Sjogren's Mom : Non-Stress Test

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.

First NST

amop — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:33:16 GMT

At 37w2d I went in for my first non-stress test (NST). Of course, they couldn't do the testing in the office I usually visit, so I had to drive nearly an hour to their main office near the hospital for the appointment. On the way in, I dropped off my son at my Mother-in-law's house...and it's a good thing, because this wasn't a quick in and out type of appointment.

The OB I saw on Monday had prepared me by letting me know that depending on how active the baby was would determine how quick the appointment would be for me. Of course, on the way to the appointment, the baby was moving around quite a bit, so I thought I would be in the clear. I made it to the office and had to use the bathroom, and in my hurry to get into the bathroom, forgot they probably wanted a urine sample...which is exactly the first thing the nurse who brought me in asked - did I leave her a sample. Nope, but I told her that by the time I left I should be able to.

She brought me into the back of the office where I was weighed (a pound lighter than Monday) and she took my blood pressure. Then she settled me into a room where the NST would take place. I crawled up on the table and she strapped the large bands around my tummy and then started the machine. She mentioned that they were looking for three good movements over the course of a 20 minute period of time. No problem I thought. However, just a few minutes in, he hadn't moved so she encouraged me to drink some water and brought me a small cup of Mike & Ike's (sugar stimulates the baby). After 10 minutes, the baby had moved just once and by the end of the 20 minutes there was still that single movement. She tore off the paper from the machine that noted the movement and took it to the doctor. On her way out of the door she mentioned that babies have 20 minute sleep cycles so chances are that we just caught this little guy in that sleep cycle.

As luck would have it, as soon as she disappeared the little guy literally "kicked it" into first gear. Think he moved 3 times just in the few minutes she was gone. The nurse came back in and said that I wasn't going to like the news - that the doctor wanted me to go another 10 minutes and then have an ultrasound to check the fluid. I let her know that he had started moving...as was actually moving while she was in there so she saw first hand...but she said that I still needed to wait out the 10 minutes.

After the 10 minutes passed, she came in, unhooked me and had me leave my urine sample before heading down the hall for the ultrasound. That took forever. Never knew they had so much paperwork. I think I sat and waited about 5 minutes before the technician even turned around to start the exam. She asked how often I was having my NSTs - once or twice a week (I said twice) - she asked why (I explained), and then started the ultrasound. She immediately noticed that there was plenty of fluid (phew) and then began to look around at his heart and other organs. I asked her if we were going to get a measurement on his weight, and she said she'd do a quick one. She asked how big my first son was, and when I said 10lbs 7oz she immediately asked how my sugar levels were. I replied they were fine during the first pregnancy and now, and she seemed surprised. Her reply was, "I guess you just pop out toddlers." Yup, that's me. Toddler maker.

This guy weighed in at 6lbs 12oz +/-7oz...so 6lbs 5oz to 7lbs 3oz. Right now, he should be just shy of 6lbz 8oz...so we're on track if not a little on the heavy side. Assuming he packs on 1/2 lb each week, we'll be around 8lbs at delivery. At least I now know that we're looking at the 3 month clothing to pack in his bag...but definitely not another 10 pounder. He'll be delivered nearly 2 1/2 weeks before his brother was...and at 1/2 lb a week, that's another 2 1/2 lbs to add to the 6lbs 12oz...which would make this guy well over 9lbs if he went as long as his big brother.

After taking some cute pictures of his face straight on (too cool to see what he looks like!), they escorted me down to an exam room where I sat patiently for about 20 minutes waiting for the doctor to come in and debrief with me. She was busy, so they had another OB step in...which was great as it was the OB I saw on Monday. He said everything looked great, I looked great, and that they'd see me next week to have another NST. My cervix is still closed, so there's also been no progression since Monday's appointment. Good news for me...although most of the nurses/technicians I saw kept asking me if I was ready to have this over with...especially given the humidity. Are you kidding me? Would I rather be pregnant and hot or just out of surgery, home with a toddler and newborn, and hot? Hmm. I'll take pregnant.

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!

33w1d

amop — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:00:10 GMT

Just crossed into the "6 weeks left" phase. Yes, my heart is beating a bit quicker thinking of all of those things I so desperately wanted to get done before the baby arrived...and how we're not making much progress. Like our master bath. My husband began the demo, got the vanity and shower out, but the rest is just lying on the floor (sheet rock and all). Guess that won't be done in time for the baby to be home. Which means it will be later this fall before we actually can get back to it.

I had another visit with my OB yesterday, and did mention the back pain and cramping that I've been having - to the extent that it takes my breath away. I knew it would probably be considered "normal," but as I didn't have any of this before (including the heartburn!), I thought it worth mentioning. Just the baby trying to get comfortable and my body stretching to accommodate. Oh well, just grin and bear it. Actually yesterday was the best day in the past week, so maybe that's behind me.

