I passed the 26-week mark yesterday and we celebrated with an ultrasound and a checkup. In the last few weeks, the baby has gotten so much more active that Adam and I couldn’t wait to see her in action! There’s always a shadow of nerves accompanying the excitement, especially since we were never given definitive results for our genetic test. From the start, we wanted that information for planning purposes. So as our planning window shrinks, I’ve been a little more anxious to know.
Our ultrasound was conducted by our hospital’s Chief Sonographer. She measured every long bone. Each and every one came up ahead of the growth curve for her age! There were no fractures visible and unlike our last scan, the baby posed for a few cute profile pictures. It looked like she tried to suck her thumbs (both!) and she kicked the ultrasound wand a few times. Because she was sitting with her legs tucked under her (just like her dad often sits in his chair), we had to initiate some belly shaking to get her to stretch them out for measurements. I was thankful for this incompliance though because we got to see her for that much longer.
After our ultrasound, we went next door to the high risk clinic for my biweekly appointment. There are several doctors in the practice and we saw a different one than we have before. My primary OB, Dr. Lambers, has the greatest experience with OI mothers and babies, but her schedule is packed. I’m starting to get more comfortable with at least 2 other doctors there. Given the possibility that the baby’s world debut might not be perfectly timed, it’s probably for the best that I’m familiar with more than one of the doctors. Yesterday we saw Dr. Voss. I liked his confidence and straightforward approach. He was extremely happy with my health and the baby’s progress. He stated that we can move from cautiously optimistic to “very optimistic” that she does not have OI. Knowing whether or not she has OI seems like that such a large piece of knowing her that it feels a little surreal to finally have that answer.
We also talked a little more about the delivery plan. Since I’m doing so well, there’s no reason to plan for a premature birth. We plan to get as close to the due date (June 28) as possible and then proceed with a c-section. The anesthesiology team has been briefed on my case and they will try to place an epidural around the hardware in my back. Adam and I would love the opportunity to be present (and conscious!) during her birth. My spinal fusion will make it a more difficult procedure, but it’s still the less risky choice for me and the baby.
For my next checkup (in 2 weeks), I’ll have my glucose tested and another review of how I’m doing overall. We’ll get to see her live and in action again in 4 long weeks. There’s lots to keep us busy between now and then so I hope the time will fly.
Thank-you for all your friendly comments and encouragement on the blog. It’s still a work-in-progress, but it’s been fun to share.
Yea!! This is wonderful news!
Glad to see baby and mom are still doing so well! Can’t wait to see her outside the womb, but she’s a cutie already.
Is it a little bit of a mixed bag to know she very likely doesn’t have OI? It seems like it would be a relief to know that she won’t have the negative experiences that go with it, but at the same time somewhat sad to miss out on that shared bond.
Also, CONSCIOUS for a c-section? WHAT?! They do that? That’s terrifying!
Best wishes for a continued healthy pregnancy and a perfect delivery! I’ll be watching the blog!
-Jelena
@Claudia Thank-you! I agree and am so thankful that we’re both healthy, growing, and by all accounts-happy!
@Jelena It is a mixed bag. The emotions are so complex. They have been since the very beginning of our family-planning decisions, but I’m just now feeling more comfortable sharing them. Look for a more long-winded reflection in an upcoming post!
Oh and our 2 options for her birth are general anesthesia (aka totally knocked out) or an epidural. Either way, it’ll be a c-section. For the general though, I’d be asleep and Adam couldn’t even be in the room. The epidural is safer AND we’ll all get to enjoy her birth in the moment.
Jeez Kara! Another blog?! How am I ever going to keep up with you?! LOL! I’m so glad that things are going well with your pregnancy! It’s so exciting to see your baby in action isn’t it? Sonya sucked her thumb also during my ultrasounds… soooo cute! Both thumbs though, well that’s talent! Adorable! Sounds like you have a great plan ahead of you for the birth. Good idea meeting all the doc’s! With my oldest daughter, I never met all the midwives and guess who delivered her? The one I never met! It was a bit unsettling while I was in the middle of labor to be introduced to the midwife who I never met and would be delivering my first baby! She ended up being absolutely fantastic though and I had her there again for my other two girls, even with Sonya as she was a C-section delivery. Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers for Sonya as she gets through this rough patch! You and Adam are in our thoughts and prayers too! I can’t wait to see your sweet baby pictures! Hugs!