Little Snowflake will be coming this Thursday, October 13th. He's not a birthday stealer after all. Instead of taking Grandpa's birthday, he is taking his dad's lucky number. The C-Section is scheduled for 8AM.
Ok Snowflake, we're all waiting for your safe arrival! [Post a comment]
Lisette-miamibunnie (Oct 2011): Yay...can't wait to see pictures.. I am so happy for you Jasmine you deserve it! Please keep us posted at the preeclampsia forum...
Libby (from pre-e board) (Oct 2011): He is going to be born on my birthday, haha. Congratulations!!! I know you have waited so long to hold your sweet, healthy boy. Keep us updated!
Happy Birthday Frank! (and only Frank). It seems the baby isn't quite ready yet. His birthday will be some time next week for sure. I had an NST today and Frank and I thought he was going to come anyway. I was getting contractions every 4-8 minutes. Small, but they were consistent. After they had me drink more water, the contractions subsided.
Dr. Johnson said he would give me a call this week or early next week to set up a date and time. I think Em was happy we came home. She's been sensing change around the house. When we were packing today she was following us (for food) and seemed to be pacing at times. She's also been really clingy with me lately since I've been home. I don't think our kitty wants a little brother. [Post a comment]
We actually don't even know if tomorrow is the day. I just finished my amnio with Dr. Tabsh at his Northridge office. For some reason they send it to UCI, who will then call UCLA about the results. My delivery is scheduled for noon but they don't even know if it will be ready by then.
Needless to say, I'm really mad. They told me the results would be rushed and should be in by tonight so we'll know when to report to pre-op tomorrow. My appt was at 345, and it didn't get collected until 615, AND it has to go to Irvine tonight. Because of this, we won't know until mid morning at the earliest tomorrow, IF it's going to happen. [Post a comment]
Tomorrow might be it. I have my amnio with Dr. Tabsh in the early evening today. I was told to call UCLA Labor and Delivery in the evening for amnio results, if I don't hear from them by 8pm tonight.
Last week Dr. Tabsh implied that he wasn't sure the baby would be ready by tomorrow.
On Monday, Dr. Johnson said that the baby is starting to fall behind slightly in growth, probably due to my fast-aging placenta from the calcifications. Dr. Johnson said if he's not ready to come by tomorrow, he will not do another amnio and just deliver next week. He is not comfortable going any farther than that. At that point, the risk-benefit ratio of keeping him in there with my placenta starting to malfunction vs waiting for full lung maturity is not worth it. In addition, he also said that when the body starts to sense that something is starting to go wrong, lungs will actually mature itself faster for impending early delivery. Based on that, he feels the baby may actually be mature at this point.
In the mean time, I had 4 small contractions during my NST on Monday, with again one instance of heart rate drop from the baby during one of those contractions. I did not feel those contractions. This morning I had 2, which I did feel and were painful. I called Dr. Johnson who said to start timing it. If I get more than 4 in one hour, I need to head to L & D. I haven't had any since the 9 o'clock hour. If you ask me, tomorrow is it. [Post a comment]
September 28, 2011 – My baby is 33 weeks old. I am 35 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
18 in (46 cm)
Alveoli Formation
—
Baby weighs about 2,500 grams (about 5½ pounds).
—
What the baby hears during these last weeks of pregnancy, he or she may prefer later (e.g. Mom's voice).
I had an NST on Monday, as usual. I apparently had one contraction that I did not feel. And Snowflake had one incidence where his heart rate dropped to 110. I was on the monitor longer than usual to see if it was an isolated event, and it seems like it was.
I saw Dr. Johnson right after who looked at the tracings from the NST and he said everything looked good and not to worry. This whole time he said he wanted to do the amnio at 36 weeks and deliver. I automatically thought that we do the amnio and 36 weeks and deliver at 37. What actually happens is, you deliver the day after the amnio.
The plan never really changed, just my understanding of it. We set up an amnio for Wednesday, October 5th followed by his C-Section on Thursday, October 6th at noon. Looks like Snowflake and his dad are going to share the same birthday. The dates are tentative, as Dr. Tabsh will have to do the amnio. This is also dependent on the results of the amnio. So if it fits his schedule and the amnio is clear, our little guy will be here next week!
In other news, he is measuring at 5lb 8oz. His legs however, are measuring at 37 weeks even though he was only 34+5 on Monday.
Last weekend Snowflake was in a playful mood. Frank had is arm resting on my belly and Snowflake was tapping all along the length of his arm. When Frank took his hand away Snowflake stopped searching for a few seconds before starting to look for that thing he was playing with. It felt like he was backtracking trying to figure out where his toy went. I could feel him tapping along the part of my belly where Frank's arm was resting. That was pretty neat. [Post a comment]
We just got back from Dr. Tabsh. Originally, he wanted to wait until week 38 to deliver. His concern was lung development because of my Gestational Diabetes. When we first discussed this we were still trying to control the blood sugars. He was probably thinking ahead in terms of the possibility of the blood sugars being difficult to control. But since it's fine, he agrees with Dr. Johnson that we can do an amnio at 36 weeks and deliver at 37.
On Monday, I will try to see if I can fix dates for the amnio and...for Snowflake's birthday! [Post a comment]
September 14, 2011 – My baby is 31 weeks old. I am 33 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
17 in (44 cm)
Behavioral States
—
The brain weighs about 200 grams (a little less than ½ pound).
—
Baby now weighs around 2,000 grams (almost 4½ pounds)!
