Infertility and Me

Yesterday, Jess and I had her (2nd) followup for the short cervix thingy.  We went in good spirits, because we got some good numbers this past Monday.  We should have known something was up with the first followup, because number one, it wasn’t the specialty cervix measuring doc, it was a tech from her regular office.  Now normally, the specialty doc takes anywhere from 10 -15 measurements and averages them out.  The tech from her regular docs office, took 2 measurements 2.89, and 3.60cm and then immediately decided 3.60 was the number she would put on the file.  Anyways, we went back to the super cervix measurer doc and got pretty much the same number as the last time he did it – 2.58cm.  He spent a real long time discussing the issue with us and making us feel a bunch better.  We are still just out of the danger zone, but the fact that it has not changed is what really matters.  He wants to continue monitoring her and have us come back every week for awhile.  We really don’t mind, because everytime we go there they give us a sneak peek of Choochie  and some photos to share with you all!!

Jess’ regular OB also completely pulled her from work (indefinitely) and put her back on modified bed rest.  I think the docs are just taking precautions until we get into a safe zone (sometime after 30 weeks). 

Now, on to our baby girl!!

How far along? 22 weeks!

How Big Is Choochie?  Choochie is about the size of a Spaghetti Squash!!  This week, Choochie weighs in at a whole pound and measures nearly 10 inches, about the size of a small doll.  She now has eyebrows, eyelashes and maybe even some hair on that little head of hers!  She can now perceive light and dark. She can also hear our voices, Jess’  heartbeat,  gurgling stomach and the whoosh-whoosh of blood circulating throughout Jess’ body.  And as Choochie’s brain and nerve endings develop, she may reach for her face  just to experiment with her new found sense of touch.

Maternity clothes?  Cant seem to find the perfect comfy T-shirt for lying around!!

Sleep?  Crappy at best!!

Movement? This little one is a kicker!! 

Food cravings? Fruit Punch, Pink Lemonade, Water, Cookies, French Fries with cheese sauce and Pizza!!!!

Gender

Milestones? I don’t know if this qualifies as a milestone, but little Choochies size is beginning to impact the lungs.  Breathing is definitely not as easy as it was!

Emotions: A bit of a mess after our Level 2 scan, but we are keeping the faith!! (Same as last week)

How far along? 21 weeks 1 Day!

How Big Is Choochie?  Choochie is about the size of a large banana!!  She swallows a bit of amniotic fluid each day (for nutrition, hydration, and to practice digesting), so she eats whatever’s on Jess’ menu — and gets to put those developing taste buds to good use.

Maternity clothes? Slow shopping week

Sleep?  Crappy at best!!

Movement? This little one is a kicker!! 

Food cravings? Pineapple, French Fries with cheese sauce, Chicken Fingers, and Pizza!!!! (That is my ideal diet!!!!)

Gender

Milestones? I felt my baby kick for the first time on 7/14/10 10pm (20 Weeks 5 Days)

Emotions: A bit of a mess after our Level 2 scan, but we are keeping the faith!!

Yesterday was our second attempt at our level 2 anatomy scan.  Choochie decided to cooperate much better this time.  The doc decided to do the whole scan over again, so we got another hours worth of Choochie TV!!  With the amazing views, came a bit of bad news.  Things were going so smoothly.  With our track record, I knew that would eventually come to an end.  First off, here are a couple new pics of our baby girl!!

Choochies Feet!!

 Face Shot!

Profile Pic!

Isn’t she cute?  Anyway, on to the news.

