HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year everybody! May it be a blessed year for all of us.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Hope you all have a very merry Christmas. May God's love be with you!

Acid Reflux

Well, I took Clara to the Dr today and it looks like she may have acid reflux. They gave her a trial of zantac and we are waiting to see how that goes. Hope everything goes okay.. and that she gets to feeling better soon.

On a positive note.. she was 8 lbs 3oz at 4 weeks old.. way to grow little lady!!

That's My King.. Is He Yours??

Two Weeks Old

Clara had her 2 week checkup and she was 6 lbs 10 oz and 18.5 inches. Way to grow little girl. Everything looked great. We go back January 24th for her 2 month check up unless something happens before then that she needs to be seen for.

She is such a sweet little girl. I'm so blessed. Mostly she just sleeps right now.. :)

Our Thanksgiving Blessing!!

Clara Elizabeth was born on Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. She weighed 5 lbs, 8 oz and measured 17 1/2 inches long.

We all came home Friday and are doing great. Clara is a very cuddly child and loves to be near her family. She is eating about every 3 hours and sleeps pretty good in between. Each day she is awake a little more.

Here are some pictures just minutes after her birth. She was very alert because we had an nonmedicated birth. The difference is amazing.

Hailey loves her little sister. She likes to give her kisses and hold her hand. We are having a few little issues with adjusting but that is normal and to be expected with new siblings.

All in all we are very happy and very blessed.

Christmas with a Capital C

Finally, someone makes sense!

One Way Or The Other the End is in Sight

The baby did well on the NST once she woke up. I've lost another lb. LOL! Blood pressure was 138/71.. not bad at this point. Fundal height shows the baby dropped some more in the last week. It was 33cm today and was 35 cm last week. They sSkipped the fluid check so I didn't find out her weight either but the Dr is guessing 6 and 1/2 lbs!!

She checked my cervix and said it is "very close to favorable and should definitely be favorable by next week." Encouraged me to keep walking, etc. Then we scheduled my induction.

So, I have until next Tuesday to go into labor on my own or they will start induction Wednesday November 21st (day before Thanksgiving.) Please pray that this happens on it's own. I know if it comes down to it a healthy baby is what matters most but with back labor and an induction I am almost guaranteed another epidural and frankly I am scared crapless about it because of my previous experience and the 2 inches of dead nerves in my back. Thanks!

The Last Few Days

I started having contractions at 2am Tuesday. They were about 6-8 minutes apart, not very strong but pretty regular. By 4am they were about 4-5 minutes apart and stil not very strong. But I put a call into my Dr at 5:30 am and woke hubby up anyway. She said to stay at home and just do whatever until I had to stop and breathe through the contractions and they were 3 minutes apart. They never got this close together or that strong.

So we went about our day most of Tuesday but I was still contracting at 4:30 and they were 2-3 minutes apart so I called the office just to make sure I was doing everything right. She said that I sounded way too calm for my contractions to be that close and that I should continue at home.

They were 2-3 minutes apart most of last night. Some did get stronger but still not enough to warrant a trip to the hospital. I didn't get hardly any sleep. So this morning I woke up and still was contracting. We went to get a bite to eat and I called the office to see what to do.

I talked to the same nurse this morning that I spoke to yesterday afternoon. She says it sounds like I'm having "programmable labor" and that it can go on until my due date with no or little progress. She also said that I may have irritable cervix but we just didn't know it because of all the bedrest. She wants me to call back at 1:30 and see if I can get in to see a midwife just for a cervix check. They won't do anything at this point to help me along so ba just wish ically I'm resigned to being miserable for the next two to three weeks.

To make matters worse Evan was a total butthole this morning and after we talked othe nurse (Julie) because he says I'm just too emotional over all this. I wish for one day he could walk this journey I'm walking and then maybe he wouldn't be so callous over all of it.

Sorry, I'm crying like a baby... so spent. So tired. So frustrated. Someone please give me hope that I don't have to do this for 2-3 more weeks!

37 Weeks!

Baby Clara looks BEAUTIFUL. Good heartrate, great accelerations and decelerations. We're a happy group today.

No word on the GBS test results. They will call when they get them. 24 hour urine came back just fine!

I'm having contractions.. you know.. the real kind. Started this morning. The NST picked up 3-4 of them in 30 minutes, but I counted six in that time (some were in my back and not picked up by the machine.)

The Dr checked me and I have made some more progress since Thursday. But my cervix is still long so we are calling this "possibly early labor."

I got the GREEN LIGHT today. Meaning I am officially off bedrest and can go walking and cleaning to my hearts content.

I have another appointment scheduled next Tuesday but the Dr said she hopes that she gets a call saying I had my baby by then!! Wooo!!

So... what do I do first? LOL! Send me some labor and cervix shortening vibes please! All tips for helping these contractions pick up are very welcome. I'm going to go walking soon. Hehe!

36 Week OB Appointment

Here are what my blood pressure readings have been lately


30 Weeks: 134/87
32 Weeks: 122/91
33 Weeks: 117/71
34 Weeks: 117/74
35 Weeks: 117/68- appt 1
107/71- appt 2
36 Weeks: 143/97- appt 1, reading 1
124/74- appt 1, reading 2
136/82- appt 2 (TODAY)

I once again passed my pre-eclampsia panel. My baseline numebrs look "amazing" according to my Dr. But to be on the cautious side she ordered a 24 hour urine test. I turn that in Friday.

