High Risk Check In 5/29

TalesOfASocialIntrovert · May 2018

It's been many weeks so I figured it was time for another thread

How far along are you?

Why are you considered high-risk?

Any additional monitoring or testing this week?

Any questions/concerns/news?

What positives are you seeing with your pregnancy today/this week?

GTKY: As our pregnancies draw closers to the end, what's one thing you'll miss about this pregnancy? (A consideration that might be hard being high risk!)

gingerbride26 · May 2018

How far along are you? 31 weeks
Why are you considered high-risk? Ehlers-danlos syndrome (connective tissue disorder)
Any additional monitoring or testing this week? normal checkup friday with delayed TDAP booster since I was so sick last time, and then growth scan and discuss NST cadence on Monday
Any questions/concerns/news? Breech is on my mind with the growth scan on Monday and all the breech discussion on some of the other boards. I know my decision to not do an ECV if we are still breech at 37 is probably controversial, but I just don't feel comfortable with the risk when they're already watching me like a hawk for PROM and have more fragile than typical tissue. SPD is spiking pain level to a 10 when I try to stand/move, but if I sit still I'm good. Had a real talk with DH about my concerns of my body post-baby. Before DD I was in decent shape and a fairly typical ability person, in the last two years my body/mobility/health has greatly deteriorated and I can't help but worry about connection between pregnancy/kid-care-wear-and-tear and my body breaking down further/faster. Dr already is throwing around fusing my spine and many people with my condition are already in a wheelchair by my age. Just trying to take it one day at a time.
What positives are you seeing with your pregnancy today/this week? That i'm still pregnant! may sound dramatic but I wasn't sure I'd make it through DD's birthday weekend. Did feel like I was about to pop all weekend from being on my feet too much. Next goal is to make it to my birthday (6/26) and through this kitchen remodel.

GTKY: As our pregnancies draw closer to the end, what's one thing you'll miss about this pregnancy? (A consideration that might be hard being high risk!) Having 1 kid contained and only chasing 1 lol. As much as I hate the belly touches, there have been some really sweet moments with DD singing to the baby or running over to touch and kiss the belly when we ask where little brother is.

ethnomusicwhat · May 2018

How far along are you?
35 w 1 d
Why are you considered high-risk?
AMA, previous pre-term labour
Any additional monitoring or testing this week?
NST yesterday b/c of several hours of contractions (starting at 3:30 am...ugh) that were 5-7 minutes apart, lasting 1 min 30 sec each...no cervical change. Just my irritable uterus being irritable.
Any questions/concerns/news?
Midwife last week said they'd likely induce at 39 weeks; midwife yesterday said I'd likely go all the way. Let's get on the same page, people. This child is huge, and if he goes to 40 weeks....*shudder*.
What positives are you seeing with your pregnancy today/this week?
Yay that this "little" guy has hung on as long as he has; I really didn't think I'd get this far without a hospital stay/bed rest.
GTKY: As our pregnancies draw closers to the end, what's one thing you'll miss about this pregnancy? (A consideration that might be hard being high risk!)
I'd say sleep, but this one has been waking me because of contractions/leg cramps/peeing/crazy dreams for weeks now, so it's not like I'm getting sleep now, anyway.

TalesOfASocialIntrovert · May 2018

@gingerbride26 I don't blame you on not wanting to attempt having LO flipped! Just yesterday, my OB was telling me how the woman really knows best. If you think your body can or can't handle something, that should be respected.

@ethnomusicwhat I am right there with you on little sleep. I'm up every hour or two to pee and once I hit 3am, I'm lucky to fall back asleep. I keep saying to DH I'll be lucky to sleep again by the end of this year

How far along are you?
35+2

Why are you considered high-risk?
T1 diabetes

Any additional monitoring or testing this week?
Twice weekly NSTs have been going for a few weeks now. Had 4 last week due to reactive NSTs. Next one is tomorrow.

