OB appointment at 18 weeks, 5 days
It's April Fool's Day and I find myself more anxious at this appointment that I have been lately.
On April 3rd, I will be getting the biophysical ultrasound and ever since my OB mentioned they will look to see if he has 4 chambers in his heart, I have been dwelling on that.
My friend said that her high risk OB mentioned that IVF patients are more prone to babies with heart issues.
Grrrrrrreeaaaaaaaatttt
So I started off the appointment by getting weighed. I saw that I have gained 4 more lbs....10 lbs for this month. Holy shit!
I asked the nurse what weight I started at and she said 253. I am now 270 lbs...I usually weight 220. I went up to 250 with IVF.
I thought that bigger people weren't to gain as much cuz we are already so big? My OB didn't care last time when I gained 6 lbs, but I couldn't help think holy shit where is this weight coming from?
On April 3rd, I will be getting the biophysical ultrasound and ever since my OB mentioned they will look to see if he has 4 chambers in his heart, I have been dwelling on that.
My friend said that her high risk OB mentioned that IVF patients are more prone to babies with heart issues.
Grrrrrrreeaaaaaaaatttt
So I started off the appointment by getting weighed. I saw that I have gained 4 more lbs....10 lbs for this month. Holy shit!
I asked the nurse what weight I started at and she said 253. I am now 270 lbs...I usually weight 220. I went up to 250 with IVF.
I thought that bigger people weren't to gain as much cuz we are already so big? My OB didn't care last time when I gained 6 lbs, but I couldn't help think holy shit where is this weight coming from?
The ultrasound went well: he was spreading his legs open and we got another peek at his pee pee LOL. The OB mentioned that everything looks normal including all the fluid around him.
She said he was moving around like crazy and was surprised that I cannot feel him kicking. Normal time is around 20 weeks for people to feel anything anyways.
She said he was breech right now, but that doesn't mean anything when you're almost 20 weeks. She said even if it was close to delivery, babies twist and turn in a matter of minutes.
She said he was moving around like crazy and was surprised that I cannot feel him kicking. Normal time is around 20 weeks for people to feel anything anyways.
She said he was breech right now, but that doesn't mean anything when you're almost 20 weeks. She said even if it was close to delivery, babies twist and turn in a matter of minutes.
Biophysical Anatomy Scan at 19 weeks, 0 days
I had my scan today, April 3rd and was nervous for it, even though I literally been at the OB's office 2 days ago. I had to go to the hospital for it for that's how my OB does them.
I was to drink 28-32 ounces of water an hour before hand, but in my experiences at this hospital: they are never on time. I remember in 2009 getting monthly ovarian cyst ultrasounds and literally pacing the waiting room about to explode or even worse, pee my pants and leave!
So I drank less than 24 ounces and started drinking around 45 minutes before. I must add that the hospital is literally 1 minute and 30 seconds away from my house, so I didn't have to worry about driving and drinking the water.
I don't really get why they HAD to have me drink all that water because she took pictures of my cervix and bladder, and then I got to empty it. She said my cervix was good around 4.09 cm. Those pictures took like 30 seconds!
Once I got back onto the bed, she began to measure his head and brain. I know that most techs aren't supposed to say anything about what they see, but I still always ask them. Then I explained to her my background...I feel that helps the tech realize you are not inquisitive and/or nuts without reason.
I saw her typing in things and measuring. She measured a small thing in his brain, then she typed in CERE/CM and my mind was racing to think what CM was...I figured out CERE was cerebellem, but CM? I had totally forgot to ask her, but then I thought I might of been more a pain to be up her ass to and let her do her job. UPDATE: Okay, so after I typed this, I looked online and found this great website: Normal 2nd trimester Anatomy. I found that CM must mean cisterna magna and it is one of the normal openings in the brain.
I asked her if everything looked normal and she said yes it was.
WHEW! One part down...a million to go!
She measured his abdomen and it was normal. She did his bladder, kidneys, and stomach. Those organs were all in the right places. I know they go to school for this, but I couldn't see the organs at all and she was showing them to me. It's like teeny little black/gray blobs.
She took several pictures of all those and measured the spine and femurs.
I found myself tearing up when looking at the screen...I truly NEVER thought I'd be here. 19 weeks..holy shit. This hospital has so many memories for me: mostly negative ones too. I felt overwhelmed that I wasn't listening to someone tell me bad shit.
I kept asking if what she saw was normal and she said "yes" every time.
She said he was averaged out to measuring 20 weeks, 0 days and 11 ounces. She commented that he was a "big boy". lol
His heart rate was 160 bpm and yes, he did have 4 chambers in his heart! YAYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!
