Talked to Dr and have an appointment

Ok, so yesterday I called and I made an appointment to go in and talk to a dr hoping to get some more answers. Well shortly after I got a call from my OB I had seen. He said he read the report but had not yet seen the images. I kept saying I needed more answers and he just continued with we have to wait and see. So I told him there was NO way I could wait another month before being seen. He asked me why I went in so soon when he has told me to go in a month. I assured him that it was the fetal imaging center that urged me to come in ASAP to know what was happening. I was so upset because they knew how early I was and that they couldn't see what was happening fully. So he said he would call them and he called me back.



So when he called back I was in the middle of crying, like balling and unable to breath. He was able to answer a couple questions and tell me I could go back at 18 weeks for the fetal echocardiogram. So I called this morning to schedule that. And they wanted me to wait an additional week. I flat out said no, my OB said to come in at 18 weeks. So she had to put me on hold because her dr wanted me in at 19 weeks. Either way I have my fetal echo set for 18 weeks 2 days.



Now my sisters sister in law is a Nurse down in Detroit. She knows this high rish OB down there that specialixes in birth defects like this. And he is known around the world. So she said to call them to get an appointment and if there were issues to let her know. So I am still waiting to hear back from her, but I really hope they can get me in. The recptionist at that dr office said to call back when I get a script and schedule an amnio and an ultrasound.



So we will see, but thats the update as of now.

Ultrasound update

Ok, so the arm is still short, no forearm and she has two digits in a claw like shape. Workable

My amniotic sac has separated from the uterus, they said it can reattach but if it doesn't it can cause issues with possibly suffocating the umbilical cord. Also, my fluid is pretty low for this stage in pregnancy, and the sac is surrounding the baby more then the fluid is.

The heart, well it is on the right side of the chest and thats all they can see at this point. The reason, the diaphragm never closed completely an the intestines have moved up. There are also issues with the intestines, but I don't remember all of what he said. Now this is the biggest issue. It is causing the lungs to go to the right side. And there is a chance the lungs won't grow there, and if they don't start developing soon, the baby can't live. There is no fix if the lungs don't develop. There is also a variation in the spine it isn't straight, but almost hunched. They aren't sure if this is because of the intestines being forced up into the chest cavity.

And there is something wrong with the kidneys. One is large and they don't know if its because it isn't draining, or if its backing up into the bladder. The left kidney is small and they don't know if it will even function.

I am sure there is something I am missing, but thats about it.

I haven' cried this hard in so long. I am struggling really hard with what to do. They want me back in a MONTH. I think that is insane. Wait till I start feeling her kick just to wait and see. I just can't believe how much is going wrong. And my poor husband. I am here with family, he is deployed completely alone. He even works his 12 hour shift alone.

I am glad my mom could go with me, not for suport, but so she finally realizes how bad it is. I wasn't expecting this. I couldn't have imagined this many problems with my little girl. And no answers as to why. So at this point, I can't really think too much about it, I think I got out my crying today but I have a terrible headache and just pounding. I am calling the OB tomorrow to get in ASAP for some answers. We will see if I can get in.

So anyway, thats where we stand. The reality is if her lungs don't grow, she has no chance at living, you can't overcome that. And if they do, she faces a long road of surgeries, hoping everything is operable.

At this point, I am struggling with the best thing to do for her. I am not sure what to do. My mom stings are being pulled but so are my faith ties. I can in no way handle carrying a baby to term just to watch her pass. Its not fair to me or her. So I am basically a mess here for now.

I just wanted to update you.

CVS results and gender

So I got the call today to tell us the results from our CVS. There are NO chromosome abnormalities with out precious little bean. I am SO happy to hear this great news. They offered some additional testing but I don't feel its necessary. I am happy with this. Now we just wait to see how the heart looks as it grows and see whats up with the arm.

And, we now know we are having a Little GIRL!!!

DH and I are so excited, we both really wanted a girl, but would be happy either way. I am so happy right now.