Any questions/concerns/news?
Biggest news is the reactive NSTs. LOs HR decelled to 70 bpm during 2 NSTs last week, one lasted a few minutes, the other around a minute. The first also corresponded with a 4.5 minute contraction. NST at the hospital on Sunday and yesterday and the regular OB looked good.

I was also was diagnosed with BV last week but either the MFM office or Walgreens messed up and I've been taking the wrong antibiotic for 4 days

It's completely ineffective against BV and can cause GI issues. So I started the right antibiotic yesterday. Discharge is still increased and contractions are still frequent (every 3-7 minutes lasting 1.5 minutes) but zero cervical changes as of Thursday.

What positives are you seeing with your pregnancy today/this week?
No swelling and normal BP! I was soooo swollen at this stage with DD and elevated BP that I was put on bedrest.

GTKY: As our pregnancies draw closers to the end, what's one thing you'll miss about this pregnancy? (A consideration that might be hard being high risk!)
This little dude kicks a LOT. I find it uncomfortable most of the time but I did miss it with DD after she was born so I'm trying to appreciate it now.

emzie54 · June 2018

@TalesOfASocialIntrovert you must be getting so close to delivery by now! I am about 3 weeks behind you, but at this stage that seems like a huge difference.

I am 33+2

I am high risk due to being AMA and having high BP. They are also monitoring my platelets because they took a dip in early 2nd tri.

I have so many doctors appointments these days I feel like I should set up a tent there. I saw the hematologist and my blood looks good. He is having me come back once more (it honestly seems a little unnecessary) but he says that most pregnant women will develop at least mild anemia and they are treating it more aggressively these days, so if I am anemic at that appointment he will do an iron infusion. I also had my first NST and a growth scan. The growth scan was perfect and they used the 3D wand so we got a look at his face! So exciting. When I got on the monitor for my NST this kid was having a party and his heart rate was through the roof, like mostly 160-170s. They won’t let you off until it returns to a normal range, so I was on for 45 minutes. Then after my scan the doctor said he wanted me to go back on because they couldn’t really get a baseline. Ugh, so then I was on for another HOUR! Most of that time his heart rate was very normal (130-140) so I don’t know why they kept me on so long, but I really hope that it won’t be like this every time.

When do they do the strep b test? I forgot to ask my OB last week.

When we got scanned he was head down!! I was so excited to see that because he has been breech throughout. My BP continues to be just mildly elevated as it has been since the start and at times even lower than that. He is measuring completely averagely which is just what you want according to my OB. On the 3D scan we could see his hair!

I will also miss his kicks and the feeling of him always being with me but without the responsibilities that come when they are always with you on the outside. If that makes sense.

TalesOfASocialIntrovert · June 2018

@emzie54 It feels so close but sooooo far away at the same time!! I officially have 2 weeks from this coming Tuesday until my repeat c section (if I go that long).

Re: GBS testing is usually done at 36 weeks.

michelle_bird · June 2018

How far along are you? 34 + 6

Why are you considered high-risk? AMA and previous hypertension

Any additional monitoring or testing this week? I have NSTs and fluid check ultrasounds weekly now. So I see the doctor again on Wednesday! When I went last week the guy at the front desk said "Wow, you look bigger than the last time I saw you". I said "That was less than a week ago!!!!" Hahahahaha

Any questions/concerns/news? I'm getting random and shooting pains through my right groin/upper thigh area. Glad I see the chiropractor tomorrow to ask her about it.

What positives are you seeing with your pregnancy today/this week? I'm glad that my BP is still down, and that my swelling hasn't gotten too bad yet! I probably need to start spending 1-3 hours a day in compression socks though.