Everything still looks great in terms of the pregnancy. Well, if you consider me being up 42 lbs (still possible I'll be up the 60 of last time if the swelling does kick in...). The heart sounded great yesterday, and thanks to my first internal exam, we know the baby is head down. So he must be pushing up under my ribs with his butt and feet...or he's still flipping around in there. One more appointment in 2 weeks and then I'll move to the weekly appointments. I don't need the non-stress tests, so that's one less trip a week to their offices I will have to make.

Funny thing was my 2 year old was in the exam room with my husband and I. When it came time for the doctor to start the exam, my son sat down on the landing of the exam table in between my legs and wouldn't move. The doctor and my husband tried to talk him out of staking his claim to Mommy, but ultimately my husband had to just pick him up and hold onto him while I had the minute long exam. Funny thing is - when we're usually out in public, my son won't leave my husband's side...not mine. He's usually pushing me away...like he has had enough of me and wants attention from someone else.

We'll get a final read on the baby's weight next week at my last appointment (hopefully) with my high risk group. At that time the baby should be around 5lbs (just under if you're going by my ovulation date)...so if he's a bit bigger we'll know we should probably pack the 3-6 month clothes.

Humidity and Swelling...Bad Combination

amop — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:17:56 GMT

So I've reached that point in my pregnancy where I take on the "unwed mother" look. Yup, my rings no longer fit.

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with being an unwed mother...in fact, I give single Moms SO much credit. I still don't understand how women can work, run a household, and raise children. Perhaps it's that I'm so dedicated to each that I'd wind up in a mental institution if I were to give it a go.

However, that still doesn't stop the thought of what everyone ELSE thinks about you being a parent enter your mind as you stand in a checkout line very obviously pregnant...and eyes glance from your tummy to your ringless fingers. There's nothing wrong with being a single Mom, yet you don't want anyone else to think that you are a single Mother. Of course, the other point is that people might not even be thinking it.

At least my feet aren't swollen...yet. Hard to tell if the rings don't fit because of the humidity we've had the past week or so, or if this is really a result of the pregnancy.

Time to head back to the OB. Tomorrow morning will bring my 33rd week and another check up. We'll see what the OB has to say about the non-stress testing...since I haven't heard anything (and those 2 weeks flew by), I am assuming that I won't need to have this done. We'll see!

31w2d...Non-Stress Tests

amop — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:46:48 GMT

I had another visit with my primary OB yesterday - everything still is going very well, baby is VERY active (can you step on my bladder and push up on my ribs all day long?), and the heart sounds great.

The one question that did arise during my visit was whether I should start with the non-stress tests. Huh? My high risk practice never mentioned this. My primary OB mentioned that they do this weekly from here on out for Lupus patients, and since I've got the same antibodies, she was thinking that they should probably start monitoring me as well. She was going to check with my high risk doctors and get back to me.

Basically, it would require me going in to the primary office once a week for the non-stress test (they'd hook me up to a heart monitor and watch how the heart rate changed with activity...probably for about 30-45 minutes a session). I'd also be seeing them every other week (for the next 2 appointments, then weekly there after) for my regular appointment. Just means more monitoring and closer watch on how the baby's heart is performing...to make sure it's not under any unnecessary stress. Just waiting to hear if I need to make those appointments.

We also discussed my next ultrasound appointment with the high risk practice - supposedly that would be my last ultrasound unless they deemed it necessary (because I was WAY big or TOO small) to do another one. If the baby seemed to be "average" they wouldn't bother with another ultrasound before the baby was born. Just means we'll have to wait and hear how big baby #2 will be. I've heard mixed reviews from all of my physicians. Some think the baby will be bigger than "average," but not the 10lbs 7oz my son was (given I'll be sectioned nearly a week before my due date). Some think he'll be "average" given I'll be sectioned before my due date. I've heard comments about how the baby would be similar in size to my first barring an earlier delivery or different partner...but then I've also heard that just because the first one was big doesn't necessarily mean the second one will be as well. Tough call...what size clothing will this little guy wear home from the hospital? I'm going to have to pack a few outfits I guess.

I'm also up about 6 lbs. Given I'm congested and feel like crap...and therefore have been drinking a large amount of oj and other juices, I wasn't totally surprised, but that puts me at +38 right now. Hoping I'm shy of the +60 from the first pregnancy, but know that it's not like I'm going to hold on at just +40. I got it off the first time, so I should be able to get it off again. My OBs have not said a word about my weight gain...unlike the nurses from my health insurance company who were quick to inform me that I'm outside of their "normal guidelines." Someone has to buck the trend!