This pregnancy has required a lot of prayers and this post it to basically remind my sweet husband, why I WILL NOT BE GETTING PREGNANT AGAIN. (Did you notice the change in my tone? I hope he did.) Don't get me wrong, I love my babies, and I will endure all of the trouble it takes to get them here. But, my sugar better PRAY it doesn't happen.
This is a run down of the medical fun we have endured these last 8 months. Thanks to the many websites that have helped to explain just how "fun" it has been.
Week 10- Subchorionic Hematoma - Info provided by: whattoexpect.com
How common is it? A good 20 percent of pregnant women will experience some kind of bleeding early in pregnancy, though it’s often hard to tell what’s causing the problem. Subchorionic hematomas are even harder to pick up because they don’t always result in noticeable spotting or bleeding, especially when they’re small... Here’s the encouraging news: More than half of women who bleed during their first trimester go on to have perfectly healthy pregnancies. But because subchorionic hematomas have been linked to increased risk of placental abruption and preterm labor, you don’t want to ignore signs of spotting or bleeding.
The ER doctors at the BASE only found one, but he said it was an extremely large one. He told me to take it easy and to be on bed rest, as much as possible while still being a full-time mom. He said that most will dissolve by week 20, but there is no way to help them go away. Just rest, rest, rest.
Prayers being said that I can be a good mom and good wife, while being down to help this baby to stay here.
Week 15 - Cervical Cerclage - Info provided by: everydayhealth.com
Cervical cerclage is the placement of stitches in the cervix to hold it closed. In select cases, this procedure is used to keep a weak cervix (incompetent cervix) from opening early. When a cervix opens early, it may cause preterm labor and delivery. If you have an incompetent cervix, your doctor may recommend cervical cerclage.
I knew this procedure would have to be done, since my boy Jack tried to come at week 24 when he was in my tummy. His procedure constituted an "Emergency Cerclage." The result of having it, placed me on bed rest for 12 weeks. This was a struggle since I already had baby girl running around the house.
Very optimistic about this procedure, I was sure I could have the cerclage placed without forcing me to be on bed rest, at all. Or maybe, less time then the 12 dreadful weeks I was down with Jack boy. It was a preventative procedure, so that should be the case, right?
Wrong. During my procedure, I contracted. This was bad because it caused my once "extremely large" hematoma I had in week 10, to now double in size. My optimism quickly disappeared because now I would be officially down from week 15 to week 36. That's an extra 9 weeks, from what we went through with Jack. Argh.
Thank you Kelly for being a sweet primary child and taking care of me.
Prayers being said more concerned about somehow managing to be a good mom and a good wife, while officially being down. Prayers being said for the amount of help needed and the lessons I would have to learn to let others help.
Week 16 - Base check-up
Conversation with my new OB.
Me - "So I am a little about where I need to be going in case anything goes wrong with this pregnancy. I am not sure what is covered through our military insurance but I was told last week to go to the emergency room because of complications during my procedure. Which ER should I go to?"
Dr. - "Why wouldn't you come to the base?"
Me - "Well, do you guys have a high risk Dr. that would be able to help me out or even a NICU for the baby?"
Dr. - (Bothered greatly by my question - one I thought was logical) No we don't, but the baby isn't even viable until week 24 so why would it matter?"
I have felt really comfortable in their hands since that monumental display of tact and bedside manner.
Prayers being said.
Week 20 - Trisomy 18 - Info provided by: everydayhealth.com and webmd.com
Trisomy 18 is a genetic condition related to the presence of an extra chromosome 18 caused by a problem that occurs when cells divide in the egg, sperm, or fertilized egg. The extra chromosome causes the fetus to develop abnormally with a number of physical and mental problems.
Trisomy 18 is also called Edward's syndrome. It is the second most common trisomy condition. (Down syndrome is the most common.) A fetus with trisomy 18 has three copies of chromosome 18 in each cell.
Many fetuses with trisomy 18 do not survive to birth, but some are born and live a couple of months to a couple of years. Babies born with trisomy 18 can have heart and kidney problems, a small head with low-set ears, a chest with an unusual shape, and crossed legs. They also have severe intellectual disability.
On November 17, I had an in depth ultra sound with the High Risk Doctor. The tech was very thorough and let me know everything that she was seeing looked great. Then, she became silent. While looking intensely at the brain, she seemed to become more reserved. She then began to observe baby girl's hands and feet very closely. I didn't think anything about it at the time, but I do remember recognizing her sudden change in behavior. When she left the Dr. came in and had the same look I remember seeing on his face when I first met him with Jack. (He placed the emergency cerclage with Jack.)
He told me that there is a cyst on the babies brain. This cyst is something that can be directly related to Trisomy 18. He said that it is very common to find and in most cases, completely dissolves on it's own by the time of the next ultrasound. (Just like the hematoma I had that was NOT doing any such thing as dissolving.) "Don't worry. We will do blood work to rule it out, but just in case it is, you need to be aware that this perfectly healthy baby may not survive through the 3rd trimester or only live about a week. But again, this is very common to see, and we should not be worried about it at this point."
I remained calm and thought positive. I did the blood work and would have to wait a week and a half to hear back, (Much longer than usual but it was Thanksgiving week and all, so the lab would be unable to get the results back sooner.) That afternoon, I did a little research and figured out why the ultrasound tech was so interested in my babies hands and feet.
