New to the board...intro

CTbride79

My name is Carrie and I was an April momma (EDD April 3rd), who suddenly became a February momma last week.  Apparently my LO wanted to join the February bday club in our family...both DH and I were born in February, as was my mom and sister. 

My son Gavin was born on February 7th at 32 weeks...he was 2 lbs., 9 oz., 14.5" long.  I was diagnosed with IUGR as well as an umbilical cord with absent and reverse flow at 31 weeks...went to the hospital for a 24 hour observation and released, and told to follow up with bi-weekly NSTs and a follow-up growth u/s at 33 weeks.  At my first NST/doppler appt. last Monday, my doc felt I needed to go back to the hospital because she was concerned about LO and my condition...they determined it would be in DS's best interest to deliver him that night via c-section, since my placenta was no longer functioning properly and on top of that I had pre-eclampsia.  I was given steroid shots the week before for his lungs, and he was born screaming his head off (thankfully!) and has not needed any assistance breathing. 

He is just a little teeny peanut, but is doing well and has started digesting his food (I'm pumping), so we hope to see him put on lots of weight really soon. 

I look forward to getting to know everyone, as well as getting and giving support to other moms with little peanuts like mine. 

katie4253

My story is almost identical (minus the pre-e).  Gabe is doing great now!  Welcome to the board.  The NICU is hard, but you have a great support on this board. 

ijustcantthinkrightnow

Congrats on your LO it sounds like he is doing fabulous.

Welcome to the board, while it's a place none of us wants to be, we are all glad to have each other.

Feel free to check out the board's Preemie Resource Blog (link below as well as at the top of the board near the info section.) You'll find a lot of helpful information there.

Good luck with your LO, may he have an uneventful and short NICU stay...

https://preemiemomblog.blogspot.com/

HJOHNSTON411

Hi, Welcome & Congrats! My story is almost the same as yours . . . .

Discovered that LO was measuring more than 2 weeks behind at 28 weeks and had very low fluid.  I was sent to hospital immediately, spent a week there, and then did weekly NSTs and BPPs until 34 weeks when they sent me back to the hospital.

My IUGR peanut was born at exactly 35 weeks weighing 3 lbs 12 ozs.  The ultimately took him because my very low fluid dropped to almost non-existent overnight.  Plus, my 24 hour urine showed elevated protein, so I was diagnosed officially with Pre-E.  

The way the Doctors explained it to me is that, in most cases, if they catch IUGR and/or fluid problems, the Mom almost always develops pre-e.  Often in the severe IUGR or cord issue cases, the baby is born before the Mom presents classic pre-e symptoms.  But my MFM said the issues are almost invariably linked since pre-e is caused by placental failure or rejection.  

Anyway, I just thought I'd mention that.  I was monitored for those 7 weeks, and basically they were just waiting for me to present pre-e symptoms . . .  and I did at 34 wks 4 days.  

So glad your little guy is here safely!  In these situations, I know it's a relief to have him hear kicking and screaming!  Sounds like your LO will be a feeder/grower like mine (and many IUGR) babies.  It took mine some time to master all of his bottles, but once he did, he got home fast!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask and congrats again!!!!!! 

katie4253

HJOHNSTON411:

The way the Doctors explained it to me is that, in most cases, if they catch IUGR and/or fluid problems, the Mom almost always develops pre-e.  Often in the severe IUGR or cord issue cases, the baby is born before the Mom presents classic pre-e symptoms.  But my MFM said the issues are almost invariably linked since pre-e is caused by placental failure or rejection.  

This is interesting.  I didn't know this.  I had no signs of pre-e, but wonder if I would have if I went any longer.

Mrs. Alice

Welcome and congrats on your little man!  One of my twins also had IUGR and absent and reverse flow starting at 24 weeks which landed me in the hospital for a month before they arrived at 28 weeks.  We had a rough start but they are very healthy happy boys now.  I hope little Gavin continues to grow and do well so he can come home soon!  Keep us updated!

jcsntms06

Waving hi from another April Momma! Congratulations on the birth of your son Gavin. The group of ladies over here are wonderful and full of lots of information. Praying that your LO has an uneventful NICU stay. Definitely keep us posted.

spain116

Welcome and congrats.  My little peanut (we called her the same thing) was born at 2lb, 10oz and 14.5 inches.  Yesterday, she weighed in at 5lb, 13oz and celebrated an 8 week birthday. 

I hope that you have a short and uneventful stay in the NICU.  Keep up the pumping.  It's tough, but worth it in my opinion.  Best wishes!

kelkel09

Welcome and Congrats!!! Love the name Gavin

CTbride79

Thank you everyone!  I am glad to hear from others with similar stories whose LOs are doing well now :-)  We are crossing our fingers to have Gavin home by mid-March, but I know it may be a little longer. 

That is really interesting to hear that pre-e can be caused by placental insufficiency...I had no previous problems with my blood pressure or anything that would really tip my doctors off about having pre-e, it was like it came on all of a sudden between 31 and 32 weeks.  My blood pressure is normally really good and low.  My mom actually had IUGR with my older sister, she however was able to make it to 37 weeks and my sister was 3 lbs. 14 oz. 

adrielegorburu

congratulations on your 'peanut'! mine was born 22w 5 d at 1lb 4 oz and is now almost one year old (Gawwhhhh) and weighs in at a heafty 19 pounds!!!!! the NICU is not an easy place - my best advice is be as present as possible, keep a journal, give yourself a break and use the support you will find on this board - its been a constant in my experience and has helped me more than the ladies on here even know!  Keep us updated on his progress!!!