Good News Update!

Well, I've got a quick update with better news!  I had an appointment with my regular doctor yesterday and got some clarification. 

First of all, my BP at my appointment yesterday was just fine.  I told my doctor what my BP had been over the weekend and she saw no reason to be concerned.  She said it hadn't been high enough to worry about and that I don't even need to continue watching it unless I don't feel well.  I haven't heard from the specialist regarding my BP results yet, but I trust my regular doctor!

I clarified with my doctor regarding the baby's kidneys- I had mentioned this to the specialist, but somehow I think there was a miscommunication/misunderstanding when relaying information that unfortunately caused more worry for me and Nick.  Yes, both of the baby's kidneys have gotten larger from the last u/s.  However, the baby is growing- as are the baby's organs!  Which means of course the kidneys have gotten larger because they are growing with the baby!  The right kidney is still larger than the left, but still on the high end of normal.  In other words, proportionally, the kidneys have not changed!!  We were relieved to hear that was the case.  We still have to monitor the kidneys to ensure they are functioning properly and will have to have the u/s after the baby is born, but my doctor said she really thinks the baby will be born and we will all say, "Well, that was a big deal over nothing!"  So we sure hope she is right!

Overall, my doctor said my pregnancy is going great.  I am measuring right on track- not big, not small.  The baby is estimated to be in the 40th percentile for size.  Based on the baby's movements and symptoms I've had, my doctor said there's a good chance I don't have to worry about going OVER my due date, and possibly not quite making it TO my due date.  Which would be nice- but can't get my hopes up!  She also said I'm basically out of the woods for a critical preemie baby if I were go into labor at this point (of course they'd still try to stop labor if that happened, but it wouldn't be as concerning anymore).

So we feel much better and much more relaxed again!  Hopefully this continues with no more sudden upsets.  :)

Here's a picture from our night out to celebrate my birthday and Mother(to-be)'s Day!

Carrie

Follow-up with Specialist

We had our follow-up ultrasound with the specialist at 30 weeks.  Baby is estimated to be weighing just over 3 lbs and measuring right at 30 weeks.  The 'spot' noted on the heart during the original u/s was not even found this time, which was good.  However, the baby's kidneys are now both enlarged.  The doctor was still not overly concerned as my amniotic fluid level was still perfectly fine, which means the baby's kidneys are functioning properly.  The doctor is also still saying it is likely this may just clear up once the baby is born, but we still need to monitor it to be sure the kidneys are continuing to function properly.  So while we were not thrilled to hear the kidneys have gotten larger, at least the doctor sees no reason to be any more concerned.

The latest develpment to keep us on our toes is the fact that I now may have high blood pressure.  Since I've never had high bp a day in my life, we were shocked to find this out!  I had to get a bp cuff to bring home as the doctor wants me to check my bp 2-3 times per day through the weekend and give her my numbers on Monday.  This way she can determine if my bp is truly high or if it was just that day.  She also explained that during pregnancy, bp is lower than normal.  So while I have been checking my bp since the appointment and it's been at a fairly 'normal' level, it may still be high for being pregnant.  But we'll see next week what they have to say.  If my bp continues to be high or get higher, I will be checked for pre-eclampsia.  Whether I have that or not, with high bp I will need to be checked twice weekly, and the baby given stress tests and an u/s weekly.  I could also be put on bp medication if needed.

Let us tell you, it's always 'exciting' around here.  Never just a normal appointment!  The only positive to all this is that we keep getting to see the baby on the u/s!

Here is another profile view of Baby T at 30 weeks:

Baby really doesn't like having the u/s done and likes to kick at and move away from the technician!  So this time was hard to get a good picture.  What was super adorable, though, was that when the technician very first started the u/s, the baby had it's hands right up around it's face and resting on the face JUST like our last u/s picture!  I'll be curious to see if this is a habit that continues after birth.  :)

And here are a few more growing belly pictures- and growing I am!  While everybody else continues to tell me how small I am... Nick and I sure feel like I'm getting huge!

27 weeks

27 weeks from the front

29 weeks

Hopefully the next update isn't quite so eventful!
Carrie