GTKY: As our pregnancies draw closers to the end, what's one thing you'll miss about this pregnancy? (A consideration that might be hard being high risk!) I'll miss being able to keep him 100% safe, and also the ability to 100% focus on DD.

gingerbride26 · June 2018

Ok I'm frustrated/anxious and need to vent/chat with my fellow HR ladies
So dramatic week - 3 OB visits, growth scan, and a Cardio visit since last Friday. Reader's Digest - normal 32 week visit on Friday, then Tuesday I fainted so had to have an emergency OB and emergency Cardio appointment because I was tachacardic upon arrival at OB. It resolved by the time cardio could see me 2 hours later and he declared I was just pregnant but reluctantly gave me an order for an event monitor and 5 week follow up. OB had told me to check back in with the nurse after cardio, she did a glucose test and it was 102 two hours after big lunch which they said was too low and was given orders to eat high protein every couple hours and keep sugary stuff near by for if I get woozy again. Yesterday had my growth scan where they declared his head is measuring 2 weeks ahead and he's approx 5 lb at 32 weeks - even if the 1 lb +/- is - that's a bigger than average baby. I have had a couple minor episodes with dizziness or racing heart since, managed to recoup quickly but had a lingering headache. So today was follow up with OB for the fainting - we ended up talking more about my back (have multiple bulging discs, threat of needing a fusion before I even got pregnant again, and with my EDS i dislocate easily and my vertebrae twist all the time - back and hip pain have kept me in bed for the last month and now my back has started popping while trying to poop) and the OB started questioning if I should even attempt a vaginal birth or have a CS to avoid damaging the discs more. um....what now? So now I have to go back to my Ortho on Monday who I haven't seen in a year to get his input. I was already starting to get stressed/anxious about getting everything done...now I also have zero idea what our medical plan is going forward and way more questions than answers. I should have appreciated DD's easy pregnancy more
</rant>

TalesOfASocialIntrovert · June 2018

@gingerbride26 I'm so sorry that things have gotten even more complicated. I had a c section with DD and even though it wasn't planned, she was healthy and so was I. I was secretly hoping for a VBAC this time around and it's looking strongly like another c section (scheduled in 10 days). Add in reactive NSTs and infections and this pregnancy has been difficult. I guess all I'm saying is that it sucks to not go the route that we really want and have dreamt of but in the end, the unexpected route might give us the most healthy outcome. And a super cute baby to boot

I do hope the rest of your testing comes out uneventful

gingerbride26 · June 2018

@TalesOfASocialIntrovert oh no I know we're all having rough times, and I am actually the anti-birth-plan lady so it's not that i had a certain vision or anything - I don't care how he gets here as long as he's healthy. I see a lot of merit in going with a planned CS based on his size, my back, the cardio crap, and history of precipitous labor. It's more I'm feeling a little blind sided, overwelmed with adding all these extra specialist visits on top of all the house construction and work, and to some degree like my OB office has no idea what to do with an EDS pregnant lady which is a little scary.

ethnomusicwhat · June 2018

@gingerbride26 That all sounds frustrating, especially if you're concerned about your OB office's expertise with your condition. Hopefully your ortho will have some advice your OBs can work with.

gingerbride26 · June 2018

@ethnomusicwhat thanks.... so waited a freaking HOUR for 5 min with Ortho who immediately and strongly says "c-section" and I need to call when baby comes to schedule follow up and follow up imaging to see how bad my back is by then - and since he's spine only if anything's found with pelvis/hip I gotta see multiple orthos. He really didn't like how low DS is hanging (and ironically he rolled over so I'm half the size i was yesterday) and how curved my back is RIGHT at my bad discs. My back and hip have been legit popping during BM's and even peeing this week so I can totally see the concern with pushing/back laboring and my loose crappy joints and degenerated discs. I asked my EDS support group for advise and of course got mixed advice and uber strong opinions in both directions... DH has been freaking out over the idea of a CS and the risks - so this is going to be fun conversation. Plan on bringing him to my OB appointment Friday so he can get all his questions/concerns out of the way. In the meantime at least I'm really giving this heart monitor a workout!

