For any mamas who are deemed high-risk or are receiving additional monitoring.
How far along are you?
Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?
What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
Any questions / rants / raves?
GTKY: I'm in a food rut. What's your go-to weeknight dinner?
Me: 31 DH: 31

DS born 6/2017, became a heart angel 8/2018

CP 3/2019
Re: High Risk Check-In: May
Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring? Baby has severe IUGR and a congenital heart defect.
What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting? Oof. I'm now getting NSTs/BPPs twice a week - sh*t is getting real over here! We had a follow up fetal echocardiogram last week that gave us a new diagnosis - pulmonary atresia with a ventricular septal defect. We are switching care providers to a new hospital system that has the 2nd rated NICU in the country. Their cardiology program is not as good as the hospital we were with, but we will cross that bridge when we come to it. For right now, we are preparing for a premature delivery as best we can. The new OB told me that I will likely be admitted to the hospital for 24/7 monitoring and receive steroid and magnesium injections within 2 weeks of delivery.
Any questions / rants / raves? I'd love to learn more about c-section deliveries if anyone has any experiences they are willing to share. I will probably have a classical c-section, which is a vertical incision instead of the horizontal incision they do nowadays. This type is used because it is gentler on the baby.
GTKY: I'm in a food rut. What's your go-to weeknight dinner? I'd love to get some new recipes in the mix! We will do pad thai for a quick weeknight meal. Another go to is fried egg sandwiches.
CP 3/2019
30 + 5
Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?
Fibroid monitoring and GD
What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
Routine growth scans to monitor the size of the fibroid and location (right now it's still very close to my cervix) and has grown an additional 2cm in the past few weeks. Also, I'm testing my blood sugar 4 times a day to monitor the GD.
Any questions / rants / raves?
Unfortunately my fasting (early morning) blood sugar is still too high. The rest of my daily tests are perfect...but it's showing that the high blood sugar isn't being controlled by my diet. If I don't manage to get the fasting number low enough in the next few days they'll look into medicating me which will increase my risk level and require 2x a week fetal monitoring and an early delivery (or CS depending on what my fibroid is looking like). So far baby girl is already measuring big...but otherwise seems healthy so I'm staying positive.
GTKY: I'm in a food rut. What's your go-to weeknight dinner?
hmm...a quick meal is probably baked chicken with sautéed veggies. I don't use recipes (I'm an experimenter) so all my meals end up tasting a little different...even when I'm cooking the same thing! When I have a little more time I'll whip up some gumbo.
CP 3/2019
How far along are you?
29 weeks
Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?
TW After my early miscarriage I wasn't given a rhogam shot and was sensitized. I now have D antibodies
What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
I am currently just going for blood work every 2 weeks to check antibody levels. My levels have stayed really low and we've got our fingers crossed it stays that way. If they reach critical levels I will be doing weekly MCA doppler scans.
Any questions / rants / raves?
Rave: It's finally flip flop weather so I don't have to reach my feet anymore+
GTKY: I'm in a food rut. What's your go-to weeknight dinner?
Butter chicken is my current favorite. I buy the sauce, cook up chicken, onions, peppers and zucchini and then simmer and serve over rice.
Our Angel: EDD: 05/11/17. MC at 6 weeks
Baby #2- EDD: 07/18/17
Is there a way to get rid of the antibodies? Even after this baby is born? Can they do anything during your pregnancy to help control the levels?
If you have been sensitized there is really nothing that can be done. There is no getting rid of them. They don't affect you, (except if you need a blood transfusion at some point) but can have an affect on your next baby, but only if your next baby has a positive blood type. People with a positive blood type you carry the D antigen, which is what the D-antibody attacks. If you were to become sensitized they do blood work to check the antibody titer levels. Once they reach critical they start doing scans to check for anemia. If baby becomes anemic they can do interuterine blood transfusions (IUTs) to help baby and prevent hydrops out until it becomes safer for baby to be on the outside than the inside. Then once they are born they most often need treatment for jaundice, and sometimes need more transfusions. Of coarse the severity of the effect plays a huge impact on treatment. Some people can go through a pregnancy with no problems and some babies are already affected by 16 weeks. There's no rhyme or reason to how the levels rise and can happen at any time which is why it is so important to be monitored properly.