Everything looked good today. Had my GBS test and she checked me again. Still between 2 and 3 cms, no contractions, 60%-65% effaced.

I see another Dr on Monday for a NST and 37 week OB appointment. I should also get my GBS results back then. I was GBS+ with Hailey so I'm not expecting anything different this time.

I talked to Dr Hill about all my concerns and she listened. At least now she knows how I feel about everything. She didn't say much.

On the way home I started thinking about all the bullets we have dodged this pregnancy and I began to see that God must have His hand on us. I'm content with keeping this baby in as long as I need to, but I am praying that I go into labor on my own and do NOT need to be induced again. I'm going to do some research to find out what I can do to help myself go into labor that won't violate my bedrest. The more I look at my pregnancies, the more I realize how much interference there has been, and while some of it is neccessary, not all of it is.

I want more than anything to have a normal un-induced labor. I don't want pitocin. I don't want an epidural. And I definitely don't want a c-section. So I will take all the "baby get ready to meet the world vibes" you all can send my way between now and 38 1/2 weeks. I don't want to even get close to that 39 week eviction date they have set for this baby.

So, I'm feeling better about things and I'm going to enjoy the rest of my pregnancy as much as possible and pray really hard that this baby will roll over so she isn't sunny side up. And pray even harder that she will make her grand entrance before my 39 week deadline. For all who join with me, I thank you! And for all of you girls I wouldn't have made it this far and still be sane if it weren't for your support, encouragement, friendship, and advice. You are truly one awesome extended family.

Sorry this was so long, I just needed to get this all out while it's on my mind.

Precautionary Dr Visit 10/30/07

I ended up going to the Dr yesterday because of swelling my hands and ankles, a nasty headache that just wouldn't go away and pressure behind my eyes. When I got there my blood pressure was 143/97 when I went in. They did a weight check.. was up 2 lbs from last week.. and did a urine culture. Trace protein, no change from last week.

Well then they decided to send me for an ultrasound. Clara is head down, but she's sunny side up just like Hailey so I'm looking at back labor unless she turns. The amniotic fluid was 8 ML (they like to see it at 10 ML but 8 isn't *bad).. they didn't take her measurements because I was a "fit in."

Then I got plugged up to the NST. She was all over the place and looked very healthy. Yay. They redid my blood pressure after 2 hours of being there and it was 124/74.. they were happy enough with that to send me home with a prescription for my headache and the same admonitions as before (as if they are going to miraculously change things)

Oh yah, they did another pre-eclampsia blood draw. I don't know what they expect to find....

Well, I'm back to total bedrest and pushing liquids. I go back tomorrow at 10:20 am for my OB appointment and to check my blood pressure again.

I just want to cry. I'm really ready for this all to be over, no matter how selfish it sounds. I'm not looking forward to all the swelling and pain I dealt with last night .. but the Dr said to expect it.

Hailey Playing Dress Up!

God Blesses

I just have to make a post about God's blessing and provision in our lives these past few weeks. The Lord knew what we needed for this baby and He has provided in abundance. I have packages coming soon and will have everything I need for our newest arrival!! I am just so amazed at God's working on poeple's hearts and how generous He gives through the hands of others. So to all of you who have been a blessing through passing along things you aren't needing, through support, through providing resources for things, and through friendship-- I send a great big THANK YOU. And a prayer that what you have done will bless you ten-fold just as you have blessed me!

Love,
Sarah

35 Week Ob Appointment

Everything looked good. I still have protein in my urine. It was a +1
last week and this week was only "trace" but my blood pressure still
looks great (108/71 today). I've had a dull headache for 4 days now
with nothing relieving it so they went ahead and did another pre-
eclampsia panel just to be sure nothing is going on there.

I go back 10/31/07 (next Wednesday) for another growth scan and fluid
check. If all goes well, this will likely be my last scan. They will do
another NST that day too. As well as my group b strep test. And I might
even be fully off bedrest after that (will be 36 weeks 1 day at my
appointment) :-D

I can see the end in sight and it looks beautiful!! Hard to believe my little girl could arrive any day .. and yet so exciting :) I just hope she can give me enough time to finish up my house. I have 2 rooms and about 20 loads of laundry left.

Another Appointment Update

TWO STEPS FORWARD... 1 STEP BACK!

Blood pressure: 117/68 (yay for another good reading)
Weight: 185 and holding
NST: reactive, healthy baby avg 143, accelerated 170s
EFW: 4 LBS 12 OZ, 14th%

URINE: PROTEIN!!!!!! OH NO! I never had this with Hailey!
Watching for changes in sight, balance, headaches. Didn't I JUST get tested for pre-eclampsia?! UGH!

Bedrest: Continued but allowed up for 2 hours twice a day. NO LIFTING/NO BENDING.

Presenting part: HEAD!! YAY! Hopefully she stays this way. 2 cms, 75% effaced, unchanged since last check.

Updated plan: Make it to 36 weeks without any more protein, then lift bedrest.... induction at 39 weeks if all goes well (or if I dont go into labor before then) Continue weekly NSTs and biweekly ultrasounds at OB office.

34 Week Perinatologist Appointment Update

So, I'm finally back. Hailey spent the afternoon with my friend and her children and so I was over there chatting with Angie (my friend) while her newborn (10 days old) slept peacefully next to me in the bassinet. Awww!!

I have great news... Clara had an estimated fetal weight of 4 lbs 12 oz!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wooooooooooo!!!!!

