Little Movement

[Elle]

SO... I've been lurking in this room for a while... 32 weeks - actually.
I can't remember if I posted this here but I'm a NILMDTS photog and I'm 32 weeks pregnant after 2 losses just before this pregnancy.

My little girl has SUA - single umblilica artery - and we've done all the battery of tests they can throw at us - and they *say* she's "fine" - but doing this kind of work you learn fast not to assume it'll just "work out fine" becuase... sometimes it doesn't.

Anyhow, she's been REALLY quiet for the last two days, so - after I've read dozens of post that start out with the "baby was quiet..." and end with a memorial.... I called the dr.

They had me go to the office - where the heartbeat was a strong 135-147 - but she wasn't moving much - or at all really. So they sent me to L&D for a "diagnostic" u/s where they do the u/s for 30 min. to measure movement and stuff.

Her heart rate was strong - and she was even doing "fetal breathing" - which is early and a "good sign" - but even the tech noted that she was less "active" - and they had me move around and drink like 32 oz. of water! yuck.

Anyhow. They said she did great - scored 8 out 8 on their "test" - and they sent me home.... but she's still really quite and I can't help but let my fears take over me - you know?

I've known all along that this pregnancy might not carry to term - and might not have me going home with a healthy baby... and I'm not trying to be all crazy and stuff- but it's just soooo hard not to be scared.

Sooooo hard. Anyhow. I just wanted to share, because frankly, everyone around me say's well meaning things like "oh, I'm sure it's all nothing" and "it'll be fine" - and honestly, I find that both frustrating and patronizing. Thing's don't ALWAYS work out "fine". I'm not special - and there's no reason why it won't NOT work out fine for me.... if that makes sense.

I guess I just wanted to share my fear and frustration in a place where it won't be poo-pooed... you know? Thanks for listening.

[Austin's Momma]

I know what you mean about other people...I used to be one of those people who thought that everything would always "work out" and be "okay". You have every right to be concerned and proactive. I'm soooo glad that everything looks good with your little girl! I guess babies can have lazy days too! :p

[Kathy Schneider]

Elle,
You and your baby will be in my prayers. I too am glad everything looked ok, but I understand the fear. Have you asked your OB to come in for frequent checks? After we lost our Isabelle to a cord accident (she had a true knot in her cord), my subsequent pregnancies I went in for twice weekly appointments after about 32 weeks. Each time I had a non stress test and they told me if anything didn't look right, they would admit and deliver if needed. I only got admitted once with my younger son when he wasn't behaving on monitor. I was sent home after a little longer monitor and he was born at 38 weeks. Just a thought that might make you a little more comfortable. Please don't worry about calling the doctors again if you are afraid. Hugs and prayers coming your way.

[katelyn]

Elle, I hope and pray that your precious baby is okay. Like Kathy, I would suggest the nonstress tests. I was told I would have them 1-2 times a week after 28 weeks with my next pregnancy, which I hope is sooner rather than later. It's never wrong to share your concerns with your doctor. Being a nurse, I know sometimes you have to really stand up for yourself. Take care of yourself and that sweet baby.

[Courtney C]

Did they recommend drinking orange juice then laying on your side and counting the movements? My dr.recommended this, and it eased my mind to do the checks a couple times a day. If I wasn't doing these checks I probably would have lost my youngest due to 2 cord knots. You are your baby's advocate, if you don't feel comfortable with anything, call your doctor!
Tell him your worries and discuss the options for close monitoring. I'll be thinking of you and praying for your sweet baby.

[Christine Barrack]

Elle,
Just wanted you to know I am thinking of you today. I wish I could tell you all will be fine but I can't. I do hope you and your little one will be well. Reality is scary, the more we know things can go wrong the more we worry. Why wouldn't we? I know this is scary and frustrating for you. Do call your doctor or go in to the L&D at any time you feel something isn't right.
Know that we are here for you.