Having had the shot I wouldn't worry to much about it! Hopefully it's not something you never have to worry about. I hope this made sense. I was pretty overwhelmed once I started learning about it. They really don't explain much about why you receive a rhogam shot, even though it is soo important...
Our Angel: EDD: 05/11/17. MC at 6 weeks
Baby #2- EDD: 07/18/17
How far along are you? 30 weeks and 5 days
Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring? Pre-eclampsia, PIH, and abnormal bloodwork results
What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting? I am currently having doctors appointments or monitoring every other day for the duration of my pregnancy
Any questions / rants / raves? If anyone has any advice on being a mom of a preeemie let me know. I am thinking positive thoughts over here but I can't help but want to be prepared
GTKY: I'm in a food rut. What's your go-to weeknight dinner? When it's cold, slow cooker steak carnitas so we can have tacos or burritos, when it's warm grilled chicken and noodles or kabobs/pork chops and mashed potatoes. We don't get too fancy around here, DH has the palate of a young child. Rice pilaf is branching out...
I appreciate you taking the time to explain! I hope your levels continue to be low and baby is healthy and can cook as long as possible.
edited for clarity
Our Angel: EDD: 05/11/17. MC at 6 weeks
Baby #2- EDD: 07/18/17
@Dcwtada sorry that you're having to deal with those complications and all those appointments! I hope everything turns out well for you. I'm sure those appts feel like a full time job right now
How far along are you?
30+3
Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?
T1 Diabetic (since age 10, so just passed my 20 year milestone).
What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
Endocrinologist every other week with email correspondence on the off weeks, OB every other week, NSTs twice weekly, and currently MFM once monthly (will likely increase to twice monthly soon, then once weekly following that). I'll be induced as early as 36 weeks and no later than 39 weeks. I also wear an insulin pump, CGM, and test 12 ish times daily.
Any questions / rants / raves?
Nada for questions right now. Rant - these appts feel like a part time job on top of my actual full time job. Also, my back is killing me and sleep continues to elude me. Rave - despite being HR for every fetal defect, so far things are looking good! 9ish weeks feels equally waaaay too long and not at all enough time to prepare!
GTKY: I'm in a food rut. What's your go-to weeknight dinner?
Tacos or lettuce wraps in the colder months, Alfredo with chicken off the grill or steak and veggies in the warmer months.
ETA additional monitoring info
Thanks again for the info!
Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?
PIH, Kidney stones with moderate hydronephrosis which has led to preterm labor
What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
Bi-weekly OB appts w/ labwork, weekly NSTs and BPPs. Currently in L&D determining if I need a stent placed in my ureter, waiting on u/s results.
Any questions / rants / raves? Has anyone has a ureter stent or know of anyone who has? The patients I have had who have them are completely miserable and my OB said that most of his patients say the stent is just as bad as the kidney stone pain with the addition of UTI symptoms. So far, it has been up to me if I want the stent because my kidney function is still acceptable and I do not have a severe dialation of the kidney and the stones are all a passable size. I'm trying to see if anyone has had a good experience with a stent.
GTKY: I'm in a food rut. What's your go-to weeknight dinner?
Crouton Crust chicken Parmesan:
In a 13x9 pan layer:
1 Tbs minced garlic and 2Tbs olive oil spread out on the bottom.
3-4 chicken breasts
Cover chicken with crushed tomatoes (about 1/2-1cup).
Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded fresh basil
Layer shredded mozzarella cheese (8-12oz)
Layer 1 package cheese and garlic croutons.
Sprinkle shredded mozerella and shredded Parmesan cheese on top of croutons
Bake at 375 for 40-45 mins or till cheese is bubbling
How far along are you? 27+6
Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring? IUGR with baby measuring in less the 5%tile.
What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting? Right now weekly dopplers/BPPs/US, with growth scans every 2-3 weeks. Hoping for good growth and the ability to still go weekly, but I was warned after 30 weeks it may be 2x weekly. At 30 weeks we also add in NST.
