Spent a few hours at the hospital last night....

Last night after dinner I started having contractions -- not overly painful, but very strong and regular...my tummy would get rock hard from the top all the way to the bottom. I called nurse triage and they felt I should be seen in Labor and Delivery for monitoring especially with my history.

We left around 8:30 and had to take Jack with us -- and he behaved sooo well despite being overly tired. They hooked me up to the monitors and saw my contractions coming every 2 mintues or so. They weren't painful, but I was scared and they weren't exactly comfortable...I gave it a 3 on the 1-10 pain scale.

I was examined interally and absolutely no cervical changes were noted. The baby looked really good and remained active with a strong steady heartbeat...showing no signs of distress.

Around 11:30 I was still having some contractions but they weren't like they were earlier. The dr. said this was all normal and I could go home. He explained how the uterus is a giant muscle and it contracts regularly only I am feeling it because if how much I've grown. He said if I notice ANY CHANGES in the intensity I should come right back or if I notice any blood or discharge.

We got home and I took a warm shower and got in bed. I didn't remember having any contractions while I slept and so far this morning I've had just 3.

I left with instructions on how to do an official fetal kick count (twice daily after breakfast and dinner) and this morning she moved 26 times in 30 minutes and has been quite active...which is a relief.

Jason went to work this morning and my mom is on her way over. I canceled Jack's eye appointment and I plan on resting the entire weekend.

Please pray for no more contractions and an easy 30 some days till Morgan's scheduled arrival!!

We've Decided...

On a name for the Bean!!!

Morgan Leigh

We decided last night while getting Jack ready for bed. Today I asked Jack if he could say Morgan, and he came up with "Mo" for now...we'll practice a little before her arrival in 46 days!! He was able to say "Si Si" for sissy which sounds amazingly cute!

Jason and I have always been fond of the name Morgan. I suggested Leigh which is after her Daddy's middle name Lee. It fits and we're happy to have finally decided!

This weekend the crib is going in!!! I'll be taking pictures I am sure.

Happy Jack!!!!

Jack had his 4 year check up on Tuesday -- not much to report...he's 31 lbs and somewhere around 38 - 40 inches long....he just would not straighten his leg for anything! He's growing, at that's the important thing! There wasn't much else to the visit. He did get 3 shots and needs to go back in 6 months for second dose of one of the vaccines. It was funny -- Dr. C said to just bring him along to the baby's 4 month check up. Boy did that sound strange! At first I was thinking "What baby??" Ha ha!! Sadly Jack did end up getting our bug -- he has an ear infection and sore throat. She gave us an Rx for Augmentin. Jack had been cranky over the weekend but he's like a new kiddo now -- I haven't seen him so happy in almost two weeks.

Jack now has a nurse at school -- though she won't be our permanent nurse, she's just filling in until the agency gets someone on the schedule. It's sad because we really, really like her! Hopefully we'll like the next one just as well. I think it was really the right decision to make. I am relieved that someone's there just in case. Plus she takes all of these nifty notes and I know exactly what went on during Jack's day play by play! She wrote down what he ate, what they did in PT, which words he used, his mood, and a few other goodies! We do get progress reports from time to time, but it's usually much less detail -- so I'm liking this. It is nice to know that we can use nursing if need be after my c-section -- but I feel a little strange about having a "stranger" in my house. If anyone has used nursing at home, I would love to hear about it. Thankfully we do have a lot of family and friends so maybe we won't even need to use nursing! (ATTENTION FAMILY AND FRIENDS -- MAKE NO PLANS MAY 22 until JUNE 22! Hint, hint!!)

We also decided to take Jack's wheelchair to school for the first time too -- now that there's someone to help do the lifting! He loves it...he looks wonderful and all of the kids were excited to see his new wheels. We decorated the back with his name in fancy letters and the PT put red and blue tape on the pegs for his right hand. We were originally waiting for a lift-bus to become available but since we canceled transportation it's not an issue any more. The nurse takes the wheelchair out of the back of our van and gets Jack from the car and does the same when it's time to go home too. I walk them into the building and say my goodbyes.

