June 2017 Moms

High-risk February Check-in

c1tym0m22c1tym0m22 member
edited February 2017 in June 2017 Moms
I know there are a number of ladies who have received some type of diagnosis that makes us "high risk" or will lead to extra monitoring (e.g., growth scans) for the rest of our pregnancies. I thought this would be a good place to give / get advice (so all former high-risk moms, please come on in!), especially as we start getting closer to 3rd trimester.

How far along are you?

Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?


What's the potential impact on you / baby?

What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?

Any issues in previous pregnancies?

GTKY: Favorite holiday?

Edited to add another question
Me 37, DH 40
BFP #1 6/13 DD 3/14
Mirena 10/14-5/16
BFP #2 9/2/16, CP confirmed 9/8/16
BFP #3 10/10/16 EDD 6/22/17
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Re: High-risk February Check-in

  • How far along are you? 20+5

    Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring? 
    AMA, low PAPP-A levels

    What's the potential impact on you / baby? Low PAPP-A is correlated with IUGR, pre-eclampsia, pre-term labor, and a few other not-so-awesome things, thought to be due to issues with the placenta. (It is also low in situations where the baby has genetic issues, but we've ruled those out the best we can with MaterniT21)

    What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting? I found out yesterday that I'll start getting growth scans every ~4 weeks to make sure that the baby's growth stays on track. He did drop from the 70th to 50th percentile from 16 weeks to 20 weeks, but the ob reviewing my anatomy scan said it's still well within normal variation. I imagine I'll also get more monitoring for pre-eclampsia later on - and who knows what else. I'm trying to go with the "it's nice to see him more frequently" mentality, but also nervous.

    Any issues in previous pregnancies? None - DD was a few days early and over 8 lbs.

    GTKY: Favorite holiday? 
    Thanksgiving - it was sad to not feel great for it this past year!
    Me 37, DH 40
    BFP #1 6/13 DD 3/14
    Mirena 10/14-5/16
    BFP #2 9/2/16, CP confirmed 9/8/16
    BFP #3 10/10/16 EDD 6/22/17
  • How far along are you? - Expecting mom is 22 weeks today!

    Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring? - Placenta previa...I'm not sure if it's partial or complete, but she's on restricted rest (no strenuous activity and no sex).

    What's the potential impact on you / baby? - More impact to expecting mother than baby...risk of placenta rupture and hemorrhaging.

    What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting? - More ultrasounds, and probably more appointments if the placenta doesn't start to move.

    Any issues in previous pregnancies? - Her second delivery, her son's shoulder got stuck in the birth canal, but I don't think there were any lasting issues from that.

    GTKY: Favorite holiday? -
    I'm not sure on EM, but my favorite holiday is Christmas!  I love all our traditions!

    BabyFruit Ticker

    Lilypie Waiting to Adopt tickers

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  • How far along are you? 22 weeks 

    Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring? Marginal previa placenta which is anterior over previous c section scar. If the placenta was to attach and grow through my uterus it is called (placenta accreta) 


    What's the potential impact on you / baby? If i was to develop the accreta I would likely have to deliver early (issues for baby) and possible to hemorrhage and need a hysterectomy at birth.

    What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting? Another u/s at 25 weeks. Not sure yet after that. 

    Any issues in previous pregnancies? Had a low placenta with first pregnancy but it moved up. Still ended up with er c/s due to not dilating and baby hr went down.

    GTKY: Favorite holiday?  All, best times of the year. Looking forward to Easter because I cant wait for Spring!

  • How far along are you? 
    23 weeks 1 day

    Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?
    pulmonay insufficiency related to heart defects I was born with.

    What's the potential impact on you / baby?

    Preterm birth, baby not growing properly, complications with my heart, and an increase risk of baby having the same defects.
     

    What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
    Had a fetal echo 2 weeks ago, her heart was perfectly normal. Such a relief to know she is out of the woods. I also have to have ultrasounds every 4 weeks to monitor her growth.
    Any issues in previous pregnancies?
    FTM here!

    GTKY: Favorite holiday?

    Thanksgiving, because I love food! Haha. 
  • @TGmomtobe90 Great news on her heart, and hope things stay good for you too. When is your next (or first) growth scan?

