August 16, 2013

Today was our final appointment with the baby doctor before baby! I was not physically examed, as I have not had any more severe contractions or other tell-tale indicators of early labor. So we just went over the C-Section procedure and expected recovery. Hard to believe its just a few more days away!! I am excited to get this boy out of me and in my arms. I am still a little concerned about any potential adverse effects of my heart medication on his little body, as his heart rate is still a little on the low side as well. What a blessing it will be to know he is healthy and okay on Monday!

August 15, 2013

Today we went to go see my other cardiologist, Dr. Walsh. He was not excited about my weight gain and the pillars that have now become my legs. This can all be attributed to water retention, which is “beyond the normal retention expected for pregnancy”. He could also tell by looking at the veins in my neck, which were distended due to my heart being inadequate for pumping fluids properly throughout the body. My job for the next four days is to try as hard as possible for getting some fluids off, by taking a prescription water pill and wearing compression stockings (NOT easy to put on, and I am not a fan of taking any more prescriptions). But my skin is at its max for stretching, and I am barely able to walk on my feet anymore. It used to be in just the evenings, but now by noon I am gimping along, which also puts more pressure on my legs and lower back. I also need to weigh myself daily (yuck!) and if I continue to gain weight, we will need to up the Lasix prescription. Its difficult to know where any more fluid retention would go, and with a c-section I am likely to have a rapid influx following the procedure. Luckily, once the baby is out, Dr. Walsh says we can put a greater effort in quickly getting the water off. I look forward to lots of time on the toilet very soon! Other than this, the appointment went pretty well and quick.

Nursery Pictures!

August 9th, 2013

We had two more doctor appointments this week! One with my original cardiologist, Dr. Jones, and one to check up on baby. With Dr. Jones, we mostly just conversed briefly about my heart, and then we socialized. As always, he told us how surprised he was that he hasn’t seen us in the ER more often during this pregnancy, and we also talked about my dad passing away. He told me I can quit taking my beta blocker, if I am concerned that this is why the baby’s heartbeat is slowing down. He also mentioned the water pill is not too harmful for baby, which is good to hear. We talked about the future post-baby and all the testing that will ensue, and we talked again about whether or not more children will be in our future (he doesn’t seem to think it’s a good idea). We let him know the date of c-section/induction, and he put it on his calendar to be there.

Our visit to Dr. Williams started out with another ultrasound, where we found out he is in the 8 lb range, but measuring 3 weeks ahead (that would be nearly 41 weeks!). All the measurements for fluid, heartrate, blood pressure, etc. were great today! I had gained some weight because I am more puffy, and so we are watching closely for preeclampsia. When the doctor did my physical exam, we found out I am 3 cm dilated and 50% effaced, so that means he could even come early on his own! Her first order of business post ultrasound was to meet with a couple other doctors, where it was decided that we would forego an induction and plan a c-section for sure. This means they had to change my care plan, so that if I go into labor before the scheduled date, we will be all set up. Truthfully, I felt relieved by this news. I know a c-section is not in my best interest, because it could cause tachycardia and result in a cardioversion due to the massive changes in fluid levels post-delivery, but I know this will actually be better for the baby (I had fears of him getting stuck and/or injured by the forceps if I try to push). We went over the c-section procedure, as well as circumcision, and despite the change in plans, Dr. Williams seems to be optimistic about delivering the baby and potentially having another pregnancy down the road, though we will have to see how it all goes in the end. I am ready for this pregnancy to be over. This was a rough week, and I am feeling more run-down and disabled. Monday I was completely down, with blood pressure and circulation issues (now my hands and arms are starting to swell and get tingly) and Dr. Williams wondered if maybe I may have been going into arrhythmia. This makes me nervous, and even more anxious to get this baby safely out! Only one more week!

August 2, 2013

Today became a longer ordeal than was originally planned, as many dates within the last nine months have become. Since our appointment today was to be a simple checkup, Bryan decided to stay at work and I invited my mom to accompany me, so she could meet my doctor and become familiar with the clinic. Fortunately/Unfortunately, she got more of a tour than we both anticipated! Little Dylan thought he was being pretty smart today, and his heart rate dropped down to the low 100s, with a baseline being around 105-110. The nurse tried three different machines with no change. In addition to this, my blood pressure was slightly elevated (probably from the panic caused by the nursing staff and doctor)and swelling had increased. They took my blood and other samples, then sent me down the hall for an ultrasound right away. Luckily, the ultrasound showed an otherwise healthy baby, and he passed his tests for breathing, movement, reflexes, etc, with a score of 8/8.

Nevertheless, the doctor wanted to err on the side of caution, so after our appointment, she sent us back over to Labor and Delivery for two hours of fetal monitoring. This is when Dylan decided to wake up and perform stunts that we could watch on the outside and hear on the inside. I even found out I was having contractions, though I could not feel them. By the end of our two hour visit, his heart rate had spiked up as high as 150. He was the best baby of the day, as one nurse said. So, we got to go home with some pictures of him and the knowledge that everything is still going well. We also confirmed via ultrasound that he has a full head of hair, as we could see it floating in the pictures. J The slower heart rate, which was also beginning at the last visit, may be due to the beta blockers I am taking, or, it may just be the way it is. My heart rate has always been slow as well. However, I just worry that he will have cardiac issues like me, though right now everything is checking out okay.

We also talked again about delivery options, and now it is a toss up between trying to push through naturally (with the help of forceps) or by c-section. We even scheduled a c-section, as now it is looking more likely than 50/50. Either way, an induction or c-section will happen on August 19, which is just 17 days away. Eeeeek! We have two more appointments set up for the next two Fridays, and at least one more ultrasound. We are getting so close!