I went in for my doctor appointment, and it started off great- I weighed 4 lbs LESS than my last appointment (3 weeks ago). That's always a bonus!
Then He got out the Doppler so I could hear the heartbeat for the first time!! It was taking a while (maybe not, it just felt like a long time!) and I started getting really nervous, I mean, really started to think he wouldn't find a heartbeat... until the thumping started. The gast beating of the tiny, tender heart inside of me. I started crying. I was such a beautiful relief!And it wasn't until someone handed me tissues that I realized what a fuss I was making!
After the heartbeat, he got out his measuring tape.... and I measured at 18 WEEKS?! I'm only 14 weeks... that a whole month difference. He asked how much my biggest baby weighed... I said 8 lbs, 5 oz. (which was Aiden. Logan was 8 lbs, 1oz.) And his expression was, "Oh that's not that bad.."
Anyway, the rest of the visit went fine, and He scheduled me to come back in 3 weeks for an ultrasound.
I am very, very nervous for that ultrasound. It's supposed to be exciting, a "gender revealing moment," but I can't help but think that I am measuring big because of a condition I had with Logan called, "Polyhydramnios." It means to have too much Amniotic fluid. It only occurs in 1- 2% of all pregnant women. It also can cause neurological abnormalities to the baby...
Polyhydramnios:
In most cases, the exact cause cannot be identified. A single case of polyhydramnios may have one or more causes. Few cases are associated with fetal anomalies that impair the ability of the fetus to swallow (the fetus normally swallows the amniotic fluid). These anomalies include:
- gastrointestinal abnormalities such as esophageal atresia, duodenal atresia, facial cleft, neck masses, and tracheoesophageal fistula
- chromosomal abnormalities such as Down's syndrome and Edwards syndrome (which is itself often associated with GI abnormalities)
- neurological abnormalities such as anencephaly, which impair the swallowing reflex.
During the pregnancy, certain clinical signs may suggest polyhydramnios. In the mother, the physician may observe increased abdominal size out of proportion for her weight gain and gestation age, uterine size that outpaces gestational age. When examining the fetus, faint fetal heart sounds are also an important clinical sign of this condition.
Fetuses with polyhydramnios are at risk for a number of other problems including cord prolapse, placental abruption, premature birth and perinatal death.
I know that all I can do, all that Daniel and I can do is pray and remember to put our faith in Heavenly Father. I know that this baby is a blessing and is already a beautiful addition to our family. Daniel and I have always, and always will be so grateful for the children we have been blessed with. We will continue to pray and hope for the best.