She did a side-by-side screen and was showing me 2 legs, 2 arms, 2 hands, and 2 feet.
She measured the quadrants of fluid around him (who knew that there were quadrants? not me!)...that was normal too.
The umbilical cord was 3 cord vessel: which is normal. It was 2 arteries and 1 vein. Sometimes when she was doing blood flow, she changed the screen so it was blue, red, and orange/green colored. She said that arteries show up as red and veins are blue.
My placenta was still posterior and she said it will not move cuz it's anchored to where it started. I'm glad it was not in front of him because when he does kick me and you could feel from the outside, then you can rather than him kicking the placenta and me freaking out!
She said there was 3.54 cm difference between the outside of my skin to where he was! She showed me my spine and the top of my stomach on the screen...holy shit that's crazy!
Of course, she asked if I knew if it was boy or girl and she was able to see the penis again. He is not shy.
Another funny thing was that he was sucking his thumb at one point!
At the end she wanted to measure his lips and nose more for the doctor since that was part of the protocol, but the little guy was turning his back to us probably because we were there for an hour!
She did say she saw his nose and lips and they were normal.
I was to drink 28-32 ounces of water an hour before hand, but in my experiences at this hospital: they are never on time. I remember in 2009 getting monthly ovarian cyst ultrasounds and literally pacing the waiting room about to explode or even worse, pee my pants and leave!
So I drank less than 24 ounces and started drinking around 45 minutes before. I must add that the hospital is literally 1 minute and 30 seconds away from my house, so I didn't have to worry about driving and drinking the water.
I don't really get why they HAD to have me drink all that water because she took pictures of my cervix and bladder, and then I got to empty it. She said my cervix was good around 4.09 cm. Those pictures took like 30 seconds!
Once I got back onto the bed, she began to measure his head and brain. I know that most techs aren't supposed to say anything about what they see, but I still always ask them. Then I explained to her my background...I feel that helps the tech realize you are not inquisitive and/or nuts without reason.
I saw her typing in things and measuring. She measured a small thing in his brain, then she typed in CERE/CM and my mind was racing to think what CM was...I figured out CERE was cerebellem, but CM? I had totally forgot to ask her, but then I thought I might of been more a pain to be up her ass to and let her do her job. UPDATE: Okay, so after I typed this, I looked online and found this great website: Normal 2nd trimester Anatomy. I found that CM must mean cisterna magna and it is one of the normal openings in the brain.
I asked her if everything looked normal and she said yes it was.
WHEW! One part down...a million to go!
She measured his abdomen and it was normal. She did his bladder, kidneys, and stomach. Those organs were all in the right places. I know they go to school for this, but I couldn't see the organs at all and she was showing them to me. It's like teeny little black/gray blobs.
She took several pictures of all those and measured the spine and femurs.
I found myself tearing up when looking at the screen...I truly NEVER thought I'd be here. 19 weeks..holy shit. This hospital has so many memories for me: mostly negative ones too. I felt overwhelmed that I wasn't listening to someone tell me bad shit.
I kept asking if what she saw was normal and she said "yes" every time.
She said he was averaged out to measuring 20 weeks, 0 days and 11 ounces. She commented that he was a "big boy". lol
His heart rate was 160 bpm and yes, he did have 4 chambers in his heart! YAYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!
She did a side-by-side screen and was showing me 2 legs, 2 arms, 2 hands, and 2 feet.
She measured the quadrants of fluid around him (who knew that there were quadrants? not me!)...that was normal too.
The umbilical cord was 3 cord vessel: which is normal. It was 2 arteries and 1 vein. Sometimes when she was doing blood flow, she changed the screen so it was blue, red, and orange/green colored. She said that arteries show up as red and veins are blue.
My placenta was still posterior and she said it will not move cuz it's anchored to where it started. I'm glad it was not in front of him because when he does kick me and you could feel from the outside, then you can rather than him kicking the placenta and me freaking out!
She said there was 3.54 cm difference between the outside of my skin to where he was! She showed me my spine and the top of my stomach on the screen...holy shit that's crazy!
Of course, she asked if I knew if it was boy or girl and she was able to see the penis again. He is not shy.
Another funny thing was that he was sucking his thumb at one point!
At the end she wanted to measure his lips and nose more for the doctor since that was part of the protocol, but the little guy was turning his back to us probably because we were there for an hour!
She did say she saw his nose and lips and they were normal.
Was that a kick?
Tonight, I was typing on my laptop and I literally felt like a big bubble had popped inside my uterus. It stopped me from typing and made me give a side eye look...I don't know who I was looking at cuz my husband is away working...maybe it was the dog?
