34w1d - Last High Risk Appointment
Well, although I've immensely enjoyed my experience with my high risk practice and the three OBs in the practice, it feels FANTASTIC to have made my last appointment and have a clean bill of health for myself and, most importantly, the baby.
Today's appointment was the same as always - the ultrasound technician took a look at the baby, measured his head, stomach, arms, legs, checked out his heart and kidneys, and then worked with the computer to estimate the baby's weight. As the baby should be just under 5 lbs...based on my ovulation date...I had guessed 5lbs even, my husband had guessed 5lbs 2oz. The baby's weight is estimated at 5 lbs 1oz +/-12 oz...yes, +/- almost a pound. Looking at the average, he's "within range" for an average sized baby. If he really is 5lbs 13oz we're looking at another large baby. Given my son was last estimated the day before his arrive at 9lbs 15oz +/-10%...and was 10lbs 7oz when he was born 24 hours later...I wouldn't be surprised if this baby is also on the "+" side of the equation.
The doctor came in for the last part of the appointment and took another look and listen to the baby's heart, and everything is still completely normal - meaning the baby has a happy, healthy heart. He had asked how I was doing, and I replied great...as I'm laying on the table with no complications and a healthy child. My husband replies, "that's not what I hear when you're in agony at night as the baby's kicking!" Hah. Yes, very true, I'm uncomfortable...but would MUCH rather be "suffering" with some minor aches and inconveniences right now than be meeting with the pediatric cardiologist to devise a birth plan and surgery plan for our child. Or be working with my rhuematologist to determine how we're going to handle kidney issues or even failure. Or be so swollen that I have to deliver early and have a child in the NICU for days, weeks, or even months. It can always be so different, and I just have to step back and realize that these weekly appointments, while necessary, were totally to my advantage. Other Moms-to-be are not as fortunate. At this point, the baby would be born without complication, and although a little early, is a completely respectable size.
I have my next OB appointment on the 30th, and then I have a feeling they'll move those appointments from every other week to every week as I'll be under 4 weeks until delivery. OMG. Time to start washing all the clothes!