I had my OB appointment yesterday, along with another NST. The diagnostic nurse said my AFI was great, baby was very active, but she did notice my placenta had some calcification. I talked about it with Dr. Johnson who said there are varying degrees of calcification that can occur in placenta. Calcification shows aging of the placenta which can happen at the very end of pregnancy. If we see calcification in the second trimester, or lots of calcification before term, that may be a sign of wear on the placenta in terms of smoking, or hypertension. Neither of those apply to me. Although I also read online that Gestational Diabetes can contribute to that. But he said the degree of calcification is quite mild. I get NSTs and AFIs twice a week, and I get seen by my OB and MFM weekly for growth. He says the best way to assess placental function is fetal growth and activity. So far, little Snowflake has passed everything with flying colors. It sounds like it's just something that needs to be monitored.
As of yesterday, little Snowflake is 4.5 pounds (or was it 4 pounds 5 ounces?) and he seems to have hair on his little head. I feel pressure in my nether regions...the kind of pressure that makes me feel like I have a full bladder. My abdominals feel sore, and I am still trying to put on some weight since I don't seem to be gaining much. The current issue on the table is date of delivery. Dr. Johnson feels more comfortable doing an amnio at 36 and delivering at 37. Dr. Tabsh thinks we should just deliver at 38 without an amnio. Personally, I would feel better doing an amnio at 36. If he doesn't get great results, then we can wait until 38. But at least we know where he stands. Plus with all the Lovenox shots, another needle to the belly doesn't phase me one bit. I will be seeing Dr. Tabsh on Thursday for another scan and to discuss the delivery.
Just 3-4 weeks until Snowflake's big day! [Post a comment]
I've been sick since last Saturday. I haven't been able to take any medication, with the exception of Tylenol. So that doesn't really help. I had an NST on Monday, and he's been doing really well. There was one high BP reading, and trace protein in my urine. I was at UCLA for about 5 hours after running tests, and everything was fine. All my other BP readings were normal and two days later there was no protein in my urine.
The official diagnosis of preeclampsia is more than one BP readings of >140/90 over the course of an hour AND >300mg protein in urine over the course of 24 hours.
That slight huccup landed me the extra 5 hours, but it was just an aberrant reading. And having a cold can also cause protein to spill to urine. They were just being cautious.
I saw Dr. Johnson yesterday who said the baby is now about 4 pounds, two ounces, and looking quite normal. He is in the 32nd percentile, which is good. As babies approach the 50th percentile, that's when we start looking at 9 pound babies, which is not good. That would mean my gestational diabetes is not controlled.
Because I'm still sick and not feeling too great, I canceled yesterday's appointment with Dr. Tabsh, and today's NST. Yesterday, Dr. Johnson said: You're almost 9 months pregnant, still working full time, and you're sick. You're sure you don't want to take some time off? So I took today off.
Back to appointments 4 times a week next week. We'll see how much longer I can go.
Just 4-5 weeks until we meet little Snowflake. [Post a comment]
September 07, 2011 – My baby is 30 weeks old. I am 32 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
17 in (42 cm)
Breathing Movements
—
Feet now measure almost 2½ inches long (about 6 cm).
—
Breathing motions are common, even though there is no air in the womb.
So I saw Dr. Tabsh today for a follow up. Everything is fine except I lost two pounds again between last week and this week. I have been noticing that I'm hungrier than usual. After a meal, I barely make it an hour after before I get hungry again. But because my blood sugar has me testing two hours after a meal, this forces me to have to wait.
In between I have been eating sunflower seeds and cheese before I can eat an actual snack, like an apple, yogurt, or a granola bar. But I am still hungry. I'm choosing the right foods for my diet, but he says it's still not enough calories since I am both losing weight and constantly feeling hungry. He suggested I talk to the dietician again to adjust my meal plan.
As of two weeks ago I entered a time of rapid growth and weight gain for me and the baby. I am suppose to put on 1-1.5 pounds a week. When he reviewed my numbers, I seem to have only gained 6.5 since the start of my second trimester.
He suggested that I eat more meat with all 3 meals. I feel like my meals are fine, but the snacks aren't enough. But hopefully I will put on more weight by next week. [Post a comment]
August 31, 2011 – My baby is 29 weeks old. I am 31 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
Today I had my first NST and AFI. NSTs are non-stress tests to check baby's activity. AFI checks for the amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus. I will have to do NSTs twice a week until delivery from now on. For the AFI, they like to see numbers between 8 and 20. Too low a number means the baby might have a blockage as he's practicing his breathing, or mom may be leaking amniotic fluid. Too high a number and that means the baby is not practicing his breathing and may have breathing issues at birth. My AFI was 14.5, which is right in the middle of the pack. The nurse also said my NSTs were great and that his activity is very mature for a 31 weeker. Go Snowflake!
At last visit with Dr. Tabsh last thursday, Snowflake was measuring 3.8 pounds. He is a growing boy. [Post a comment]
August 24, 2011 – My baby is 28 weeks old. I am 30 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
16 in (40 cm)
Sound Discrimination
—
Breathing motions are getting deeper and taking longer.
—
Baby now weighs about 1,500 grams (about 3 pounds, 5 ounces).
—
Baby can distinguish sounds of different frequencies.