Well, I'm not a 100% sure it was him kicking me, but it was something I had not noticed or felt before. I guess I will have to wait and see if it happens again!
Well, I'm not a 100% sure it was him kicking me, but it was something I had not noticed or felt before. I guess I will have to wait and see if it happens again!
Registering at Babies R Us
I went on April 4th to register. I am doing Amazon also, but wanted to touch the products. I had been combining some lists from Pinterest, my sister, and a friend who just had twins. Before doing my own list onto Word, I felt extremely overwhelmed. Once I had my list typed out, I felt a hell of a lot more focused.
I went to sit down at the registry desk and found myself thinking: What am I doing here? It was a very weird feeling. I don't look pregnant and then a woman sits next to me that is clearly sporting a cute bump and all I could think was that she was 19 weeks also and looks way more pregnant than me.
I found myself spacing out when the woman was giving her spiel about the pricing gun, lists, and coupons, etc. I wasn't there mentally and before arriving, I was fine.
The other girl didn't have a list, so that made me feel more relaxed knowing I had a plan. It's like teaching without an outline...you can't just go into Babies R Us and start scanning shit.
I had to have a list. Again I went onto Pinterest, Google, and tried to get as many specific brands to go in there with besides just looking for a "stroller". This site was really good too because I particularly like her delivery...she swears and keeps it real..just like me: http://www.lucieslist.com/
UPDATE: Here's a better list that I made actually: Baby registry list
Now a few things to add about registering:
You've finally got here: registering for your own baby shower.
Maybe you didn't want to be in Babies R Us before you got pregnant: seeing the happy women pushing their kids around, the baby stuff EVERYWHERE, and the dreaded pregnant women that surely would be shopping too...I didn't want to be here ever.
Maybe you cringed when you walked in the door...I did.
Maybe you felt like you didn't belong...I did.
Maybe you feel guilty because you have avoided going to other people's showers because you can't stand to be fake and happy while they get a baby and you've wait too long for your own...I did.
Maybe it doesn't seem real to be here and maybe your mind won't let you relax because shit has hit the fan before.
I've experienced both sides of infertility and I can tell you never getting pregnant is much easier than losing babies.
When you lose a baby or babies, there's an emotional scar that never, ever goes away.
You've been trying for 2 1/2 years, then you lose your baby. Years go by again and you do IVF. Then you lose another. Do another cycle and then lose another.
6 years of trying and pregnant for a 4th time...could this really be it? History repeats itself you know.
You've been shit on for too long and now being at a baby store is just the weirdest thing ever.
You might think if you register for things you are jinxing it...I did.
You might think that having a shower before the baby gets here is bad luck...I did.
I wanted a shower after the baby was here, but financially it was difficult to think I could float all the baby things I needed. 12 fertility treatments cost just shy of $40,000.
Now I need to be things that can cost $200-300 each?
Holy shit.
I was really torn on what to do.
After each loss, I was more and more set on having a "meet the baby" party. I just couldn't bear being happy and receiving gifts, cutting off tags and knowing that everything could fall apart.
One of my good friends had that happen: finally pregnant on her first IVF cycle, normal pregnancy, had a shower, then she had a stillborn at 39 weeks, 4 days. Take back all the baby clothes, repaint the nursery, and remove any memory that she was pregnant in the first place. Commence post-traumatic stress disorder.
How quickly things can disgustingly turn from good to bad.
Each time you are happy you got pregnant is only marred by the ever so prevalent little voice saying "Don't get too happy."
Some tips:
I went to sit down at the registry desk and found myself thinking: What am I doing here? It was a very weird feeling. I don't look pregnant and then a woman sits next to me that is clearly sporting a cute bump and all I could think was that she was 19 weeks also and looks way more pregnant than me.
I found myself spacing out when the woman was giving her spiel about the pricing gun, lists, and coupons, etc. I wasn't there mentally and before arriving, I was fine.
The other girl didn't have a list, so that made me feel more relaxed knowing I had a plan. It's like teaching without an outline...you can't just go into Babies R Us and start scanning shit.
I had to have a list. Again I went onto Pinterest, Google, and tried to get as many specific brands to go in there with besides just looking for a "stroller". This site was really good too because I particularly like her delivery...she swears and keeps it real..just like me: http://www.lucieslist.com/
UPDATE: Here's a better list that I made actually: Baby registry list
Now a few things to add about registering:
You've finally got here: registering for your own baby shower.
Maybe you didn't want to be in Babies R Us before you got pregnant: seeing the happy women pushing their kids around, the baby stuff EVERYWHERE, and the dreaded pregnant women that surely would be shopping too...I didn't want to be here ever.