Placenta looks GREAT!!!!

Amniotic fluid is PERFECT!!!

Heart, lungs, kidneys, brian RIGHT WHERE THEY SHOULD BE!!!

Oh yah, and I have been released from Dr Wrights office for now. I may have to be referred again if things go drastically down hill but as of RIGHT NOW Clara looks AWESOME. They even decided I don't need to have that amnio done! Yayyy!

So, I'm still classified "high risk" but I am now just under "supervision." Dr Wright is going to recommend to Dr Hill the following:

1) Fluid checks & NSTS each week at my office (My NSTS are already at my office, but having the fluid checks there will mean I only have ONE appointment a week instead of two!!)
2) Minimal-Modified bedrest (meaning I can live life but not be lifting things!)

Dr Wright also said that likely all these things I went through with Hailey could have been prevented with bedrest if they had caught it earlier too. Do you know how good that makes me feel???!!!!!

GREAT APPOINTMENT... thanks for all those growth vibes!

Hailey August 2007

Another GOOD Appointment

The office was CRAZY BUSY and understaffed today. But even with all that, my NST went GREAT! Everything about her heartrate looks very healthy!! She was not overactive today but was right on target for where she should be. Her resting rate was in the 130s and her accelerations were from 150-170.

My blood pressure was 117/74 YAYYYYY!! Another GREAT blood pressure reading for me!! SO MUCH BETTER than the 140s/85s I was getting!! I do have some MILD swelling but it's likely due to bedrest. Dr said drink lots of water.

I think this baby is growing. I measured at 28 weeks fundal height. I'm 33 weeks pregnant but my fundal height does lapse some because of the IUGR... that being said, it has caught up by 1 weeks from where it was measuring 6 weeks behind. So that makes me happy and could be a sign Clara has grown some more.

I go back next Friday at 1pm for another NST and will have GBS test then (was GBS + with Hailey.) And, I will be delivered by MY office, not Dr Wright, though she will most likely be there for the birth just in case!! This is a good thing because if Dr Wright were to deliver me, I would be looking at a much more costly hospital bill!

33 Week Ob Appointment & NST Update

Saw Dr McKain today as Dr Hill was out of the office, sick. Dr McKain was Hailey's delivering Dr and I saw her often when I was in the hospital with Hailey as well. She really is straight-forward and blunt.

I'm at 2 cms, 75% effaced. I was this way for weeks with Hailey. The did another dip strip to make sure I'm not leaking fluid (we're pretty sure I did with Hailey) and it came back good. Blood pressure was down today 117/71, nice numbers! Weight was virtually unchanged (1 lb less than last week but that could be water weight.)

NST was OVER-reactive. Anyone know what this means? I know that NON-reactive means that the baby didn't get 10 accelerations in an hour and had little movement. And reactive means that the baby had a normal amount of movements (at least 10) and 10 accelerations in heartrate. But is over-reactive bad too? They want me back on Friday. Ugh! So I have a Dr appointment this Friday (nst) and an appointment next Wednesday with Dr Wright over at Maternal Fetal Medicine (growth scan, afi, bpp, doppler)

I was supposed to just go in next Monday but they didnt have a delivering Dr in office then so Dr McKain doesnt want me to wait until Tuesday.. not sure how one day makes much difference. So instead I have to come in a day early.. which means Friday. Blah!

She asked how I was feeling emotionally and I was very honest with her about it. Mostly she just listened and told me it would all be over soon enough and to just try and stay sane. ;)

Anyway, overall a good appointment.

Pre-Eclampsia Panel Results

My pre-e panel came back NORMAL! Thank God! That is one thing I just didn't want on my list of issues. :)

32 Week OB Appointment

I had another appointment today. First of all, a little pregnancy brain hit me this morning. I showed up for my appointment at 11am but my appointment was actually supposed to be at 10 am. OOPS! At least my Doctor was nice about it.

So, I sit down and they take my blood pressure. Egads! I was telling the nurse how I was home on bedrest and she said "Well I hope you aren't hoping to get off bedrest because your blood pressure is high." It was 122/91. Next it's on to the weigh-in. We all know this is our favorite part-- NOTTTTT! No weight change for me. Woo! So I leave my little cup in the bathroom and sit in the waiting room.

After about 10 minutes the nurse comes in and takes me into the NST room. We manage to find the heartbeat and I get all situated in the over stuffed recliner. The baby starts moving a little bit. But after 15 minutes they think she might be sleeping. Well, they leave and come back another 30 minutes later with my Doctor right behind them. She sits and watches the NST machine. We finally get out 10 heart accelerations and pass the test. Yay!

So, the Dr notices the high blood pressure reading and she decides she wants it redone before she sends me home. We're talking about bedrest and I tell her I've been having some headaches and a little dizziness. The manual cuff says that my blood presure is now 135/87. Not really much change considering I've been laying down for an hour at this point. Dr. Hill sends me to the lab and they draw some blood. After that I get to go check out and go home.

So, I go back in a week for another NST and I am just supposed to wait for word about the pre-eclampsia panel. Just one more thing I may have to add to my already long list of potential complications. LOL! You just gotta love these high-risk pregnancies. They keep you on your toes, that's for sure!

Hailey's First Two Years

Hailey was born at 37 weeks 3 days. She weighed 4 lbs 4 oz and was 17 inches long. This was consistent with the iugr diagnosis we were given during pregnancy. Following her birth she spent some time in the NICU to get her blood sugar, body temperature and blood pressure regulated.

