32 weeks - 1.5 liters lighter!

It has been a busy two weeks for us - Jason was on the road to Virginia and Chicago for almost a week, my parents came to visit for the weekend and we've finally gotten the nursery set up. We also toured the hospital - which turned out to be a very, very good thing, even though it felt a little early to us.

Our 32 week appointment ended up a little differently than we expected. We were hoping to have an opportunity to talk with the doctors about the delivery plan and continue with the routine baby measurements. We did have an ultrasound and baby Lucy's measurements continue to be stable, as they have been since 28 weeks. Her ventricles were slightly smaller, at 21mm (as compared to 24mm at the previous two appointments). Her growth is just under 33 weeks and her head size around 35 weeks. She is currently weighing in at a whopping 4 lbs, 3 oz!

The big excitement of the appointment was another measurement of my embryonic fluid, which continues to increase at an abnormal rate. This week it was at around 39 (anything over 25 is considered high). The doctor suggested that I have an amnio in order to drain some of the fluid. However, since we are delivering at Presbyterian St Luke's (PSL) in downtown Denver, we had to go there to have it done, in case there were any complications. Thankfully, they were able to get us in that afternoon, if Jason was able to "drive like a madman" and get me there quickly.

So, we made good time to PSL and promptly had the amnio done, where they were able to drain about 1.5 liters of fluid. Jason watched - I did not. Something about a large needle sticking into my own midsection and draining fluid out made me not want to watch. The doctor said that the fluid will build up again - it's just a matter of how long. In the meantime, I can definitely notice a difference in the pressure on my ribs and internal organs (plus I lost 4 pounds overnight!) We had to wait an additional 2 hours in one of the hospital delivery rooms to monitor the baby's heartrate and ensure I did not have any complications, plus I had to get another RhoGam shot (getting that from the pharmacy definitely took the longest).

All in all, Jason and I are very grateful for many things about our 32 week appointment - Lucy continues to do well, I have some relief, and we had a "practice" hospital trip. We have another appointment next week, since I missed my regular office visit and they will continue to monitor my fluid levels.

Thank You for your continued prayers and encouragement and general interest in our well-being. One of these posts I will dedicate solely to the many cards, emails and voicemails we have received so you can get a small taste of the outpouring of support we have received.

30 week appointment - Uneventful!

For us during this pregnancy, an "uneventful" doctor's appointment is a welcome change! This was really the first time since my 16 week appointment at the end of January that we didn't find out something new and unexpected.

I had my standard 30 week appointment today - doctor's visit and ultrasound to check fluid levels, but no major baby measurements or lengthy consultations. While my embryonic fluid levels are still extremely high, the doctors are not overly concerned unless it starts to cause me unbearable discomfort or shortness of breath. The baby's growth and development looks good - however we did not take in-depth comparative measurements like we have the past several appointments. Also, the doctors thought that they could see some fluid in the baby's stomach - which is a great sign since we think there may be some issues with her sucking/swallowing function. Other than that, a pretty routine visit.

Jason and I plan to take a hospital tour this weekend and we have our next appointment in 2 weeks to take Lucy's measurements and talk more in depth about the delivery plan.

We continue to appreciate the care packages, cards, emails, phone calls and general encouragement we receive from all of you. Thank You for your support!