Maybe you cringed when you walked in the door...I did.
Maybe you felt like you didn't belong...I did.
Maybe you feel guilty because you have avoided going to other people's showers because you can't stand to be fake and happy while they get a baby and you've wait too long for your own...I did.
Maybe it doesn't seem real to be here and maybe your mind won't let you relax because shit has hit the fan before.
I've experienced both sides of infertility and I can tell you never getting pregnant is much easier than losing babies.
When you lose a baby or babies, there's an emotional scar that never, ever goes away.
You've been trying for 2 1/2 years, then you lose your baby. Years go by again and you do IVF. Then you lose another. Do another cycle and then lose another.
6 years of trying and pregnant for a 4th time...could this really be it? History repeats itself you know.
You've been shit on for too long and now being at a baby store is just the weirdest thing ever.
You might think if you register for things you are jinxing it...I did.
You might think that having a shower before the baby gets here is bad luck...I did.
I wanted a shower after the baby was here, but financially it was difficult to think I could float all the baby things I needed. 12 fertility treatments cost just shy of $40,000.
Now I need to be things that can cost $200-300 each?
Holy shit.
I was really torn on what to do.
After each loss, I was more and more set on having a "meet the baby" party. I just couldn't bear being happy and receiving gifts, cutting off tags and knowing that everything could fall apart.
One of my good friends had that happen: finally pregnant on her first IVF cycle, normal pregnancy, had a shower, then she had a stillborn at 39 weeks, 4 days. Take back all the baby clothes, repaint the nursery, and remove any memory that she was pregnant in the first place. Commence post-traumatic stress disorder.
How quickly things can disgustingly turn from good to bad.
Each time you are happy you got pregnant is only marred by the ever so prevalent little voice saying "Don't get too happy."
Some tips:
- If you feel anxious or overwhelmed just being in the store (amongst possibly all fertiles), don't worry cuz that is NORMAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You gotta focus on you and the goal of looking at shit, not people.
- There's really no reason to be there for hours and hours, but we were there from 11:15-2:00. We stuck to my list and rarely scanned anything random unless it was right next to something and I thought might as well get it.
- My mom went with me...my husband is still away working and besides, I NEVER drag him anywhere shopping because let's be honest: most men don't like to shop and are buzz kills.
- Having my mom there to cross off my list and push the buggy helped me look at products close up. If you have to go by yourself, get a buggy to put your purse and coat in there.
- We started in the back near the restrooms cuz I had to go as soon as we go there...then we just worked our way from back to front.
- When we were like 98% crossed off on the list, we asked an associate to show us anything left over we missed.
- The shit for babies isn't cheap: make sure you register for multiple priced items because most people are not rich and trust me when I say they will talk about you if you register only high-priced items.
- Some things I just scanned and didn't know the exact reason why this brand was better than that brand. You can always go back online and delete or update shit.
Well, shit has hit the fan
Well, I knew it...I was feeling good and happy cuz things were going well. That feeling only lasts momentarily with me.
That ultrasound I had on Friday went well according to the ultrasound tech. I called today April 8th to my report that was sent to my OB and then of course I get something new to worry about. My OB was in Florida, but the secretary said they would call back and let me know what she said.
And she called back like 2 hours later saying:
The baby is fine...totally normal. WHEW!!!!!!!!
What's not fine? My placenta. MOTHERFUCKER!
Apparently, the hospital doctor that read the report said he thought I had a circumvallate placenta which is when the placenta excessively implants and covers more of the fetal sac not allowing for fetal growth.
WHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT????
I had to ask my OB's secretary to spell it for me! Clearly this was ANOTHER new medical term that I would have to learn about!
She said with a circumvallate placenta you are at risk for placental abruption which means the placenta can detach from the wall. Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuckkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
AND you are at risk for IUGR Intrauterine Growth Restriction which means the baby will have a really low birth weight.
AND the ultrasound tech didn't get good enough pictures of his eyes and mouth. Which I knew already because when she went to do his face, he turned his body away and stayed like that.
So they want me to go to the high risk OB next week for another level 2 biophysical ultrasound. They are going to call me in an appointment, so you better believe my ass will be calling them tomorrow morning!
Now I literally cried my eyes out looking at this shit online and guess what? There's not much fucking information online!
Of course, there was the forums and they were all positive, but I'm leaning more on the fact that I was misdiagnosed. Apparently it is very rare occurring in 1-7% of women and in a 1997 study, normal placentas were misdiagnosed 35% of the time as being circumvallate.
That ultrasound I had on Friday went well according to the ultrasound tech. I called today April 8th to my report that was sent to my OB and then of course I get something new to worry about. My OB was in Florida, but the secretary said they would call back and let me know what she said.