The Dr said the good news was that Hailey had brain-sparing IUGR. So even though she looked like a 34 week baby with a 30 week body (her head was bigger than her body was), she acted like a 37 week infant. This was a great thing in our eyes :) Our little girl did remarkably well and she was home in 5 days.

They monitored Hailey's grown very closely those first few months to make sure she was gaining weight properly. She remained at her 3rd% curve and all the Drs were happy with that. We were always hearing about how tiny our little girl was, but she was otherwise healthy so that is all that mattered to us :)

At her 1 year checkup Hailey was 15 lbs 15 oz. We were so excited. Our pediatrician gave us a prescription for pediasure for Hailey to help her catch up, and she has been on it since then. Hailey met all her milestones on time or early. She was rolling over at 4 months, crawling at 7 months, and walking just 2 weeks after her first birthday.

She continues to grow well developmentally and follow her 3% growth curve. At 28 months she is very much the talker and explorer. We never have a dull day around here. She makes you laugh so much your eyes water and makes your hair stand on ends with all her "bouncing around." Hailey now weighs 20 lbs and has been there for about 4 months. She is about 30 inches tall at our best measurements. The Doctors seem happy enough with her progress for now. They do suggest some testing after her 3rd birthday though :)

Hailey is looking forward to being a big sister. We all know she will do great. I write so much about my daughter that is coming that I really wanted to share some of Hailey's story with everyone. She deserves a big applause for all the joy, love, and life she has brought to us.. not to mention for being such an awesome 2 year old who started out as such a tiny little bug! Going to try and post some pictures of her soon!

Celebrating a Special Milestone!

MY BABY HAD A GROWTH SPURT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I BROKE DOWN CRYING WHEN THE DR TOLD ME... HAPPY TEARS!!

Clara Elizabeth weighed in today at 3 lbs 6 oz!!!!!!!! And is in the 13% up from the 3% just two weeks ago!!!
I HOPE AND PRAY THIS GROWTH SPURT STICKS THIS TIME!!!!

Everything else looked great too!! Bedrest is working! At least I know that it's not all for nothing :) My little girl is growing.

Oh, yah she was breech today but the Dr said that she will most likely turn back around soon. And she also said calmed my fears about having a c-section if this baby does have to come out before 37 weeks. She said that since I delivered Hailey just fine vaginally even with her being so small, that it's favorable that they will let me deliver this one vaginally as well. I'm so happy. Okay.. I can't see the screen anymore through all the happy tears. Time to go wipe my eyes!

I go back to the MFM Dr for another ultrasound on October 17th at 11:00 AM. I will be 34 weeks then :)

I'm still on bedrest and I still have to go to NSTs once a week but at least I get to wait an extra week between ultrasounds! STILL MARVELLING AT THE 1 LB AND 3 OZ this little girl has put on in 2 weeks :)

I finally had a GOOD appointment!

Had a non-stress test today. Clara Beth was moving so much I couldn't keep up. But oh those nurses couldn't find her heartbeat for anything. I said, "let me try" and I found it myself hahah! They kinda blushed and made some comment about "no firmness in my tummy" ... well yah.. I have a 2 lb baby in there, what do you expect! LOL!

Anyway, I saw Dr Joseph (he was my Dr with Hailey) today and we talked and laughed about stuff and he always puts me at ease :) My blood pressure was "a little high"(125/87) so they redid it at the end of my appointment and it was even higher (133/91). But the baby's heartrate was GREAT and her activity was AWESOME said the DR :)

I keep asking to be let off of bedrest.. the Drs get a kick out of that, they know I'm just being facetious ;) I feel "happy" about things for the first time in a while. Now let's just hope that my appointment Wednesday for the ultrasound/fluid/placenta/growth go just as well.

Clara had an estimated weight of 2 lbs 3 oz at my appointment 2 weeks ago... any guesses on how much she will weigh on Wednesday? I say 2 lbs 6 oz.

Intrauterine Growth Retardation- Basic Info

What causes it and who's at risk?

Each year in the United States, as many as 40,000 babies are born at term with a birth weight of less than 2,500 grams (less than 5 1/2 pounds). Because of less-than-optimal conditions inside the uterus, these babies did not grow as rapidly as they should have during pregnancy, a problem known as intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR).


Advances in medicine have greatly reduced the risks for growth-retarded infants, but they are still at risk for numerous problems. These babies have low stores of body fat and glycogen (a type of carbohydrate that is readily transformed into glucose, an energy source). As a consequence, they are unable to conserve heat and may develop hypothermia. Stillbirth and fetal distress are also more common in growth-retarded fetuses. Because of their lower energy stores, these fetuses are less able to tolerate the stress of labor than an infant of normal size.


Possible causes of IUGR include problems with the placenta that prevent it from delivering enough oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. This may occur as the result of high blood pressure in the mother, but it can also occur without a known cause. Other causes of IUGR include the following:


• Cigarette smoking
• Certain infections (such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, or toxoplasmosis)
• Birth defects or chromosome abnormalities
• Severe malnutrition
• Drug or alcohol use
• Juvenile diabetes
• Rheumatologic diseases
• Other chronic diseases in the mother


Women who have had a growth-retarded infant in a previous pregnancy are at an increased risk to have another undersized baby. Fortunately, careful monitoring and early intervention often can help lessen some of the dangers posed to growth-retarded infants. In some cases, growth retardation can even be reversed.