I am still really sick. It started Thursday with a sore throat and by yesterday it had gone to my chest and I was having a hard time getting a good breath...feels very much like an elephant is sitting on my chest. The family doc said it's an upper respiratory infection and gave me an Rx for antibiotics and instructions to take Musinex (1200 mg extended release) and that's about all he could do. I am miserable. I already lack lung capacity due to a very big bean who likes to keep her feet under my ribcage (okay, so I don't know this for sure but that's EXACTLY what it feels like) then with the tightness, irritation and congestion forget it, I can't sit, or sleep very well at all. I can get my best breaths standing up. I alarmed Jason this morning because I was wondering the hallway at 4 am...I didn't go back to bed until 6 and Jack was up shortly after.

30 Weeks and 1 day today. It's amazing -- the time is simply flying by. After I dropped Jack at school I went to Taco Bell for lunch (fast food is rare for me -- I'll blame the Bean...hee hee). I saw Jack's old bus driver and she asked me if I was ready to "pop this kid out yet?" I keep forgetting just how pregnant I look. I am not used to it -- I get questions everywhere I go! It's amazing to think I missed FIFTEEN WEEKS of my pregnancy with Jack. So no, I am not ready to "pop" yet -- but I am getting used to the idea that May is really around the corner!!!

A Little Update...

Jack's doing well -- here he's going fishin' in his closet!


The scheduler from the nursing agency came by this afternoon -- very nice woman! Our nurse will meet us at school tomorrow! I had no idea it would start so quickly. She wrote a care plan that includes administering meds if needed.

We also discussed some nursing care for Jack after my c-section due to lifting restrictions. I think it may be a good idea.

Jack has his 4 year check up tomorrow! Does anyone know, do they get shots at 4 years old? I'd like to prepare Jack if I have to.

I had a check up with maternal fetal medicine and all looks great! I am 29 weeks, 5 days. Bean's heart was up to 155 bpm -- sounded good! I have a fetal growth scan scheduled for 32 weeks.

Jason and I both have had sore throats since Thursday -- this morning I had some congestion too. Let's hope Jack DOES NOT GET THIS BUG!!!

The neurologist was happy with Jack's levels of Tegretol. He's not going to change anything at this time. We will follow up with more blood work in a few weeks. I am still trying to process all of this.

I hope to post more soon -- and hopefully I'll be able to put my thoughts together a bit more fluidly! : )

Quickest Pregnancy Update Ever!

My 3 hour glucose test results:

NORMAL! NORMAL! NORMAL!

I do NOT have gestational diabetes

27 Weeks, 5 Days...

Oh wow, where to even begin! Another "milestone" moment for me...my mom hosted a beautiful baby shower this weekend in our little bean's honor! The house was filled with everyone I love and haven't seen in so long. It was so good to see everyone! I never made it far enough along with Jack to have a traditional shower -- I know now why everyone LOVES baby showers!!!!

Seeing all of the tiny outfits and smelling the baby lotion really made this baby REAL to me. Now all I can picture is the sweetest little girl nestled in a blanket smelling of that yummy baby smell. I haven't stopped smiling. I organized all of the gifts and for now they are stacked in the crib in Jack's room. Hopefully Jason will make even more progress on the room this weekend!

The First coat of primer...


BABY NEWS!

This morning I had a check up at Maternal Fetal Medicine. I am not sure if I mentioned they are keeping several of their patients that they released two weeks ago. Something I am not upset about! I have become attached to the staff and Dr. B. and Dr. A. So I am very glad they'll be seeing us till the end.

Unfortunately, I failed my glucose tolerance test and need to have a 3 hour glucose tolerance test completed this Friday. I am hoping for good results because I know gestational diabetes can be very serious. I of course will keep you posted as I learn the results.

The baby's heartrate was great and my belly is measuring just as it should. I will have another ultrasound at 32 weeks to check the size of Miss Bean. At 36 weeks they will do the routine Group B Strep test and treat with antibiotics if need be.

I have officially scheduled my c-section!!!! MAY 22, 2007!!! Dr. B. will do the surgery. It will be in my 37th week. Monday, the day before the c-section they will do a lung maturity test via amniocentesis -- to make sure the baby has fully developed lungs.

Oh, and most exciting -- as of Wednesday I will be in my THIRD TRIMESTER!!!! That's an amazing feeling!

The Nursery...

