MFM/High Risk/Complications Support Thread

lurvleybunchococonuts

Hey ladies, I mentioned this in the randoms, but I thought it'd be nice to have a designated thread in regards to those of us going through a high risk pregnancy, being seen by MFM, &/or experiencing complications this pregnancy. We can adjust it to a check-in if the majority would prefer, but just wanted to start something so if any of us in need of extra support can get it Feel free to post your story below and keep us updated!

lurvleybunchococonuts

I posted about this in my weekly check-in thread, but I know I'm terrible about checking those threads beyond my own and imagine I'm not alone in this, so apologies if this is long winded lol:

Up until this point bot babies A & B have been measuring close to the same for all my ultrasounds (have had one at every appt so far), but we had our 20 weeks AS earlier this week.  Good news: Baby A (aka Georgie/Space Hog) is looking perfect! Got all her measurements, and she is right on track. She's measuring about 11oz and had a heartrate of about 134.

Baby B (aka Dottie/Hidey Baby) we're a little concerned about.  First of all she's measuring about a week behind (not outright concerning as that's common in twins), but due to her smaller size and terrible position - stubborn girl refused to roll over and cooperate.  There were a few measurements they couldn't get, primarily her heart (we do know she 4 chambers but that's all they got) and her kidneys (they didn't even mention during the scan), and I don't believe they got all of her spinal measurements.  Also most concerning is that it appears that she only has a 2 vessel cord (2VC) also referred to as single umbilical artery (SUA).  She was measuring about 8oz and had a heartrate of about 156.  All of this combined my OB decided to refer me to MFM.  Thankfully they got back to me yesterday AM and we have our first appt scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, July 21st.  I am extra relieved that MH will get to come with me to it.  

Additional info regarding SUA/my thoughts/rambling in spoiler:

Initially I promised myself I wouldn't google anything and well, that went out the window quickly.  I weirdly feel slightly better having looked into it while managing to refrain from going into a wormhole about it.  

Very best case scenario MFM gets a better look, finds out she does have a 3 vessel cord, they get all her other measurements and is she completely fine.

But based on what I was reading SUA is the #1 most common cord defect (which is actually great since it's so well researched).  It apparently occurs in about 1% of singleton and 5% of multiples.  Of those percentages 75% have no problems, they just monitor and baby has minimal IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction). Statistics are on our side for this being no big deal!  

That being said the biggest concerns are that the other 25% of the time there is A) more severe IUGR in which case they will closely monitor her growth and if they determine she would develop better outside the womb than inside they would have me deliver early.  in some cases of SUA there are other congenital defects primarily cardiac/renal/gastrointestinal/vertebral.  Thankfully though it sounds like a majority of the potential other "associated" defects *should* be things that are manageable/not out right fatal/easily corrected.  

So I've officially declared to myself that I am not freaking out until after we see MFM and know for certain there's cause for alarm.  But I know I will feel so much better once MFM gets a better look at her.  Of course I am praying for the very best scenario or to be in that 75%, but I do trust that no matter the outcome we will overcome it and both my babies will be okay.  I am so appreciative of the fact that how MFM works I will get our results and get to talk to the doctor right afterwards so I won't get sent home wondering "what if".

On the bright side of things both babies were VERY active during our scan and are already poking/proding one another.  I am taking this as a good sign that everything is truly alright with Dottie.  At one point she had her elbow practically on top of Georgie's nose and we got to see Georgie waving her arms around trying to shove her away Both were kicking, waving, and wiggling around   It was so cool getting to see them "play" with one another.

They're both head down with Georgie more forward and to the right while Dottie is slightly higher up, towards the back, and tucked into my left side.  She had her feet in my ribs already during the scan (DD's favorite place for her feet during 3rd trimester).  So aside from pestering each other they also are snuggled up together   

I'm also super appreciative that my work is flexible and is a small company that I have a great relationship with.  I literally was at work for all of 2.5 hours after my scan and when I got MFM scheduled and I told out building manager I'd need the day off he said, okay don't worry we'll figure it out just make sure to take care of those babies.  The hormones are going strong this AM because I am weepy over how thankful and blessed I am to have such a great support here as well as in my N'18 group, at work, and at home.