TalesOfASocialIntrovert · June 2018

Oh man @gingerbride26!! I guess at least on the up side of things(??) that concerns are being addressed now rather than post partum hindsight. Still so sorry that it's gotten so complicated

Hopefully you and DH can have all your questions addressed and feel more confident in the decisions being made.

gingerbride26 · June 2018

@TalesOfASocialIntrovert thanks - we talked about it over dinner and he took it way better than I thought he would. I also did some more digging on the Inspire and EDS national boards - there were loads of h-eds and POTS women who shared their experiences, including some who went through both CS and vaginal or VBAC - pretty much all said they preferred the CS experiences. So many good points brought up about how it reduces my risk to spinal/hip dislocations, major tears, or pelvic floor injuries; and if the baby is EDS as well it reduces his risk of hip dysplacia or similar birth trauma dislocations. We both are feeling loads better. I kind of wish our friday appointment wasn't with a new OB we haven't seen before (just lucky in the rotation i guess) but that's how the cookie crumbles. Thanks for the thoughts and support, ladies

michelle_bird · June 2018

@gingerbride26 while I wish that you had known how strongly they would feel about this earlier, I'm glad that you were able to get into the doctor quickly and that your research has you and your husband both feeling good about the new plan!

ethnomusicwhat · June 2018

@gingerbride26 Glad you have a plan you feel good about!

babybump1994 · June 2018

I'm feeling a lot of anxiety for my 34 week appointment this Friday! We are having a growth scan and I'm terrified of what the results may be. All of my US so far the babys head was measuring 3 weeks behind. They are concerned it may be microcephaly considering DH and I went to the Dominican Republic right before we got pregnant. The NP we see doesn't want to say much about it during our visits and seems to dance around the subject entirely. They sent us to MFM two months ago to get their opinion and they said her head was in the 2nd percentile and could be microcephaly or could be just a small head... they won't know until the scan they do Friday. I feel like I'm not getting any real answers throughout this entire pregnancy!

TalesOfASocialIntrovert · June 2018

Welcome @knottie6a6701ac20765ac9. I'm sorry you're experiencing some difficulties in your pregnancy. Have you continued to see the MFM or did you just go for the 1-time scan? It seems if they found abnormalities, they would want to continue monitoring your pregnancy. Is the baby measuring small as well or just cranial measurements? Is the scan this week with the MFM or primary OB? I'd definitely push for answers and/or more diagnostics depending on what they find Friday.

Also, I'd recommend changing your user name to something unique. It's difficult to tag "knottie" user names and also makes it harder for us the recognise you and get to know you.

babybump1994 · June 2018

@TalesOfASocialIntrovert
They only did the one scan with us and we have been going to our regular obgyn who passes on tests/ into to MFM since. Her body is measuring right on track, its just her head measuring small. Unfortunately our ob is so busy that we can only get in with nurse practitioners who don't want to tell me anything without their supervising doctors opinion so I get voice mails after the appointment with no chance to actually have a conversation.

rkk0002 · June 2018

Had 35 week GBS and cervix check today, I'm already 2-3 cm dilated, so got put on "modified" bed rest. And have to for sure take the procardia every 6 hours from now on. This is going to be intersting with an active toddler running around. Sigh

ethnomusicwhat · June 2018

Latest update: Apparently, I was supposed to start 2x-weekly visits to the midwife when I hit 36 weeks, (1 NST, 1 BPP) but no one thought to tell me/schedule anything. So, at my 37 week appointment on Friday, they did an NST while I was there. Once again, little man's heart rate didn't vary as much as they wanted, so off to the hospital for additional monitoring I went. Lots of contractions showing up, so they kept me on the monitor for an extra hour and did another cervical check. Very little progress (went from a 1 to 1 "with a wiggle), so they sent me home. Lots of contractions all night, but they subsided around 6 am when I finally got some sleep. Have only had intermittent contractions this afternoon. However--mucus plug has been coming out in chunks, so there's that.

This roller coaster is exhausting, and I'm ready to get off.

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