Sjogren's Mom : Delivery

6 Weeks Post Delivery

amop — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:01:08 GMT

I've made it to the final finish line in the birthing process - six weeks post delivery. For the first 2 weeks home, I had the no heavy lifting, no driving, and no more than once up and down the stairs a day rules. Add the no bath, swimming, or exercise (including intimacy) for the next 3 weeks, and here I am at the post delivery finish line.

I saw my rheumatologist yesterday, and atypical to most post deliveries, I have no flare-ups with my Sjogren's. Thank goodness. I couldn't imagine on top of being sleep deprived to the point that I can't open and close my eyes they are SO dry (and I'm not exaggerating), that I'd also be dealing with physical changes in my body due to the stress from pregnancy and delivery. She did an exam and had some blood work done, but overall didn't find any other changes in my being. I did talk with her about the dryness that I experienced the first few weeks, especially the part about how my mouth kept splitting open and wouldn't heal. Nothing more fun than taking a bit out of something and seeing blood on the food remaining. She said that I could have a vitamin B deficiency, so she added that to my blood panel. After donating 10 tubes (no kidding) of blood, I left there a fairly happy camper.

I saw my OB this morning for my post delivery follow-up. Nothing much new to report there. They have me down a whopping 12 lbs. Not quite what I had yesterday, but then again we had Chinese for dinner and I drank a bottle of water on the way in. I'm less concerned with that number right now. Give me a few more months and then I'll really start dwelling on the fact that I have to tackle the weight issue. My blood pressure was great (110/60), and everything looked a-okay with my incision. The doctor was as surprised as I have been that my steri strips haven't fallen off. I guess I actually listen to the physicians a little too much...I didn't try and speed along the process.

One thing that was discussed at length during my visit was birth control moving forward. This was something the doctors brought up towards the end of my pregnancy. Well, not birth control. Sterilization. That's such a harsh word. At the time, I said I wasn't yet ready to make that decision. My husband asked what was involved. He's two and through. Has been from before we were even pregnant with #1. I've always wanted four children. Everyone I've talked with assumes it's the "I want a girl" thing as we have two lovely boys. It could be, but I've always seen myself having more. Not necessarily with a gender associated.

Before delivering, my husband and I tabled the discussion, with the grounds that after a few months with the baby maybe I'd be ready to make that decision more final. Although I'd like more children, and both my OB and high risk OB have said we could, they and especially my rheumatologist have cautioned me about what the risks are. Obviously, the older I am the higher the risk of issues in general, and the more likely we would be for multiples. Nothing like going for a third and getting a fourth. Know people that's happened to. On top of those normal risks, I also have the increased risk of having a child with fetal heart block or other Sjogren's related complications, I have higher risks of miscarriage (due to Sjogren's), higher risk for flare-ups and other Sjogren's related pregnancy complications. On top of it, to be safe, I should be off of the Plaquenil at least 6 months prior to conceiving, so an subsequent pregnancies would have to be well planned. Finally, the stress on my body of another pregnancy could cause the autoimmune disease to go into overdrive. A risk I had this time around, but luckily avoided (keep your fingers crossed).

So, the conversation today laid out all of my options. There is a pill I could take (progesterone only) that is safe for breastfeeding Moms, I could go the IUD route, or I could have some type of tubal ligation (there's two methods). Things to think about. There are risks with each, and it really depends on what we see in our future. Right now, I can't tell you how I'll feel in 2 years so I'm inclined to take the pill and play it month by month. The doctor also threw out there that my husband could be sterilized...and my response is that we were aware, but that wasn't something that I could discuss with an OB. I'm going to read through all of the literature that the OB provided. Not thrilled about the thought of having the IUD, but then I wouldn't have to remember to take the pill everyday. I've also heard of a few people who have gotten pregnant with the IUD in place. Think I'd rather take the pill and know vs. just hope the IUD doesn't slip!