Any questions / rants / raves? I joined a support group on FB which has been really good to see other people's stories/kids born so tiny and perfectly healthy now and I've seen lots of helpful tips as far as diaper/clothes sizes so I don't feel like I'm going in so blindly (rave), but whenever a pregnant lady posts her baby's weight/ measurements I can't stop comparing to where my baby is! Some of the baby's are double where mine is now! (rant)
GTKY: I'm in a food rut. What's your go-to weeknight dinner? Usually blackened fish or taco casserole!
I have an appt at the hospital for monitoring and bloodwork. FX for good results!
@Dcwtada Good luck with your appointment today! I can't imagine trying to handle your appointment schedule on top of having two little ones. You are so strong! You and little J will pull through together!
@TalesOfASocialIntrovert PREACH. I haven't been to the office in a week because I've had appointments literally every day. I hope your job understands and can give you the flexibility you need. I'm glad you and baby are looking good so far!
@acstec1 I don't have any experience with a uterer stent - that sounds just awful. Have you made a decision yet? It sounds like your doctor isn't really a big endorser of that procedure. If you don't get the stent, would the condition resolve on its own after delivery or would you need further treatments? Sorry you are going through all this!
@LuLiLaEv Sending all my strong, healthy vibes to you and your LO! What is the FB support group? That sounds like it would be a great resource. I joined a local mom's FB group and one for parents of children with heart defects. I would love to find one for preemie/micro-preemie and IUGR parents, too.
CP 3/2019
How far along are you? 31w1d
Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring? Lupus/hypothyroidism
What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting? extra growth scans earlier and next week I start weekly NST and BPP tests
Any questions / rants / raves? so far so good because he is head down (at least was last Friday) and has been on all the ultrasounds I've had since 18w so hopefully he stays that way and I can get my chance for a VBAC. Lupus wise is all quiet- it is well controlled and I have had no issues for years now and my thyroid needing some tweaking but levels are fine now although my Free T4 refuses to raise from basement levels but hopefully psoriasis pregnancy it will.
GTKY: I'm in a food rut. What's your go-to weeknight dinner?
Right now it's grilled chicken or steak over a salad with watermelon because it's warm now and I love all things grilled!
I have never had a c-section, but I am an NP at an OB office so I have seen several recoveries of vertical c-sections. It is true, that it is generally better for baby because it is easier to get baby out and the doctor will have more "room" to work, essentially. The recovery can be a little more difficult as they are cutting into different abdominal muscles so it would be ideal if you could have help after baby is born. You will literally feel like you have no core strength what so ever (so I have been told). Scheduled vertical cuts go much better than when it's an emergent event. Stay on top of pain. Don't be afraid to take the pain meds. I would take them around the clock at least the first 24-48 hours. And definitely ask for a belly binder (actually, ask for an extra!), as this will help support your abdominals. Thinking of you and your sweet baby. (I used to be nurse in a pediatric cardiac ICU and those kids are fighters! )
@LuLiLaEv Thanks! I think i found the group you are talking about and my request to join is pending. I know so little about what preemies need. Have you done or are you planning to do a hospital tour of the NICU? Let me know if you find any good books or other resources!
@acstec1 Thank you for all the helpful info! I will be thinking of you this week and hoping your kidney symptoms improve
CP 3/2019
29 weeks tomorrow
Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?
gestational diabetes, AMA (I'm 45)
What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
Most of it was at the start. Now, testing blood sugar 4x daily, start 2 visits per week at 32 weeks.
Any questions / rants / raves?
Everything is starting to swell - it's HOT here. Not fun.
GTKY: I'm in a food rut. What's your go-to weeknight dinner?
Chicken enchiladas or Shepherd's pie
How far along are you? 31w1d today
Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?
Pre-eclampsia diagnosis, gestational diabetes and previous c-sections complicating current pregnancy. (Previously I just had chronic hypertension and history of pre-term labor)
What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
I'm currently 10 days into a long term high risk maternity stay at my hospital. I will be here until my c-section on 5/25 at 34 weeks. I get lab work done 2x a week, a growth ultrasound with a BPP test every Monday and daily monitoring.
Any questions / rants / raves?
I'm getting very nervous about having a preemie. Been told lots of good things about 34 weekers, but it doesn't stop the anxiety. I have never left the hospital without a baby after delivery.