If anyone needs extra support/reassurances PLEASE reach out.  None of us should be going through this alone

As I said, sorry if this is long or disjointed or if anything doesn't make sense.  I stopped and restarted typing multiple times lmao.

crizz13

@lurvleybunchococonuts Sending you big hugs. Hopefully you will get some positive news/answers from your MFM. One of my bffs had a little guy with a 2 vessel cord though he was a singleton, the only "complication" was that they induced her at 37 weeks. He's a totally happy healthy almost six year old now. 

crizz13

Just saying hi! I'm officially high risk for Advanced Maternal Age (such an old lady here at 36.... oy....) I haven't been referred to an MFM yet or had any major bumps in our road, but I was told to expect more frequent monitoring as the pregnancy progresses. 

jaclyn0405

@lurvleybunchococonuts hugs mama that things all work out when you are seen on the 21st!  

Also hi! Also geriatric (ha!) and considered high risk at the Advanced Maternal Age of 35 lol.  I have been seeing MFM since the beginning and all of my ultrasounds are done in the hospital.  I have had bleeding complications this pregnancy, but no one knows why, so that is interesting.  Other than that my biggest hurdle right now is getting baby girl to cooperate on Monday so they can complete our A/S fully (still missing pictures of her face) and the Fetal Echocardiogram.

bserena

Hey guys

So, I have had some complications since the beginning pretty much. I actually didn't think I was pregnant because I had some pretty heavy bleeding around week 4 (when my period would've been). I actually found out I was pregnant because at 5.5 weeks I wrecked my car and they did a pregnancy test in the ER before I could get X-rays done. I had bleeding on and off until week 15 or so, sometimes light, sometimes heavy. OB found subchorionic hematoma, which we thought went away around 8 weeks but then it came back around 12. Thankfully, bleeding has stopped since 14-15 weeks. 

At the anatomy scan everything seemed to go well but OB came in to tell us after the ultrasound that I have marginal cord insertion. She said not to google (but of course I did) or freak out. It is rare, I think 6-8% of pregnancies have it. Basically, the umbilical cord should be in/close to the center of the placenta but mine is attached on the very edge. The two main worries are that he won't get enough nutrients/will have restricted growth, or that it'll become a velamentous cord insertion, where the cord moves further away and the vessels become unprotected (normally covered by whartons jelly). Also, there is risk of heavy bleeding from me during delivery. They usually will tug on the cord a bit to help the placenta come out, but they can't with this because it'll likely break off and cause me to hemorrhage.

Baby boy was measuring pretty much on track, a little on the smaller side, but still pretty spot on, so they said not to worry right now. I will have another U/S at 28 weeks to check on his growth and the cord insertion to make sure all is going well still. 

Sorry for the novel! I have calmed down a lot, as of course I was super worried after the scan, but I am just trying to remind myself he is measuring on track and that they'll keep a close eye on him going forward to make sure everything develops properly. 

@lurvleybunchococonuts I hope your MFM appointment goes well and that whatever they find it is good news! Glad your H will get to be there too. Thank you for starting this thread, it is nice to have a dedicated place to discuss this stuff!

@crizz13 glad to hear everything has been going well for you so far!  

bserena

@jaclyn0405 I think you commented while I was typing out my novel, lol! Hoping you have a great scan Monday and can get the rest of the images they need. 

jaclyn0405

@bserena thanks love! Me too! I am ready to just move on to the rest of the pregnancy and no that the door is closed on a healthy heart!  

crizz13

@bserena the same friend and same baby I commented above also had marginal cord insertion! Induction at 37 weeks was the only issue because at that point he had stopped growing at the rate he should. He came out perfect! Hugs!