The thing I didn't tell her or my OB at today's appointment is the pain in my neck and back that I've had since last Thursday. Despite being given the go-ahead for all activities, I won't be doing anything strenuous for at least a few more days since I still can't hold the phone between my ear and my shoulder...nor turn my head to far enough to each side to see over my shoulder. Yeah, probably shouldn't be driving. I keep hoping each day it will be better, and truthfully, beside the blog and when it inconveniences me, I kind of forget that it hurts. Just don't have the time to dwell on it. I'm just thinking one foot forward. Change a diaper, feed a baby, keep toddler occupied while I do both. What's for lunch? Get toddler down for a nap, breathe, update blog, feed a baby, change a baby, feed a baby, and somewhere in between it all figure out and make dinner. Phew.

We're Home!

amop — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:41:39 GMT

Everything went as scheduled. No surprises here, as my husband and I are two very planned individuals. I went in to the hospital around 7am on Wednesday morning, by 9am I was walking my way into the OR and getting up onto the table for my spinal. By 915am my spinal was set and they were beginning to prep me for surgery. My husband was escorted in to find my teeth chattering - a side effect of the spinal (last time I had the nausea, so I'll take chattering teeth). He sat by my side until about 935am when the OB let us know that the team was close and if he was interested, he could stand up and watch our son being born. I was just glad he didn't pass out.

Our son was born at 940am, and they whisked him away to clean him up and check him out - initial APGAR of 8, 9 after 5 minutes. All great signs. He was crying like a mad man the whole time - what a great sound to hear from behind the drapes. The OB let us know after everything was over and they were going to wheel me into recovery that he presented ear first...like he was listening to what was going on outside the womb.

My first glimpse of him was on the scale...and as most of the people in the OR knew my first son was 10lbs 7oz, we were ALL eager to see how close our guesses were. He weighed in at 7lbs 15.6oz...so they round up to 8lbs even. He was 21 1/2 inches long - just 1/2 inch short of his big brother. LONG child with very long fingers. He doesn't look too much like his big brother, and definitely has Mom's fingers and toes (including her crooked second toe!).

Everything went like clockwork, they wheeled us into recovery for a little while and by about noon we were settling into our hospital room. He was a great nurser early on, and after his circumcision backed off a bit. We're still working on the ideal latch and a good length of nursing time, but so far so good. The doctors let us know that we could leave the hospital a day early, and given we missed our older son SO much (although he was a real trooper the days we were gone!!), we decided Saturday morning to leave so we were home in time for dinner.

That was a great decision - was amazing to see our older son after several days (we've never been apart!), and we actually got more rest at home that night than I think we would have gotten in the hospital. Unlike our older son, this peanut is a sleeper...he gave us several multiple hour sleep spells the last few nights...and he sleeps most of the day. We went to the pediatrician this morning and although he's down to 7lbs 1oz (his lowest on Friday night was 7lbs 4 3/4oz), the doctor wasn't too concerned given his pee output. We're going to get another weight check on Friday just for peace of mind, but it was nice to have a good feeding earlier today. Here's hoping that stays consistent.

No signs of anything Sjogren's related, especially the heart block. I did get a nice external yeast infection (oh joy) and my feet and ankles are very swollen. However, I've backed off the pain medication and am making due just taking it easy. I definitely had more discomfort early on with the incision, but today was able to get out to the doctor and then out to the sandbox with my older son for a little while. Definitely miss my one-on-one time with him, but luckily my husband's been able to be home with us and helping supplement my lack of availability (especially when it comes to the toilet training). He's also been a real trooper with diaper changes (think I've done 1 these past 6 days...even though I've helped with most of the others).