    @krex and @Mport90 Fingers crossed that placentas decide to move in positive directions (or just stay where they are!)
    Me 37, DH 40
    BFP #1 6/13 DD 3/14
    Mirena 10/14-5/16
    BFP #2 9/2/16, CP confirmed 9/8/16
    BFP #3 10/10/16 EDD 6/22/17
  • How far along are you? Somewhere between 20 weeks and 21 weeks and 3 days. They never did a dating ultrasound and DD's due date was moved up 11 days due to my short cycles so they are just giving me a rough estimate LOL

    Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?
    AMA, blood disorder (thalassemia minor) that causes me to be severely anemic, a genetic disorder they found called microduplication, higher than average nuchal fold, and disaster delivery during first pregnancy due to knotted cord

    What's the potential impact on you / baby?
    They watch my bleeding closely during delivery due to the anemia. I needed two bags of blood after DD. The microduplication that I have could cause a cleft palate or minor heart issues if DS has it too. Nuchal fold is one soft indicator of downs, but cleared 99% after blood test. They are also watching DS cords for signs of knots.

    What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
    So far, a 2 hour anatomy scan to look more closely at the things above this Thursday and an extra ultrasound next month to double check. They will decide after my anatomy scan and the March appointment if I need more. 

    Any issues in previous pregnancies?
    DD was not a live birth due to her knotted cord that ended up like a noose and "hung" her on delivery so she spent a week in the NICU.

    GTKY: Favorite holiday?
    Like the less heavy question because I feel like a Debbie downer after typing above. It seems like a lot, but it isn't that dangerous. Favorite holiday: Christmas :smile:

  • How far along are you? 23+5 weeks. Baby boy #2

    Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring? 
    Preterm labor and severe placental abruption with DS at 27 weeks. 

    What's the potential impact on you / baby? I had a SCH with this pregnancy, though that has resolved! I have a "higher" chance of having another abruption (10%) and I have potential risk for preterm labor, though my OB and perinatologist can't say for certain which came first last time (preterm labor or abruption). 

    What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting? I've had 2 extra ultrasounds to check SCH and placenta and will increase my visits and monitoring with my perinatoglist once I hit the third trimester. 

    Any issues in previous pregnancies? See above. Abruption and preterm labor was at 27 weeks. Way back when June first opened I shared my story...I don't remember what thread though. Hospital bed rest for 10 weeks with various bleeds and stopping of labor in between 27-37 weeks. 

    GTKY: Favorite holiday? 
    Christmas and Forth of July! 
    Me: 29
    DH: 29
    DS: 18 months 4/2/2015
    Baby #2 EDD: 6/1/2017 
    <a href="http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=HTML&utm_campaign=tickers" title="Baby Names"><img src="http://global.thebump.com/tickers/tt1d450a" alt=" BabyFruit Ticker" border="0"  /></a>
  • Paging @neludelu - we're here!

    @devow27 I remember reading your amazing story - such a champ for keeping DS cooking for SO long!

    Teacher Mom Good luck with your scan tomorrow!
    Me 37, DH 40
    BFP #1 6/13 DD 3/14
    Mirena 10/14-5/16
    BFP #2 9/2/16, CP confirmed 9/8/16
    BFP #3 10/10/16 EDD 6/22/17
  • How far along are you?

    Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring? 

    I don't have a large intestine (previous surgery to remove it. I also have cervical incompetence (which I don't think is fair to my poor cervix). I also have hyperthyroidism but I've had it most of my life so it's no big deal. 

    What's the potential impact on you / baby?

    Preterm labour, I'm on bedrest right now. Risk of blocking/ rupturing my intestine. Will need to have a C section no matter what. 



    What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?

    Weekly ultrasounds, weekly OB appointments 

    Any issues in previous pregnancies?

    This is my first pregnancy that has gone this far 

    My favourite holiday is Christmas with Halloween being a close second 
  • How far along are you? 21 + 3

    Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?
    Previous pprom, preterm labor, son born at 33 weeks. Unknown cause.

    What's the potential impact on you / baby?
    Increased risk for preterm labor

    What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
    Weekly p17 injections. Ob appts every other week currently. Currently extra ultrasounds to check cervical length.

    Any issues in previous pregnancies?
    Son born 33 weeks, spent time in NICU. Otherwise pregnancy was normal up to that point

    GTKY: Favorite holiday?
    Christmas!!!! Close second is st Patrick's day at its my son's birthday! We celebrate with green birthday pancakes!
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • How far along are you?
    21 weeks tomorrow

    Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?

    my age (44), my weight, and diagnosed with oligohydramnosis (low amnio fluid) during week 19. 