Over 4 years ago I fell in love with the "John Lennon Collection" nursery decor. I had it picked out from the time I knew I was expecting. It was so fun -- I knew it would work for a boy or a girl and looking at the set online brought me sheer joy!

About 2 weeks before Jack's NICU discharge we had the nursery completed. It was beautiful!

Jack's room at our old house May 2003.







As Jack grew older I started packing away the baby-ish things like the mobile, and baby bedding. Until recently I had no idea if we were ever going to try for more children. Over the years I had given away most of Jack's baby gear (high chairs, strollers, car seats, etc.) but always held on to the nursery box.

As soon as I found out we were expecting again I was so overjoyed that I could use the same nursery decor as I did with Jack. It survived the move and it's in pristine condition. The baby will also inherit Jack's crib that currently just taking up space in his room. Jack will keep the dresser because the baby's room has a built in chest of drawers and shelves...

The baby's room:


I picked out paint samples last week and hope to get some painting completed this weekend (fingers crossed!!)

It's something simple but it makes me smile. Sometimes it's the little things that mean so much.

25 Weeks, 3 Days...

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!!!

23 Weeks, 3 days!

I had my cervical scan yesterday and in the doctor's very words "Absolutely nothing funky looking" basically perfect with no signs of any cervical changes. YAY!

I mentioned that I've been having some Braxton Hicks Contractions this week, especially in the evening right around dinner time. Even though I knew they were not true labor contractions they still made me nervous. He assured me they are totally normal. He also mentioned to call any time -- if I am worried about anything. I've been staying very hydrated and resting with my feet up when needed. I know how to manage them better now and hopefully they won't continue to make me nervous. I have another cervical scan in two weeks. At that time I will be exactly 25 weeks...

From Baby-Gaga:
At this point, you’ve pretty much adjusted to the fact you’ve got a moving little gymnast inside of you, but now they’re going to kick up the party a notch because they can hear and react to sounds from the outside world. Sounds from your alarm clock, a thunder roll, or that darned car honking at you across the intersection can actually jar their little ears enough to elicit a kick or violent bout of squirming. Of course this also means that their little ears are picking up the sounds of your voice and those near you. So go ahead, sing a lullaby to your little angel—if they start kicking, it’s likely they just want you to stop… or maybe it was a kick of approval? You decide. Their little pink taste buds are still growing and their bones are continuing to ossify (harden). Your baby's tiny veins are visible through their translucent yet wrinkly skin. (Think of it this way: they’ve been swimming in the equivalent of a long hot bath for the past 23 weeks, so you can’t blame them for being a little prune-like.)

Everything Looks Good!

I realized I haven't posted an update! Everything looked good at my cervix check. I got to see little bean for a few moments and they said her heart rate was 144 beats per minute. Perfect!

I am starting to make a list of things we'll need. I am getting excited! Diapers, bottles, bibs, oh my! LOL -- we haven't gotten far on the nursery but I hope to make some progress this weekend!

A Major Seizure...911

Friday night we went to a local Chinese Buffet for dinner. Jack looooves the buffet and watching tons of families eat (it's a big place and very busy). It was a great dinner...everyone was happy and Jack did very well eating noodles with a fork.

We got home and got Jack ready for bed. Around 8 pm we gave him his usual meds (Baclofen and Tegretol) and snuggled in to watch a little tv. Jack was totally fine but he seemed to be fighting sleep. It was around 10:30 pm. He was on the opposite end of the sofa and Jason was in the other room. When Jason came in the room I moved down to give him some room on the couch. I brushed up against Jack and he felt so hot. I actually pulled my hand away because it shocked me how hot he was! Jason ran for the thermometer and it read 103.5...the highest fever Jack's ever had that I can remember. He started moaning and we gave him Motrin right away. We took his temp again about 45 minutes later and it actually went up to 103.7. We then gave him Tylenol. That brought it down a little and at 1:00 am we decided to go to bed and take Jack with us to our bed. At around 2:30 am I awoke to a hot, hot, little body vomiting everywhere. He was shaken up and very hot. We did not have time to take his temp but I am sure it was over 104 or more. We rushed him over to the bath tub and Jason bathed him in luke warm water. After a few minutes Jack was playing in the tub as I stripped the bed. We took his temperature afterwards and it was 101 or 102 (I can't remember) but we weren't too concerned.

