Appt. Results
After a long three hours at the doctors, this is what we know:
They started with a transvaginal ultrasound to check my cervix. They were looking to make sure that it wasn't shortening or opening. Surprisingly, it was up from 3.1 at my 19 week scan to 4.5. This was definitely a relief and everyone was happy. The cervix was also closed, although it isn't positioned up as it should be and is instead more flat or horizontal looking. They said this is most likely a result from the contractions I experienced last week.
We then did a normal sonogram and went through the entire scan of all body parts (28!) again. She is doing great and growth wise, is right on target. She certainly wasn't cooperative today like she was last time though. She moved a lot, but only to stay away from the sonogram wand, or the rest of the time was curled up in a tight little ball with her elbows to her knees. No wonder it feels like she is doing somersaults in there with all the pokes I'm feeling! Surprisingly, we then got to do some 3D/4D scans and got to bring some pictures home. It is amazing how that little face can make you fall in love already. Right now she weighs 1 lb 5 oz.
They did find a placental bleed--which they thought would be causing bleeding (haven't had any) and not so much the cramping and contractions. This pocket of blood is resting right above my cervix and to the side of the placenta--which isn't low-lying, another concern we had. It isn't clear what has caused the placental bleed, if it will absorb on its own, worsen etc. So no activity or lifting.
In the meantime, she thinks I have IBS. And this can then cause an irritable uterus. I had diarrhea through most of the 1st tri, which my OB had contributed to the few women who experience the oppostite of constipation. She thinks that while the baby is getting enough nutrients, my own body isn't absorbing enough. I have to go see a GI specialist, get a colonoscopy (although she thinks they'll wait until after the pregnancy) and change my diet since she thinks I'm not digesting the nutrients I need. The one plus if this is half the problem is that IBS patients don't normally go into pre-term labor from the contractions that can occur from the irritable uterus. They are mostly concerned about going into preterm labor.
In the meantime, she wasn't happy about me going back to work. While I had mentally prepped myself for the need to go on bedrest, I didn't take it well. I think she would have absolutely said no if I couldn't go back. So she is willing to let me try it next week (just staff development/prep for kids), but said that as soon as any contractions start that she won't hesitate to put me on full bedrest. I know I'll do whatever is best for our baby, but the thought of being on bedrest until December is hard, and not being able to teach until March....although it is better than the alternative of pre-term labor of course. Yes, there are times that I complain about my job, but I worry about starting the year with my kids only to leave and leave them with someone else for the majority of the school year.
All in all, it was a lot to process and left me drained. We're definitely relieved that all is well with my cervix and most importantly our little girl, but don't quite understand what to expect with this pocket of blood and if I have IBS and what kind of role that can play with an "irritable uterus." Now I need to rethink taking a grad class this fall and just focus on doing as little as possible so that hopefully I can continue to work and keep this baby where she belongs as long as we can.
Continued prayers and good thoughts would be great. I'm just going to take it day by day. Each day without contractions is a step in the right direction and another day that I can go to school. If you made it, thanks for reading and sorry for the novel!
Re: Appt. Results
Uggh. While it must be a relief to have some answers, I'm sure they're not all the answers you were hoping for.
Kudos to you for your understanding and cooperation in doing what's best for your little girl!! Wishing you strength and patience in the coming days and weeks, as everything works itself out and you learn more.
TTC since Jan 07. Dx with PCOS Jan 08
Thanks ladies. I really appreciate your support. It has been a roller coaster ride. I'm just emotional and more than I thought I would be. I called my school today so they have a general idea of what is going on, and of course are only supportive of me doing what is best for me and baby. Friday a friend is going in with me, and she'll move all of the furniture and set things up how I need it. I'm planning on talking to the principal and getting a plan together of how I can limit my workload and start preparing in case it does come down to bedrest.
I was able to schedule the GI appt for next Tuesday. Nothing like 4 doctor appointments in the next week and a half between this, and seeing my regular OB plus going back to see the perinatologist.
I need something to keep me busy since my usual activities are probably off limits.
So you have the dynamic cervix as well??? Not sure if you remember all my drama when I was 24 weeks and my cervix was shortening. But at one point mine was down to 1.8 hence, the 10 weeks of bedrest.
I also have IBS which did cause uterine irritation and some of my contractions.
I'm unfortunately very knowledgeable about shortened cervix, pre-term labor, GD, bedrest and IBS if you need someone to talk to! On the positive side, Olivia is proof that it is all worth it in the end!!! And I'm glad you got mostly positive news!