GTKY: I'm in a food rut. What's your go-to weeknight dinner?
Spaghetti and meatballs.
Me (K)-27 DH (T)-30
2 Rainbow DDs L-10/26/10 and A-03/27/14
2 Angels- 10/26/09 and 02/03/15
Surprise BFP on 10/25/16!!! Baby Firecracker is due on 07/02/17!
How far along are you?
29+5
Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?
Unicornuate uterus, 2 clotting disorders, 4 losses
What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
continue growth scans every (one on Friday yay!) then at 32 start BPP/NST
Any questions / rants / raves?HAPPY that all tests and appointments are in the same office!
GTKY: I'm in a food rut. What's your go-to weeknight dinner? My DH grills a ton on Sunday and we just warm up the chicken or steak and I add veggies, sides etc
won't let me turn off bold! So weird!
How far along are you? 31+4
Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?
IUGR and preterm labor with my first
What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting? weekly appointments from here on out and a growth scan on the 19th
Any questions / rants / raves? had my check up today and my stomach hasn't changed since I was measured 3 weeks ago. My midwife is concerned baby has either drastically slowed or quit growing. Following my growth scan on the 19th of may she will make the decision on whether to induce right away or allow me to make it to 35 weeks. Depending on size I will either deliver in the hospital with my midwife or if she is measuring super small they will have me go to a bigger city with a better nicu. The thought of having a baby in a little over 3 weeks terrifies me. DD1 was only 5 lbs so I have a little expierience with smaller babies but she's expecting this one to be much smaller. Sorry to ramble I just got a lot of information today and am still trying to process and prepare for baby to be here that soon.
GTKY: I'm in a food rut. What's your go-to weeknight dinner? stuffed bell peppers..I could really eat them three times a week if DH would let me but he compromises with at least once a week. I love them and you can use anything or any combination of meats and veggies and cheeses to stuff them with.
@LuLiLaEv That makes sense. I didn't know there were c-section classes. I'll have to check if there are any in my area.
@kghusker1003 Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear you are in the hospital. I'm sending all my positive thoughts and vibes your way! Keep us updated if you can.
@Cejiml Thanks for sharing about your c-sections! I'm glad all your appointments are in the same place. I always have to double check my calendar to make sure I'm going to the right location lol. It really is like a full time job! I hope you got good news at your scan today!
@nicole71721 Oh I'm so sorry to see you here
CP 3/2019
Sending positive thoughts and vibes for for all of us and our littles!!
Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring? Pre term labor, congenital heart defect
What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting? I see a MFM, and I just got released from the hospital on Friday after a week in the hospital. I went into pre term labor, had a positive FFN, cervix went from 3cm to 1.5 in about 2 hours, and I dilated to 1 cm. They finally got labor stopped, and I'm at home now on medication and strict bedrest. They want to see me get as far as possible, they would love to see 32 weeks, and then the next goal after that would be 34 or 35. We will see what happens.
Any questions / rants / raves? Just hating the strict bedrest and medications, they make me super tired and groggy, but it's all worth it. Just want to keep baby girl cooking!
GTKY: I'm in a food rut. What's your go-to weeknight dinner? Dominos Pizza LOL
How's everyone doing this week? Calling @lanie1000 @MrsN092714 @Dcwtada @TalesOfASocialIntrovert @acstec1 @LuLiLaEv @JAM85 @Kmomof3 @kghusker1003 @Cejiml @nicole71721
I have a BPP this afternoon and I'm excited to see this wiggly babe. Less excited for the ultrasound goo to get all over my pants, but you take the good with the bad, right? We have a big day tomorrow - a follow up fetal echo, meeting with the cardio-thoracic surgeon, tour of labor & delivery and the NICU. My parents and ILs are coming with us. It will be their first chance to see an ultrasound and meet with our doctors.
CP 3/2019
i had a mixed bag on my appointment yesterday - my labs look better, my BP is still high but not as crazy as it was so they upped my medication. The bad news is my growth ultrasound last week revealed some growth restrictions/asymmetrical growth and they are worried about my placenta being compromised from all my complications and baby J not getting the blood and oxygen he needs and it messing with his growth and development. We are still trying to get to 34 weeks but if he isn't growing they will deliver. And in my crazy head I swear I haven't felt as much movement today. Trying to keep it together.