Here's hoping the next few days I get more mobile and back on my feet...oh, and start dropping the weight. Although it was nice to eat by day 2, it didn't really help me lose anything. Came home a whopping 4 lbs lighter. Woo hoo. Guess the swelling doesn't really help with the weight loss. I know that last time it was a few days after I was home that I finally noticed a big drop. Here's hoping it happens again. Although I'm only up 50lbs (instead of the 60 from last time)...add the 10+ lbs I put on getting pregnant and that's still a nice chunk of weight to get off. I'm in no hurry to be in a bathing suit or modeling skimpy garments any time soon...just looking forward to wearing more than 2 pairs of maternity shorts :-)

39w0d - Tomorrow's the Day

amop — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:55:09 GMT

I had my pre-op appointment this morning. It was nice that they had set my expectations appropriately...that we were literally being squeezed into a completely full schedule. My appointment was for 11:15am, and it was nearly 45 minutes of sitting in the waiting room before they called me back to start the process. Good thing I told my husband he should bring his laptop and work on some of the things he needed to finish up! At least he made some progress during our quiet time.

The pre-op went smoothly - I LOVE my primary OB (the one who's delivering the baby tomorrow). Good news is I haven't gained any weight in the past week and a half. Yeah, cap my weight gain at an even 50lbs. My blood pressure was a little high - 130/80 when I'm usually 110/70. Nothing too concerning.

Now I'm just waiting for the call from the hospital to confirm my instructions for tonight and tomorrow (no eating, etc.)...and I'm sitting with my son enjoying some last time together as just the two of us. How bittersweet. I'm thrilled to welcome a new son, but at the same time very sad to say goodbye to the period in my life where it's just little buddy and myself. Bittersweet.

Third NST and Sleep Deprivation: 38w2d

amop — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:34:26 GMT

Had my third NST this morning...and they aren't getting any quicker, that's for sure. I had a 10am appointment and was there right on time...and of course, after an hour on the road had to use the bathroom. They brought me right back, let me leave my urine sample, took my blood pressure (140/60...not too bad for walking 4 flights of stairs just prior) and of course my weight. Still the same that I was on Tuesday. Phew. The number surprised the nurse - she said she would have sworn I was much lighter...compliment, I suppose.

I then was hooked up to the machine and left for about 15 minutes...during which time the baby moved twice. Not too bad, so when the nurse came back and checked on me she indicated that she'd give me another 10 minutes or so and then she'd be in to take the paper print out to the doctor. A little over 10 minutes later she came back in, saw the baby had moved once more, and said she'd let the doctor know. Five minutes after that, she stepped back in to say that the doctor would be in shortly.

Nearly 40 minutes after I was hooked up, the doctor came in apologizing as today was a big day for OB emergencies. No problem. I told her while I was waiting for her to come in the baby actually had moved quite a bit (8-9 times). She said that was great as if he hadn't moved more she would have left me on the machine for another 20 minute cycle. Yikes! She did do a quick ultrasound to check the fluid...and immediately noticed it's a little boy...shocker. The fluid looks great, and everything else is in line, so we talked about my next appointment.

Since it is so close to delivery, she suggested that it was more important for me to see the OB that was delivering the baby on Wednesday rather than get in for another NST. If I could do both, that would be ideal, but definitely not necessary. I went out to talk with the scheduling nurse, and after some debate (as the OB is only in on Tuesday...and her schedule is PACKED), we arrived at a time where I could be "squeezed in" and then canceled my NST for Monday. The negative is that I have to once again drive into the city for this appointment, but as the OB is in the hospital tomorrow and off on Monday, Tuesday is the ONLY day I can be seen.

On a separate note, the non-sleeping is really starting to deplete me. I'm just so uncomfortable at night between my aching hips, knees, and shoulders, then only being able to sleep on my sides or sitting upright. I roll every 45 minutes, get up for the bathroom every 2 hours, and just manage to get in mini-naps throughout the night. I tried to sleep in the baby's recliner (we opted for an oversized plush recliner instead of a wooden rocking chair - good move), but even that didn't seem to help things. Instead of pain in my hips and knees, I had a shooting pain down my side. Just impossible to get comfortable. At least my husband is sleeping soundly - doesn't even realize I'm up and about. Good in the sense that I'm not disturbing him, but he's SUCH a sound sleeper I'd have to wonder if something did happen, would I spend my entire night yelling for him.