The scan, for the most part went really well.  All of Choochies measurements and major parts looked great.  The only problem was a small white spot inside one of her heart chambers.  The heart itself was structurally fine.  The doc said this white spot was a calcification inside one of the chambers of the heart.  He made sure to continually let us know, that this probably was nothing to worry about.  He seemed to portray that he sees this multiple times a day, and most either disappear, of have no effect whatsoever.  He did however let us know that this could be a soft marker for downs syndrome.  He was quick to tell us that by no means does this mean that there is a problem, and healthy babies are born with this every day.  With the results of our Nuchal Translucency scan, and the blood tests, he said that this little spot brings our 1 in 10000 chance down to 1 in around 5000.  He also said that if there was any test that he really trusted, it was the Nuchal Translucency, which we passed with flying colors (something like .09).  It was a weird feeling, hearing the doc tell us that there could be something wrong with  our little miracle.  We did however, leave there feeling confident, without too much worry about it.  The real worry came at the end of the appointment, when the ultrasound tech came in and asked the doc to recheck the cervix, because she got a small measurement.  The doc agreed, and Jess was prepared for another surprise wanding!!  The cervix measured at 2.60cm.  The scan they did last week was 3cm.  A couple weeks earlier, at the OB’s office it was 4.36.  Clearly we have a change.  The doc said she wasn’t in the danger zone yet, but it is clear that the cervix is diminishing.  The “short cervix” carries a major risk of preterm labor.  It is a very scary thought.  We have come this far, and we already love her so much!! :cry:

We finally got the return phone call from Jess’ OB regarding yesterdays results.  At first he didn’t seem worried at all, and said some people just have short cervix’s.  He changed his tune as soon as looked back to a couple of weeks ago and saw the dramatic change from 4 to 2 cm.  I believe his exact words were “OOOOOHHHHHH!!!”  He did however say that we are not  in the danger zone yet, and that he felt confident waiting until Monday for a followup ultrasound.  Jess discussed options for the future, just in case it gets worse.  One option is a cervical cerclage.  Unfortunately at 21 weeks (tomorrow) there is a huge risk of doing damage.  The doc said he wouldn’t even consider a cerclage if we were past the 26 week mark.   They usually like to put them in between 12 and 14 weeks.  I guess we’ll cross that bridge when or if we get to it.  Otherwise it is strict bed rest, and possible admittance until delivery.  Jess is on modified bed rest until Monday.  We will have more direction then.  Hopefully it doesn’t get any worse, and we can get into the late weeks of pregnancy.  Please pray for us!!

20 Weeks!!!! Woo Hoo!!!!

How far along? 20 weeks 4 days!

How Big Is Choochie?  Choochie is now the size of a Cantaloupe!  Choochie is definitely getting bigger (weighing in at about ten ounces and measuring six and a half inches)  Her uterus is now fully formed and her ovaries are holding about seven million primitive eggs, the most eggs she will ever have!!!!

Maternity clothes? Definitely, been making multiple trips to GAP Maternity, and Motherhood!!! (SAME AS LAST WEEK)

Sleep?  No Change  

Movement? Jess now feels movement without pressing her hands. She can feel distinct kicks and punches!! They are definitely getting stronger week by week.  I (still) have yet to feel it, but I try everyday! :-D

Food cravings? French Fries with cheese sauce, Chicken Fingers, and Pizza!!!! (That is my ideal diet!!!!)

Gender

Milestones? We are Half Way There!!

Emotions:A little bit of relief!! Making it to the halfway point makes everything so much more real!!!!

Not too much going on here this week.  Jess hasn’t been feeling good, because her ability to not keep food down a couple of weeks ago has done a complete 180, and now she can’t get anything out!!  It’s been almost two weeks without a bowel movement (I Know, TMI), and things are really starting to back up.  We had an unscheduled appointment/ultrasound with the OB last week, to make sure things were OK.  Everything looked good, and the doc gave us a few recommendations to relieve her.  I’m not going to go into it here, but I’m sure you all know what I’m talking about!!  Hopefully we can nip this in the butt (no pun intended) before it becomes an issue!

Here are a couple of pictures from our ultrasound

Now on to Choochie!!

How far along? 19 weeks 2 days!

How Big Is Choochie?  Choochie is now the size of a Mango!  Choochies sensory development is exploding!  Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch!  Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now.  Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting.  A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

Maternity clothes? Definitely, been making multiple trips to GAP Maternity, and Motherhood!!!

Stretch marks? Not yet!!! (SAME AS LAST WEEK)

Sleep?  Seems to be getting better week by week.  

Movement? Jess now feels movement without pressing her hands. She can feel distinct kicks and punches!! They are definitely stronger this week, than last.  I (still) have yet to feel it, but I try everyday! :-D

Food cravings? Watermelon, Waffles, French Fries with cheese sauce!!!!

Gender

Milestones? N/A

Emotions: Seems to evened out a bit!!