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Joined Oct. 21, 2016 3:48pm

sonata85's Pregnancy

My Due Date: May 1, 2020
I have given birth!
Age: 38 years old

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Once again—huge bump but tiny baby
By sonata85 » Posted Jan. 19, 2020 7:37pm - 519 views - 7 comments

Hi ladies- so I had my follow-up ultrasound at the high risk clinic on Friday at 25 weeks. The 3rd ventricle in the brain hasn’t gotten any bigger. In fact it was just a tiny bit smaller, so it’s not really a concern anymore. I saw a different MFM this time and he agreed with the first MFM that the slightly large 3rd ventricle was a normal variant. But the baby measured tiny, just like my 1st daughter. He was 3rd percentile. I’m bummed because this means weekly visits for Biophysical profiles at the MFM again. I was hoping to avoid the NICU for once too. There’s still a chance he won’t need to be there, but I’m looking at a 5 pound baby at 40 weeks if his growth stays on track. Tiny babies have a bigger risk of needing to be in the NICU, can have a harder time breastfeeding (my girls were 3 pounds 14 Oz and 4 pounds 3 Oz, so all of this is just seeming like deja vu). But everything about the baby seems really healthy. The bloodflow through the placenta is great, nothing weird about the placenta, and the umbilical cord is normal (whereas my first baby had a single umbilical artery). So I really shouldn’t be upset at all. I’m 4 feet 9 inches tall, my husband is 5’5 or 6” and really thin, so the dr said he really thinks the baby is small because we’re small.

Then comes my blood pressure. It has been fine at my regular OB’s office (honestly I think the nurse measures it a little low), but at home I’ve gotten readings as high as 135/98. It went down to almost normal after I rested for a bit, but again after having preeclampsia twice this is feeling all too familiar. I just really wanted a different experience this time and be able to hold the baby right after he’s born and not deal with the NUCU. If I do have preeclampsia again, it’s a delivery at 37 weeks and another 3-4 pound baby. Unless somehow he starts to pick up in growth. I guess anything is still possible at this point. I wouldn’t change my tiny babies or the NICU experiences either: it’s a special part of our story. I just don’t want to have to live that another time. So we’ll see what my next ultrasound shows at 29 weeks! I’m just praying this baby stays in as long as possible. And I can’t afford to worry about my blood pressure because worrying just makes it go up. I did get some nice pics of the little guy and picked up a few preemie outfits for him in case he’s as small as they think. He’s healthy and moving a lot. Time to focus on the positive.

Comments for this Journal Entry

Comment from sonata85 » Posted Jan. 23, 2020 1:16pm
Thank-you, CrystalB88! I appreciate the kind wishes. Hoping we can avoid the NICU.

Comment from CrystalB88 » Posted Jan. 22, 2020 5:42pm
I'm so excited for you!! What an adorable profile your little boy has!! I'm so happy everything looks good and he looks healthy! I really hope you do get to avoid the NICU this time as well... Fingers crossed for you :)

Comment from sonata85 » Posted Jan. 21, 2020 1:15am
Thanks for the support, ladies! I always feel better after hearing from all of you. Angela18 that had to be scary to have high BP for labor and delivery. Hoping it stays down for you this time. Calvingirl, I forgot your LO was a 37-weeker with no NICU time. That’s so wonderful hoping I can get to that point. You’re right about the 3 vs 5 pounds—my girls were different babies by the time they got to 5 pounds. Keep stalking and praying I appreciate it!

Comment from calvingirl » Posted Jan. 20, 2020 10:12pm
Aww...well you never know. He might stay in there and get to 5lbs - that's a way different baby to nurse than a 3lb'er. Phoebe was only 5lbs and she nursed great from the beginning and passed all the tests at 37 wks and was able to come home with no NICU time. I'm hoping that for you, or at least minimal NICU time. I'll be watching updates too. Crossing fingers for your BP to stay down! I'm living vicariously through all my internet friends having more babies :)

Comment from Angela18 » Posted Jan. 20, 2020 3:38am
Was hoping you were gonna have smooth sailing from here on out. My BP has been good but my last two, it's been high during labor and delivery. Dont know how that'll change now that I'm older (last had to give me a shot to calm my bleeding and BP was high) was very scary for me. I'll be praying for you.

Comment from sonata85 » Posted Jan. 20, 2020 12:21am
Thanks, Mrsford2. Yes, I’m on 81mg of aspirin and just bought a ton of foods that are supposed to be good for keeping blood pressure down. I haven’t done my glucose test yet. I’m glad you were able to get your supply up and EBF. Mine just wouldn’t go up. I understand having a toddler does make it harder if you have to do NICU or really work on breastfeeding. Hopefully we both have a smooth journey to delivery!

Comment from Mrsford2 » Posted Jan. 19, 2020 8:36pm
Omg that profile photo you posted is adorable!! Are you on aspirin for your preeclampsia risks? I was prescribed 81mg starting at 13 weeks and then it was upped to 162mg when I received my GD diagnosis. I hope everything goes well from here on out for you and your LO. Glad they’re monitoring you closely and hopefully you can go a hit longer with this one. You’re definitely right about NICU affecting bfing. My son was born at 36+3, and even tho he was healthy (except some jaundice requiring lights) my milk took its sweet time coming in even with meds to help that . We had to top up with formula for about 2 months and trying to bring my milk in was really a lot of work but we went on to successfully EBF until he self weaned at 13ish months. If we have the same struggle this time I just don’t think I can spend the constant skin to skin time I did with my son as I will have a toddler running around and that’s just not fair to him. Will be watching for upda


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