Here's hoping that I get a solid few hours back to back in the next few nights or the sleep post delivery is going to start to look REALLY great :-)

Second NST: 38w0d

amop — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:57:36 GMT

I had my second NST this morning. Again, not an in-and-out procedure. I waited about 20 minutes in the waiting room...during which time I totally forgot they gave me paperwork I was supposed to give to the nurse who called me in. Duh. Mommy brain. Left it on the chair next to me in the waiting room.

I, of course, immediately asked to use the bathroom first. Afterall, I go every hour now...if not more often. Then the weigh in (woo-hoo, can we say 50 lbs!), blood pressure reading (a little high for me at 132/68), then into the room. She hooked me up and things were going very well (or so I thought) when the baby moved 3 times before she came in the first time to check on me. That was 10 or 15 minutes in, and I would have thought she said I was done. Nope. She gave me 10 or so more minutes, during which time my husband arrived for the appointment.

The nurse had mentioned that the doctor had asked I have a biweekly NST AND biweekly fluid check. The second meant an ultrasound...and a potentially unnecessary cost (not to mention MORE time in their office). She was checking on that during her second absence, and when she came back 15 or more minutes later (so much for this being quick), the baby had moved a total of about 8 times. She left me still hooked up and took the print out to the doctor.

Ten minutes later she came back...at which point I let her know that he had moved 4 more times, and it was on the increase. She said that the doctor would be in shortly for my internal exam and to let me know what else we were going to do today. So, I sat there for another 10 or so minutes...by the time I saw the doctor I had been hooked up to the NST machine (and pushing my little Jeopardy button) for over 45 minutes.

The doctor said that the movement looked great, there really wasn't any concern over the fluids (so no need for an ultrasound), then he did the quick internal. No change. No dilation. Things are still sealed tight.

Once he left the room I hopped (well, made my way) off the exam table...only to realize that I had taken a large butt shaped piece of the paper tablecloth with me. My husband got a kick out of the fact that after an hour sitting on that it had adhered to my rear. He was not as happy to help me get it off. Hah.

So, another lengthy and unproductive (which I'm very happy with) visit. Next NST is on Thursday, then I have one more on Monday. Looking forward to seeing whether I have to fit in another internal before Wednesday's delivery. The good news today - they are not going to starve me after delivery this time around. Was nearly 72 hours the first time around before they let me eat. This time it should only be 24 hours. We'll see, I'm not getting my hopes up, but at least now I have ammunition! The hospital nurses wouldn't take, "but I'm STARVING, how can I feed a newborn with nothing in my stomach?" as a real plea for food.

False Alarm

amop — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:17:08 GMT

Since there's been really not much action with the baby (other than constant motion), we decided to take advantage of the extra time as a family of three and take my 27 month old to his first movie! SO exciting for us, and I think he had a good time. We went to see Thomas the Tank Engine (of course) - The Great Discovery. My husband and I were both amazed that there was 30 minutes of cartoons before the movie...we remember from when we were a child that it was part of the experience, but the cartoons they showed were definitely not age appropriate. Bummer.

The movie was also a bit dark - the bridge fell down, then Thomas got stuck in an underground mine in the dark, and of course everyone theorized that he "ran away." Excellent message for young children. My son (luckily) had to use the potty during these dark parts, so I don't think much of it go in.

We left the movie and were just going to run a few errands when on the way to Babies R Us (as I needed one last thing...) I popped my only crown. Total shock on my part. I've had it about 5 years, and I was eating one of those fruit snacks that kids eat...nothing overly sticky. We pulled into the parking lot, my husband looked up the number for our dentist, and I gave her a ring. As it was a Saturday around lunchtime, I didn't expect someone to pick up...but was looking for what to do in case of emergency. Her voice message provided two numbers to call in case of an emergency, so I called the numbers while my husband ran into the store.

