Tuesday, January 27, 2009

A Great Report

I am excited to share the news I got from my ultrasound appointment today (10 weeks, 4 days). Things are looking up!

First off, the doctor asked the technician to show me the heartbeat to ease my mind. There it was, fast and strong! Once I saw the baby's heartbeat, I was able to relax and focus on the details. Next, we looked at the tear in the placenta. The blood clot is about the same size, which the doctor referred to as very small - it has not grown in the last 10 days! This is awesome news. That means bedrest is doing its job.

At that point, the doctor said it was not a cause of concern and that we had "a 98% good news report." But that was before he saw the placenta previa.

I have a partial placenta previa, which means my placenta is lying unusually low in my uterus, next to or covering the cervix. The placenta is normally located near the top of the uterus, and is what supplies the baby with nutrients through the umbilical cord. If the placenta covers the cervix completely, it's called a complete or total previa. If it's right on the border of the cervix, it's called a marginal or partial previa. If the edge of the placenta is within 2 centimeters of the cervix but not bordering it, it's called a low-lying placenta.

What I have is actually a very small portion of the placenta over the cervix, a partial placenta previa. Throughout my pregnancy with Madeline, I had the similar low-lying placenta (which was what determined the pregnancy to be high risk). But it did move up throughout the course of the pregnancy, and became a non-issue. That's the doctor's hope for this previa. In the meantime, I am still on restricted activity...no lifting, no bending, minimal walking, etc. Which is easier to handle today, since I know it is really having a positive effect.

The baby measured right on target at 10 weeks, 5 days! That means my lack of appetite, nausea and placental tear have not affected the nutrition to the baby.

Towards the end of the ultrasound, I finally saw the baby moving and it brought me to tears. The image of a still baby is probably my worst fear. My doctor's wife lost a baby around the same time as we did, and so he is very compassionate. He asked the technician to let me watch the baby live for a while and do a 4D ultrasound for me. The baby was a dancing machine! We watched the back arch, the legs and arms wave around, and even take its little hand and rub its eyes. As a matter of fact, the baby moved so much the tech couldn't get any decent ultrasound pictures, they were all like strange blurs, but I didn't mind. I'd rather see a healthy, active baby. Praise God! As I add these pictures to the photo album we've started, I'll just include a little note: Too busy dancing to stop for photos today.

Thank you for all the prayers that went out today for us. God's presence and peace is strong, and that unexplicable peace helps fight away my fear and doubt.

Specifically, our prayer requests are:
  1. the baby continues to get the blood supply and nutrients it needs to grow healthy and strong, (or as Olivia prays each night: that the baby will stay inside mommy's tummy until it grows big and can come out to be with us).
  2. The tear in placenta will not grow and the blood clot will absorb.
  3. The partial placenta previa will move upwards as my uterus continues to grow.
  4. That God will continue to provide the help we need as long as I am restricted to bedrest.
  5. That God will guide us in our decision regarding an OB and hospital to deliver at. I would like to stay with my same OB, since he is familiar with my history, but there are a few complications that need to be worked out.

12 comments:

Melanie said...

Oh, Rebecca... I am so thrilled for you today! I know it must have been such a sweet and blessed day to see that little baby dancing around!

I'll continue to pray.

Amanda Hoyt said...

This is AWESOME news, Rebecca! I'm so glad you got to see your baby dancing. What an amazing and miraculous sight that must have been! I am praying that everything continues to go well and that all the other issues fade away.
Hugs and prayers,
Amanda

Joyfull said...

What wonderful news that the bed rest is working. I am also glad that you were able to see the baby dance! Our prayers will continue to be with you and the baby.

lori said...

OH........girl.....THAT is wonderful news...I didn't get to stop by yesterday and THIS just made my afternoon!! I've been praying for you everytime that God you guys on my heart....

WOW!! This is just wonderful news!! Now just STAY PUT...God's got it ALL under control! :)

peace,
lori

Unknown said...

Hi there! I found your blog on Blogs by Danielle and whenever I saw that you had a daughter named olivia, I had to leave a comment! Thats my name ( I mostly go by Libby ) so I just thought that was neat! But I just wanted to leave a quick comment and say I enjoyed your blog!

Jenileigh said...

I cried as I read this post! I'm so happy for you Rebecca and I'm praying for the Lord to correct your placenta and for all the be perfect! Hugs!

My Hope And Joy said...

I added these things to my prayer list. I'm so thrilled that this little one was so excited to show off for you! : )

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you had a good ultrasound. LOL at the dancing, that's hilarious, and very cute. :)

Anonymous said...

I will be praying my dear - this is my first time to your blog it is beautiful after a wonderful song, you are so pretty and so is your family... thanks for visiting my blog :o)

Anonymous said...

Oh My God Rebecca!! you made it!! You won!! check out at the well site! you won it! you won "Fill 'Em Up!" ... a "cookbook" for parents to use with kids which includes a devotional/Bible study that goes along with each recipe.
donated by Heavenly Homakers

congratulations dear!

Jenileigh said...

Rebecca! I wanted to stop by again and let you know that I've given you an award at Jenileigh's Journey. Just stop on over and pick it up whenever you get the time. Hugs and know that I'm in prayer for you and the little one!

Anonymous said...

Amen amen and amen for all your prayers. I hope everything will be okay. my best friend told me that since they are in mom's belly (you know what I mean) they could respond liht. So, if there's any light, the baby could cover their face from it and they use their sweet little hand. That's why my best friend USG results pictures of shy baby. Lol.

But they are soooo cuuteeeee...

love them!