And she called back like 2 hours later saying:
The baby is fine...totally normal. WHEW!!!!!!!!
What's not fine? My placenta. MOTHERFUCKER!
Apparently, the hospital doctor that read the report said he thought I had a circumvallate placenta which is when the placenta excessively implants and covers more of the fetal sac not allowing for fetal growth.
WHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT????
I had to ask my OB's secretary to spell it for me! Clearly this was ANOTHER new medical term that I would have to learn about!
She said with a circumvallate placenta you are at risk for placental abruption which means the placenta can detach from the wall. Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuckkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
AND you are at risk for IUGR Intrauterine Growth Restriction which means the baby will have a really low birth weight.
AND the ultrasound tech didn't get good enough pictures of his eyes and mouth. Which I knew already because when she went to do his face, he turned his body away and stayed like that.
So they want me to go to the high risk OB next week for another level 2 biophysical ultrasound. They are going to call me in an appointment, so you better believe my ass will be calling them tomorrow morning!
Now I literally cried my eyes out looking at this shit online and guess what? There's not much fucking information online!
Of course, there was the forums and they were all positive, but I'm leaning more on the fact that I was misdiagnosed. Apparently it is very rare occurring in 1-7% of women and in a 1997 study, normal placentas were misdiagnosed 35% of the time as being circumvallate.
Case courtesy of Dr Yuranga Weerakkody, Radiopaedia.org. From the case Variation in placental morphology
Today, Thursday, April 9th was very stressful at school: I spent a lot of time calling and talking to my OB's office trying to get appointments for me to be seen again.
I also had the hospital fax me the report so I could look at it myself.
Well, on the positive, I'm glad he was normal and I knew he was tall since I'm about 6'0" and my husband is 6'2". Height indicators online have him being between 6'3" and 6'4".
Anyways, here's some explanations of the acronyms:
BPD: Bi-parietal diameter (one side of the head to the other)
HC: Head circumference
AC: Abdominal circumference
FL: Femoral length
BPM: beats per minute
AFI: amniotic fluid index
But what's interesting from the report is that the discussion part says "with a circum vallate component". That to mean seems as though maybe only one side is circumvallate?
I dunno.
I will be going on Thursday, April 16th to get another scan by another facility and I will go on Monday, April 20th to the high risk OB for his opinion too.
My OB's office wanted me to go to one place but the high risk OB was on vacation until the 20th and I CANNOT wait until then! I wanted to be seen next week, so I'm glad I will be able too.
Some people have been asking me then what's next if I do have a circumvallate placenta? The answer? I dunno! I hate to base facts off of forums, but all of those seemed like women just increased their frequency to their OBs. I assume I will start going to the high risk OB and seeing him 2x a month.
Who knows? I just gotta wait until the 16th when I can talk to the medical professionals!
I also had the hospital fax me the report so I could look at it myself.
Well, on the positive, I'm glad he was normal and I knew he was tall since I'm about 6'0" and my husband is 6'2". Height indicators online have him being between 6'3" and 6'4".
Anyways, here's some explanations of the acronyms:
BPD: Bi-parietal diameter (one side of the head to the other)
HC: Head circumference
AC: Abdominal circumference
FL: Femoral length
BPM: beats per minute
AFI: amniotic fluid index
But what's interesting from the report is that the discussion part says "with a circum vallate component". That to mean seems as though maybe only one side is circumvallate?
I dunno.
I will be going on Thursday, April 16th to get another scan by another facility and I will go on Monday, April 20th to the high risk OB for his opinion too.
My OB's office wanted me to go to one place but the high risk OB was on vacation until the 20th and I CANNOT wait until then! I wanted to be seen next week, so I'm glad I will be able too.
Some people have been asking me then what's next if I do have a circumvallate placenta? The answer? I dunno! I hate to base facts off of forums, but all of those seemed like women just increased their frequency to their OBs. I assume I will start going to the high risk OB and seeing him 2x a month.
Who knows? I just gotta wait until the 16th when I can talk to the medical professionals!
20 weeks and 1 day...puking again
We took my dog to the vets to get some vaccinations and some fatty tumors drained and I didn't feel well as soon as I got there. I had a normal breakfast of waffles...just like I had done all week.
Then my stomach started aching...so I went to the bathroom and that felt better. Then I went back to the room where my husband and dog were. 5 minutes later, boom, I had to run to the bathroom again!
Luckily, no one was in there! I felt better after I puked, but jeez! It's weird I've only puked 4 times now and all on Saturdays! haha Better than during the week.