@jaclyn0405 We have a fetal echo in a couple of weeks scheduled too. I hope your's goes well!

wychets

Hi ladies!!
I am high risk since I was induced at 36 weeks due to pregnancy induced high blood pressure and DD was under 5lbs. My BP spiked out of no where around 33 weeks and stayed that way up until birth, so this time around my doctor has me taking a chewable baby aspirin 1x a day to help maintain my BP. So far my BP has been excellent and DS is measuring bigger than DD already.

Wishing you all happy and healthy pregnancies!!

lurvleybunchococonuts

@crizz13 It makes me snicker that over 35 if considered “advanced” maternal age.  Lol at geriatric.  I had a friend in HS whose mom had her at 50.  Now THAT is advanced maternal age Glad things are going well so far!

@jaclyn0405 hoping for a cooperative baby on Monday!  They certainly like to make life more difficult   My 20mo used to play hide and go seek from the Doppler every time my OB would check her heart rate.  She hated it and while I was in labor the nurse was CONSTANTLY in there readjusting her heart rate monitor.

@bserena UGH I so feel you on trying not to worry I’m glad you’ve mostly been able to calm down and hooray for baby measuring on track!  That is super scary about all the bleeding you experienced.  Do you know if you will be able to deliver vaginally due to his cord? Or is it unknown at this point?  And YES! It was such a relief that MH can go with me.  Honestly he just as much/more of a worrier about the twins than I am.  I at least am starting to feel more distinct movement, he doesn’t get that reassurance.  Hoping baby boy keeps measuring on track at your next scan!

ETA: 

@wychets you posted as I was commenting   glad to hear your BP is staying good this time around and that baby boy is looking good!  It's nice when something as small as a chewable aspirin can make a difference!   

bserena

@wychets so glad this pregnancy is going well for you and that the aspirin seems to be helping!

bserena

@crizz13 that is definitely reassuring to hear! I don't know anyone who has experienced it so I am glad to hear of someone else who had a happy and healthy little one despite cord issues.

@lurvleybunchococonuts my OB said I should be fine to deliver vaginally as long as it doesn't change to a velamentous cord insertion and no further problems arise. So hoping that is the case! Of course, either way I just want a healthy baby but surgery scares me, lol. I was so glad MH was with me when they found the cord insertion because he was able to hear it all straight from the doctor too and I felt better just having him there for support!

Also, I laugh at the 36+ advanced maternal age too, 36 is so young! My mom actually had my youngest sister when she was 42 and my sister was a happy, healthy, full term baby. My mom did say the pregnancy was a little harder on her body then with me (she was 25) and my middle sister (she was 31), but other than that everything was great!

lurvleybunchococonuts

@bserena Oh good! I'm glad that vaginal deliver *should* hopefully still be an option.  But I agree, it goes without saying that healthy baby is key   I don't know if you're on FB or part of any other "mom" groups, but I'm part of a few twin/MoM (mom of multiples) groups and was able to post there and there were significantly more people having gone through what we are with Dottie than I expected.  It was super reassuring and I wonder if you could find something similar  

bserena

@lurvleybunchococonuts My FB is deactivated, although I get on there from time to time. That is a good idea though, I may look into it! Plus, when the group moves to FB I definitely want to stay involved so I am sure I will end up reactivating anyways lol.

lurvleybunchococonuts

@bserena I don't really love FB either, but I keep mine activated for the specific/dedicated mom groups (and I have an rather embarrassing number of them: cloth diaper groups, baby wearing groups, my 2 N'18 groups, gossip groups, BFing and EPing support groups, twin/MoM groups, buy/sell/trade groups, etc).  *hiding* Please don't judge me   I very rarely scroll my timeline and will just go directly to my groups lol. Otherwise, if you have instagram maybe there's similar people you could follow?  Or the ever popular reddit subgroups (I actually know very little about reddit, but I do know there are subgroups for just about everything and some people are super into them) *shrug*  

wychets

Thank you!! It amazes me that, that little pill is making such a difference!

ecolton01

@lurvleybunchococonuts what kind of twins are you having again? Di/Di? 

