High Risk Check-in 6/6

smorzandoj · June 2017

Good morning, ladies! For anyone who is deemed high-risk or is 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?

smorzandoj · June 2017

How far along are you?
5 weeks

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

What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
I will have biophyiscal profiles in 3rd tri multiple times for the hypertension. As for the spondy, this is my first pregnancy post fusion so we will see....

Any questions / rants / raves?
Not yet.

KLake42 · June 2017

Hi! I'm at 10 weeks today. I'm pregnant with mo/di twins, so I know I'll get increased monitoring. I don't know yet what that will look like-- I was just released from my RE, and expect to touch base with an ob/gyn on Thursday or Friday about my first appointment.

I'm eager to get my medical team assembled, and feel like I'm in limbo, but I just had an ultrasound last Thursday, so I don't feel anxious about being between doctors. Yet.

Also, I'm 40, Rh neg, with a donor egg from my Rh pos wife, and I carry the MTHFR gene, compound heterozygous, with normal homocysteine levels. And I'm overweight. Those are all factors that bump me towards high risk, but it's the mo/di twins that put me solidly in that category. So far, my RE put me on baby aspirin and prescription prenatals (with the good folate) for MTHFR.

missblaze · June 2017

How far along are you? 9 weeks

Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring? I'm AMA, there are congenital heart defects on my mom's side of the family, history of LEEP(x3) for cervical dysplasia, and I had preterm labor with DD.

What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting? I'll be followed by MFM, with extra ultrasounds to check for heart functioning and also cervical length.

Any questions / rants / raves? Not yet! My 1st appointment with MFM is June 26th.

burnsmommy27 · June 2017

@smorzandoj thanks for starting

How far along are you? 10 weeks, 1 day

Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring? Previous Pre-E requiring hospitalization and induction. Also Class D drug taken during 1st trimester

What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting? All the genetic testing plus 4 additional US before the 20 week AS. Looking for any Neural Tube Defects from the medication. Later on extra BP monitoring

Any questions / rants / raves? Just praying for a healthy baby with no problems

smorzandoj · June 2017

So...I am totally a jerk and posted this on the wrong board bc technically I am Feb!

burnsmommy27 · June 2017

@smorzandoj haha, well thanks for posting it either way.

fivetimesnoluck · June 2017

Haha! Well, I am going to keep the post going anyway, @smorzandoj - and will definitely keep wishing you the best as your pregnancy progresses!

How far along are you?
7w6d

Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?
5 previous 1st tri losses, AMA, elevated CRP (inflammation issues), and an as yet undefined immune issue - the CRP issues commonly contribute to pre-e, low birth weight, pre-term labor and other fun stuff. Like @smorzandoj, I will be required to have multiple 3rd tri biophyiscal profiles to keep an eye on the babe.

What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
Feel like a pin cushion! Lots of blood draws, monitoring of CRP level, white cell and complete blood counts, among other profiles. ETA: also getting weekly ultrasounds right now, for which I am sooo grateful.

Any questions / rants / raves?
Sad to be talking about graduating from my RE (because he is amazing), but trying to keep perspective that it is an incredible thing to be making progress! Trying to keep looking forward - will be meeting my MFM and getting back to my regular OB in a couple of weeks.

cyanope · June 2017

How far along are you?
10+2

Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?
Carnitine deficient (an enzyme essential to the metabolic process...the absence of which can lead to heart issues, among other things) and ulcerative colitis.

What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
CONSTANT blood draws to check carnitine levels. Lots of extra pills too. I'll be meeting with a perinatal doctor for regular ultrasounds and genetic counseling. I also will be having my heart checked/monitored to make sure I have no effects from my carnitine deficiency. My ulcerative colitis will just be monitored to make sure I have no flares. Right now, things are pretty well controlled in that arena (thank goodness)!

Any questions / rants / raves?
I'm already sick of all of these extra appointments. They are really hard to juggle with a toddler!

PleaseSendPicklesNow · June 2017

Yay, I'm so glad the high-risk board is finally coming together here. Y'all are my people. @smorzandoj you did a good deed, don't worry!

@missblaze What congenital heart defects run on your mom's side of the family? I can sympathize. That's something we have far too much experience with now, unfortunately.

@burnsmommy27 How are you going to do your genetic testing--CVS or amino? I don't know anyone else doing CVS. It's lonely here in genetic mutation land!

How far along are you? 8 weeks today!

Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?
It's all in my signature, but…
*TW* our first child had HLHS (two heart chambers instead of four heart chambers) and a randomly occurring genetic mutation called CHARGE syndrome. He died when he was three weeks old. Also, I developed postpartum preeclampsia a week after he was born, and I went into full-blown congestive heart failure. It was like a damn episode of Lifetime television. So much drama.

What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
We're doing chorionic villus sampling at 12 weeks to test for CHARGE syndrome. Our geneticist says there is a 1-3% chance of recurrence. We will also do a full genetic microarray and test for trisomies 13,18, and 21. As well as a variety of X chromosome linked genetic disorders. Because we're going to have the genetic material, so why not do all the testing?

We're also going to do early fetal echocardiograms, between 16 and 18 weeks, to make sure this little one has a healthy heart.

Any questions / rants / raves?
Please don't think I'm evil, but we love this little one so much that if he or she has CHARGE, we won't let him or her suffer the way our first child did. He experienced far too much medical trauma in his short life. I'm terrified we won't get to bring this baby home. I'm afraid to get too excited about this pregnancy until I know everything is ok.

I'm also super pissed that my home state just passed a law strictly banning abortion at 20 weeks, with NO EXCEPTIONS for severe fetal anomalies. It's that last part that infuriates me. It puts families like us in a really tough bind, racing against time to get the information we need. Because some genetic tests take a LONG time. For example, the CHARGE test takes 4-6 weeks. Yesterday I met with our geneticist, and she told me many of her clients like us are freaking out and begging to get the 20 week scan at 16 weeks or 18 weeks instead. This new law makes a sad, tough situation even harder and scarier.

ReadytoRun77 · June 2017

@PleaseSendPicklesNow Are you in Iowa? Just curious, because I know Iowa passed the 20-week bill. It infuriates me and I've never even been in the situation you've been in. I can't imagine the anxiety you must be dealing with. **sending thoughts and prayers**

ReadytoRun77 · June 2017

How far along are you?
8w5d

Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?
AMA, history of LEEP, and pre-term labor with DS (born at 35w)

What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
Counsyl testing, extra ultrasounds and referred to high-risk OB

Any questions / rants / raves?
We told our family last weekend (after 8 week confirmation/ultrasound/heartbeat) and now the next few weeks will be kinda tough- waiting to get to 12 weeks and waiting to results of the extra testing!

burnsmommy27 · June 2017

@PleaseSendPicklesNow since we are specifically looking for neural tube defects the CVS won't work for us. We are starting with the NT scan on June 20th. At this ultrasound we should be able to see any anacephaly. There is also another blood the genetic counselor mentioned but I forget the name, sorry it was a bit overwhelming with the amount of info.
Girl I don't judge you at all, we are in the same boat. If there is anacephaly the baby won't make it anyways. If there is Spina Bifida I would like to know the severity before making a decision. But praying for a healthy little one.
I'm glad I'm not the only one in this situation. I will pray for your little one to have a perfect heart.

missblaze · June 2017

@PleaseSendPicklesNow My mother's side of the family has a whole host of heart issues. My mother was born with a coronary artery defect. She is no longer with us, so I asked my father if he remembered the exact problem. He said that part of one of her coronary arteries was either atrophied or missing, he wasn't sure which. My uncle, my mother's brother, was born with a defective heart valve, which had to be replaced twice.

PleaseSendPicklesNow · June 2017

@readytorun77 Thank you for the thoughts and prayers--we need them! We're in Tennessee. These misguided laws are popping up everywhere, unfortunately.

@burnsmommy27 Maybe it was the MSAFP test? I believe your doctor does a blood draw from your arm to test for that one. That test looks for a certain protein in your blood; it isn't a genetic test that looks at the baby's DNA. But if the protein level is too high or low, it may indicate a neural tube defect or a DNA problem. (Can you tell I geek out hard over all the science? Haha!)

@missblaze Oh wow, I've never heard of an atrophied or stenotic coronary artery! But that's sort of similar to one thing our son had. His aorta was under developed (aka stenotic). And the aorta connects directly to the coronary arterirs, so... Kind of similar. Does your MFM recommend a fetal echocardiogram? That will show a lot more about the heart's function then an ultrasound. And hey, on the bright side, valve replacements are starting to be done as a catheter, closed heart procedure. Even for mitral valves--that technology is brand new! So even if a heart defect is found, it can be SO much easier to fix it now than it was in the past.

I'm going to be thinking about you, and hoping for the best.

ryannenikole · June 2017

How far along are you?
9w1d

Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring?
2 previous losses, heterozygous MTHFR (C677T) and FVL.

What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
Weekly NSTs and biweekly ultrasounds in the 3rd trimester to watch for placental deterioration. I'm also on lovenox.

