I'm finally taking a few minutes to give an update on this week's doctor's appointments. I had an OB appointment as well as another cardiologist appointment on Thursday. I will begin with the cardiologist.
When I went to the cardiologist on Thursday, I was expecting to get more information than what we did. They did an echocardiogram, but the technician did not tell me anything about what she saw. My appointment was at 4:45 that afternoon, and everyone was in a rush to get out of there. After the echo, I met with a nurse who hooked me up to a heart monitor. They informed me that I would only have to wear it for 24 hours and that it must be returned by 5 the next day (Friday). They quickly got me out the door and gave me no other information at all. I will be returning to this doctor on Thursday this week to get some answers. I really feel that most of the issues I am having just stem from the added stress on my heart due to the pregnancy. I am not losing much sleep over it.
Last Thursday, we also had another OB appointment for a NT (Nuchal Translucency) Scan. This ultrasound is performed between weeks 11 and 14 to measure the nuchal fold on the back of the baby's neck to check for Down's Syndrome and other similar chromosomal issues. The nuchal fold should measure smaller than 3 mm--our baby's measured 1.7, so they are pretty positive that there are no abnormalities. They also took blood work to go along with NT scan. They checked my blood for PAPP-A and HCG levels. The combination of the blood work and the NT scan will give them a more definite answer about chromosomal issues. I feel that everything is fine after the NT scan, so I'm not concerned about the lab results (which we will receive in about a week).
While performing the ultrasound, I asked the technician about the subchorionic hemorrhage that they had found a few weeks ago. She said it was still there but very, very small. However, she then began to explain that the placenta has formed over the top of my cervix (which is not at all where it should be). The placenta is supposed to form at the top of your uterus completely away from the cervix.
When we finally got the chance to meet with our doctor, I asked her about the issue with the placenta. My main concern was that the baby will be OK. She said the issue with the placenta will not harm the baby. She said it is called placenta previa when the placenta forms over the cervix. I happen to have complete placenta previa right now, and she is hoping that as my uterus expands, the placenta will move away from my cervix. They will check the location of the placenta again at my 20 week ultrasound. If it has not moved, they will likely have me on bed rest until labor. She also told us that there is no way to have a vaginal birth with placenta previa because it causes severe bleeding and is life-threatening for both mother and baby. I would be forced to have a C-Section if the placenta does not change positions.
I emailed my doula about this information, and she agrees with my doctor. She explained the condition a lot better by comparing my uterus to a balloon. She said that the placenta cannot actually pick up and "move" to another location because it is attached to the uterus. However, as my uterus expands, hopefully the placenta will move away from the cervix. For example, if you draw a dot on a balloon before it is inflated, and then you blow it up, the dot will appear to "move". The same can happen to the placenta as my uterus expands during the pregnancy. She said if the placenta does not "move", then this was definitely a case where medical intervention is necessary and used for a good reason.
I did some research about this condition, and I found that with complete placenta previa, the likelihood of the placenta moving far enough away from the cervix might not be favorable. Even with the discouraging news, I still have a LOT to be thankful for. My baby is doing so well. He/she is very healthy and free of any abnormalities that we know of. He/she had a perfect heart rate and we saw that their organs and limbs were forming as they should. The condition that I have right now is not a threat to the baby as long as I follow the directions of my doctors. I am going to be in constant prayer that God will be with us through the remainder of the pregnancy and that He will protect both the baby and me. I know He is going to take care of us, and even if things aren't "perfect", it is just another opportunity for Him to be glorified when He changes that situation into something good. I am specifically praying that my uterus expands in such a way that the placenta will move to the location it is supposed to be. I know He alone has the power to do that. I'm leaving it all in His hands and refuse to waste energy on the negatives about this pregnancy. I am so eternally grateful to Him for blessing me with this precious child that nothing can steal that joy. No matter how I have to bring this baby into the world, all that matters in the end is that we are both healthy. I am so ready to see my beautiful child and have them in my arms. I want to kiss those sweet cheeks and nurture and raise this child to know that he/she is not only loved by me, but they are also so loved by God.
Here are some pictures of Baby Ermis at 13 weeks. The ultrasound picture is of his/her profile with a fist up to his/her mouth.
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