Well, before we left, I started to feel shitty again. I drank some hot tea I had in the car, but like 3 minutes later, I had my husband pull over so I could puke the tea out!
Then I laid in the back seat until we got home...you bet my ass was on the couch for the rest of the day cuz my stomach continued to ache.
Now, it had to be hormones, but it's hard sometimes to figure it out since I'm a teacher and the students are constantly coughing and sneezing! Plus I've had a cold.
Then my stomach started aching...so I went to the bathroom and that felt better. Then I went back to the room where my husband and dog were. 5 minutes later, boom, I had to run to the bathroom again!
Luckily, no one was in there! I felt better after I puked, but jeez! It's weird I've only puked 4 times now and all on Saturdays! haha Better than during the week.
Well, before we left, I started to feel shitty again. I drank some hot tea I had in the car, but like 3 minutes later, I had my husband pull over so I could puke the tea out!
Then I laid in the back seat until we got home...you bet my ass was on the couch for the rest of the day cuz my stomach continued to ache.
Now, it had to be hormones, but it's hard sometimes to figure it out since I'm a teacher and the students are constantly coughing and sneezing! Plus I've had a cold.
April 16th---Level 2 ultrasound with MFM specialist
My appointment was 8:00 a.m. and I was to drink 16-20 ounces of water starting at 7:30. Well the facility was about 1 hour away in Wexford, PA, so I stupidly made myself hot tea and drank most of it as I went. It is called the Health and Wellness Pavilion as part of Allegheny General Hospital.
My "plan" was to pee at Sheetz and then start drinking water at 7:30. Well, I must've drank too much tea because by the time I got to the ultrasound area, I was literally going to pee my pants. Annnndddd I only drank like 14 ounces of water!
The facility was new and very nice! They were considered Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists, which I didn't realize because I thought they were just regular OBs.
I had to fill out a form asking about my previous pregnancies and pelvic surgeries...sheesh! I had a lot to write! It was kinda weird because the sheet was particular about me know the LMP--last menstrual period date. Ummm...we had to make one up with IVF, so yeah the dating is correct. But I get that most people wouldn't have done ART.
Before I got called back, I asked to go to the bathroom because I couldn't sit down. The girl went and asked the tech who said I could go...YAYYYYYYYYYYYY! I literally ran to the bathroom.
So anyways, I went back for the ultrasound. Of course, the tech has to ask why are you there and after I explained it was for mainly to see the placenta.
When she first put the wand on my stomach, I saw this image flapping and then I asked her if that was the placenta and she said "Yes". Then I started to cry...that looked EXACTLY like the image online but WORSE!!! It was literally like a flag in the wind.
But then she moved the wand again and it didn't look like that anymore? That's what I get for trying to read the images and I don't have a degree!
She went through measuring everything all over again and said he looked totally normal. The great thing about this facility is that they have the doctors look over your images and then they come to you RIGHT AFTER. Yep! No waiting!
All places should be like that!
The MFM specialist came in and said that she thinks the hospital viewed it incorrectly. I learned ANOTHER new medical term called a uterine synechia. Here's what was written in the report:
My "plan" was to pee at Sheetz and then start drinking water at 7:30. Well, I must've drank too much tea because by the time I got to the ultrasound area, I was literally going to pee my pants. Annnndddd I only drank like 14 ounces of water!
The facility was new and very nice! They were considered Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists, which I didn't realize because I thought they were just regular OBs.
I had to fill out a form asking about my previous pregnancies and pelvic surgeries...sheesh! I had a lot to write! It was kinda weird because the sheet was particular about me know the LMP--last menstrual period date. Ummm...we had to make one up with IVF, so yeah the dating is correct. But I get that most people wouldn't have done ART.
Before I got called back, I asked to go to the bathroom because I couldn't sit down. The girl went and asked the tech who said I could go...YAYYYYYYYYYYYY! I literally ran to the bathroom.
So anyways, I went back for the ultrasound. Of course, the tech has to ask why are you there and after I explained it was for mainly to see the placenta.
When she first put the wand on my stomach, I saw this image flapping and then I asked her if that was the placenta and she said "Yes". Then I started to cry...that looked EXACTLY like the image online but WORSE!!! It was literally like a flag in the wind.
But then she moved the wand again and it didn't look like that anymore? That's what I get for trying to read the images and I don't have a degree!
She went through measuring everything all over again and said he looked totally normal. The great thing about this facility is that they have the doctors look over your images and then they come to you RIGHT AFTER. Yep! No waiting!
All places should be like that!