NT Scan with pictures

Here are some pictures I freeze framed from the ultrasounds we had. The black and white are from the second day where the NT was measuring larger (4.55mm) and the orange 2d pictures are from the first NT scan where they noticed the arm length issue.

Both arms from top


Long arm from top


Short Arm from top


Long arm from side


Short arm from side


All measurements from day 2


Abnormal NT measurements




3d imagefrom day 2

Told the RE

I have an appointment next Wednesday to see my RE one last time before I head out to Michigan. I don't feel the need to drive all the way out there just to see my baby one more time on an ultrasound. He can't tell me anything more, so there was no reason to go in. So today I called the office and asked to have Dr Quintero call me back, and he did within 10 minutes of it. So I filled him in on what we found and he felt really bad and apologized. He was asking questions because he offered to do the D&C there at their office, but we won't know results and make a decision before we head for Michigan. But he did say that he will keep with my plan, since we paid for two cycles.

I thought that was really awesome.

So thats that, I had lots of dreams last night, and was able to sleep in.

CVS Test

Ok, so my CVS test was able to be done today, even though we just had the NT Scan yesterday. We should have he results in about 7-10 days. We talked with the genetics councilor and we still have no idea what this is because there is honestly NOTHING in mine or dh's family history. So we did the CVS to test chromosomes and have a more definitive idea of whats going on.

However, the dr at this office also did a scan, they measured the NT again and it was a little larget at 4.5 mm. The HB was 151 today and baby was kicking around. They never got a great view of the shorter arm but they did notice it. However its still very hard to see how abnormal it is. The Dr also mentioned he thinks there might be a club foot. We won't really know for sure or how bad till the 20 week ultrasound when they can do a comprehensive ultrasound of limps when baby is larger.

Ok, and on top of that, he mentioned there is a problem with the heart, and even the tech noticed it. They said something about it being off axis, but didn't really explain. He said once we know where the chromosomes are we can have an U/S to look at it closely and see how it developes. Right now its just too small and underdeveloped to really see whats wrong with it. Then I will have to have a 22 week echocardiogram to really go in-depth to look at the heart.

So DH and I are talking. I will load pics later to show you what we are talking about, but we can't see the feet. We are discussing different scenarios, and if everything is the issue (feet, arm, heart, and chromosomes) then we have to decide about things like how many surgeries that would be and what kind of life it will be. We both agree we could handle DS, but anything like trisomy 13 and 18, they just don't offer any kind of life for this baby.

So that is where we stand right now. I appreciate all the prayers we can have, we really need them right now.

I am on bedrest for two days after the CVS. They had to go through my abdomen because of where the placenta was located, but it wasn't terrible. There was a lot of cramping, but it went fairley quick. I even got to see the tissue sample, and that was kind of neat.

Oh and we learned that the NT enlargement could be a sign of a heart issue, and there is a chance that nothing is wrong with the babies chromosomes.

NT Scan -12w3d

So, today I went for the beloved NT scan. Before hand I was not going to go if Insurance didn't cover it. I felt I didn't need to pay the $895 for an elaborate ultrasound when I had NO family history or anything that would suggest I would have a need for it.

But they told me the copay was only $40, so I decided why not. So I went in for my appointment at 9:45 this morning, and was finally seen at 10:45. The ultrasound combined was only about 25-35 minutes, but I was in there about an hour.We had to stop and I had to bounce around to see baby at a different angle.

Baby is still measuring about a week behind, but its still growing.

So when the dr got the second view, he showed me a few things. One, I have a fibroid on one side, but he didn't tell me how large it was. Then he showed me excess fluid and even I could tell it was more then what the normal pictures had looked like.

So there is more then likely something wrong. I am rushing in tomorrow to get a CVS test done so I don't have to wait till I am 16-18 to have an Amnio done. I don't want to wait that long to know whats wrong.

