Sunday, December 20, 2009

Update

My apologies for not posting sooner. I forget that many of you who read this, aren't on Facebook and are probably wondering what's going on with Caleb.

Friday we had our 34 week appointment. Caleb continues to look good, no anemia and no hydrops. They're saying Caleb is already close to 6 lbs. (They admit to 10-15% error either way.) So our perinatologist said that after two more good appointments, he'll let us schedule our induction. We (me especially) are hoping that means anytime after 36 weeks, but I know the hospital has rules about how early they'll induce.

I admit I've been worried a lot lately about a repeat cord accident. I feel confident that the perinatologists at Maternal Fetal Medicine are capable of catching the anemia issue, but I worry about the cord. They check blood flow through the cord every week, which is reassuring, but in between appointments I worry. I know hiccups are common towards the end, but they are also a cause for concern as the doctor who studies UCA (umbilical cord accidents) in Louisiana believes that "too many hiccups and/or hyperactivity of baby" is a cause for concern that baby might be in distress due to a cord issue. So whenever Caleb has hiccups, I worry. I am so thankful when I wake in the middle of the night to use the restroom and feel Caleb move. (This doctor also believes that the majority of stillbirths occur at night when mom's heartrate lowers while she is sleeping.)

Please pray for me (for peace) and for Caleb to not have a cord issue. I think when he comes out, the first question out of my mouth will be, "Do you see any cord issues?" I'm trying to maintain a positive attitude as we wait, but I'll admit it's getting harder every day. I just want my baby safe in my arms. Please pray extra hard for us in the days and weeks ahead. I didn't fully realize how difficult this part would be until I got here.

Here's a photo I've been meaning to post (as much as I didn't want to). Remember that I've been pregnant 19 of the last 23 months and as such, my body is pretty much a mess!

Blessings,

10 comments:

Amy said...

Yay!!!! You look awesome! You really, really do!!! Maggie had hiccups at least four or five times a day at the end, and I was so scared about it, too. I hadn't heard about the connection to stillbirth until my husband told me, and let me tell you, I didn't appreciate that one bit. I wished I'd never found out. I'll keep you and Caleb in my prayers constantly...I can't wait for him to be safely in your arms.

Bethany said...

Love the pic, Rachel! You look like one great, happy momma!! Praying earnestly for you in these coming weeks!
Bethany

Diane Shiffer said...

I'll be praying for you all, dear Rachel... and for what it's worth, I think you look wonderful♥

Jennifer Ross said...

Praying....

You look very beautiful!

Tonya said...

I will most certainly pray for you and Caleb. I'm sure it doesn't feel this way to you, but I feel like it wasn't that long ago that I found out you were expecting. I'm so excited for you and will be praying for peace in the days/weeks ahead and for Caleb's healthy, safe and screaming arrival!

Love and blessings,
Tonya

Heidi said...

Interesting research, Kenna's cord issue was different than Felicity's, but I do know almost 100% for sure that she died overnight. Even though they tell me there is no way to know, I do!

Always in my thoughts,

Heidi

Carolina said...

So excited that Caleb will be here soon! I remember towards the end of my pregnancy I was very nervous and it was very difficult. I could not imagine having a baby in my arms! but once he was here it's like I forgot all those sad emotions and I'm really enjoying my time with him now! most of my nervousness has been wiped away, although I am not taking anything for granted. praying you will really enjoy holding Caleb in your arms!

Ebe said...

This scares me so much too. I have read his research as well. I know my doctors have my antibodies under control with medication, but there are just so many other things that could happen. We just have no control.
I am still praying, Rachel. You are doing so well. You have done an awesome job. God continues to bear you up daily.

love,
ebe

Sara said...

Rachel,
I think you look beautiful! Truly beautiful! Rachel, I will continue to pray for sweet Caleb, especially regarding the cord issues, and for your precious heart as you wait for the timing for the Lord to bring him into your waiting arms... You are making it friend... keep persevering:) Much love and Merry Christmas!
Sara

Miranda said...

Rachel,

I am with you on your body being a mess thing. I was pregnant for 18 out of 22 months as well..it takes it's toll. You look great though and the body of a woman is strong..you will bounce back easily. I also was so paranoid about the hiccups and activity thing. It's bittersweet..I would be conforted that Elijah was moving so much but then worry that it meant something was wrong! No one really knows..we can only put our faith and trust in Christ and give it all to Him. I am praying for your sweet Caleb and his safe arrival.

Miranda