The adrenaline had everyone wide awake so we went downstairs to the family room to watch tv. It was about 3:00 am at this point. Jack couldn't get settled and he was bouncing around a bit on Jason's sofa. We noticed Jack started breathing heavily and I thought he was going to vomit again (we were prepared with a bucket and lots of old towels) instead he started grinding his teeth really hard. Again, I didn't think anything right away other than maybe he was chilled and his teeth were chattering. I asked him why he was doing that with his teeth and I asked Jason if he thought he could break his teeth that way? He sang part of the wheels on the bus song and then started with his teeth again. He was starting to stare at the ceiling and point to something we couldn't see up there. Jason handed him to me on my sofa and I had him in my lap. I was talking to him, asking him how he felt, and his head jerked to the left and stayed there. I asked Jason to try to get his attention and he couldn't. At this point I said out loud "I think he's having a seizure" and I placed him gently on the ground. His head and eyes were fixed to the left and his entire body started convulsing and jerking. Jason went to call 911 at 3:19 am and I stayed with Jack making sure he kept his airway open. There was a lot of drool and bubbles in and around his mouth. He was turning blue and his breathing was erratic and shallow. A police officer was first to arrive. I swear he showed up in two seconds. He was very nice and took Jack's pulse. A few minutes later two volunteers from the fire company came with an oxygen tank and mask. As they were placing the O2 on Jack the paramedics arrived. They assessed Jack and told me to go get my shoes and a coat. I don't remember doing this at all.

They carried Jack upstairs and out into the freezing cold night with just his little pj's on and an old towel covering his back. They got him on the ambulance and Jason sat in the back with them. They administered vallium (diastat) rectally and soon after Jack calmed a little but was still seizing. They also started an IV. It was close to 4:00 am and the ambulance took us to the med center.

I have zero concept of time from this point on. I know we arrived and they took his patient and insurance information and got us into a room right away. Again, what happened next is sort of fuzzy. They gave him ativan and took him for a CT scan. I think this is when I called my mom and Jason called his mom too. It was around 5 am. At this point Jack was agitated and kicking his legs but most likely out of the seizure. He still hadn’t woken up. We don’t know exactly when the seizure stopped but it was over an hour long and under two hours. I had no idea if he was going to be okay. I prayed he would be. They came back and told us the CT scan looked good. No bleeding or hemmorages or swelling of his ventricles. We talked to neurosurgery and they compared his scans to rule out a shunt malfunction. The ER doctor ordered tons of labs and it was then just a waiting game. I don’t remember when Jack started to wake a little but I think it was when neurosurgery was examining him. He scrunched his face and it was the first time I saw he was “in there.” They assured us he was heavily sedated and his reactions were normal. I felt much better after they left.

At this point we just needed to wait for the labs and the chest xray. They told us the lower lobe of his right lung had what looked like bacterial pneumonia — possibly from aspiration. We didn’t connect the dots until a day or two later — but 3 weeks ago during his apnea episode at CHOP while getting Botox he very well could have aspirated while they were suctioning him. So it all makes a little more sense now as to the sudden infection without any other symptoms like a cold, etc. General pediatrics came to evaluate him and said he may need to be admitted if his oxygen requirements remain high. (He was on 4 liters of oxygen). She weaned him down some and Jack hung out around 92% which was just at the acceptable point. She ordered more fluids through his IV, and also an antibiotic.

Grandma Linda and Brian came and took Jason home for the car since we both rode in the ambulance. I waited and watched Jack sleep. At this time I believe it was close to 11:00. We were waiting on our neurology consult and when the dr. came in I was so relieved! It was Jack’s regular neurologist!!! It was like seeing an old friend. We talked about what happened and he diagnosed Jack as having a Febrile Seizure. I explained how this was all so new to us. The type of event we witnessed before was just a small, small starting spell. Nothing like this. He said his Tegretol level was on the lower end of the therapeutic range, he has an underlying seizure disorder with abnormal eeg’s, and the very sudden onset of a high fever is what caused the event. He gave us a schedule to raise Jack’s Tegretol dose over the next two weeks. He also gave us a prescription for emergency seizure meds...it’s called diastat and it’s the same thing they gave Jack on the ambulance. We are to administer it if a seizure lasts longer than two minutes. This is somewhat peace of mind knowing we can do SOMETHING if this happens again.