My twin pregnancy sucked and I was seen by the MFM the entire time . 

My cervix started to dilate at 24 weeks (I was 3 cm ) and it was shortened basically non existent. I was too late for a cerclage so I was out in strict bed rest with a cervical pessary. Their goal was to get me to 26 weeks but I made it to 32 before twin A’s water broke . 

I just figured it was a twin pregnancy after I gave birth 9 months ago that caused the complicated but at my last appointment the midwife kind of freaked out and set me up for another ultra sound ASAP to measure my cervix so now I’m freaked out . It’s tomorrow at 12:30 . I CANNOT go on bedrest this time around with 2 2 years olds and a 4 year old it just couldn’t happen .. ugh darn pregnancy !  

jaclyn0405

@ecolton01 oh no! I hope things go well tomorrow!!

@wychefs the power of a tiny pill, so awesome!  

lurvleybunchococonuts

@ecolton01 yes, my girls are di/di! That's scary about your cervix! But good job keeping your twina in until 32 weeks! I hope things go well this time around ❤ hoping your US goes well tomorrow!

mia80

Well, I think I might be the oldest lady on the boards here... so because of my geriatric status and MC history I'm high risk (I'm 39 now and will be 40 next month), although I've never been this far along before so now maybe I'm just high risk from AMA?  Anyhow, at our AS the doctor was concerned I had placenta previa, but we had a follow up today to confirm and the tech said it looks good... so just waiting from confirmation from my OB.  Otherwise everything looked good... except baby was being shy and wouldn't let us have a good look at his heart!  I'm not too concerned... but waiting to hear if I need to go back for another US or if the pictures were okay.

For everyone who's posted here, fx that everything goes well the rest of your pregnancies. I'm a FTM so I don't know anything about 2 vessel cords or marginal cord insertion or even what's a good blood pressure!  But I'm hoping everything works out for you all. 

Edit: Just heard that baby's heart is okay and no previa... so it looks like everything is normal! 

vetgirl2011

Hi all! I am seeing a MFM specialist for monthly ultrasounds. I am AMA (I’m 40, so you aren’t the oldest @mia80), have gestational diabetes, and went through IVF. So far, I love my MFM specialist. He is so great about making sure to answer all of my questions and the ultrasound tech explains everything as she goes. It has made me feel so much better and less worried. 

I look forward to seeing all of your updates FX that everything goes well for all of you! ❤️

mia80

@vetgirl2011 Does IVF automatically make you high risk? We did IVF as well, and my OB said I was high risk because of my age and history... which I took to mean MC... but maybe it was IVF as well? Also I suppose my eggs are only 38... so not quite as old as the incubator!

I haven't been referred to an MFM, but I love my OB. I've been having issues with anxiety and she is amazing with the mental health side of everything. 

vetgirl2011

@mia80 From what I understand, IVF by itself doesn’t make you high risk, but can increase the chance for 1st trimester bleeding and may make you more likely to have a shortened cervix. I originally was sent to the MFM for a fetal echocardiogram due to early gestational diabetes. He recommended monthly ultrasounds because of my age, GD, and IVF pregnancy all together. 