    What's the potential impact on you / baby?
    wide range of potential impact on baby - restricted lung and limb development, potential birth defects related to kidneys/urinary track, pre-term birth, still birth; could be placenta problem or birth defect within the baby causing it; they can't find a problem with my placenta and can't see anything within baby that would be causing it

    What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?

    scans every two weeks for now, drinking loads of fluids, and praying a lot! she is on target for growth and all her organs are there. there was a slight improvement in visibility at my scan on Monday which is a sign of more fluid. 

    Any issues in previous pregnancies?
    first pregnancy

    GTKY: Favorite holiday?
    Thanksgiving 
  • How far along are you?
    18 weeks, 4 days
    Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?
    Gestational Diabetes, Hypertension, and Pre-Eclamisa with my last pregnancy
    What's the potential impact on you / baby?
    Too many to name
    What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
    I already go to the Endocrinologist weekly, after week 26, I think they said? I will start having non-stress tests and ultrasounds weekly as well.  I am sure I will have to do a few more 24 hour urines.  I have only had to do 1 so far.
    Any issues in previous pregnancies?
    Same as all of the above... GD, Hypertension and Pre-eclamsia (was induced at 37 weeks)
    GTKY: Favorite holiday?
    Christmas for sure!!!!
    BabyFruit Ticker
  • .How far along are you?
    21 weeks

    Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?
    PROM and DS born at 34 weeks, plus SCH this pregnancy (resolved at 12 weeks)

    What's the potential impact on you / baby?
    preterm labor and increased risk of placental abruption (SCH)

    What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
    17hp shots weekly, that's it as MFM doc said he didn't need to continue seeing me for ultrasounds unless midwife feels there's a need

    Any issues in previous pregnancies?
    preterm labor, DS spent 2 weeks in NICU

    GTKY: Favorite holiday?
    Christmas



  • How far along are you?
    22+1

    Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?

    Cholestasis

    What's the potential impact on you / baby?
    Still birth if untreated, preterm labor

    What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
    Starting at 24 weeks I will have a weekly bpp and biweekly bloodwork. At 28 weeks I will have 2x a week nst and see the mfm weekly.

    Any issues in previous pregnancies?
    Hellp syndrome and 3x preterm labor. 

    GTKY: Favorite holiday?
    Christmas!
  • @lifeislove87 "Cervical incompetence" reminds me of "Irritable uterus", nevermind my "elderly" status! How's bedrest treating you? Are you at least at home?

    @ama7165 @harpyogi How are the p17 injections treating you ladies?

    @vania526 Hooray for more fluid! 

    @EmeraldNC Do you think you'll have an early induction regardless of if you develop GD/pre-e?

    @maybaby23 How are you feeling? I've read that cholestasis can be uncomfortable for mom if itching is one of the symptoms.

    Hope everyone has a good week!
    Me 37, DH 40
    BFP #1 6/13 DD 3/14
    Mirena 10/14-5/16
    BFP #2 9/2/16, CP confirmed 9/8/16
    BFP #3 10/10/16 EDD 6/22/17
  • @c1tym0m22 I think I will likely be induced early.  My body doesn't seem to handle pregnancy until 39-40 weeks...
    BabyFruit Ticker
  • Question for you ladies that have BTDT...is there a point in time where the placenta stops moving?  Could our expecting mom have a complete placenta previa at week 36 (for instance) and it completely move by week 37?  Any ideas? 