How is it diagnosed?

A woman carrying a growth-retarded fetus usually has few, if any, symptoms to alert her to the problem. The careful measurements your doctor makes at each of your prenatal visits are partly intended to detect IUGR at an early stage.


This is one reason your doctor measures the fundal height of your uterus — the distance between your pubic bone and the fundus, or top, of your uterus. Between 18 and 34 weeks, this measurement in centimeters corresponds roughly to the number of weeks of pregnancy. By looking at how this measurement increases over time, the doctor may be alerted to IUGR if the size of the uterus does not seem to be increasing as it should.


Accurate dating of your pregnancy is important for making the diagnosis of IUGR. If this date is off by even one or two weeks, it may be impossible to diagnose the condition correctly. Before about 20 weeks of pregnancy, an ultrasound exam can be used to determine the gestational age as precisely as possible.


If IUGR is suspected because of low fundal height measurements, an ultrasound exam likely will be done to confirm the diagnosis. This test can be used to measure some of the physical features of the fetus. The circumference of the head and abdomen, and the ratio of one to the other, is one of the most useful of these measurements. Other measurements that may be taken include the width of the baby's head (called the biparietal diameter, or the distance between the two side bones of the skull), the length of the thigh bone (femur), and the amount of amniotic fluid.

How is it managed?

First steps in the management of a woman with a growth-retarded fetus consist of reversing any factors, such as smoking, drug use, or poor nutrition, that may be contributing to the problem. Sometimes the mother is admitted to the hospital for bed rest. Non-stress tests, contraction stress tests, or biophysical profiles are often done to check on the baby's condition. The expectant mother may be asked to keep a daily record of the baby's movements. Ultrasound exams are generally done every two weeks to track the baby's growth and the volume of amniotic fluid.


Amniocentesis might be performed to check for chromosome abnormalities or infection, two of the causes of IUGR. However, because it often takes about 10 days to obtain the results of amniocentesis, PUBS (percutaneous umbilical blood sampling) may be offered instead. In this procedure, ultrasound is used to guide a needle into the umbilical cord, and blood is withdrawn for analysis. Although the results are obtained more quickly with PUBS, there is a greater risk to the baby than with amniocentesis. Your doctor will discuss the pros and cons of these techniques with you if these tests are being considered.


If tests continue to show no evidence that the baby is in danger, and if the ultrasound exam shows that the baby is growing, the pregnancy may be continued until labor begins on its own. But signs that the fetus may be in danger or is not growing appropriately will prompt your doctor to consider early delivery. In weighing this decision, two questions are asked:


1. How mature is the baby?
2. How safe (or dangerous) is the uterine environment?


To answer the first question, amniocentesis may be performed to find out if the baby's lungs are fully mature. But some conditions may make it safer for the baby to be outside rather than inside the uterus, even if the baby is born early or the lungs are not mature. The expert care that can be given in a neonatal intensive care unit may be a better option for the baby than remaining inside the uterus under unfavorable conditions.


Depending on individual circumstances, birth may be accomplished by inducing labor and having the baby born vaginally or by cesarean. During labor, the baby will be monitored closely. If the fetal heart rate pattern or other tests indicate that the baby is not tolerating labor, a cesarean birth might be necessary.


Whether a growth-retarded infant is born vaginally or by cesarean, there are still risks posed to the infant's health. You may be temporarily separated from your baby soon after birth so that she or he can be watched carefully for any complications, such as low blood sugar. A growth-retarded baby may need fluid with glucose (sugar) soon after birth. This may be given by bottle or through an intravenous line. The baby's temperature will also be monitored to make sure she or he remains warm enough.


What about the future?

Despite the many risks posed to the growth-retarded newborn, almost all of these babies go on to develop normally. The size of your baby at birth may not necessarily be an indication of how well she or he will grow and develop.


Most growth-retarded babies tend to catch up with their normal counterparts by 18 to 24 months. Unless there are serious birth defects, the chances are good for most of these babies to have normal intellectual and physical development in the long term.


If you have had one growth-retarded baby, you are more likely to have another baby with this problem in a future pregnancy. Good prenatal care, excellent nutrition, and elimination of smoking and alcohol and drug use will increase your chances of having a healthy baby.

ALL INFO TAKEN FROM:
http://www.momswhothink.com/pregnancy-complications/intrauterine-growth-retardation.html

Many Questions, Few Answers!!

There just aren't many resources available for moms with babies who are growth restricted. I've met a few moms with this issue, but most of their babies were pre-term too.

I just wish I knew what it is that is causing my babies to be so small. With Hailey they said it was her placenta started maturing too quickly. But they've done dopplers this time on this baby and they look okay. So, why is she small too?


Also, why do they have me on bedrest if all the research done says that bedrest doesn't help moms with iugr? It doesn't make the babies grow any faster, but maybe it gives them a little more time? I don't know.

Most of my research says that high blood pressure can cause IUGR but my Dr says mine isn't high. It's not great but it's not high. It gets a little higher as the pregnancy goes on, but is still under the high numbers (140/90 is considered high). My last reading was 122/86. My first reading this pregnancy was 108/75. So who knows?!

I've not gained weight with this pregnancy, and only gained 10 lbs with my daughter, but again the Drs say that really doesn't matter since I started over weight anyway. But poor maternal weight gain can also be a cause.