I got to go to the appointment today which was the last 3D image we are going to get of Snowflake until he is 3D in our hands. Seems like he looks like me as you can see below. He tried to hide but alas he just didn't have anywhere to hide and we got some great pictures. Everything looked great and Dr. Johnson was very happy. We also got some good news from Dr. Tabsh in that while we are still playing delivery by ear, he wants to make the delivery a week later to let him bake a little more. It was quite an exciting day! [Post a comment]
At this point it seems that my uterus is now 4 inches above my belly button. It seems that Snowflake is discovering this new territory. While his favorite places to kick and punch are my lower abdominals and belly button area, he has started to kick around my rib cage...and take a jabs at my bladder. The bladder ones are definitely sharp, even if it's only partially full.
By now I am used to kicks and jabs. Now the feeling is starting to change to nudging, or what feels like slow stretching across my belly.
Next week is our last 3D scan and Frank will be able to make it! He will be contributing to next week's entry.
8 weeks to go!
Week 29 video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qw1P6U16MY [Post a comment]
August 10, 2011 – My baby is 26 weeks old. I am 28 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
15 in (37 cm)
Sense of Smell
—
The sense of smell has arrived.
—
The fetus can taste.
—
Between now and birth, brain weight increases 400% to 500%.
I saw Dr. Johnson today for my weekly scan. Someone is 3 pounds! Well, 2lb 15 oz, but Dr. Johnson said he's essentially 3 pounds and measuring right on track.
I was able to see his face and his eyes were open! I saw his eyelids and his chubby cheeks. I scheduled a 3D ultrasound for next Wednesday. I hope to get some good pictures from that. More importantly, I hope Frank can adjust his schedule so he can be there for it. I hate that he keeps missing these scans because of work. Fingers crossed that he can make it. [Post a comment]
Yesterday was a tough day. We had an appointment at 5:45 with Dr. Tabsh, but we didn't get to see him until closer to 9pm. I had no idea how stressed I've been about everything until yesterday. Long story short, I ended up crying my eyes out at our appointment yesterday and Frank had to talk for me.
Between the Lovenox shots every morning, BP checks 3-4 times a day, Blood Sugar checks 4x a day, finding new and different things to eat with nothing tastes right anyway, not sleeping very well...it's been a lot to deal with.
Dr. Tabsh was happy with my blood sugar levels with the exception of my fasting. So he is giving me a medication to take at bed time to lower that. He tried to reassure me that this was not my fault and there isn't anything I can do to control my fasting blood sugar levels. Hopefully the meds will control it.
He did express concern that I lost 3 pounds in one week, when I was suppose to gain a pound. I guess I've been more stressed out than I thought. I've been sleeping between 3-5am every day this week because I can't seem to fall asleep. He said I need to eat more, and eat more carbs than I have been eating.
Mom (Aug 2011): Sorry, it's been stressful. Hopefully, you experienced some relief by letting it all out. I've wondered many times about how you can deal with all you have to deal with. I know there is no one who can do those things for you but you know that we're here for anything else we can do. Love you
August 03, 2011 – My baby is 25 weeks old. I am 27 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
14 in (36 cm)
Somersaults
—
The thigh bone (femur) is about two inches long (about 5 cm).
—
Baby now weighs about 1,000 grams (about 2 pounds, 3 ounces).
—
Baby's foot is now about two inches long (about 5 cm).
I just got back from seeing Dr. Johnson. The first thing he said to me was "28 weeks!" He has been happy with my blood pressures and baby's growth. We discussed the new Gestational Diabetes diagnosis. I showed him my reading. I am taking readings upon waking (fasting), and 2 hours after meals (postprandial). He said m postprandial reading are excellent, but my fasting is a tad high.
I told him I was doing some reading and it was suggested I eat something right at bed time. High fasting readings can be due to something called the "Dawn Phenomenon." Upon waking everyone has a sudden spike in glucose to provide energy for waking. What might be happening is that I actually get hypoglycemic overnight, so the liver starts to release its stored glucose. That, combined with the normal rise in glucose in the morning may be causing the high fasting, yet normal postprandial readings.
Outside of pregnancy my fasting is generally in the early 80mg/dL.
Normal fasting is under 100mg/dL. Over the last few days my fasting have been anywhere between 108-112, above normal but not terribly so. Last night I had a snack 1-2 hours before bed time and my morning reading was 98. It looks like I have to snack prior to going to bed, and throughout the day to maintain it so I don't have sharp rises and falls.
After that discussion he took a quick look at Snowflake. A few days ago I felt some crazy twisting and turning. At this visit, he is now head down. I guess all that moving was him changing to his final position prior to his big exit. Dr. Johnson commented "Have I ever mentioned his really long legs before?" He actually had to measure it twice. Snowflake's leg's are measuring 30+ weeks. The rest of him is measuring right on track. He looked at me and said: "You don't have long legs but your husband does, right?" I kind of wanted to say to him that there is nothing long about me.
This week's weigh-in: 2 pounds 10 ounces! [Post a comment]
Mom (Aug 2011): How exciting! We love the updates to see how everything is going. Can't wait.
My GTT came back slightly elevated. There are 4 readings taken during a GTT: Fasting, then you drink 100g glucose solution and re-test at 1 hr, 2 hrs, then 3 hours. The test tracks the time it takes for sugar to be processed, thus looking at how effective the hormone insulin is taking up sugar so it doesn't stay in the blood stream.
Below is the 3 hour test cutoffs, with my test result in parentheses
Looks like my insulin had a slow start but was measuring within normal at the 2 and 3 hour tests. Marginally high, but high nonetheless. To give you an idea of where "bad" would be, 200mg/dL (severe gestational diabetes) prior to eating would definitely not be good.