Any questions / rants / raves?
Lovenox sucks!

missblaze · June 2017

@PleaseSendPicklesNow I got a fetal echocardiogram with DD, so I'm assuming they'll do it this time too.

zamoraspin · June 2017

Lurking on this thread as our first appt isn't until later this week - I am AMA and have had one LEEP procedure (probably almost three years ago now) (and still had HPV my last pap although no cells that looked like I needed them removed). I see @missblaze and @ReadytoRun77 mentioning LEEP procedures as part of why they are high risk. Is it common to be categorized as high risk after a LEEP?

BelhurstBride · June 2017

@zamora_spin, my OB didn't toss me in the high risk category post LEEP. My procedure was several years prior to getting pregnant with DD1 and HPV was long gone, so I don't know how much that plays in.

She also doesn't automatically consider me high risk because I'm 35, either.

hesitantrenovator · June 2017

How far along are you? 7w6d

Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring? History of DVT (blood clots) during and after pregnancy, FVL, May-Thurner syndrome

What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting? Occasional blood tests to check whether my Lovenox dose is enough

Any questions / rants / raves? I too hate Lovenox injections. My stomach looks terrible and gets these painful hard lumps under the skin - ouch.

missblaze · June 2017

@zamora_spin @BelhurstBride I had 3 LEEP procedures done in 2001-2. The high risk aspect has more to do with the physical state of the cervix, not HPV. Because I had 3 pieces removed, they are concerned about incompetent cervix and pre-term labor.

gamilasalem82 · June 2017

How far along are you? 7 weeks

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

T1DM (Type 1 diabetes) with decreased kidney function & FVL with a history of PEs (pulmonary embolisms - blood clots in the lung)

What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
Weekly INRs along with Cal Heparin injections 2x daily. CGM and frequent labs. Containing LCD and insulin management.

Any questions / rants / raves?
No rants but I am pretty excited. My A1C came back at a 5.2 today - which is the best I've had in my entire life!

aimsforyou2014 · June 2017

9w3d

I am MTHFR, two previous losses, and hypertension - just started after I got pregnant.

Doctor is doing increased ultrasounds through first trimester, every other week or so. We are doing screening at 11 weeks for trisomy 13, 18, and 21. I think doc will recommend more test after that. Right now he has me on progesterone 200 mg twice a day, baby aspirin, lovenox shots once a day, metanx (for MTHFR), and something for blood pressure I can't remember the name of.

I absolutely love my doctor! The first time I met with him, he basically said, "girl, we're about to change this story for you." Last week, he was so pumped about my baby's growth and heart rate, I almost started giggling.

@hesitantrenovator have you tried icing your belly before your shot? I ice mine for 10 minutes before and after my shot and only have a few very small bruises. Also, make sure you go in at an angle- that helps with the bumps.

myorke24 · June 2017

How far along are you? 9weeks1day

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

I was diagnosed with Postpartum PreEclampsia 5 days after the birth of our DS. At 6 weeks Postpartum, I was hospitalized for severe Postpartum Thyroiditis (a near Thyroid Storm). The Endocrinologist assigned to me following the episode believes I am
an Autoimmune Thyroid patient but all labs have since been stable.

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

All the bloodwork!

Potential 37 week induction to avoid PPPE.

No raves or rants, just wish they would find a cure or cause(s) of PE/PPPE.

mcrosie · June 2017

I'm 10 weeks along.

I'm high risk because:
-Advanced maternal age
-Hashimoto's Hypothyroidism
-obesity
-I once had an A1C reading that was SLIGHTLY high (5.8)

I'm going to be sent to the high risk clinic for all my testing. I'm a little nervous, but doing the best I can. Trying to eat really well and get plenty of exercise, and gain very little weight.

hesitantrenovator · June 2017

@aimsforyou2014 I should ice but I usually give myself my shot while I'm running out the door in the morning! I could try it for my night shots though!

ReadytoRun77 · June 2017

@zamora_spin The fear is that a 'compromised' cervix will shorten during a pregnancy which could cause preterm labor. But they can also proactively add a cervical stitch to help keep the cervix closed.

ryannenikole · June 2017

@hesitantrenovator I second the ice suggestion. I've been lazy with it lately but it helps to ice before and after and I always do it right before bed so I lay down and rest after. I read somewhere that it helped and I've only gotten one bump and have very minimal bruising. My herbalist also gave me calendula infused oil with vitamin E that I use all over my belly. I figure that it's a win-win with bruising AND stretchmark prevention!

thedawkterswife · June 2017

How far along are you? 7+2

Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring? Morbid obesity and AMA

What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting? We will do all the genetic testing we can at 11w. Bi-weekly ultrasounds week 30-36, weekly 36+.

