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Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Second OB Appointment and Some Issues

On Monday we had our second OB visit with Dr. R. It actually felt good to go for a pretty uneventful appointment. We were glad to hear that my belly is measuring right on target and the baby's heartbeat sounded nice and strong!

At the appointment this week, the doctor talked to us again about the possibility of having a C-section. She mentioned this at our first visit last month because of my past uterine surgeries. Up to this point I have had three D&C procedures after miscarriages (I had the other three naturally) and three laparoscopic/hysteroscopic surgeries -- two of them exploratory and one to remove a uterine septum back in 2005.

The septum surgery is the one that has her concerned. At my first appointment, Dr. R asked me whether I'd ever been told that I should have C-section deliveries in the future. I had not, so she said she would look through my huge file to see if she found any notes about it. At this month's visit, she said she had not seen anything about it in my file but is still considering that we may need to go that route. I am totally fine with doing whatever we will have to do to get the baby here safely. The concern is that she doesn't know how much of the area was removed and how thin my uterus may be at the surgery site. Unfortunately, that surgery was before we found Dr. G and the doctor who performed it has since moved her practice. I absolutely know that Dr. R would not simply rush to judgment about a C-section if she didn't have some concern. We don't know the answer for sure just yet, but we are glad to know about it in advance and be able to prepare ourselves for that option.

I also forgot to mention to you that at the 3D ultrasound last week we saw that I have an anterior placenta (which means it is located on the front of the uterus). I didn't know much about this until I got home and Googled it. I think it's fairly common and it doesn't pose any problems that I'm aware of, but I have read that it may hinder my ability to feel the baby's movements early on. The position of the placenta in front provides extra "padding" and muffles some of the early kicks you can usually feel. I still haven't felt anything yet and I'm getting close to 19 weeks, but I know that sometimes it can take up to 22 weeks or so to feel the baby moving, especially for your first. We obviously do know that she is moving around quite a bit in there, as we've seen on ultrasound! I haven't asked Dr. R about this yet but I'm sure we will discuss it when I have the May 17 ultrasound at her office. Of course, I also read that sometimes an anterior placenta gets in the way of hearing the heartbeat on a Doppler, but we haven't had any trouble doing that. Anyway, I plan to ask lots of questions at the next big ultrasound appointment. I am still having some anxiety about that one and would greatly appreciate your prayers that our baby girl will look nice and healthy.

We are still rejoicing in being able to call our baby by her name. I think we've decided to share the name with everyone after the May 17 appointment. Even though we feel sure at this point that the gender call is correct and we've announced it to our friends and families, I think we'll both feel more confident to have it confirmed by someone else in a few weeks!

If you've read this far, thank you! I really appreciate your support and your prayers as we progress in this pregnancy. Thanks for walking along with us on this journey!

22 comments:

Alicia said...

AWWWsome! Praying for you and your little girl :)

Lauren said...

Still praising God in awe over this!! :) I hope and pray you are feeling well.

Anna C said...

I'm excited to learn your daughter's name after May 17, but more than that I am just so excited everything is going so well. You have a really great attitude about the possible C-section. I know she will arrive just as she is supposed to.

Deni said...

Can't wait to hear baby girl's name! I'm sure it's beautiful. I'm so glad your doctor is being thorough, that is a blessing in and of itself! Praying for your peace as you wait for the 'big scan' and knowing that the Lord will provide!

Amy said...

Good to hear that even the "issues" don't sound like a big deal. And it sounds like your doctor is very thorough and careful. She'll make good choices for you both.
With my first pregnancy with Abigail, I know I didn't feel any major movement until after our 20 week ultrasound. I may have felt tiny flutters before then, but could never pinpoint whether it was actual movement or not. Felt them sooner with Sadie, but I think it was just recognizing the feelings earlier. So, I think you are still in a good target time for feeling things, and that your little gal just has a nice pillow there...maybe making her sleepy! :)

Tara said...

I can't wait to hear baby's name! It is great that you can trust your doctor's guidance and she's carefully considering all factors, that must be reassuring. Praying for the May 17th appointment!

twondra said...

Can't wait to hear the name. :)

I hope things work out with the C-section issues. You have a great attitude about it, that's for sure. (((HUGS)))

Chuck said...

I'll give you a hint. It starts with a "B" and rhymes with "logger". :)

Abby said...

It sounds like you are in good hands with Dr R. The Lord will guide you all on what he has in store for the delivery of "B"logger! Continuing to pray for your strength and a healthy girl each day!

Joy@WDDCH said...

Check out adventuresindiapering.blogspot.com! This momma blogs about birth, specifically c-sections. Might be insightful to know what to expect, what to pack, etc. if you have to go that route.

AND I also had anterior placenta with all three girls. And it is true; it was harder to feel them. People would talk about these whopping baby movements where they could actually see baby toes through their skin. Never happened with me! I just felt lots of rolls and pushes. I could feel feet and elbows at my sides, though. That's where I felt the majority of movements.

The Blessed Barrenness said...

I'm so pleased to hear that all is progressing well with your litte miracle!fo

Jenn said...

AWESOME!!!! :)

Amy said...

Here you had my all worried with your title--bad Stacy! :P I'm glad your appointment was good and uneventful.

I had an anterior placenta with my daughter and it DEFINITELY makes a difference to what you can feel. I couldn't feel any discernible kicks and punches until 26 weeks. With my son, I started feeling movement by 16 weeks.

I have a couple c-section thoughts for you as well, but I'll send those separately by e-mail.

Javetta Allen Mercadel said...

Praying and glad to hear that everything is going well :)

Birdie said...

I'm so happy for you!! I know these are a few little bumps in the road which concern you. But I'm rejoicing with you that your little girl is doing so well!!! Wonderful news!

Andrea said...

I had an anterior placenta too. I first felt Evan move at 20 weeks, but it was really faint for several weeks. Matt first felt it at 21 weeks. I didn't feel as many "flutterings" as most people do and that's probably why. But once he got big enough to really kick me I'd feel it. And like Joy said, I never saw little baby feet or hands through my belly like some women do, but I did feel knees/feet/elbows popping out of my sides the last month i was pregnant. :-) I'd try to grab it and I could tell it was a little foot or knee popping out. You are going to love it so much!!!

Rachel said...

I have had three c-sections (all Dr. R) and this will be my fourth. I have no idea how this is judged, but have been complimented by other doctors about how "neat" my c-section was...guess that means she is good! Also, Ihave an anterior placenta too! I am feeling a little movement, but this is my 5th. Definitely nowhere near as much as I felt it in the posterior placenta pregnancies. I don't like it because it makes me worry! I am so happy to hear that everything is going so well!

Unknown said...

Praying for you and that sweet baby. xoxoxo

Kathryn said...

Sending you hugs & love & praying that all continues to go well.

Jo said...

I read this post ages ago and and only just realised I forgot to comment on it :) So so so great to hear everything continues to progress well! I am absolutely dying to hear you baby girl's name!! Every time I read your updates they make me smile I just wanted to tell you that. xoxoxoxo

Stacey said...

Thank you so much for all of the words of support. I really appreciate every single comment. It's reassuring to hear from those of you who faced similar issues in pregnancy, so thank you for sharing that. And thanks, everyone, for your continued prayers!

COUNTRY MOM said...

We are both due about the same time. I cant wait to hear your name you picked out. We have not picked out one for our baby boy yet. Getting closer though.

I have prayed for you and will continue to do so. Praying for a healthy baby and delivery for you. I have had both vaginal and an emergency c-section. It does help to know what to expect either way. Many Blessings,