I just wish I had more answers and not so many questions. My biggest fear right now is if something goes bad really fast and I have to have a c-section and give birth to a 2 lb baby. Then what?! I'm really scared about having a c-section and I'm more scared of this baby being born pre-term and being smaller than my daughter was.

I just don't know where else to look for answers. I was at Barnes & Noble the other night and any book they had only had one or two paragraphs on intrauterine growth restriction. I have a few books here that do have a little more than that but not much, and not from the vantage point of other moms or Drs who have dealt with iugr. Just more of an explanation of medical terms, etc.

Lord Take Care of Me

Bed rest is hard. Especially for a stay at home mom who is used to doing everything to keep her home in order, family fed, laundry clean, and everyone happy. But when you are on bedrest there are so many things you can't do. So who do these responsibilities fall to?

Well, in my house the only other one capable of doing them is my husband. But he works five days a week, 9 hour days. So when he comes home cleaning up the house is the last thing he feels like doing. And the thing he resents most.

So how do I reconcile the need to stay in bed with the need to clean my house? Do I do what I know will bless my husband or do I do what the Drs have told me to -stay in bed? I haven't come to any working conclusions yet but I am learning very quickly that this bed rest thing isn't going to make my husband very happy.

My prayer today is that God will take care of me and Clara no matter what I end up doing in this situation. Hopefully we will come to a working compromise soon. For now, I will have to get out of bed and do a little laundry and wash a few dishes and pray that God protect us that much more.

If anyone has any ideas, I'm open to them. :)

30 Week OB Appointment Update

Well, the non stress test was nonreactive for a good 20 minutes and then the Dr came in and BUZZED my belly and boy did that get Clara moving :) Her heartbeat is on the lower 140s side resting and the 160s when active.

The Dr picked up a few contractions but we think they are probably braxton hicks since I didnt feel pain just tightening. But at this point the baby's heartrate drops with them. So, we are hoping this will correct itself before the baby's birth as she puts on weight.

I go back in a week. Fundal height is still 6 weeks behind. I've put on 3 lbs from being on bedrest. Sigh! I got a prescription for nexium so that I can get some relief from this heartburn.

So next week I have another NST/1 Week Ob appt on Monday and on Wednesday I have my 3d/4d ultrasound to check growth, doppler in the placenta, and amniotic fluid. And it will be this way until this baby is born.

I asked about Dr Wrights LPN putting me on bedrest and she agrees with the decision but did give me permission to go to Church on Sunday and Book Club on Tuesdays so long as I dont have to do any major walking. Yay!

All in all it was good. I just am having a hard time with sitters for Hailey and we cant really afford for Evan to take off work. He had to again this mornng to keep Hailey because there is no way she could sit through an NST. It's just a wait and watch game again... and that's the hardest part... waiting and watching.

Sunday Reflections

Well, this week has been a trying one. But I have made it through. I see the Dr on Tuesday for a NST. Hoping it is favorable at this point. Still not sure what to do about my daughter, as we couldn't find anyone to keep her.

I was able to leave the house for a few short hours today and go to church which was such a blessing. It refreshes my spirit to be among the family of God and with friends. We went up front and had this baby prayed for and that alone has given me new hope and strength to get through these next several weeks on bedrest.

My daughter is napping now. She is such a good child. I am so blessed to be her mom. And my husband is at a movie. He cleaned the kitchen and living room and bedroom before he went so that took a great weight off my shoulders. I hope the movie is good and that he enjoys his time out of the house.

Here are some things I am thankful for today:

1. My husband being so understanding and patient during all this. His strength and support help the hard days seem not so hard.

2. My daughter who has so much life and passion in her. She is constantly a joy and has taken everything so well, We have turned this bed rest into a mommy-daughter campout.

3. My church family who have been there tme and again to offer prayers, encouragement, meals and anything we could possibly need.

4. Great Drs who are staying on top of all that is going on, keeping me well informed, and willing to listen to my concerns just because they care.

5. The gift of new life.

6. Clara Elizabeth, who I know will grow up to me an awesome woman one day. I treasure all the little kicks and turns, keep every scan from her sonograms, and just feel so blessed to be her mom too.

7. This new-found group of moms and fathers who have been where I am or in similar places, who can offer support and wisdom from previous experience.

8. All the people who make up my circle of support. I don't think I could go through this again without them.

9. Beautiful sunny days. They make being at home in bed a little more enjoyable if I can watch the birds and look at the sun shining.

10. Online radio. Music is a must for me, especially uplifting music. I need it as much as I need water. It brings peace and love into my home and calms fears.

Clara's Ultrasound Slideshow

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist Update

We have had a week filled with questions and doctor visits. It has been a very stressful and faith-trying time. Funny, I was just reading this week in James 1 about having faith through our trials! Just what I needed this week, for sure.


So, I had asked for prayer a couple weeks ago about some pre-cancerous activity in my body and PRAISE GOD the changes were MINIMAL. I was able to avoid having a biopsy while pregnant which was a great relief. I had to have one when I was pregnant with Hailey and it was very painful and caused other issues as well. So avoiding that this time was truly a God- send. Especially with everything else going on.

About the bed-rest, Clara Beth isn't growing too well. (Neither did Hailey!) And the Doctors have been watching very closely for the complications that I had with Hailey (low fluid and placental death) but have not yet found them.

However, they cannot do these checks at my Doctors office because they lack the equipment. So, I saw Dr Wright over at Wilmington Maternal-Fetal Medicine yesterday (had just seen my Doctor the day before!) They did a 3D ultrasound to check Clara's kidneys and heart and also for other deformities. They found NOTHING, PRAISE THE LORD!