Jason came back and I told him what the neurologist said and he took the prescriptions to be filled. General peds came back and took Jack off his oxygen all together and he did well. He was 93-94% for over an hour. He still hadn’t really woken up at all. I really wanted to stay the night — but looking back it really wasn’t necessary. We left with emergency diastat, antibiotics, and instructions to keep his fever down and to follow up with neurology and his regular ped within a week. Jack woke up a few hours after we got home and begged for food. We gave him some chicken broth and some pedialyte. He went right back to sleep and aside from waking every few hours to moan a little he slept all night (with us) on Saturday. His fever was still up around 102 and we rotated giving motrin and tylenol all through the night.

Sunday was a good day. His fever was down to 101 or so and he was playing and ate crackers, cereal, soup and drank lots of pedialyte. I asked Jason to stay home from work today (Monday) because I had to go for a cervix check this morning and I did not want to take him out at all and I didn’t want my mother to worry about watching him all alone while he’s still so sick. Today was a very mellow day. He’s been sleeping all day...I called the school this morning and explained what happened and told them he probably wouldn’t be in for the rest of the week. He was supposted to go to CHOP on Friday for a post botox check but I am canceling that as well and rescheduling for another time. My mom is free tomorrow to come over for a bit which I will be very grateful for.

We are tired but thankful he’s doing well. I am sure he’ll be sleepy for a few days as he heals and gets better. I am sorry if this was choppy and all over the place but I think I am suffering from a bit of post traumatic stress — I will keep everyone up to date. I am sure I left out pieces too and am forgetting exactly how things happened. Please keep our little man in your thoughts and prayers. He is getting better day by day.

PS — everything looks perfect from my check up this morning. So signs of preterm labor...cervix looks perfect. I’m 22 weeks on Wed.

21 Weeks Today

I can't believe I am only 4 weeks away from when I delivered Jack. I just want to make it through the next month -- and then go back to taking it day by day, week by week.

The Bean moves a lot! Instead of gentle little flutters I am getting fully kicked...after dinner when we're relaxing in front of the TV I can see by belly move. It's the freakiest thing. Of course when I go to show Jason the Bean becomes still -- but isn't that how kids are, even in the womb?

I have my next check up on Monday 1/29. I will keep you posted!

A Baby GIRL!!!!!

The ultrasound was amazing. It was very in depth -- taking about an hour total. We met with the Dr. afterwards and he told us our baby girl looks healthy with no anomalies! She's measuring at about 20 weeks gestation and 14 oz. My cervix looks perfect as well. I will return in two weeks for another cervical measurement and will continue to go every two weeks for measuring.

19 Weeks!

From BabyCenter.com
Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces, and he measures 10 inches, head to toe. His arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of his body now. His kidneys continue to make urine, and the hair on his scalp is sprouting. This is a crucial time for sensory development: Your baby's brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. If your baby is a girl, she has an astonishing six million eggs in her ovaries. They'll dwindle to fewer than two million by the time she's born.

I can't believe it's the half way point. I am just 6 weeks from the time that I delivered Jack. Amazing. I pray to make it way past that point. Although in my mind I've come up with some contingency plans...it's what's getting me through! I know, no matter what, we can handle anything!

The end of the week is a busy time. Jack goes for Botox injections tomorrow at CHOP -- we have to leave at 5 am -- yikes!! Then another BIG DAY!! Friday, we have our ultrasound, and cervical measurments. Please keep our little family in your prayers.

MFM Check Up

Everything went well today. The bean has a great heartbeat! It was so neat to hear. It was a rather quick and uneventful exam.

I have to go for blood work next week and then in 3 weeks I will return for:

• Urine Culture (make sure the nasty bug is GONE)
• The HEAD to TOE ultrasound!!
• Cervical Measurements
• Quad Screening results

At that time we will most likely know the sex of the baby bean!! Wow, it seems to be going so quickly.

Bean's been very active -- I noticed a lot of movement yesterday and I got up to use the bathroom at 5 am, and stayed awake for a long time feeling bean shake and dance. It's like a tiny flutter -- so sweet to feel!