After relaying to my dentist what happened she asked if I could meet her at the office in about 30 minutes...as she was leaving for vacation on Sunday. You bet. Hardest part...getting my husband to answer his phone. I called 5 times in the 5 minutes he was in the store...turns out his phone was off from the movie. When he emerged from the store, I got his attention and motioned for him to get to the car quickly. What was his thought? Labor? Contractions? Anything pregnancy related? No, he thought our son had pooped his pants.

I was very fortunate about the timing of everything - met up with the dentist about 40 minutes later and within 30 minutes I was walking out of her office with my crown reattached. Let the "if onlys" begin.

Meanwhile, I managed to get a lot of my long-standing to-do list tackled this weekend, including purging several closets. Nothing feels better than getting organized...to me, at least. I have five bags and boxes worth of recycling and garbage sitting waiting to be taken to our transfer station tomorrow morning. Now at least my son has his very own closet (not full of Mommy's projects) and all of my projects fit into the closet in the spare bedroom...and aren't spilling out of every nook and cranny. Not sure what I'll do when the baby's ready to switch rooms with the guest room. Think I need to sell some furniture. Or hope I can get a craft room set up in the basement :-)

Sign Me Up - Non-Stress Tests

amop — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:48:50 GMT

Today I had my next appointment with my primary OB - just a little over 2 weeks left, so they did the Group B Strep culture, listened to the baby's heart, checked my cervix (nothing to report), and then we talked a little about the non-stress test. The OB had asked if I had discussed this earlier, and I let him know that another OB in the practice had called my high risk group to see if it was necessary to be doing weekly NSTs as part of the monitoring for Sjogren's. The high risk group said it wasn't necessary (it is if you have Lupus), but couldn't hurt if the primary practice felt more comfortable doing the testing.

The OB I saw today let me know that since I'm good to go (lungs are developed, etc.) from here on out it was worth doing a biweekly NST to check and make sure that the baby was doing okay. This will monitor the stress on the baby when it moves, and can let the OBs know if there's any concern with the amount of amniotic fluid, the heart rate, etc. I'm not going to question their experience, but I learned upon making the next 4 appointments (every Monday/Thursday from here on out) that they can't do this testing at the office closest to my home, so I have to drive into the city to visit their office just down the street from the hospital. This not only means I need to rely on a family member to watch my son (luckily both of our families are close by), but I need to drive an hour each way for a test that could take as little as 10-15 minutes, or as long as over an hour...in addition to my weekly appointments. Wow.

Good to hear that everything is going well with the baby though, and nice that my OBs haven't said boo about the weight I've gained (48lbs at this point, so cutting it close to the 60 I gained with the first pregnancy). There's no major swelling, although my rings don't fit again. Went for about a week where it was dry enough outside that the swelling wasn't bad and I could comfortably wear my wedding rings...now I'm back to keeping them off as after about 30 minutes my finger starts hurting from the pressure.

We'll see how the first NST goes on Thursday - hopefully this little guy will stay put until the 30th...but I'm not counting on that!

Intense Dreams

amop — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:07:57 GMT

They're back!

Last night for the first time in a few weeks I had one of those intense dreams...where I was being pursued. All I remember is running away and hiding in a closet somewhere hoping that my breathing wouldn't give me away...that and the unbearable cramping in my legs wouldn't cause me to move. Guess the cramping I experience when I sleep has crept into my dreams.

The other part that really threw me was that when this whole "adventure" was over, I delivered a still born son. Yeah, that wasn't much fun to watch play out in my dreams. I was probably about where I am now - a few weeks out from delivery. I just remember the doctor telling me that he wasn't alive, and then just sobbing.

So, I'm sure you can imagine when I awoke I rolled over (to reduce the pain in my hips and knees) and just waited for the baby to stir. Sometimes it's difficult to not read too much into your dreams.

