Yesterday I had an appointment with Maternal Fetal Medicine and everything looks great. The doctor said our cervical study is complete this week and because my cervix "could not be any longer if I tried" (his words...lol) he has ruled out incompetent cervix as a cause of preterm labor/delivery. This is good news, but it doesn't explain why Jack came early, except as we go along we are ruling out different causes. So far we've ruled out infection, uterine abnormalities, incompetent cervix, and maternal health (diabetes, high blood pressure, clotting disorders). So I guess that leaves us hoping it was just a fluke with Jack. The doctor said it's time we start thinking very positively about this pregnancy going to term. With every item that's ruled out my chances get higher. Due to the fact that there's not much left to test or study, he is releasing my care to a "regular" OB/GYN! No more high risk clinic for me. This is good news, but I don' think I will relax much until I'm nearly full term!
Jack was born at 25 weeks, 5 days. In three days I will be pregnant longer than I ever have been before! I was given the syrup for my gestational diabetes test along with the lab slip. I never made it to this test with Jack. It felt good leaving the office with this next task to attend to. I have to drink the glucose syrup and have blood drawn an hour later. I must do this before 28 weeks -- I plan on going this week. I look forward to all of the normal visits from here on. I will go every two weeks until the last month -- then I believe it's weekly. We'll also be scheduling the mandatory c-section -- I just don't know how far in advance they schedule those?
So yes, another great update on the bean. I go again in two weeks. Keep those positive full term vibes coming!!!
Great report Mommy! You too Bean! Keep up the great work and the big day will soon be here! Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteHow's your big brother doing Bean? Wait til you meet him. He is going to be the BEST big brother anyone could ever have. What a lover he is!
Have a great Sunday and enjoy the lovely(YUK) weather that's coming!
Love Grammie
Great report. You are doing so well considering all the stress you have had recently.
ReplyDeleteHi Angela,
ReplyDeleteI lurk sometimes at your blog and reading this post thought that I have to mention my case of incompetent cervix. I don't have short cervix, I don't have any abnormalities according to my doc and I've been diagnosed with incompetent cervix that just started openning around 22 weeks for no reason.
In your case I would look into second opinion about having incompetent cervix because it's very important to have it diagnosed early and have preventive procedures (cerculage) done.
Here is what I found online about incompetent cervix:
...It is generally categorized as premature opening of the cervix without labor or contractions. The use of ultrasonography has been very helpful with the diagnosis, and is made when the cervical os (opening) is greater than 2.5 cm, or the length has shortened to less than 20 mm.
Factors that increase the likelihood of suffering from an incompetent cervix are:
DES exposure
Cervical Trauma
Hormonal influences
Congenitally short cervix
Forced D & C
Uterine anomalies
I'm sorry I don't want to scary you. But I could't just pass through this time...
Hugs,
Gala
ok, I think I have been just paranoid with this incompetent cervix. I didn't realize you were so far in pregnancy. Probably so far in pregnancy if you would have one, it would show already. Wishing you the best for the rest of the pregnancy!
ReplyDeleteSorry I overworried you with my previous post.
Gala
Hi Gala, thanks for the information. I've been going every two weeks for cervical measurements via ultrasound -- since they could not find a reason for my preterm labor and delivery with Jack they monitored me for various things. I can still go into labor like I did with Jack, it would just unlikely be related to incompetent cervix.
ReplyDeleteI started with labor and contractions at 25 weeks and was fully dilated within an hour...definitely a precipitous labor. So what caused it? We don't know.
I am sorry you know about cervical issues. Were they able to help you?
Thanks again for the information -- I have several other preemie moms who I will pass this on to.
Angela
Angela - that is great news. You are doing amazing. I am glad you got some good news and have reached this milestone of sorts!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kathryn