Baby W - 25 Weeks

Today was the follow-up to last week's ultrasound and all the surprises that came with it. I was very hopeful that things would just magically be back to "normal" but we hit the same obstacles as last week. However, we've finally gotten some answers as to what to expect and what to plan for as the pregnancy progresses.

My amniotic fluid levels dropped another .5 cm from last week, which isn't the best news. At this point, there is so little fluid around the baby that his ability to move is compromised. With such low fluid, it's impossible to get any proper scans of his heart, kidney or bladder at this point. All things that could be contributing to this low amniotic fluid. The doctor did say, that at the 20 week ultrasound - the kidneys looked great, and that a development issue between then and now is unlikely. Besides, there's just no way to tell.

We have decided against doing an amnio to check for chromosomal abnormalities. After receiving all of the information from the genetic's doctor, it was decided that it was in the best interest of the baby to avoid any unneccessary testing at this point. An amnio this late in the game, and with fluid so dangerously low - could spontaneously jump-start labor.

So what does all of these mean in the long run? Since there is no way to tell what is causing this to happen (most likely, we will never know) the doctor based her answer off of what she has seen. I am at a dramatically increased chance of going into premature labor. Our goal is to make it to 36 weeks and hopefully induce at that point. But because things are progressing the way they are, we have taken precautions to prepare for a worst-case scenario. I received my first of two steriod injections to help aid in the development of our baby's lungs. I get another one tomorrow - and hopefully if we make it far enough, we will get a second round of injections.

At this point, I have a lot of faith in our little baby boy. He has come a long way in our eyes, and we really feel that he has a guardian angel protecting him at every step. If it wasn't for the baby moving around so much and not cooperating at our 20 week ultrasound, this issue with the amniotic fluid would have never been disccovered. As much as I don't wish that we have this issue to face - I'm thanking God that we found out when we did.

So with all that said, I'm on bedrest and go every week for ultrasounds and doctor consults to keep tabs on the situation and decide the best course of action for that week. I'm very thankful we found our doctor and that she is looking at our case on an individual basis and treating me with the utmost compassion and understanding. Please keep praying for our baby and thank you so much for all the prayers from everyone already.