I still see my regular OB for everything else. I also have anxiety problems that my regular OB helps me manage (along with antidepressant/anxiety medication). 

lurvleybunchococonuts

@mia80 so glad baby's heart is good ❤ 

@vetgirl2011 that's so great that your MFM & the techs are great 😍 bedside manner is sooooo important. I have a friend whose MFM had TERRIBLE bedside manner but was the best in her area (not that she had many to chose from I believe there were only 2 or 3 and still was over an hour drive for her) 😔

mia80

@vetgirl2011. That all makes sense. I didn't think IVF was a factor... But just realized I had never asked! I don't know your history, but I personally think it's hard to go through IF without developing anxiety, depression or some sort of other concern.... And so many doctors overlook the mental side of it. Glad to hear your OB is helping manage that side of things. 

mama-buckets

I kinda love that this thread exists. I felt weird posting my crazy in the other thread...like it didn’t ‘fit’. Thank you @lurvleybunchococonuts for starting it up! A snippet of what I posted in the Great Questions thread is in the spoiler for those who want to read. I just wanted to check in here and let all of you know, no matter what our different scenarios might be, I hope we each find comfort knowing we have some genuine support here. I’m looking forward to following y’all’s journeys, lifting you when you lifting, and celebrating you when it’s time to celebrate! 

We had the anatomy scan on Monday (7/6). We had to go to a radiology center for it (not exactly sure why). I thought little miss was looking absolutely perfect! Moving well, all parts where they should be, etc. I got a call from my regular doctor early early the next morning. She mentioned she was concerned with her growth, specifically her head measurements. She’s measuring in the 6th and 11th percentile for BPD and head circumference measurements. I have a follow up scheduled with a high risk specialist to take some additional measurements on 7/24. I’m hoping she just took a break growing her noggin to spend time perfecting something else, but I can’t help but wonder and worry. I haven’t been the greatest at getting protein in my daily diet, so of course I start to think it’s my fault...but I don’t really know if there is anything that I can do. 

ecolton01

Everything checked out good on Saturday!! 

If any of you ladies need to vent I’m here I know how much high risk pregnancies suck and all the extra appointments/ stress is hard, but so worth it!

jaclyn0405

Quick update (was included in my Week 1 post but more detail here): yesterday we were able to successfully close out the A/S and Fetal Echo! WOOHOOO! I am literally so relieved.  I didn't realize how much of a toll it was taking on me until it was over and the doctor and tech both said that everything looked perfect with her heart. 

Back story TW: I was born with a hole in my heart that closed on its own at 6 months, however my half brother (mom's son) was born with congenital heart disease and transposition of all of his organs and he passed away suddenly after a successful surgery at 6.5 years old. 

Which leads me into the 2nd issue that I didn't put much weight against, but obviously held in the back of my mind.  When the tech couldn't get the measurements at the 6/29 echo, before speaking to the doctor, she nonchalantly asked me if I had completed the MaterniT21 testing for defects, which I had and everything was fine.  I think I held on to that comment for the last (2) weeks fearing that something was wrong.  And then when I was bleeding on 7/1 and ended up in L&D I was like OMG.  I try to put on the brave face for everyone though and don't like to share things that are scaring me, so I didn't say anything to anyone about her comment.  Obviously just glad that it was a useless comment anyway.

All this to say I am literally beyond relieved and feel like all the diagnostic testing is behind me and now we can focus on getting this little one to grow.  She was estimated at 1lb8oz yesterday and I have a fetal growth scan scheduled on 8/10 to check her progress again.  

lurvleybunchococonuts

@mama-buckets please don't ever think you're "crazy" for being worried about LO. Being a mom is so stressful even without there being a possible problem ❤

@ecolton01 glad everything checked out good!

@jaclyn0405 oh my that is so much to be worried about. I'm so sorry about your brother but soooo glad LO looks good! What a relief! I'm so glad it ended up being a useless comment but I'm sorry it added unnecessary worry. 

crizz13

@jaclyn0405 and @ecolton01 I'm SO SO SO glad to see your updates.

vetgirl2011

@ecolton01 so happy everything looks good!