The other things. It appears that baby has one arm that did not grow right. And the dr things this is related to whatever abnormality it has. It seems to have an elbow and a hand, but I couldn't see if it had fingers or if they are webbed. The baby didn't move that arm much, and its about 1/2 the length.

So thats the news so far. I balled my eyes out this morning, and I am doing ok right now. DH is being great and I was able to call a few friends who really helped me.

Please keep us in our prayers. I am just praying this baby has something other then a death sentience and can just be born and be a kid. Praying is all I can do at this point, its out of my hands.

Thanks for reading everyone.

11 weeks - wow

How far along: 11 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 7 pounds
Maternity clothes: Pants, I ripped my only regular pair, so I just switched since it was inevitable
Stretch marks: None yet
Sleep: Wanting more, and can't help but fall asleep earlier.
Best moment this week: I went to register, I know its WAY early, but oh well, I will adjust and rearrange them when the time gets closer.
Movement: Not yet
Food cravings: This week nothing really sounds good, but I am still hooked on chicken noodle soup, Lipton brand
Gender: Not sure yet, thinking girl
Labor Signs: too soon
Belly Button in or out: In
What I miss: My sex drive
What I am looking forward to: The NT scan ultrasound next week, can you imagine, I get to watch my bean for over an hour on the screen
Weekly Wisdom: I have learned my hormones make me crazy, and I just need to keep my mouth closed sometimes.
Milestones: Nothing i can think of

Today was the day

That I took my final shot of Progesterone in Oil. What a big day it was. I have been taking this shot in the bit bent over my stove since we put those two embryos back inside me on December 6th. I honestly don't mind the shot for the most part, after the first two, they really didn't hurt, and many times I never felt it go it. The first week I had to sit on a heating pad for my sore cheeks, but that had to eventually end because I got far too warm. Eventually my right butt check went mostly numb, however the shots usually hurt worse them. We have ofically run out of spots to prick my ass, and well we lived.

So 62 days and shots, plus 81 IUI later, I am wishing my progesterone a friendly farewell.

Now it is time for my tush to heal and go back to its normal shape and size.

Here marks 10 weeks and 5 day pregnant STILL!!!!

Pregnancy Symptoms

At this point, the bold is what I am feeling. We will see how this changes and what is true in my case.

It's a boy if:
You didn't experience morning sickness in early pregnancy (started and ended about 9 weeks)
Your baby's heart rate is less than 140 beats per minute
You are carrying the extra weight out front
Your belly looks like a basketball
Your areolas have darkened considerably
You are carrying low
You are craving salty or sour foods
You are craving protein -- meats and cheese
Your feet are colder than they were before pregnancy
The hair on your legs has grown faster during pregnancy
Your hands are very dry
Your pillow faces north when you sleep
Dad-to-be is gaining weight, right along with you
Pregnancy has you looking better than ever
Your urine is bright yellow in color
Your nose is spreading
You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves in circles You are having headaches
You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an even number

It's a girl if:
You had morning sickness early in pregnancy
Your baby's heart rate is at least 140 beats per minute (174 bpm)
You are carrying the weight in your hips and rear
Your left breast is larger than your right breast
Your hair develops red highlights
You are carrying high
Your belly looks like a watermelon
You are craving sweets
You are craving fruit
You crave orange juice
You don't look quite as good as normal during pregnancy
You are moodier than usual during pregnancy
Your face breaks out more than usual
You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread
Your breasts have really blossomed!
Your pillow faces south when you sleep
Your urine is a dull yellow color
You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves from side to side
You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an odd number


I am not fully feeling the effects of constipation and the morning sickness I was feeling for such a short time, has passed.

10w1d ultrasound

So we went in for my apointment, and everything looks great. The HB was 174 and sounded SO neat. The baby is still measuring a week behind at 9w0d.

Here are the pics, the dr was able to even point out the lips.