[HAINAngel2000]

Oh Elle, Girl I am praying for you right now as we speak. I agree with Christine if you feel something is wrong go right away. Will put you on the top of my prayer list!!
Mary

[Sandi]

If your doctor won't listen and you're still worried find someone who will listen! After what you've been through you deserve to have all the precautions you feel are necessary. You're so close. My thoughts and prayers are with you that the next few weeks go smoothly, and that little baby starts moving more so her mommy won't have to worry so much.

[Tasha Nicholls]

Oh, Elle... hang in there! I can't imagine how completely and utterly frustrating this is! I know you're doing your kick counts and everything you can on your end... do you have one of those home heartrate monitors? I'm sure you feel so helpless when your worries appear to be dismissed so readily. But, you have basis for your concerns, so keep fighting and insist to be seen when you are really worried.

I don't really have any other advice to add... I think you have already received some great suggestions (insisting on frequent non-stress tests).... just want you to know that you and that little baby girl are in my thoughts and prayers!

BTW... DARLING shower invites!

[Elle]

Morning everyone... :)

So - she was STILL really quiet all night last night - (I even snuch in two chocolate donuts at midnight to try and wake her up! LOL).

This morning though, she's rolling around in there more than she was yesterday.

The dr. called last night - said that while the stress test in the office wasn't bag (strong heartbeat, etc.) he also didn't feel like she was moving around tons. So, the bio u/s was good - and he feels like there's a good chance she's "running out of room". She's head down - VERY head down - like not too far from the birth canal head down. The u/s noted that in her report. So her legs are up in my chest area and perhaps she's just too balled up at this point to get those big heavy kicks out.

I HOPE that is the case.

I keep holding onto that - because my son was fairly big - 9lbs 10oz. and was 22 1/4" long. He was one week late - I was induced and then had a c-section. They were VERY surprised he was so big - the dr. kept saying that baby was like 7 or 8 lbs. I DID NOT have diabetese or any complications at all.

So, this time around my dr. thinks that we're just having "another big baby" - and he's not at all worried about it. Mind you... I'm worried out of my mind! LOL

He did ask me to come in next week - so I think perhaps we'll be going to the week by week appts. They are pulling me 12 days early right now - I'm due March 30th and I'm scheduled for a c-section on March 19th. So, I don't have too much longer....

Thank you though, for the prayers and kind words. This forum is a really wonderful place to find that kind of comfort - and honestly, I'm not going to get in anywhere else in my life (except Tasha who lives around the corner from me! ha haha ha). Somehow there's strength in numbers, and knowing I'm not crazy, or alone is very comforting to me right now.

Thank you.

[Austin's Momma]

I'm sure the doctor has helped to calm your nerves...so happy for you! Your little girl is going to be a fish like me (my birthday is March 16th) :p I'm wishing you guys the best!

[Tasha Nicholls]

Elle... I don't know if it helps provide ANY comfort at all... but my babies were big and they got pretty quiet at about this time, too. I won't say everything is going to be okay, because we all know that doesn't always happen, but I know I was worried sometimes about my kiddos because they weren't moving much. I am grateful that I was rather naive and didn't know all that I know now, after being involved with this organization.... I would've been out of my mind with worry, too!

Just keep doing all that you are doing, and we'll keep praying for ya! You're definitely NOT crazy!

***HUGS***

[motherofthree]

I'm so glad to see that she's moving around more. I didn't get to your post until this afternoon. Of course we understand your fears. I will continue to pray for you despite the good news - you can never have too many people in your corner.

[MamaBethany]

Dear Elle, I'm glad to hear the doctor had good news for you. Please keep us updated and we can't wait to see and hear about your new baby -- that's a requirement now that you've told us your story. ;) You are right that things can go wrong ...we all know that here... I guess it comes down to cherishing every moment. But I have a whole lot of hope and optimism for your little one, and I'll be praying for you!