That means I get to check by blood sugar 8 times a day and probably cutting out ice cream for the remainder of the summer. I just got the meter and was wondering how much blood would come out with a poke. I am on blood thinners so I'm curious. Plus, I put my hands on every patient I see. I wanted to see if I can get enough blood from just my forearm or my palm as the manufacturer suggested. My palm pretty much gushed out blood. So lucky for me, I get to test on my forearm where I don't even feel anything. That was kinda cool to see.
I also got results back from my hematologist. He tested a blood factor called Anti-Factor Xa. It tests to see if my clotting agents are within the range they should be for someone on Lovenox. It wasn't. So he is suggesting we up the Lovenox dosage yet again. I just have to inform Dr. Tabsh and he will decide if it is necessary or not. If they do increase it, that means I get to Lovenox myself twice a day. That's not so fun since it's a 25 gauge needle, which is about the thickness of the back of a stud earring.
If you click on the picture above and to the right, it will show you what the Lovenox needle looks like. Lovenox goes into the area below my belly button and, unfortunately, the ENTIRE needle has to be pushed through prior to dispensing the meds. With the possible increase in dosage, I may have to stick myself twice a day. I'm kind of running out of room.
In other news, I can now see Snowflake move under my skin. Creepy.
Here is the 27 week video, marking the closing week of my second trimester:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxDECcozNu8
Let the countdown begin: 10 weeks until Snowflake time. [Post a comment]
July 27, 2011 – My baby is 24 weeks old. I am 26 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
14 in (35 cm)
Fetal Respiratory Rate
—
Sometimes breathing motions occur up to 44 times per minute.
—
Sudden, loud noises trigger a blink-startle response.
—
The lungs produce a substance vital for breathing after birth.
—
Loud noise increases movement, heart rate, and swallowing.
Snowflake has been realllllllly active this week and his been kicking a lot. But apparently in a couple of weeks he's going to run out of space and he won't be quite as active but we'll see. Jasmin brought home a picture of the ultrasound from this week and his cheeks are starting to fill out. Whether he liked it or not he got his picture taken head on. I've been reading to him every night and he kicks when I'm done reading. He also caught his first magic show last week and according to Jas he enjoyed it! 11 weeks to go. [Post a comment]
Jasmin Jimeno (Jul 2011): And for the 26 week video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjiDvPX-NBc
July 20, 2011 – My baby is 23 weeks old. I am 25 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
13 in (33 cm)
Blink-Startle Response
—
The brain weighs about 100 grams (a little less than ¼ of a pound).
—
Breathing motions are seen about 14% of the time now and for the next weeks.
Welcome, family and friends to our nerdy baby page. It's been hard to keep our little Snowflake a secret for so long. We wanted to wait until the baby was at a safer gestational age to be able to share the news with people outside of our immediate families.
At 25 weeks and 2 days, Snowflake and mom are doing well. From now on, you will be able to share his developmental journey with us. [Post a comment]
Natalia (Jul 2011): Yay so happy you are all happy and healthy! I live this blog you've got going. It answers a lot of questions I had about how the baby and you ate doing. Looking forward to seeing you soon :)
Tio JESUS (Jul 2011): My nephew is going to be a bad ass golfer when he grows up
Fredo (Jul 2011): Glad to hear mom and baby are doing well! This is a very nerdy but very cool way to keep everypne updated. Hope to see you soon
Imelda (Jul 2011): So happy everything is going well! I love hearing about this stuff and learning what to expect later. Can't wait to see your little Snowflake in about 12 more weeks! XOXOXO
lisa (Jul 2011): This is soooooo cooooool!
cheng em (Jul 2011): I'm so excited for you guys!!! Ekkkk!! :D:D
When Frank and I started talking about another baby, we knew there would be important milestones for us to achieve. The first is making it past Blue's gestational age. Blue was born at 24 weeks and 6 days. Today, I am 25 weeks with little Snowflake and no signs of preeclampsia, or HELLP to be found. Our next milestone will be at 28 weeks.
We also signed up for a Baby Care class at UCLA-Santa Monica. I have only changed one diaper ever in my entire life and it wasn't even a poopy one. Frank too, I think. We have been so concerned about having a baby to take home that we are now finally having to think about what to do when he gets here.
This weekend we will be sending out an e-mail to friends and family formally announcing Snowflake. I wonder how everyone will take the news.
Week 25 Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ix8RPwPKKtc [Post a comment]
Mom (Jul 2011): I think everyone will be really happy for you. Maybe a little surprised at how soon it will be but none the less happy!
July 13, 2011 – My baby is 22 weeks old. I am 24 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
12 in (31 cm)
Age of Viability
—
Heart beat count now exceeds 30 million beats!
—
The two sides of the brain are no longer symmetrical.
Yesterday I had labs done for check for infections and to do my one hour Glucose Challenge Test. I drink something sweet, and they draw blood an hour later to check the glucose levels. It's a screen and if it comes back elevated, then I do the 3-hour Glucose Tolerance Test. Last year with Blue, the challenge test was positive, and the tolerance test was negative.
This time, my challenge was also positive, so I have go in to do the tolerance test. The cutoff is 140 and my test came back 157. I wasn't surprised since a lot of us preeclamptics get gestational diabetes in the end for some reason. While I didn't get it with Blue, it was also really early on in the pregnancy. But hopefully, the tolerance test will be negative with this one as well. I think I am going to take that next weekend.
The clinic didn't call me about any of the results regarding the infections or the genetic stuff. I am guessing those results aren't in yet.