34w1d - Last High Risk Appointment

amop — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:34:30 GMT

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!

Nearing 26 Weeks

amop — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:16:56 GMT

I had my monthly appointment (a week late...as I spaced and forgot last Monday that I had an appointment) yesterday. Loved only being up 3.5 lbs in five weeks. Holding better course than with my first pregnancy. Although, I had that wonderful stomach virus to thank for the minimal increase.

Got my papers for the lovely glucose screening. Now I just need to figure out when I want to tackle that one...and who I can get to come out and watch my son while I go take the test. Also got my c-section date. As one of the three OBs I've been seeing (as I'm high risk they asked that I not rotate through their entire office) is retiring at the end of June, that left 2 OBs who could actually deliver the baby. As the OB I saw yesterday (who also delivered my son) is going to be on vacation at the end of July, that leaves one OB left (luckily the one that I would consider my primary). She's only delivering on the 30th, so July 30th at 9am I am scheduled to welcome baby #2!!

We talked a little about how this past week I've had a nice case of heartburn (didn't have that the first time around) and my OB let me know that the cramping/pains I'm getting (especially while sleeping) are totally normal. Just hurt like heck, that's all. I had some this morning...as our son was up around 5am and didn't want to go back to sleep I'm sleep deprived and ready for a nap now. Was great having the cramps on top of that. Try entertaining a 2 year old on the run when all you want to do is curl up and lie still.

I have another appointment with my primary practice in 2 weeks, but I have my 26 week appointment with the high risk group tomorrow. Should hopefully get the all clear regarding the baby's heart...haven't heard anything yet, so hopefully nothing has changed in the past 2 weeks. From here on out I'll be meeting with my primary practice every 2 weeks (until the end) and the high risk practice every month for another ultrasound to measure the baby, the placenta, and check up on a few other things. I'm just hoping the glucose screening has similar results as last time - no gestational diabetes. From what I understand, they're going to have me repeat it later on to make sure I don't develop it as Sjogren's Moms are at an increased risk for developing this pregnancy-related condition. Keep your fingers crossed!

20w1d

amop — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 22:07:33 GMT

We're slowly closing in on the 26th week mark. Just a few more appointments with the high risk group before we get the final nod that the little guy's heart is just fine.

I had my next high risk appointment on Wednesday. Although I love the practice, I'm not always thrilled to have to drive into the city, park in the parking garage (usually at least on the 6th floor), and make my way through the hallways and buildings to get over to the office. I literally add about 15 minutes of parking and walking time to my schedule to ensure that I arrive at the appointment on time. The plus of being in the hospital (versus the new office they opened up near my husband's office) is that they don't charge me my specialty copay there. Go figure.

Well, my appointment was scheduled for 1pm on Wednesday. My son's been sniffling all week, so dropping him off at my Mother-in-Law's house I just wanted to get there, back, and get him home for a nap. My husband, the saint that he is, has made just about every appointment with both children. To my knowledge, he missed one regular in-and-out appointment with my primary group earlier on in this pregnancy. Otherwise, he's been there by side to hear everything (and see everything) first hand.

He had an unexpected meeting about 45 minutes away that morning, and he cut it pretty close to get to the hospital. He arrived around 1:15 to join me in the waiting room...where we stayed until 1:30. This is the first time I haven't been taken in within 5 minutes of arriving. We were just hoping it wasn't another marathon appointment this time. The doctor I saw two weeks ago indicated that they wouldn't need to do an ultrasound at every visit - rather every other - so this was the "off" week.

As we were being escorted down the hall, the woman confirmed that we were there for another ultrasound. I of course replied that I thought it was every other visit...so she went and checked. Sure enough, they wanted another ultrasound. No big deal, who doesn't love watching their child??