Anyway, Jack's not feeling well -- he has a slight fever. This will be his 4th illness since Thanksgiving. That's basically every day since...so I am going to run and get jammies on him so we can cuddle in front of the tv till bedtime!

15 Weeks Today!

I love this cartoon! While I haven't gone quite that berserk, I have been madly craving vinegar!! Pickles, pickled veggies, pickled beets, pickled eggs, salt and vinegar chips...oil and vinegar salad dressing, stuffed olives, just to name a few!

I am knocking on wood -- I think I am finally rid of my bladder infection!!! Thank goodness. Bladder infections are no fun, especially when pregnant. I will have a urinalysis tomorrow to be sure the bacteria count is down or preferably ZERO! I am currently taking Macrobid -- which is not a fun pill. It makes me sleepy, dizzy and sick to my stomach (and no, it's not all of the vinegar...LOL). Two more days of pills left.

From BabyCenter.com



15 weeks:
At around 4 inches long, crown to rump, your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 ounces. He's busy inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, which will help develop the air sacs in his lungs. His legs are growing longer than his arms now, and he can move all his joints and limbs. That means his hands are more functional, too. Sweat glands are appearing, and although his eyelids are fused shut, he can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, he's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but his taste buds are beginning to form. And if you have an ultrasound, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or girl! (Don't be disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down the gender depends somewhat on how clear the picture is and the position of your baby during the ultrasound; he may be curled or turned in such a way as to keep you in suspense.)

I will have another update tomorrow after my MFM appointment! I don't know if they are planning an ultrasound or not -- I know we are going to discuss the injections which we've decided against, and I will be getting the quad marker screening done at the lab (for genetics).

Till tomorrow!

13 Weeks, 2 Days...

From Baby-Gaga:

Fetal development in pregnancy week 13:

This is your final week in the first trimester and your little weed continues to grow and grow and grow. Of the three trimesters, this one has been the most important for your little one’s development. He or she now weighs about 2.5 ounces and is roughly 3.5” in length. Little hairs, known as lanugo, will start to cover their body this week, as their sense of taste and smell are further refined. Their cozy little amniotic sac is also increasing in size and mass, as it continues to fill with more fluid.

I am feeling much less tired! WOO HOO! I am also less nauseous too which is WONDERFUL. I am showing quite a bit and had to put most of my regular clothing away! I am looking forward to my next MFM (Maternal Fetal Medicine) visit on 12/14.

I swear I feel the little bugger kicking me already -- but it's hard to say for sure. I know I felt Jack move for the first time in my 14th week...so it wouldn't be totally out of the question! Cool!!

11 Weeks, 1 Day

Maternal Fetal Medicine

I met with Dr. B. today for what was a very informative meeting. I really like his manner of speaking. He has a very difficult job, one that I would not want, but am sure glad we are blessed with people like him on this planet.

We discussed a relatively new type of therapy for preterm labor. It's called 17-P. When he started talking about the injection, I became excited and hopeful. There were studies showing a decrease in preterm labor and delivery with 17-P injection therapy. But I knew there would be the other side of the coin. I listened carefully and then learned that the FDA has yet to approve 17-P. This blurb from Wikipedia explains and sums up the risks involved.

The application of 17OHP has been shown to be useful to delay premature labor in pregnancy.

The use of 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate in pregnancy to prevent preterm birth is not recommended without further study according to two authorities.

A 2006 Cochrane Review concluded "...important maternal and infant outcomes have been poorly reported to date... information regarding the potential harms of progesterone therapy to prevent preterm birth is limited" There was a similar conclusion from a review by Marc Keirse. Three clinical studies of 250mg/week of i.m. 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate have all shown a trend for an increase in pregnancy loss due to miscarriage compared to placebo.

A meta-analysis by Keirse showed a trend for an increase in miscarriage with 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate compared to placebo.

There has also been a study in rhesus monkeys where all rhesus fetuses exposed to 1 and 10 times the human dose equivalent of 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate died in utero. Currently (2006), 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate is a category D progestin according to the FDA (evidence of fetal harm). There is speculation that the castor oil in the 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate formulation may not be beneficial for pregnancy.