In other news, I have felt the baby hiccuping lately. At first I thought they were kicks, but there were too many in a row. Then I remember reading and watching a video about how I can start feeling him hiccup as he practices breathing by drinking the amniotic fluid.
Other fun news: I was in bed sleeping and Frank came in after with his flashlight to read the baby a bedtime story. Snowflake was asleep. After Frank read a couple of sentences, I felt the baby kick right where Frank was talking to my belly. He kicked a few more times until the story was over. Looks like someone knows who his Daddy is.
The 24 Week Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWtYurgD_aE [Post a comment]
Mom (Jul 2011): It's exciting that the baby can now hear us but it makes me think that I'd better watch my bickering with Pop. Although, I guess, Snowflake will find out soon enough what grandpa and grandma are like. Ha Ha!
July 06, 2011 – My baby is 21 weeks old. I am 23 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
12 in (30 cm)
Skin and Hair
—
Baby now weighs around 500 grams (about 1 pound, 2 ounces).
—
Rapid eye movement occurs, just like adults when they dream.
I had my repeat scan today followed by an appointment with Dr. Johnson.
At my scan, Dr. Jenzen was taking a look this time. After talking a bit she realized she was on staff when I was in the hospital with Blue. She was not on my case, but I was discussed at the resident Grand Rounds (where residents presents and discuss the most interesting/difficult cases). I'm not surprised I made it to Grand Rounds. While preeclampsia occurs in 5-7% of all pregnancies, the type of preeclampsia and the classification of HELLP I had was the rarest, occurring in 0.2-0.6% of all pregnancies.
Dr. Jenzen took a second look at Snowflake's brain, heart, and other things Dr. Khan was unable to identify because of how uncooperative he was at the time. All of these were easier for Dr. Jenzen to see Snowflake's insides, because he is snow much bigger.
He is now 1 lb 9oz. If you recall, last Thursday (just 4 days ago), he was 1 lb 5 oz.
I asked her about checking for the echogenic bowel. She agreed there was echogenic bowel present. It is a marker for genetic and/or infectious disease problems. She said my blood work showed Snowflake's chances of having Down's is 1 in 8,000. The presence of echogenic bowel increases our chances to 1 in 4,000. The chances are in our favor.
When trying to get a picture of Snowflake's face, he stopped cooperating. It was like he knew what we were trying to do. While he was camera shy about showing his face, he had no problems showing us his boy parts...many times! In the end, she wasn't sure she could get a good picture. But then she was able to finally get a shot of the side of his face...complete with his hand over his face, and foot on his forehead. He is a limber baby.
I then saw Dr. Johnson after and he discussed echogenic bowel further with me. He said the first explanation for echogenic bowel is improvements in ultrasound technology. EB is a "soft marker" as he descibes it. Soft markers are typically founded in teaching institutions where they see an anomaly, and notate certain correlations. So while there may be a relationship between EB and a bunch of nasty things that can happen to baby, risk is relatively low.
He also spoke to Dr. Tabsh, who was there that day. Dr. Johnson says he was not terribly concerned about something bad. He just wants to keep an eye out for medical "zebras," as they are called. Zebras are equivalent to outliers. Looking at my history, it's no wonder.
Genetic problems are lower on the list. I tested negative for Cystic Fibrosis when I first got pregnant. They want to check Frank for the genetic trait as well. He will get tested this week. CF is also a common diagnosis in the presence of EB. But again, the risk is low that Snowflake will have anything like that.
Since genetic problems are somewhat clear, the question now is infection. Dr. Johnson said he has personally yet to see a congenital infection in his career. So they will do blood tests on me to check for infections. But again, they are expecting things to be negative.
As Dr. Johnson said, we seem to be cruising through. Let's hope it keeps going at this pace. [Post a comment]
We saw Dr. Tabsh today. The baby is measuring 1lb 5oz. Much like any other Dr. Tabsh appointment, he didn't say much. After the scan he told us that the baby looks like he might have an echogenic bowel. His bowels appeared to be more intense on the ultrasound.
It can be nothing, but it can also mean a host of things like the baby having a possible infection (Cytomegalovirus, Toxoplasmosis, Parvovirus, etc), and/or the baby *may* be small because of suboptimal placental functioning.
Again it could be nothing, and it can pass. But just in case, I am doing extra blood work on Monday to check for infections. In the mean time, I will be seeing Dr. Tabsh every 2 weeks instead of every month. He says he has to keep a close eye.
We are both hopeful that Snowflake will be ok in the end. [Post a comment]
Mom (Jul 2011): I was reading about echogenic bowel online and it seems like in most cases it resolves itself with no problems. It's so scary to hear those things but we need to be positive. You're all in my prayers everyday. I have faith that all will be good. Love you
June 29, 2011 – My baby is 20 weeks old. I am 22 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
11 in (28 cm)
Responds to Sound
—
The head is now the size of a tennis ball.
—
The inner ear is already fully developed and fully grown.
—
If born prematurely this week, the chance of survival is about 40% with expert medical care!
At this point in my pregnancy with Blue, I was getting BP readings of 150/100 and on a beta blocker, which was not working to keep my blood pressure in a normal range. I was also about a few days away from being admitted to the hospital. In addition, I had 324g of protein in my urine.
Yesterday, my BP was 100/60 without medication, and currently not spilling any protein.
Thursday is my next appointment with Dr. Tabsh. Then on Monday I have my repeat anatomy scan with Dr. Khan, followed by a check up with Dr. Johnson. Let's all hope he smiles for the camera. [Post a comment]
Today is 22+0 and the first day of my 6th month. There are definite changes afoot. Snowflake has been moving around more often. Frank was able to feel the baby kick him this week. He was very excited.