    BabyFruit Ticker

    Lilypie Waiting to Adopt tickers

  • @c1tym0m22 bed rest is going well, I've been upping my hydration and since doing that have felt a lot less crampy. I am at home and really lucky to have DH taking care of me (he jokes that I'm his second full time job). Cervical incompetence makes me laugh as well, who comes up with these names 
  • @EmeraldNC Totally understand. With the variety of concerns around what could "go wrong" with my pregnancy combined with being 5 days early with my first (where the ob had said "oh, this isn't happening anytime soon" - and then I had my water break in epic fashion that night), I also doubt I'll make it to anywhere near 40 weeks either which has led to my claiming "mid-June" as my due date instead a more precise answer. 
    Me 37, DH 40
    BFP #1 6/13 DD 3/14
    Mirena 10/14-5/16
    BFP #2 9/2/16, CP confirmed 9/8/16
    BFP #3 10/10/16 EDD 6/22/17
  • @c1tym0m22. The p17 injections are going ok. I started developing a little of an allergic reaction so I itch all over!!!!
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • @c1tym0m22 the 17HP shots are going well. Varies week to week what fun side effects I have (nausea, itchiness, soreness, headache). But they seem to be helping as I tend to start getting BH contractions randomly starting Sunday which stop after I get my shot on Thursdays. Feel like I'm holding my breath until I get past 34 weeks when I had DS. When people ask me my due date I also keep it vague saying late May/early June as I really doubt I'll get to mid June. Just hoping to get to 37 weeks!
  • @c1tym0m22 I'm itchy all over and it's driving me nuts. Medicine seems to be keeping my bile acid levels low to moderate but my lfts are staring to increase :( I go back to the ob March 2 and see the mfm shortly after that. The doctors already decided I will be induced/rcs on may 25th(37 weeks exactly) at the latest.
  • Fingers crossed for 37 weeks (or later, ideally!) for all of us!
    Me 37, DH 40
    BFP #1 6/13 DD 3/14
    Mirena 10/14-5/16
    BFP #2 9/2/16, CP confirmed 9/8/16
    BFP #3 10/10/16 EDD 6/22/17
  • @c1tym0m22!! I hope we all have 37 weekers 
  • This may turn into a slight dear diary so hang with me...

    How is everyone managing the anxiety of this pregnancy? I find myself "stuffing" the anxiety and moreso pretending like I'm managing "okay". (If I'm being totally honest). The last few days have been specifically rough. I'm analyzing every single thing, so much so that I've broken down and resorted back to Dr. Google (stupid, stupid me!) 
    I try to ground myself with mindfulness and acknowledge what is true and real in the moment of feeling anxious, but it's just not working this week.

    I'm just waiting for the ball to drop. Baby has been moving less the past 5 days, I'm itchy on my hands and feet with red bumps on arms, I googled platelet values and what they mean in pregnancy, I've googled "second pregnancy placental abruptions"....I've lost all self control! 
    I can't tell if now I'm just making it all up or I should sound alarms to my doctors for a full work up (note my annoyed-at -self sarcasm here). No appointments until March 9...I'll be 28 weeks then and probably a full blown hot mess. 

    I have no idea what I'm looking for in this rant except maybe a "I'm right there with ya". Ugh. 
    Me: 29
    DH: 29
    DS: 18 months 4/2/2015
    Baby #2 EDD: 6/1/2017 
    <a href="http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=HTML&utm_campaign=tickers" title="Baby Names"><img src="http://global.thebump.com/tickers/tt1d450a" alt=" BabyFruit Ticker" border="0"  /></a>
  • @devow27 Have you ever considered talking to someone about pregnancy ptsd? I know it might sound silly but you experienced some serious trauma your first pregnancy. That is a lot for any person to handle to be on the edge daily like that. I know your son and pregnancy ended in a miracle term birth but it was still a lot to handle. 

    I wasn't going to post in here. I'm being followed by high risk because of my history of heart defect. Next week I have a fetal echo that will now double as a growth check. At my appointment Monday my belly growth has now dropped behind by three weeks. And of course I assume all the worst. And by anxiety is through the freaking roof. 
  • @Mother0fDragons thank you. I have thought about it, and really really should just get back into it. I saw someone after DS was born for a few therapy visits, but we didn't mesh well and I just never followed up with another therapist. 
    I know my PTSD with DS pregnancy is only going to magnify as I get further along. I think I'll reach out to my Doula and see if she knows of anyone and go from there. Sometimes I just need a reminder that self care (i.e. Therapist) is the perfect place to start. Thank you! 

    Will be thinking of you and your visit. Keep us updated. I've had a few friends who have similar body types as you and their bellies always were a little behind (athletic, smaller muscular build) but babies all were super healthy and eventually (32-35 weeks) their bellies caught up. ::Hugs::
    Me: 29
    DH: 29
    DS: 18 months 4/2/2015
    Baby #2 EDD: 6/1/2017 
    <a href="http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=HTML&utm_campaign=tickers" title="Baby Names"><img src="http://global.thebump.com/tickers/tt1d450a" alt=" BabyFruit Ticker" border="0"  /></a>
  • @devow27 I was going to echo @MotherofDragons suggestion - given how things went with your first pregnancy, it would almost be surprising if you weren't anxious about this one.

    I'd also say that if you are having any slightly odd symptoms (like bumps, or continued itchiness), I'd always vote to call your doctor to see if it's something that they would worry about (and thus want to just take a look). 