The MFM specialist came in and said that she thinks the hospital viewed it incorrectly. I learned ANOTHER new medical term called a uterine synechia. Here's what was written in the report:
Now, I've had 2 HSG's, 2 SHG/SIS's (saline sonograms), 1 polypectomy for polyp removal, and many ultrasounds where I've asked them to look for scarring because a friend of mine got Asherman's syndrome from getting 3 D&C's within a short period of time.
They've never seen any scarring before, but who really knows? I'm happy he didn't implant in that spot.
I saw my regular OB at 4:15 and she was able to go over the report and show me the particular ways in which the hospital viewed the images. I am still going to the high risk OB on Monday, April 20th because my husband can go and I want to talk again. I must sound like a glutton for punishment, but I want to cover every fucking base.
Well, anyways, here's a picture of that band of scar tissue:
They've never seen any scarring before, but who really knows? I'm happy he didn't implant in that spot.
I saw my regular OB at 4:15 and she was able to go over the report and show me the particular ways in which the hospital viewed the images. I am still going to the high risk OB on Monday, April 20th because my husband can go and I want to talk again. I must sound like a glutton for punishment, but I want to cover every fucking base.
Well, anyways, here's a picture of that band of scar tissue:
Side note on PGS testing
I must mention this because I had a fellow IVFer friend tell me about her own friend who was currently seeking treatment.
Her RE (not Shady Grove) said that Day 5 embryos are normal because they've gotten to day 5. He considered that "Poor Man's PGS".
Whhhhhaaaaaatttttt?!?!?!?!?
Let me just say I know I'm not a damn RE, but just because your embryo makes it to day 5 doesn't mean SHIT! I had 8 BEAUTIFUL looking embryos on day 5 and they all were FATALLY abnormal!!!!!!!!!!!
It makes me sick to think how many women have had miscarriages according to this RE's nonsense! Sickening!
Her RE (not Shady Grove) said that Day 5 embryos are normal because they've gotten to day 5. He considered that "Poor Man's PGS".
Whhhhhaaaaaatttttt?!?!?!?!?
Let me just say I know I'm not a damn RE, but just because your embryo makes it to day 5 doesn't mean SHIT! I had 8 BEAUTIFUL looking embryos on day 5 and they all were FATALLY abnormal!!!!!!!!!!!
It makes me sick to think how many women have had miscarriages according to this RE's nonsense! Sickening!
High Risk OB appointment---21 weeks, 3 days
My husband was able to get off of work to go with me to the High Risk OB at Mahoning Valley in Boardman, Ohio on April 20th. I had heard there was a long wait at the office just because the doctor takes his time with each patient since he does all the ultrasounds himself.
Plus, I would hope if you were high risk, you'd get as much time with the doctor as you could!
I gave them copies of the both reports from the hospital and the specialist because they didn't have any reports.
I did my blood pressure, weight, and discussed my previous surgeries with the nurse. My blood pressure was good because I did my weight before lol!
My weight was 269 and my blood pressure was 110 over something? I don't remember.
The nurse had a hard time writing down my previous surgeries..I always hate that part of the pre-appoinment paperwork...wracking my brain to figure out my surgeries from 2009 to present!
Anyways, we went into the exam room and this room was HUGE!!!!!!!!! It had it own bathroom too! Nice!!!
The ultrasound chair was so big and I could tell right away he had super new ultrasound machine.
The OB came in shortly after and he read through my reports and asked me why I was there.
I explained that I wanted to see what he thought about the scarring and circumvallate diagnosis.
He asked if this pregnancy was natural and then I went and explained the cycles we did. He was familiar with Shady Grove and the Shared Risk because my friend that is pregnant with twin girls who previous had a stillborn goes to him 2 times a month.
I really liked the doctor and I could tell he had seen it all.
He started the ultrasound and was explaining that there are different types of bands. I will say that I did research more about the synechiae and found this great website that was explaining amniotic bands, circumvallate placenta, and synechiae.
Amniotic bands are very serious and he said he did not see that...he said it was a synechiae most likely from prevoius D&C's. He said the band was probably a tiny little piece of scar tissue. It expanded as my uterus did and incidentally was found on the ultrasound by the hospital at 19 weeks.
Since the baby is in his sac, the outside scar tissue will not harm him. He said it will always be there.
He continue to measure everything...baby boy was 1 lb and 2 oz! He should've been 12.7 on Friday lol! He's a big boy! The measurements averaged out to him being 6 days ahead and in the 91st percentile.
He wants to see me once a month...not for the synechiae, but for my recurrent pregnancy loss. He said because of that, he considers me to be high risk. Even though I know exactly what caused the losses.
I got some 3d pictures of the baby while I was there!
Plus, I would hope if you were high risk, you'd get as much time with the doctor as you could!