I'm starting to notice that space is becoming an issue. I am starting to have to eat more often and eat smaller meals. I feel some morning nausea. Sometimes I get palpitations/racing heart, especially when I am tired or after a poor night's sleep.
After doing some reading I found out that palpitations are pretty common in pregnancy, especially at this stage.
I am also feeling really hot lately. It doesn't really have anything to do with the weather or the heat. There's not much that can abate the hot flashes. Finding a comfortable position has also been more challenging. It all just makes me wonder about the surprises ahead in the last trimester. [Post a comment]
Mom (Jun 2011): It's the hormones - what a pain!
June 22, 2011 – My baby is 19 weeks old. I am 21 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
11 in (27 cm)
Circadian Rhythms
—
Girls’ ovaries now contain their lifetime supply of “eggs.â€
—
Melanin begins forming and helps create an attractive skin tone.
—
Movement, breathing, and heart rate begin following daily rhythms.
Since I will be delivering at 36 or 37 weeks (fingers crossed), I am passed the half way mark. But 20 weeks also means I am approaching the time I started to get sick with Blue.
I started having symptoms at 20.5 weeks, so I am starting to get a bit anxious. My first symptom last year was swelling. Swelling in my hands and feet. I was so swollen in my feet that when I took off my shoes, it took several minutes until the shoe imprint finally disappeared. This time at 20 weeks, I only have swelling in my hands that is intermittent. It usually happens when I am hot. I can still wear my wedding ring, which is a good sign. By this time last year, I either had to go without my rings, or only wear one of them.
That's the scary thing about preeclampsia: headaches, swelling...these are all common in a normal pregnancy.
At 21.5 weeks last year was when I got the awful, unrelenting headache associated with preeclampsia. At 22 weeks was when my blood pressure started to shoot up. It went from my normal baseline of 118-120/78-80 to 154/100. Dr. Johnson gave me medication which lowered it a bit. But at 23 weeks I eventually had to check myself in to Labor & Delivery. A week later, Baby Blue stopped in to say hello and goodbye. The final BP reading I recall was 235/115, well within stroke and/or seizure levels.
I'm just lucky I walked away relatively unscathed, physically. Other moms I spoke to had strokes and had hemiplegia after it. Others had permanent liver damage, kidney damage, or are now chronic hypertensives.
The next 5 weeks are going to be difficult and I am going to have to try to keep calm about any changes that might happen.
In the mean time, my Lovenox shots were increased from a 0.4mL dosage to 0.6mL. It's not fun and I'm running out of places to stick myself, but at least I'm used to it.
Snowflake has been moving around more. Typically it's just a kick or two. But now I can feel him move for longer periods before he is quiet. Apparently babies at this stage sleep at 12-14 hours a day. I am so jealous.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v70cQzwRxfI [Post a comment]
June 08, 2011 – My baby is 17 weeks old. I am 19 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
9 in (23 cm)
Bronchial Tree
—
The baby's heart has now beat has more than 20 million times!
—
The head is about as big around as the average woman's wrist.
So today we had the second trimester anatomy scan and snowflake is just like his big brother. He found a nice little spot in his mommy and buried himself away from the ultrasound so it was pretty tough to see anything. We did get a 3D picture of his face but it looks like there was way too much flash. The doctor said all looked well and as you can tell from the way I've referred to the baby it is confirmed it is a boy! In a month when he's a little bigger they are going to do another scan where he won't be able to escape the camera. So far so good. [Post a comment]
Mom (Jun 2011): oh that little stinker! Glad everything looks good.
I found this little video on youtube that discusses weekly developments in babies. Here is 19 weeks:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCPY0PCKdiU
Tomorrow is the appointment with Dr. Tabsh. I guess we will be taking another quick peak at Snowflake. Frank and I are really excited about our anatomy scan on Monday. I hope we get to see a close up of his little face! [Post a comment]
Mom (Jun 2011): will we be able to see it? like when you have the ultrasounds?
mom (Jun 2011): So we watched the video and he/she is the size of an heirloom tomato. That site is very helpful in understanding the development. This one is too.
Jas (Jun 2011): They will put it on a DVD for us and probably print out some pictures. We're very excited for Monday. And Frank promised that he will finally post something after Monday's ultrasound.
Mom (Jun 2011): I'm very excited. I can't wait to see the pictures.
June 01, 2011 – My baby is 16 weeks old. I am 18 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
8.3 in (21 cm)
Hormonal Stress Response
—
Enamel begins forming on the developing teeth.
—
All air passages within the lungs are well formed.
—
The thigh bones (femur) are now about an inch long (or 2½ cm).
—
The baby releases stress hormones if poked with a needle.
I just saw Dr. Johnson. He seems to have seen boy parts again, but the U/S machine he was using didn't have the best resolution. It looks like Dr. Tabsh may try to sneak a peak at Snowflake.
The baby was wiggling, moving and kicking the entire time. Dr. Johnson even commented on how active this little baby is. I'm hoping active baby means healthy baby. [Post a comment]
Alice (Jun 2011): When will you see dr. Tabsh?
Jas (Jun 2011): I'm seeing him on Thursday. It will just be for a quick scan. Hopefully Snowflake will be cooperative. Otherwise, we wait until the anatomy scan on Monday to know if we're buying blue or pink baby stuff.