[Elle]

I had to go in for my 3 hour gestational diabetese test... which is so lame! Aargh - that was nasty... and even my doctor pointed out that I've only gained 12 lbs at 32 weeks and the baby is measuring at 5+ lbs.... so if they put me on an "all protien" diet - I'll be in trouble! LOL

Anyhow - apparantly she loves surgar because she went INSANE in there! After fasting for 12 hours and then a straight shot of PURE surgar - she's really woken up today! :) I'm feeling better about it now... though I'm wondering if she's got a bit of a headache in there!

The nurse called today and said that she thought they were going to start seeing me every week as they are pulling in 6 weeks (6 weeks from yesterday in fact). I think that will help me feel better as well.... thank you for the support ladies - and I will keep everyone posted. :)

[Austin's Momma]

Something just doesn't seem right about putting a pregnant woman on a diet :p I'm glad you have one less thing to worry about! Take care!

[HAINAngel2000]

I had to go in for my 3 hour gestational diabetese test... which is so lame! Aargh - that was nasty... and even my doctor pointed out that I've only gained 12 lbs at 32 weeks and the baby is measuring at 5+ lbs.... so if they put me on an "all protien" diet - I'll be in trouble! LOL

Anyhow - apparantly she loves surgar because she went INSANE in there! After fasting for 12 hours and then a straight shot of PURE surgar - she's really woken up today! :)
. :)

Psst.. it was prayer :) I prayed for God to wake up this baby and move allot so mommy would quite worrying..or it could be the sugar. Either way it worked huh ;) Lots of hugs and love to you

[Elle]

Yeah... prayer is probably alot more healthy than surgar in any case! LOL

I hope things keep going well .... :) I can always buy a bag of pixie sticks before I call the dr. next time...

[Elle]

Hi all...

I've been MIA lately - but lurking on all the new baby news in this room! :)

Just a wee update... I am 38 weeks today - and on Tues we are scheduled for a c-section. I still feel like ... you know - bad stuff can still happen and perhaps we won't make it to Tues - but I did finally get her room done and bought a coming home outfit. :)

On a side note, the last few weeks were in turmoil when on a routine eye exam at the local Wal-Mart - the Dr. tells me that my four year old son has CATARACTS!!! and that the one in his left eye is so large, it has left him totally blind in that eye! Who ever heard of such a thing in a small child?

Anyhow, we took him to a specialist and they did surgery on Thursday to remove the lens and cataract in his left eye - and now he has some of his sight back. It will be a few more weeks before we know how much sight he will get back, but things are looking great so far. He's misereable, but - doing the best he can.

Anyhow, hopefully on Tues I will be having a baby girl and I will be sure to post images of her as soon as I can. (Better believe that I WILL be doing the pictures c-section or not! and I'll get them worked asap and online soon! :)

Thank you for all the support, while this race "isn't over yet" - it's been a HUGE comfort to come here and read other people's stories, etc. Wish me luck!

[Valerie'sMomma]

Hoping your son does well and that your daughter will soon make her appearance loud and clear with her first of many cries!! Good Luck on Tuesday!

[motherofthree]

I'm sorry to hear about your son's vision problems - I haven't heard of such a thing, either! Can't wait to hear all about your baby girl!

[Austin's Momma]

Tuesday!!! How exciting!!! I'll be thinking about you and your little girl all day, so let us know how you're doing as soon as you can. Take care and get some sleep ;) ~Sarah

[MamaBethany]

I'll be praying for you the next several days -- excited for your new baby to arrive and to see beautiful photos!

Yes, I have heard of cataracts in children -- I've seen it overseas several times, but the good thing is it can be treated quite successfully. I know it's not what you need right now, but glad things will turn out good for your little boy. :)

Jennifer

[Marcus Momma]

this last baby i had scared me cause he wasn't moving around much at all towards the end but it was because he was so cramped i used to have to get my 5 year old to sit on my belly slightly so he would kick at least once.

[KEA's Mom]

Asking God for great news for your son and a safe delivery for your daughter!!