Any questions / rants / raves? Not yet.

ReadytoRun77 · June 2017

The high risk docs called to schedule my first appt at 14 weeks. That made things more real

But again, it's reassuring to know I'll be watched more closely (hx of LEEP, preterm labor and AMA).

I was a little irritated, however, when the receptionist started asking me if I had thought much about the Makena progesterone shot. First, I don't know much about it (was briefly mentioned by my OB at first appt), I haven't researched much because I'd like to talk to specialist first, and I don't even know that it will be an option for me yet! Anyway- not something I wish to discuss over the phone with the scheduler.

gulimz · June 2017

Hi everyone .
I will be placed on high risk because i had a frozen transfer ivf with icsi. Icsi transfers may have growth problems so i will have many ultrasounds and bioprofiles. Also, more than likely, i will have GD again.

KLake42 · June 2017

@gulimz I hadn't thought about ICSI being another factor for high risk, but I guess it is. Because you know what ICSI sometimes causes? Twins! Haha! Identical twins happen more often with ICSI, which is my story.

I know there are increased risks of defects, which go hand in hand with identical twins. I'm trying not to worry about that. My clinic required ICSI because we had frozen donor sperm.

babybakie · June 2017

How far along are you? 7 weeks 3 days

Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring? AMA, will be 43 at my EDD. Also, I am adopted so zero family medical history.

What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting? extra ultrasounds, two so far. I will also be getting genetic testing and any tests they advise.

Any questions / rants / raves? Time is too slow between appointments! I want to hear the heartbeat!

tsuredraider · June 2017

Good morning, ladies! For anyone who is deemed high-risk or is receiving additional monitoring.

How far along are you? 10 weeks today

Why are you considered high-risk / getting increased monitoring? I'm type 1 diabetic. Even in well controlled T1Ds, we have a much higher risk of babies with congential heart defects than normal pregnancies and a much higher risk of stillbirth. I am also notorious for developing intrahepatic cholestasis, which starts around 30w, and can be fatal for baby.

What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting? Well, it's supposed to be an u/s by 8w, again at 10 and 12, then 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, and weekly after that. Also, starting at 32w, I will have twice weekly fetal non-stress tests. Around 24w, I will have a fetal echocardiogram to check baby's heart more closely for any defects.

Any questions / rants / raves? My OB's office is not taking my concerns seriously. I just got in yesterday (at 9w6d) for my enrollment appointment. There was no u/s, nothing. They scheduled that for July 3rd. I'll be 13w2d at that point and too late for an NT u/s, which I want. I have my OB intake appointment Wednesday and let me tell you, I'm about to raise hell about it. If my concerns aren't addressed, I will be leaving the practice, which disappoints me because I had both of my kids with them.

tsuredraider · June 2017

gamilasalem82 said:

How far along are you? 7 weeks

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

T1DM (Type 1 diabetes) with decreased kidney function & FVL with a history of PEs (pulmonary embolisms - blood clots in the lung)

What type of additional testing, monitoring will you be getting?
Weekly INRs along with Cal Heparin injections 2x daily. CGM and frequent labs. Containing LCD and insulin management.

Any questions / rants / raves?
No rants but I am pretty excited. My A1C came back at a 5.2 today - which is the best I've had in my entire life!

Another type 1?!

sbgreen12 · June 2017

I was searching for this board, so glad it's here! @smorzandoj Will we continue to update weekly?

Currently 10 weeks 5 days

High risk due to AMA, LEEP, positive antiphospholipid antibodies (risk of clotting), sjogrens, and use of Primidone during 1st few weeks of pregnancy (risk of NT defects).

I had 2 perfectly healthy pregnancies that produced perfectly healthy kiddos (post-LEEP, btw, so not sure why that is now a concern), but the autoimmune stuff wasn't a problem until 2 years ago.

Ive already had 2 u/s and an appt with MFM. We went with the Innatal DNA this past Monday and I'll go back Wednesday (11 + 4) for NT scan, DNA results, and potential CVS. I get to stay on baby ASA for the APA disorder for now, but will be checking bloodwork to determine if I need injections. The only other thing I know will happen is a 2x week BPP starting at week 32. OB said if anything changes from appt to appt, I'll be induced.

Rants/Raves: It's a lot of time, but I'm not complaining too much because I like the constant checkups (and ultrasounds!)

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