This is my favorite




HEre is the umbilical cord

Fetal Doppler Use

I was searching for info on using the fetal doppler. I found this info very helpful. Hopefully we can hear the babies HB soon.

fetal doppler use

How do I use my fetal doppler?
The best way to begin an exam is to be lying down exposing the abdomen, although it may be possible to find the heart rate in a sitting or standing position. Apply a generous amount of ultrasound gel to the fetal doppler probe. Early in pregnancy the best technique is to begin with the transducer (probe) on the midline of the abdomen (above the pubic line) aiming downward behind the pubic bone. The probe should then be angled slowly in search for the fetal heart rate. Be patient, early in pregnancy the size of the fetal heart is so small and the sound so faint it can be very easy to pass over and miss the sounds. A 2mghz probe is best for early detection, standard on Huntleigh FD1+ and D920. A full bladder can make it easier to find the heartbeat. Try to keep from dragging the probe around as it will only increase static and make it more difficult to find the heartbeat.

When can I start using a fetal doppler?
In some woman the fetal heart can be detected as early as 8-12 weeks. The fetal heartbeat should be audible 95% of the time in 12-week pregnancies, and nearly 100% of the time after 14 weeks. Earlier in pregnancy, between 8-12 weeks, your success in finding the heart rate can have to do with the quality of your device. Fetal dopplers that employ a 2 mghz probe tend to pick up the fetal heart rate earlier than 3 mghz fetal dopplers as they have a more defined beam which penetrates deeper (3-5cm compared to 1-2cm). An important note is to remember that everyone is different, so not finding your baby's heartbeat early isn't a reason for concern. If you have concerns about your pregnancy you should contact your healthcare provider. Like the numbers above reflect nearly 100% of woman are able to hear the fetal heartbeat from the 14th week.

How often can I use my fetal doppler?
The Food and Drug Administration regulates ultrasound in the United States and has cleared it for "continuous use". As there is no consensus on what this means or how often you should use your fetal doppler it is commonly recommended that like everything in life prudence is the best policy. When using your fetal doppler it is suggested that you use it in short intervals, infrequently, and following the first trimester.

As a general rule an exam with a fetal doppler should never last longer than 10 minutes. If you don't find the heartbeat in this period of time, take a break. If your concerned contact your health care provider. If not, try again in a few days.

The AIUM (American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine) suggests "prudent" use.

How do I know I'm hearing my
baby's heartbeat and not mine?
The easiest and most conclusive way to decipher your heartbeat from your baby's is by the heart rate or BPM (beats per minute). Your baby's heart rate will be between 120 & 180 BPM. This is considered the normal range of a fetal heart rate. Conversely, your heart rate will be much less 60-100 BPM. Early in pregnancy its normal for the fetal heart rate to vary within a reasonable range. As your pregnancy progresses and your baby grows the heart rate will become more static. Also be aware that like adults your baby's heart rate will vary depending on activity level. If you have further questions or concerns about your baby's heart rate contact your health care provider.

Why do I need ultrasound gel?
Ultrasound gel is imperative when doing and exam with a fetal doppler. Ultrasound gel is specially formulated to act as a coupling agent and reduce static that is often caused when using a fetal doppler. To get uptimal use and sound out of a fetal doppler monitor use plenty of gel. Do not use colored gels or lotions. Any oil based substance used with a fetal doppler will cause excess static and can damage the doppler probe. Since the probe is one of the most integral parts of the doppler system they can run upwards of $300 to replace. Use only ultrasound gel.


www.fetaldopplerfacts.org/facts/dopplers/fetal-doppler-use.php

Ultrasound 7w5d

The ultrasound went much better this time. Previously the HB was only 90 bpm today it was 141. I feel SO much better about it now. And the baby is measuring a week behind (6w5d), but the Dr said not to worry about it.

Here are the pics from the ultrasound.

Moody Wivestail

If you get moody during pregnancy you are more likely to have a GIRL. This is because all women are moody, and when carrying a GIRL you become doubly so.