So, while it's wonderful to know we're on the brink of helping prevent preterm labor and delivery, I am not ready at this time to deal with the risks of 17-P.

We discussed his opinion of my chances of another preterm delivery and he put me at 16-23% based on my history and medical records. This is good news because I truly thought the chances were much, much higher.

We discussed stress management, both physically and mentally. This is something we've been working on at home for the last few months. One small example of something we can control is having Jason take the dirty laundry downstairs. That saves me strain of carrying the HUGE, OVERFLOWING basket...also, Jack is taking the bus to school now which cuts out a lot of carrying and lifting...although I do still carry him on the bus and into his seat. We talked about lifting properly and not bearing down or straining when lifting...rather, use my legs. I am sure I could even ask Jack's physical therapist on some ways to help ease the strain while lifting and carrying our ever growing little man! As for the mental stress I am taking it as easy as possible. Stress is NOT good for the baby. In fact, stress hormones are directly related to premature labor! I am trying really hard to relax.

I go back in 4 weeks' time which by then I will be 15 weeks pregnant! We will do the quad screening (genetics) at this time and also an ultrasound.

We will start measuring my cervix and tracking any changes at 18 weeks. I believe he mentioned this would be done weekly for several weeks.

We discussed the need for a repeat c-section due to the fact that Jack was taken via a classical incision which an up and down cut on the uterus. This is less stable and can lead to uterine rupture if the pregnancy goes all the way to 40 weeks. This could be fatal for me and the baby. So we'll do a fetal lung maturity test beginning at 37 weeks and as soon as the lungs are ready we'll schedule the section.

I really feel I am getting good care. It helps to ease my mind and I am doing a good job of enjoying being pregnant! We are very excited and happy. And YES as soon as they can tell I WILL know what we're having!!!!

9 Weeks Old Today!

From baby-gaga.com :

Fetal development in pregnancy week 9:

Voila! Your amazing growing baby has now been accepted into to the fetus-club, a very exclusive and exiting new stage in their prenatal development. Basically, this means the little sweet pea has graduated from swimming embryo creature to a recognizable human being! This week in particular, the irises of their little eyes can function, but (frustratingly for them?) their eyelids remain fused shut for a while yet. The external ears are formed, and their inner ears are now filled with fluid—so your little one actually has started to develop their sense of balance. Your baby's little swimmer legs are still relatively short, although other developments are going forward at a nice pace: their kidney is actually functioning now, which means they’ve started urinating.

Photo Courtesy of brillbaby.com

I feel HUGE already! I've been wearing elastic waiste pants and maternity tops already. I met with a nurse at HMC last week. She was very nice and informative. I had labs done as well. I will be a high risk patient at Maternal Fetal Medicince and will be monitored very closely.

Next week (at 10 weeks) I meet with Dr. T. at HMC. This will be my last appointment before I move over to MFM. The nurse said there would most likely be a quick bedside ultrasound done at this visit! Oh, I hope so...we love our pictures in this family! LOL

I am under the weather a bit and have an appointment with my family doctor tomorrow morning. I believe I caught whatever virus Jack has at the moment. He saw his dr. yesterday and found out he has an ear infection! Poor guy.

Well, must go get Jack ready for school!

Two Lines!

Wow, two lines! Welcome to life little bean!! We are so happy to know you are on the way...

I found out by taking a first response pregnancy test on September 27th 2006. I saw the second line appear and my heart skipped a beat. I loved you already.

I called daddy at work and he was so excited. He would have jumped up and down if he could!


Today you are 5 weeks old.

The changes to your growing embryo are not quite as drastic this week as they've been in the last weeks. Growth is now focused on their little head, which is starting to develop much more rapidly than the rest of their tiny body. This is because their amazing brain is undergoing some very crucial and rapid development in order to effectively regulate their heart rate, blood circulation, and other vital functions. As for the rest of their miniature body, what were simple limb buds last week are limb flippers this week and the tail is more expressed. Amazingly, within a mere five weeks your little miracle is already developing the rudimentary forms of their liver, pancreas, lungs, stomach and nasal pits while their little heart is already increasing its circulation. Your baby is now a whopping 4-6mm in length.

I am feeling quite pregnant. Very tired...very, very tired! I am also in need of looser fitting pants already!