[Abigailsmommy]

I will be praying for you for Tuesday !! and for your son. I have never heard of cataracts at such a young age.

HUGS
JENNI

[Vicki]

Elle,

A little St. Patrick's Day baby!!!! I hope that the day brings you and your family nothing but BIG JOY!!!
Cataracts? Whoa, who would ever of thought! Thank Goodness the Walmart Eye-doc was paying attention! Let us know how things go for him . . . guess the lesson is in getting our kids eyes checked at a young age!! I don't think that I ever took my daughter to get her eyes checked when she was little. But it sounds like a good plan with the grandkids! thanks for sharing that with us . . .
(PS, my daughter is having a boy!)

[HAINAngel2000]

Elle, my premature son Gabriel is a St. Patty baby!! Praying for you

[Tasha Nicholls]

Wow... sorry to hear about little S's cataracts and surgery! That's crazy. Keep us posted on his progress.

Wishing you the best, tomorrow.... we can't wait to see your beautiful baby girl!!!

*HUGS*

[Tasha Nicholls]

Just thought I'd let you all know that Elle gave birth to a healthy little girl yesterday (Mar. 17) at about 1:00 p.m. She was born via scheduled c-section, as discussed, and weighed 9 lbs. 9 ounces and is 22" long.

When I talked with her husband, baby didn't have a name, yet, but they're working on it. :)

Congratulations, Elle!!!

[Vicki]

WOW . . . 9 pounds!!!!! That's a very healthy baby girl!!! Congrats to all and what a relief it must be for all the family! Thanks for letting us know Tasha!

[Christine Barrack]

Tasha,
Thanks for the update.

Elle-Congratulations! So happy for you. Please update when you have time. Until then give that little one a kiss and hug from me!

[Abigailsmommy]

Congratulations that is such wonderful news !!!! She was a big healthy baby girl :) 9 pounds- AWESOME

[motherofthree]

Oh, wow! Thanks for the update...big girl! We took 2 days coming up with a name - drove the family crazy. Congratulations, Elle - can't wait to hear all about your little sweetheart!

[mommyofalana]

Congrats!! Can't wait to see pictures.

[HAINAngel2000]

Congrats Elle!!!

[Austin's Momma]

Yeah!!! Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you Elle!

[JenniferBrown]

Congrats Elle! I'm so happy for you and your family. :)

[Darby]

Congrats! What a healthy big girl:) Cant wait to see pics!

[Elle]

Hi EVeryone,

I cannot thank you all enough for your support. It has been a very long 9 months... but well worth the wait!

As Tasha said, we had a baby girl - APGAR 9.9!!! - and she weighed 9lbs. 9oz, 21 1/5 inches long - on March 17th. The have said she is totally healthy and we are sooooo grateful!!!!

I am just putting the finishing touches on her slideshow - I did the pictures on Wed - she is 23 hours old in them. :)

www.zoberbabies.com/josie (http://www.zoberbabies.com/josie)

I hope you like them! I totally adore her!

[Melissa Mills]

Elle, how are you doing? Need an update!

[Darby]

The link you posted isn't working. I would love to see pictures. I am glad to hear everything is going great! Congrats again!!
Hi EVeryone,

I cannot thank you all enough for your support. It has been a very long 9 months... but well worth the wait!

As Tasha said, we had a baby girl - APGAR 9.9!!! - and she weighed 9lbs. 9oz, 21 1/5 inches long - on March 17th. The have said she is totally healthy and we are sooooo grateful!!!!

I am just putting the finishing touches on her slideshow - I did the pictures on Wed - she is 23 hours old in them. :)

www.zoberbabies.com/josie (http://www.zoberbabies.com/josie)

I hope you like them! I totally adore her!

[efswsjuly17]

Congrats Elle. Adorable princess!

Brandy

[Tammy]

Elle~ Congratulations! :) Josie is absolutely beautiful~ love the images of her and her big brother, so sweet, although in one image it looked like she was getting a little peeved! lol
Im so happy for you and your beautiful family~ congrats again!!