What they found was a tiny little girl. She is approximately 2 lbs 3 oz. (Should be about 4 lbs by now) and that puts her in the "less than 3%" for growth. This is where Hailey was also. But, as a precautionary measure, and to hopefully prevent the placental and fluid levels I had with Hailey they also put me on full bed-rest. I am allowed up for bathroom breaks, to get snacks, or to stretch but no more than 10 minutes on my feet. Don't they know I have a toddler at home?!

Well, we've set up camp in my bedroom with toys for Hailey and a cooler with snacks for us and that is how it's going to be until this baby is born. I am going to do my best to make it to church though because I was also on bed-rest with Hailey and remember how difficult it was for me not being there. I need it for my own health. And I am going to talk to my Doctor about getting approval for the book club and to get out once a week besides that just for my own well-being. I may have to get Evan drop me off and pick me up (no driving except to appointments) but it will be worth it.

I see my normal Doctor again on Tuesday for a non-stress test. And the following week I see Dr Wright for another biophysical profile. We are taking this week by week. If they see that she isn't gaining weight (Hailey stopped gaining altogether during the last 3-4 weeks) then they will have to induce. The other reasons for them inducing would be if my placenta starts dying or my fluid gets low, so far this pregnancy those are both okay. We are hoping and praying this baby can make it to 35 weeks. That is our next milestone. I made it to 37 weeks with Hailey but we found these problems later with her too.

Well, I'm sorry this was so long and filled with medical hoop-la just wanted to keep you gals in the loop.

Midnight Musings

Once again I can't sleep. Maybe its the fact that I am in bed lying down all day now. Or maybe it's all the thoughts running through my mind. Either way it's midnight on the East Coast and here I am. I'm so glad I found this site, having people to talk to who have been there has been wonderful for me. Even though my world has shrunk to the four walls of my bedroom, somehow being able to come here makes it not feel so small and me not feel so imprisoned. I know this isall for the best but it is really hard keeping a positive outlook (especially having been through it before.) I'm just trusting God to somehow get me through this and that this little girl will come out healthy, tiny but healthy. I guess that's all for now. God bless.

7 Months- 29 Weeks- 3rd Trimester

28 Week Belly Picture

Well, my appointment today went okay. But Clara is back down in the 3rd percentile at about 2 lbs. So they are wanting me to see a maternal-fetal medicine Dr to see what is going on, check for birth defects and abnormalities, etc. So I'm waiting on a call back for my appointment. I go back to my Dr next Tuesday for a non stress test. Things are going to start getting "fun" now.

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26 Week Belly Picture

Well, they called back and my appointment is TOMORROW at 9am! I have less than 24 hours to find a sitter for my daughter. Oh joy! Well at least they don't play around at my Doctors office. Haha!

6 Months- 24 Week Appointment

24 Week Belly Picture

Well, we have a name for this little girl now: Clara Elizabeth!!

Clara's heartbeat was steady at 143 today. She was measuring in the 25th percentile. It's most likely a growth spurt though. From the way she looks on her scans, we think she favors me. The neatest thing about having so many ultrasounds is watching her grow before our eyes. Keep praying our tiny girl is healthy. :)

22 Week Belly Picture

Everything from my appointment looked great. Heartbeat was good. Blood pressure was good. All in all it was a great appointment and I have no complaints. Oh, and I passed my glucose tolerance test. Yippee! My iron was great too!

5 Months- 20 Weeks

20 Week Belly Picture

WE'RE HAVING A...........


GIRL!!! GIRL!!! GIRL!!!

We had an ultrasound today and she looks great! It was absolutely amazing to see her moving around and even watch hermake faces. Her heartbeat is nice and strong too. She is taking after her sister--petite. Right now she is in the 3rd percentile. We're just happy she is healthy :) Looking forward to meeting little Clara Elizabeth in November!

4 Months-16 Weeks

Had my 16 week appointment today. We saw the baby's heartbeat and baby looks great anatomically for the most part, will check again next time. But we didn't get to see if the baby was a boy or a girl. The Tech said she didn't see any "extra parts" so it's most likely a girl, but they will confirm that at my next appointment (20 weeks) on July 10th. Can't wait to see what this baby will be!

3 Months- 12 Weeks- 2nd Trimester

Well I'm back. Let's see: what an appointment. We talked extensively about my pregnancy with Hailey and what to expect this time around: more ultrasounds, more NSTs, and more monitoring. But really, she said this one should be BETTER because we know what we know and we can work with what we know. The known is always better than the unknown.Have I told you gals how much I LOVE this Dr?


Okay, so on to the stuff everyone wants to hear about. I weighed in at 181 (that's 15 lbs down from my pre-pregnancy weight of 196!!) My blood pressure was a little low but it always so for me it's normal :) I had my prenatal panel today and then Dr Hill sent me back for a thyroid blood test because of the weight gain/weight loss issues I've had in the last two years.

We had a heartbeat and it was about 140s-150s. I'm measuring right at 12 cms/12 weeks. I asked about the measurements now vs with Hailey and she said the reason for them being worried with Hailey's later measurements was because I WAS ON TARGET until about 28 weeks and then my numbers started dropping. So she said they will watch for that this time around too!