    And just so you know - even for someone who didn't have any major issues with her first pregnancy, being high risk now is indeed anxiety-provoking. Whether it's feeling less movement or worrying about my lack of weight gain, it all is definitely more stressful.

    Hang in there, and PM if you want to chat more.

    @MotherofDragons - Good luck with everything you're dealing with right now - I know it's no fun to have measurements be "off" when there could be a reason for it (or just be normal variability.)
    Me 37, DH 40
    BFP #1 6/13 DD 3/14
    Mirena 10/14-5/16
    BFP #2 9/2/16, CP confirmed 9/8/16
    BFP #3 10/10/16 EDD 6/22/17
  • jc_twomamasjc_twomamas member
    edited February 2017
    Thanks @c1tym0m22. I just texted my Doula to see her thoughts on recommendations. I tend to be the type of person that will put on a good strong face but then stay up for hours at night ruminating on anxious thoughts. I have zero opposition to therapy but I tend to be the "helper" before I actually help myself. Definitely time to change that around, especially if this pregnancy does throw me any curve balls. 
    Me: 29
    DH: 29
    DS: 18 months 4/2/2015
    Baby #2 EDD: 6/1/2017 
    <a href="http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=HTML&utm_campaign=tickers" title="Baby Names"><img src="http://global.thebump.com/tickers/tt1d450a" alt=" BabyFruit Ticker" border="0"  /></a>
  • @devow27 So glad you texted your doula. It's also important to remember that helping yourself is actually helping your whole family - if you're happier, they will be too. Or at least that's what DH tells me : )
    Me 37, DH 40
    BFP #1 6/13 DD 3/14
    Mirena 10/14-5/16
    BFP #2 9/2/16, CP confirmed 9/8/16
    BFP #3 10/10/16 EDD 6/22/17
  • @devow27 that's exactly my personality so I totally understand. glad you reached out to your doula. We are also here for you! 
  • My anxiety was really acting up at the beginning of the pregnancy and has lessened a little as I have had ultrasounds and things are looking better. I am a stuffer too and just end up waking up and not sleeping. I am assuming it will get worse again once I get closer to delivery since that was the major problem of my last pregnancy. Hugs to you all who are also getting anxiety!


  • That's awesome, @devow27!!! Sounds like you're already in a happier place (and thanks for letting us know what made the difference - it's an approach which I know can help me too)
    Me 37, DH 40
    BFP #1 6/13 DD 3/14
    Mirena 10/14-5/16
    BFP #2 9/2/16, CP confirmed 9/8/16
    BFP #3 10/10/16 EDD 6/22/17
  • Sending positive vibes for all those who need it, anxiety wise. I got my car stuck in snow on the way to my ultrasound today (cue pregnancy induced meltdown) but the ultrasound was reassuring and my cervix is stable this week. 

    I have cut out google and research completely, I know it spikes my anxiety even if I'm initially reassured. I've switched to buying myself something special after every good ultrasound 
  • My anxiety has been bad the last week. I've had increased itching, Braxton Hicks, and I lost a piece of my mucus plug. Can you say meltdown much??? No dialation so far but I'm counting down the days to viability week, 8!!!!
  • @krex I was just DXd with Placenta Previa today so of course Dr Google took over when we got home.

    I was reading an NIH study about it and the findings report that when DXd in the 2nd tri, most move out of the way by 28 weeks +/-5 weeks (somewhere in the 90%+ ballpark)

    My OB says he's fairly confident that things will be fine by the next time he checks at 29 Weeks.
    He says we won't take any further steps or plans until that point.

    FX for good news on your end as well.


    To echo your previous question for our BTDT Moms: any have placenta previa that moved? When was it DXd vs discovered that it moved? When did you find out it didn't move and had to make c-section plans?





  • @devow27 thank you for sharing that helpful tool yor doula provided! I'm excited to try it out. My anxiety comes in waves, but can easily be triggered by an over active monkey mind. I cling to my daily meditation practice and after a little time off started seeing my therapist again regularly which has helped immensely. Even silly small things help like her suggestion of planning the little gathering of women we are having to celebrate this little one closer to 36/37 weeks so I don't get nervous I'll go into preterm labor right after as I did with DS following his baby shower. Or walking through the symptoms I'm overanyalizing at the moment with DH and deciding if I call the midwife or wait another day/week. I've definitely called the midwives more this pregnancy than I ever did with DS, but it's always reassuring and doesn't feed my anxiety as dr google does. Hugs to us all as we navigate the unknown. (Sorry I'm late to this post)
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