a bit close to cervix but they will rescan in 8 weeks. Baby was moving around sooooo much. We are still firmly team green. 

harleyquinn0621

@Stac928 yay for a good a/s and way to go sticking to team green!!! that would be so hard for me! 

mrsbubbles-2

@harleyquinn0621 I’ve been thinking of you today, how are you?

Stac928

@harleyquinn0621 how are you doing? 

harleyquinn0621

@mrsbubbles-2 @stac928 hi ladies i’m doing ok- I've avoided the internet for the last couple of days while I prepare for my A/S tomorrow morning. Hoping everything goes ok but i am preparing mentally just in case