I gave them copies of the both reports from the hospital and the specialist because they didn't have any reports.
I did my blood pressure, weight, and discussed my previous surgeries with the nurse. My blood pressure was good because I did my weight before lol!
My weight was 269 and my blood pressure was 110 over something? I don't remember.
The nurse had a hard time writing down my previous surgeries..I always hate that part of the pre-appoinment paperwork...wracking my brain to figure out my surgeries from 2009 to present!
Anyways, we went into the exam room and this room was HUGE!!!!!!!!! It had it own bathroom too! Nice!!!
The ultrasound chair was so big and I could tell right away he had super new ultrasound machine.
The OB came in shortly after and he read through my reports and asked me why I was there.
I explained that I wanted to see what he thought about the scarring and circumvallate diagnosis.
He asked if this pregnancy was natural and then I went and explained the cycles we did. He was familiar with Shady Grove and the Shared Risk because my friend that is pregnant with twin girls who previous had a stillborn goes to him 2 times a month.
I really liked the doctor and I could tell he had seen it all.
He started the ultrasound and was explaining that there are different types of bands. I will say that I did research more about the synechiae and found this great website that was explaining amniotic bands, circumvallate placenta, and synechiae.
Amniotic bands are very serious and he said he did not see that...he said it was a synechiae most likely from prevoius D&C's. He said the band was probably a tiny little piece of scar tissue. It expanded as my uterus did and incidentally was found on the ultrasound by the hospital at 19 weeks.
Since the baby is in his sac, the outside scar tissue will not harm him. He said it will always be there.
He continue to measure everything...baby boy was 1 lb and 2 oz! He should've been 12.7 on Friday lol! He's a big boy! The measurements averaged out to him being 6 days ahead and in the 91st percentile.
He wants to see me once a month...not for the synechiae, but for my recurrent pregnancy loss. He said because of that, he considers me to be high risk. Even though I know exactly what caused the losses.
I got some 3d pictures of the baby while I was there!
OB appointment at 22 weeks, 6 days
My blood pressure was good today. I still continue to get my blood pressure done first before my weight. My weight today was 272.8 which I was happy about. So far I have gained 19.8 lbs.
My fundal height measurement was at 27 weeks.
His heartbeat was good at 145 bpm.
He looked good too. Of course when she put the ultrasound wand on my stomach, he was showing off his pee pee. hahaha
Talking to my OB always makes me feel better...I really tell her everything I'm feeling.
My shoulder blade pain has really subsided. I mainly feel it when I'm at work and I think the multiple reasons as to why I feel it are things I really cannot adjust.
My OB said that the fundal height measuring is kind of archaic, but they still do it.
She talked to me about feeling him kick and that I should feel him at least once a day...any other consistency than that is expecting too much. For example, I was feeling really paranoid on Tuesday because I didn't feel him very much. I got worried then I started to feel him around 2:30 pm and then I felt a ton better.
So I was really expecting too much and know I now. She said at 28 weeks, then you can start feeling a pattern of consistency.
She also explained that a lot of aminotic fluid can sometimes make the baby's movements not be felt. If you don't have enough aminotic fluid, you can go on bed rest and increase your own water intake. I didn't realize that.
She said I would start getting non-stress tests soon and my high risk OB would let me know when. She said they are 20-30 minutes long.
I ended up making all my appointments until around the 3rd week of August. I will continue to go 2 times a month and then at 32 weeks, I'll go every week.
My fundal height measurement was at 27 weeks.
His heartbeat was good at 145 bpm.
He looked good too. Of course when she put the ultrasound wand on my stomach, he was showing off his pee pee. hahaha
Talking to my OB always makes me feel better...I really tell her everything I'm feeling.
My shoulder blade pain has really subsided. I mainly feel it when I'm at work and I think the multiple reasons as to why I feel it are things I really cannot adjust.
My OB said that the fundal height measuring is kind of archaic, but they still do it.
She talked to me about feeling him kick and that I should feel him at least once a day...any other consistency than that is expecting too much. For example, I was feeling really paranoid on Tuesday because I didn't feel him very much. I got worried then I started to feel him around 2:30 pm and then I felt a ton better.
So I was really expecting too much and know I now. She said at 28 weeks, then you can start feeling a pattern of consistency.
She also explained that a lot of aminotic fluid can sometimes make the baby's movements not be felt. If you don't have enough aminotic fluid, you can go on bed rest and increase your own water intake. I didn't realize that.
She said I would start getting non-stress tests soon and my high risk OB would let me know when. She said they are 20-30 minutes long.
I ended up making all my appointments until around the 3rd week of August. I will continue to go 2 times a month and then at 32 weeks, I'll go every week.
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