We visited Baby Blue today. We gave him a bouquet and a little blue teddy bear. Getting ready this morning I noticed my belly. At 5 months I am much bigger than I was at 6.5 months with Blue.
It's an inexplicable feeling visiting your baby at the cemetery and feeling your new baby kick your growing belly.
I just have to say, this morning is the most activity I have felt this pregnancy...maybe even in both pregnancies. I was sitting at my desk at work and I feel this crazy beating inside. I could feel swirling and lots of strange movements. Snowflake was imitating Michael Flatley, Lord of the Dance. I had to stop doing my work to pay attention to the little guy.
I rubbed and tapped my belly to calm him down, and he did. But only for a minute. He resumed his performance, complete with trampoline (aka my bladder) jumps. After a minute or so he stopped and has been quiet ever since. [Post a comment]
alice (Jun 2011): wow he needs to perform for his daddy. Has Frank been able to feel any movement yet?
Jasmin Jimeno (Jun 2011): Not yet. Frank didn't feel Blue until he was 24 weeks. So he's probably not gonna feel him for another month and a half. He's very excited and hopeful it will happen sooner this time around.
May 25, 2011 – My baby is 15 weeks old. I am 17 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
7.7 in (20 cm)
Blood Cells and Bone Marrow
—
Nutrients in the amniotic fluid are broken down by digestive enzymes.
—
Blood cells begin replicating inside the bone marrow—just like big kids!
—
The head is bigger than a golf ball—and much cuter!
—
Baby's foot is now about one inch long (about 2½ cm).
I am 17 weeks and 6 days pregnant. Tomorrow marks the beginning of the 5th month of this pregnancy. I am 49% done with baking this bun.
At my last week's appointment with Dr. Johnson he tried to find out Snowflake's gender. He thought it could be another boy, but he wasn't completely sure. The view to look for boy parts is typically done from the bottom of the baby.
On the screen we saw his legs spread apart, his little butt, and what looked like some growing boy parts in between. At least it looked that way to me even before he said anything. Dr. Johnson said he wasn't sure because the umbilical cord was close and lined up with what we both thought were boy parts. Looks like we will find out with greater certain on June 6th.
Looking inside the baby's little world is so fun. He's in there sleeping one second, then tossing, turning, and stretching. The baby is just like us trying to find a comfortable position to rest. While we were looking at the view from the bottom to check for boy parts, the baby looked like he was waving/kicking his legs like he was going "wee!" on a swing. I thought it was the cutest thing.
The baby has been a little more active this week, as expected. He seems to be active around meal times and during meals. He is definitely our child.
At this appointment I asked Dr. Johnson about plans for delivery. If all goes well, he is planning an amnio at 36 weeks to check for lung maturity. If the baby's lungs are developed enough he will schedule a C-Section at 37 weeks. Since it is a scheduled delivery, he will be delivering the baby himself.
In the mean time, I am doing well. Aside from the kicking, I feel pretty normal. Just a little fatigue and feeling the need to sleep early and wake up late. So far so good.
We started talking about registering at Baby's R Us, and when we would feel comfortable doing so. Blue was born at 24+6. We both decided we wanted to wait until at least 25 weeks before officially registering.
Friday would have been Blue's First Birthday. We are both taking the day off to visit the baby and spend time with family. We miss him every day. We hope that we get to take Snowflake home. And we know his Kuya his looking after him. [Post a comment]
May 18, 2011 – My baby is 14 weeks old. I am 16 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
6.7 in (17 cm)
Quickening
—
Starting at this age, girl fetuses move their jaws more often than the boys.
—
A pregnant mom may feel kicking for the first time.
—
If touched near the mouth, the face turns toward the side touched.
We finally told the parents about Snowflake. We bought digital keychains and preloaded them with Snowflake's ultrasound pictures. We gave them to our moms the night before the Promise Walk, and told them they were belated Mother's Day presents. After some confusion, they eventually figured out the ultrasounds were not of Blue, but of their next grandchild. It was a very happy weekend.
We saw Dr. Tabsh last week who basically said he did not need to see me weekly anymore. He wants to see me monthly, and have Dr. Johnson follow me every two weeks. Yay for fewer doctor's appointments.
Boo to Lovenox! My belly is even more bruised than the last picture I uploaded. I look like a Dalmation with freckles from all the remnants of the needles poking my belly. Maybe I can get Frank to take another picture of it.
In the mean time, Snowflake has been more active. I started feeling some kicks a week ago. At the doctor's appointment Snowflake kicked the ultrasound head really hard. I have started to notice that after large kicks I won't feel anything for a long time. I guess the baby is pooped from the hard work.
Earlier this week as I was giving myself the Lovenox shot, Snowflake kicked the site of the shot. Frank said Snowflake was trying to defend mommy. I didn't feel the baby until much later that day. It was a strong kick so the baby probably used a lot of energy for that.
I am also feeling more than just kicking. With Blue, I was able to feel when he was tossing and turning and doing somersaults, so I'm pretty familiar with the different feelings. Today I felt Snowflake doing somersaults. But only for a minute. Now the baby is quiet again, probably asleep.
Monday is the next appointment with Dr. Johnson. Let's hope we find out if we have to buy blue snowflakes, or pink snowflakes. [Post a comment]
Mom (May 2011): Thanks so much for the updates. It's so exciting to be able to see the changes and growth of the baby and his mom's and dad's reactions. Love you
mom (May 2011): his/her mom and dad's reaction!
May 11, 2011 – My baby is 13 weeks old. I am 15 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
6 in (15 cm)
Responds to Touch
—
The baby is making more hormones all the time.