Okay, so I have my history appointment on the 8th at 11:45 and my next official ob appointment on the 12th at 9am. This will be an ultrasound appointment and also the normal mumbo jumbo :)

I will get another scan at 20 weeks to check for anatomy and gender, and probably every 4 weeks after that until delivery :) Thank God for thorough Drs. Mostly this time I will be seeing Dr Hill (who I saw today and LOVE) because she is a high risk OB but I might see another Dr or two along the way. My next appointment is with Dr Hill again :) SO EXCITED!

11 Weeks Already?!

Well, yesterday started week 11. Hard to believe I am almost out of the first trimester. My appointment is next Thursday and I will finally get to hear my baby's heartbeat! So far I haven't gained any weight. I've also not been sick. The few symptoms I do have are very mild. Oddly enough I swear I feel this baby move already. Maybe there are two in there?! It really does feel exactly like it did with Hailey. I think the baby is doing flip flops. It's very early to be feeling movement though so maybe it's all in my head. With Hailey I felt movement around 16 weeks. We'll see. All is well :) We still haven't told very many people IRL.

Rescheduled Appointment

Well, we had some insurance glitches and I had to reschedule my appointment. So now I will be 12 weeks when I finally get to go in and see the Dr. I am 8 weeks tomorrow. Wednesday is my birthday. I hope someone sees this and wishes me a happy birthday on Wednesday because we aren't doing anything LOL!

This Time Around

1. This time around: I know more so I enjoy every little thing. I know what is happening with the little tater and how he or she is changing and growing. It's awesome knowing that when I go in for my appointment we will be able to see or hear the heartbeat if the Dr tries (some won't until about 12 weeks)

2. I am not as sick. In fact, I have no morning sickness whatever. YAY! It's so nice. With Hailey I was sick the whole way through. Ugh! I don't have as many headaches, my body isn't as tired. ( I was workingand doing school with her, climbing 100s of steps every day and unloading trucks) I really feel pretty normal.

3. I can't wear most of my clothes already! With Hailey I didn't show until after the half way point. I'm not showing yet but my non-maternity jeans are definitely not coming out of my closet until after December!

4. I gave away all my maternity clothes after Hailey was born, so this time around I am having fun buying my own wardrobe with my little extra spending money.

5. I'm more nervous this time. I think it's because we had a miscarriage after Hailey was born. But because I'm more nervous, I'm also more excited. With Hailey I was scared.. first baby, so many unanswered questions. This time it is much more easy going :) I'm not worried.

6. God already has been faithful to make sure we have all we need and I know He will continue :) Children are a heritage from the Lord and the fruit of a mothers reward! :) Thank You Father for such an amazing blessing and priviledge. Being a mom is wonderful. I truly love it.

Seven Weeks & Counting...

Well, we have an addition arriving in late November or early December. I'll give you a hint- it already has a heartbeat and legs and arms!
This marks week 7 in the life of our newest family member. For now we are calling him or her "sweet tater" but later he or she will have a more fitting name :) SO I think I'll put my feet up and enjoy this ride for a bit.
My dear hubby is hoping for a little boy. Me, I just want him or her to be a healthy happy bundle. Someone get out the calendar and mark November 27th off as D-DAY!
Thanks for sharing the news with us. We're very excited and I hope you all are too, even if you are just excited for us and secretly saying "Thank God it's not me!" I'll try and keep you posted :)

CYCLE 16 IS A SUCCESS !!!!

We're going to have another baby!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm due at the end of November and am 5 weeks pregnant today. How exciting! I am beside myself. Sorry I didn't keep up this month. Right now, I think it is all still settling in.

I found out Friday at 11 dpo. We did OPKs this month. I o'd cd 21 and on cd 32 I tested and had a positive hpt!! Wow, I still am in shock to some degree. Friday night Evan was at work so I didn't get to tell him.

But Saturday I took anotheor test and left it sitting on a papertowel on the bathroom counter. He came running out, big grin on his face and asks "You're Pregnant?" And I said "two lines means yes." His reply: "AWESOME!!"

So, that's about it for now. I'm really nauseous early on and pretty tired but oh it's a wonderful thing to be having symptoms. My first appointment is Tuesday April 17 at 9am. They will do a pelvic positive, blood confirmation and a heart check!

Wahoo! Stick baby stick!

Cycle 16, Day 1

Well, she found me. This is cycle 16 since we had our miscarriage in Dec. '05. The last few cycles have been much shorter but it looks like I'm o'ing so I don't mind the shorter cycles. Hopefully now it won't be long until we conceive number 2. Trying to think positively.

Just Waiting

So today I am 13 dpo. I'm just waiting to see if there will be a new cycle or a new baby on the horizon. A large part of me wants to hope for a new baby but most of me knows that it will be a new cycle.

Trying to conceive can be so hard. I really know God has more children for us but it is hard to wait for His perfect timing. We grow impatient. We want it in our time. But His is better. We just have to remember that His plan is far better than our own. His ways are above ours.

Trying to hold out hope and still maintain reality. Pray for me.

Marriage Retreat in Myrtle Beach

Wow! The marriage retreat was WONDERFUL! It was nice to get some time just for the two of us and enjoy being with each other. And we were reminded of how much fun we could have together if we take the time. I really am so happy we went and I know there are benefits we still haven't seen. I love my husband and I am so thankful for the man God chose for me. Mwah!

Cycle 15

Well, I've been away for a long while. But I'm back and we're still here trying. This is cycle 15 and it's close to the end.

This weekend we are going to Myrtle Beach for a marriage retreat! Yay! Hope to update when we get back.