@SpongeWorthy FX your BPP goes well and you have a great appointment with your parents and the hospital! As always you have my T&Ps!! Rooting for baby sponge
37 weeks is ultimately the end goal because my MFM still considers that full term. I'm pretty sad that I'm facing up to 5 more weeks in this hospital room. Happy baby is still growing, but this is a pretty miserable place.
Me (K)-27 DH (T)-30
2 Rainbow DDs L-10/26/10 and A-03/27/14
2 Angels- 10/26/09 and 02/03/15
Surprise BFP on 10/25/16!!! Baby Firecracker is due on 07/02/17!
Hang in there as best you can, I know you have probably asked this a million times but there is no way to do bed rest from home? I have to go in for labs and testing every other day and it's a five hour ordeal each time and a pain in the ass but I get to be home - I didn't know if that was an option for you but I am sure you have exhausted all other options.
Very glad things are looking better!
@kghusker1003 I'm sorry to hear that your still stuck in a bit of limbo and away from your kids, but glad that things are looking better for the baby.
@dcwtada what a stressful situation!! FX you make it to 34 weeks (at least).
all the high risk mamas are in my thoughts! Things are chugging along for me. I'm on medication for the GD now and baby is still quite big. I see the MFM again for fibroid growth monitoring next Friday and I'm hoping to learn it hasn't grown much (or if it has its AWAY from my cervix). I start my BPP/NSTs the following week. They still don't know if they'll have to induce me early, or if I'll go to term with a c-section because of her size and/or fibroid complications...hopefully I'll get more answers in the coming weeks.
@Dcwtada hoping your sweet boy can stay in place for as long as safely possible! I'm sure this is very scary and stressful for you!
@kghusker1003 good news that MFM thinks that baby could make it to 37, but you aren't probably itching to break out of there. It has to be so awful being away from your kids an drew DH, as well as boring to be in the room all day long. I hope the time flies by for you.
No stent for me right now. I passed one kidney stone, but still have two more. The pain is still causing contractions but not full labor with effacement and dialation, which is good! Currently, doing another 24 hour urine as my BP has consistently been 140-150s/90s and I have some protein in urine from my u/a today. This happened with my DD, but it began at 34 weeks and I'm only 31 weeks today.
Thinking of all you ladies!
We had a really good growth scan this morning! She gained almost a lb since our last one and did so well on her BPP/Dopplers I don't have to go back for 3 weeks! They said she's doing good, just has really slow growth and they expect her to just be tiny but since they can't see anything presenting a problem I can take a couple weeks off from the BPPs/Dopplers/NST! I'm so excited!!
My OB was really optimistic about me being able to have a vaginal birth and even said he would let me go to 38-39weeks IF everything looks ok and she's continuing to grow and make progress. Right now it's looking like no c-section or NICU time as long as we can continue to grow so today is a good day.
@lanie1000 I hope you get some answers, I know the waiting game can be the hardest part. Hang in there momma
Thinking of you @acstec1 i went from complications at 34/35 weeks because of PIH/pre-e with my first, to a completely perfect pregnancy with my son, to this pregnancy having issues at 29/30 weeks. And I can't even imagine having kidney stones on top of being pregnant. If anyone deserves a vacation and drink it's you.
We had our growth scan on Tuesday and baby is measuring right around 4 lbs at 32+4!! My midwife was very pleased with the results but did still say it could be off by a pound or so so she could still be on the smaller side. But she is giving us the green light so no early induction like we had thought st 35 weeks. She even said I could go as long as 38 or 39 weeks as long as lo continues to do well! I couldn't believe it! Especially when last week was so negative. She also said I may just have small babies, which is surprising seeing as I am 5'11 and DH is 6'2.
Hope everyone is doing great and have positive appointments as well!
How far along are you? I'm 33 weeks today
Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring? I'm 41, I have had multiple losses and incompetent cervix, (this was corrected in 2012, with transabdominal cerclage)
What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting? I'm seeing MFM specialist for cervical length checks and ultrasound. I am currently on bedrest for duration.
Yesterday was the last cervical length check, baby looks good. Starting weekly visits next week.