Luckily she didn't have to get 10,000 measurements this time around - she did get the heart rate, check out the leg and arm bone lengths, measured the tummy, took a look at the kidneys, bladder, and confirmed that it was in fact a boy. She made a comment that although the child was a "flasher," he wasn't cooperating when it came to getting the skull and brain measurements. That took nearly 10 minutes of her pressing hard with the ultrasound scanner on my stomach. I can usually tolerate the discomfort, but Wednesday I was having a nice bout of tummy trouble and wasn't up for any further disturbances.

Once she captured all of the measurements, she calculated the baby's due date (just at 20 weeks, so we're on track) and the baby's weight - 11oz. Hmm. Is that on track? As she left to get the doctor, I mentioned to my husband that I thought that it was heavy compared to what the week-by-week book was saying.

The doctor came in and introduced himself - there's just 3 high risk OBs in the practice, so I was bound to meet them all at some point. Each one is nicer than the next. He took about 5 minutes explaining to me what he had learned about Sjogren's and pregnancy at the conference he attended this week. Sounds like for those whose baby develops heart block (whether full or partial) aren't really helped by the steroids that they usually administer is a partial or complete heart block is detected. That's unfortunate, but it did sounds like they were trying some type of immunoglobulin for those expectant mothers whose babies have a high likelihood of heart block. We'll have to wait and see if that works any better. Lucky for me, I don't need either at this time.

The doctor checked out the baby's heart rate (over 150bpm) and did the usual measurements of the heart beat and basically told us what we've heard for several weeks - everything looks great, there's a very very slim chance anything will develop, and they think it will be smooth sailing from here on out.

I did ask the doctor whether all of the measurements were within the normal range, and he said yes. I pushed and asked specifically about the weight, as I recalled it being higher than the normal range dictated in the book I'm reading. He once again confirmed that it was normal, and inquired how big my first son was. When I replied 10lbs 7oz, his jaw literally dropped and he asked me if I was 50 weeks pregnant when I delivered. I said no, I was 11 days over due, to which he asked whether it was a vaginal delivery. I said no, it was a scheduled section and explained that they knew he was going to be big - most likely high 9lb range - and as he hadn't dropped, wasn't in position, and I was not dilating, that a c-section was the best option. He agreed, and commented that that was a HHUUUGGGEEEE baby.

On our way out, I commented to my husband that it was a big strange for an OB to be SO shocked about a baby's birth weight. I mean, he delivers babies...or at least oversees many pregnant women each day. He was REALLY shocked. However, upon thinking about it, perhaps most of his patients...being older, with multiples, or medical conditions, don't have high birth weight babies. I know multiples are generally lower birth weight (and are delivered a little early), and potentially given the nature of a high risk OB practice many of the other patients are lucky to go full term.

Let's start a pool to see how much this baby is going to weigh...

Movement

amop — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:06:48 GMT

I've finally reached that stage of pregnancy when I can feel the fluttering. What a great feeling!! I began noticing it on Monday night, and the last two nights it has been pretty constant once I've sat down after dinner. As I sit here and type I can feel the little guy kicking away. Was strong enough the other night that my husband actually felt it as well. Not bad considering the little wonder is just about 5 1/2 inches long.

I got some interesting news from my Mother last night...one of the OBs I've been seeing as part of my three OB rotation with my primary practice is retiring...in June! Arg. I REALLY like this doctor, and I've actually seen him quite a bit (including my visit this week), so it's bittersweet he won't be able to see me through the entire pregnancy. I was considering having him or the other male doctor I'm working with (who delivered my son) deliver this baby, so now I guess whatever day the remaining doctor is delivering that week is the day I'll select. Kind of narrows down my options on picking the baby's birthday!

I also had a strange and horrifying thought pop into my head yesterday...after spending the morning with three other Moms who have recently had a second child. If I'm that tired now, how will I function with a newborn and an active toddler? I know we all just "get through it," but I'm seriously wondering how I'll be able to stay alert enough to Mother properly if I barely have the energy some days to sit on the floor and play with my son. We will see...