—
The entire fetus (except for parts of the scalp) responds to light touch.
Today is 14 weeks and have completed my first week (of many) daily Lovenox shots. Again, Lovenox is a blood thinner and as you can see from the picture, it's no picnic to wake up every morning to stick myself only to be bruised all over.
I developed a low grade fever today (100.3) and went home from work early. Hopefully Tylenol will take care of it.
I started feeling some quickening this week. It's a fluttering feeling and the first signs the baby is moving. Typically it's about a week or two early to feel it for first time moms. But since I was pregnant not too long ago, I'm familiar with knowing the difference between quickening and gas.
The Promise Walk is next Saturday. It will finally be time for our families to find out about little Snowflake. [Post a comment]
April 27, 2011 – My baby is 11 weeks old. I am 13 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
3.7 in (10 cm)
Nose and Lips
—
The face now makes complex expressions.
—
If you could peek inside, you could tell if it's a girl or boy!
—
Intestines absorb water and glucose from swallowed amniotic fluid.
I'm approaching the end of the first trimester. The second trimester officially begins at 13+4 (13 weeks, 4 days).
I had my first High Risk OB appointment today. My High Risk OB (also referred to as MFM, maternal-fetal medicine, or perinatologist) is Dr. Tabsh. He is the Director of OBGYN at the UCLA School of Medicine. He is a doctor that is high in demand. I had a 7:30pm appointment with him, but didn't see him until close to midnight. But he is brilliant, to say the least. Together with my regular OB, Dr. Johnson, we're hoping to make it to at least 32 weeks if not term at 37 weeks.
Unfortunately, I have to be on a daily injectable blood thinner for the remainder of this pregnancy, and all future pregnancies. :( I will be seeing Dr. Tabsh weekly and Dr. Johnson once a month. As I get closer to term, I will be going in multiple times a week. Now is a good time to get chummy with the front office and the nursing staff.
Snowflake is now measuring 3.8 inches from crown to rump (head to butt). I know the above says the baby should be 4.7 inches. But those measurements say what the baby should be at the end of 13 weeks. I am just starting my 13th week.
At this appointment Snowflake was being incredibly cute and showing off his/her broadway skills by "Defying Gravity." Get it? Yup, little Snowflake is hanging out, upside down. [Post a comment]
April 20, 2011 – My baby is 10 weeks old. I am 12 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
3 in (8 cm)
Eyes Roll, Yawns
—
Body weight increased more than 75% just this week!
—
Bones are hardening throughout the body.
—
Fingernails and toenails begin to grow!
—
The right and left sides of the brain are connecting.
—
Tiny folds in the skin form unique fingerprints.
—
The eyes roll downward after stimulation of the upper lid.
Well, today is 3 months. Little Snowflake is growing. I had my first trimester screen two days ago and Snowflake is measuring right on track. He/she finally looks like a baby, and not a dot or a shrimp. The video of Snowflake was very cute. At one point Snowflake looked like he/she (although I think it's a she), was slowly raising his/her hand, or waving at me. The baby kept turning away from the ultrasound head and turning it's butt against it. While the pictures and the video were grainy, the only thing I can tell is Snowflake has a giant nose...daddy's nose.
It looks like we will be scheduling a C-Section for week 36 or 37, if all goes well. That means Snowflake will be here in the first or second week of October.
From now on I will be seeing my doctor every two weeks, and weekly appointments from 24 weeks on. I may even have to go in twice a week at that point. So far so good. Let's hope it stays that way. [Post a comment]
April 13, 2011 – My baby is 9 weeks old. I am 11 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
2.4 in (6 cm)
Sucking and Swallowing
—
The mouth opens and closes, and the tongue moves.
—
The eyelids are now fused.
—
Swallowing amniotic fluid begins.
—
The fetus sighs, stretches, and moves the head.
—
Female fetuses have early reproductive cells in their ovaries.
As you can see, I have lots of follow up appointments. In normal pregnancies you see the doctor once a month for the first 28 weeks, bi-weekly until your last month, and weekly on your ninth month.
Since this pregnancy is considered high risk, I have doctor appointments every 2-4 weeks, and will likely need weekly appointments starting my second trimester.
Snowflake is now the size of a Lima Bean.
My next appointment is on April 18, 2011, just two days shy of 12 weeks. [Post a comment]
March 16, 2011 – My baby is 5 weeks old. I am 7 weeks pregnant (since LMP).
9 mm
Hand Plates and Cartilage
—
The head makes up one third of the whole embryo!
—
The permanent kidneys are in place.
—
Hand plates have arrived.
—
Lung regions reflect the pattern of adult lungs.
—
Joints in the wrists are forming. (5 wks, 1 day)
—
Foot plates are present. (5 wks, 2 days)
—
Subtle movement begins. (5 wks, 5 days)
—
The heart's four chambers are seen in action. (5 wks, 6 days)
Our first appointment was with my reproductive endocrinologist was on March 9, 2011. We got our first peak at Snowflake. At first the fellow didn't think there was a fetal pulse as of yet. But my RE came in and said, "Let's take a listen." And there it was, loud and clear. Snowflake's little heart was beating at 100 beats per minute.
Based on that it looks like Snowflake is 6 weeks along, with an approximate due date of 11/5/11. Of course, as I cannot labor due to the Classical C-Section, Snowflake will make his/her debut some time in October (fingers crossed). [Post a comment]
March 02, 2011 – My baby is 3 weeks old. I am 5 weeks pregnant (since LMP).