[Tammy Councilman]

BEAUTIFUL, just BEAUTIFUL! Congratulatins Elle, so happy for you and your family!

Tammy Councilman
Area Coordinator, Greensboro NC
www.portraitexpressions.org (http://www.portraitexpressions.org)

[Darby]

What beautiful pictures. She is gorgeous. I love the pictures of her in your guyses hands. Too cute! Thank you for sharing.

[Vicki]

Elle,

You guys sure make cute kids!!!! Cute, cute, cute . . . what's not to totally adore! Congrats again Elle to you and the family . . . something tells me that girl is gonna know nothing but love!

[angel_26]

Im glad u felt her moving around and thats probably all it is that there is not enought room in there to move. I cant even explain what the feeling is like when u dont feel ur baby move as much as they usually do. It just makes u worry and get you upset. I will praying for you and thinking of ya

[marybethsmomma]

What an adorable slideshow!! She looks fairly tempermental, lol!

[Lisa Kammel]

She is so beautiful. Congratulations on all your hard work to get her here healthy!

[Marcus Momma]

wow! your girl was almost as big as my boy! When i heard them say his scores where 9 and 9 I was so happy and then when they said 9lbs 10ozs i was like what but when they said he was 23 in I was like how the world did he fight in my 5'2 body!! LOL! Congrats! We got big babies on our hands!

[marylouise]

Elle, congrats, what a cutie. As my oldest said about her sister(9lbs3oz) "she's a big baby" Enjoy, they grow up way to quickly!
Hugs

[angel_26]

i seen the slide how cute glad everything went good

[motherofthree]

I'm so happy for you - she's beautiful!

[VictoriaM]

Welcome, Josie! Your slideshow made my day! -Victoria

[Heather Lombardo]

Congrats Elle!!:)

[Kirk Kief]

ELLE! Sorry, I did not see this great news until just now. CONGRATS! I'm so very, very happy for you!!

[JenniferBrown]

Josie is absolutely adorable! I'm so happy you shared pictures with us so quickly. :)

[Marcus Momma]

and she is gorgeous!!

[Elle]

Thanks EVeryone! :)

We are soooo glad to have her home - she's such an easy baby - we're just so lucky. :)

I hope all the news in this room continues down the road it's been going for so many of us! Well... ok may be not everyone wants these giant babies! LOL :)

[Christine Barrack]

Elle,
(Love your name, my daughter is Elizabeth and we call her Ellie).
Totally adorable baby! Loved looking at all the images! Congrats again.

[Tasha Nicholls]

Soooo fun!!! I wish I had great pics of my kids when they were this new. :)
I can't believe you got that adorable photo that looks like she's smiling! The ones with S and others with Dad are absolutely precious... I love them all! Congratulations, again... and thanks for putting me on the call list. :)

You're welcome to bring her over to my house for some lovin' anytime you need a break! She's absolutely precious! :)

Enjoy!!!

[Austin's Momma]

OH MY! She is such a beautiful bundle! That purple hat is too cute on her! We're all so happy for you guys! Take care ~Sarah

[Abigailsmommy]

Wow, She is so beautiful. Welcome to the big babies club. Our first Child CJ was 11 lbs 7 oz. that little hat is just so cute. Congratulations !!!!!!

[Brooke]

Too cute!!!! Love all her adorable pictures. Love the ones with her and daddy!!! Enjoy her while she's little, they grow up sooo fast!!!

Love,

Brooke

[MamaBethany]

Congratulations on the birth of your wonderful, healthy, chunky baby girl! I love to see a baby with SUA come out so spanking bursting with health! Blessings and thanking God for our answered prayers!

[Jayme]

Congratulations! SHe's adorable and her slideshow is awesome! I hadn't though about taking a backdrop to the hospital and doing a session that soon. My little girl is due anyday-I may be adding some equipment to my hospital bag!!