@jaclyn0405 What a relief! I’m so happy for you!

magdaaaa

@lurvleybunchococonuts  how did your appt go with the MFM today?? 

p.s. I'm here lurking as a 3TM with 2 complicated pregnancies, and im sure this one will be no different - gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, giant babies, yadda yadda... waiting a few more week to confirm the shitshow, but here to support regardless!

lurvleybunchococonuts

@magdaaaa thanks for asking ❤ it was... A LOT.

Eta: posted too soon.

Okay... so good and potentially concerning. Georgie looks great! Dottie DOES have a 2 vessel cord and is measuring right on the border of concerning small size, also she has enlarged ventricles in her brain. So she could potentially have an abnormality or infection OR it could be due to the umbilical cord. So it's gonna be lots of appts and monitoring, we have to discuss options on further testing. I'll post pics a bit later. Both were VERY active! 

We're kinda leaning towards least invasive testing because amnio scares me and all it will do is simply provide the knowledge of if there's an abnormality ahead of time so it isn't worth the MC risk IMO. I'm stressed and worried. But praying it's related to the SUA, not an additional problem and that she continues growing!

lurvleybunchococonuts

Just doing a 2nd post cause editing is too much work on mobile lol. Sounds like I'll be back to see MFM at 24weeks (so in about 2 wks) and then weekly following that. I am really scared Dottie will fall further behind in growth and we'll face the decision whether to induce both early or not. 

Thankfully the dr and his nurse were amazing. The US tech was great and so was the genetic counselor.

I'm trying really hard to put my faith in God that all will be okay.

Thankfully the hospital MFM is at is a level 3 NICU and there's a level 4 like within a mile that they work closely with. It's not the hospital associated with my OB or closest to me, but it isn't too far away (about 40 mins).

magdaaaa

@lurvleybunchococonuts - I saw their US pics - sweet babies!!! prayers for peace for you and DH, and that dottie keeps on trucking and getting bigger and stronger every day. keep us updated all the time - thinking of you!

mama-buckets

@lurvleybunchococonuts keep the Faith mama. You and your babies sound like you’re in great hands and you seem to have a level head on your shoulders through what I can only imagine is a scary time. I saw your US pics this morning too and both littles look beautiful! I’ll be putting the best vibes out there for you and your growing family that Dottie continues to be the fighter she’s meant to be! 🥰🥰 sending a little extra lovin your way today. 

vetgirl2011

@lurvleybunchococonuts I’m so sorry that your appointment was stressful, but glad that you have a good MFM team. Your babies ultrasound pics are both super cute! Keep us updated. We are here for you!

mia80

@lurvleybunchococonuts Beautiful pictures of your babies. Can't imagine how stressful this is for you, but glad to hear you have a good team taking care of all three of you  xx

lurvleybunchococonuts

Thanks ladies I appreciate all the good thoughts and prayers! I AM very grateful that the MFM team is good. I got my entire list of appts scheduled, thankfully they did it all for me! Now I just need to figure out what exactly a "non-stress test", a "biophysical profile", and "dopplers" is lol.  I'm trying to keep away from the Google-izer.  Plus side they have me scheduled out through November 17th so they can't be expecting all gloom and doom... right? (I imagine it's their standard protocol and *obviously* things could change pretty quickly, but I'll take it as a good sign even if it's in my head  

mama-buckets

I have a little update! 

I had my regular check up with my OB this morning. Everything went very well (my BP looked okay, and her heart is right in the range of what they’re looking for (140s-150s) and strong — Dr. didn’t even have to push or search around for it). He explained to me a bit about the report. As a Dr. he said he doesn’t feel too concerned about her measurements because the important things are on track (kidneys, liver, amniotic fluid, etc) based on his assessment of the report and images from the AS. He said “so she might be small, so what?!”. Basically confirmed that they are sending me over to the specialist because that’s what they do all day so they can really tell if there’s something to be concerned about. We talked corona and Zika and all the other nonsense. But overall he helped put me at ease for Friday. 🙌🏼 Keeping confident and positive for my MFM appointment and looking forward to seeing my little wiggly worm again!