Babies with trisomy 18 are often born very small and frail. They typically have many serious health problems and physical defects, including:
- Clenched fists with overlapping fingers that are hard to straighten
- Deformed feet (called "rocker-bottom feet" because they're shaped like the bottom of a rocking chair)
One week and 2 days later, we got the results from the blood work. It was negative for Trisomy 18. It was just as my Dr. had explained, a cyst that would dissolve on it's own. And sure enough, 2 weeks after that ultrasound, the cyst was gone.
Morning snuggle and song to the Baby girl
The power of prayer is real.
Week 22 - Homeopathic Dr. Visit
After communicating with my body, she told me that I was "so out of alignment that it was crazy. You need go off gluten and sugar so tell those Relief Society ladies no more rolls, casseroles, or jello salads for you to eat. Also, get to a chiropractor as soon as possible. No wonder all your organs can't work properly when they are all out place."
Many of you may not believe in homeopathic medicine but after working with this sweet lady 5 years ago to help us get pregnant with Afton, (after going through terrible procedure after procedure with a fertility specialist that told us we would never have children naturally), I would do anything this "witch doctor" told me to do after only 6 short months of listening to her back then. She got us pregnant, along with prayer!
Playing games on my tummy.
Week 26 - Glucose Screening Test - info. provided by diabetes.org
Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before but who have high blood glucose (sugar) levels during pregnancy are said to have gestational diabetes. Based on recently announced diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes, it is estimated that gestational diabetes affects 18% of pregnancies.
I had to take this test, but I knew it wasn't a great idea to do it the week after Christmas, considering we had every sweet treat possible dropped off at our house during the entire month of December. But I wanted to get the test out of the way while my sugar was on Winter Break from school. I figured I had not gained that much weight so far and had never had any diabetic issues with my first two babies, so no big deal right?
A week later, I received a call from a different, much sweeter Dr. than the "Baby's not viable anyway" doctor. One who had felt bad for me at my last check up when she heard I had been down since week 10 basically. She was not excited about sharing the news for the Glucose screening.
Dr. - "I can't explain it. You have barely gained any weight, but test results show that you do in fact have gestational diabetes. We need you to come in for a class, (whispering under her breath) but I know that's a challenge for you since you're supposed to be on bed rest."
I just laughed and scheduled another appointment to have my sister in law drive me to the following week.
Prayers being said that I can do this. I like food.
Having an ultrasound that is extremely detailed, has it's ups and downs. At this appointment, the baby girl was down extremely low, as usual and in her usual spot. They always laughed at how she enjoyed being there. For some reason, as the tech was looking for one of her many requirements, the baby girl wiggled. When she moved, the tech snapped a quick pic and found a SECOND hematoma. Not as large as the first, but still grand in size. No one was worried about it, because it had probably been there the entire time, since I had not had fresh signs of trauma. It just hadn't been noticed because baby girl always blocked it in the ultrasounds.
Prayers being said.
Preschool visit fit in when I could, but always sitting!
Week 32 day 3 - High Risk Appointment
"Your fluid is very low. You need to be on even MORE strict bed rest. You need to drink a gallon and a half a water a day. You need to be monitored twice a week for her heart rate and fluid. If it drops below 5, you're automatically admitted to the hospital with 3 options: baby comes early, hospitalized bed rest, or an IV for a few hours. So, how does that sound?" Says the nice high risk doctor.
Prayers being said that I could increase my fluid intake, increase my horizontal status from my already current state of being down, (Not sure how to do that), and increase my patience as it is wearing thin. I would have to ask for that much more help from my sisters in law, mom, and best friend for these additional appointments along with my husband and mom doing even more for me.
Daddy snuggling in between dental school, cooking, cleaning, and all other responsibilities.
Grandma helping every night!
Week 32 day 4 - Check up at the Base
At this appointment, they were actually going to do something other then just measure my tummy with measuring tape. They had scheduled me for an "ultrasound."
At this point, my experiences with the Mike O'Callaghan Hospital were stellar. To say that I had not been impressed with the hospital would be putting it very mildly. At this visit, it confirmed my desire to NOT want to deliver my baby in their facility.
Actual Conversation -
Nurse: "Well, you get an ultrasound today, but I am sure you are used to those by now, since you have so many issues and what not."
Me: "Yep, I have had a few issues."
Nurse: "Here we go. There is the baby's heart. You can see it pumping right there. It looks great."
Me (Thinking to myself that this image looks more like an ETCH A SKETCH, as opposed to an up to date medical image of the baby's heart): "Uh huh. She has a strong heart. That is good."
Nurse continues to search, and search, and search. Then confused says out loud, "I can't find the head. I know it has one, but I can't find it. I am going to have to call a doctor in to see if they can find the head."
Me: "Okay, you do that."
Doctor: "Hmmmmmm. Where is her head?"
Just to confirm, my baby had a head at that time. She had had one the ENTIRE pregnancy. They just were unable to locate it on their machine. (See why I had reservations about delivering there.)
Prayers being said.
Week 35 day 2 - Check up at the Base
Dr. ________________ - I don't know her name because I had never met her before, comes in and reviews my file. Checks my numbers for my diabetes. Discusses the plan for the upcoming weeks.
Me: "Just to confirm, since this hospital is not equipped with a NICU and also, since you did not place the cerclage, I am to deliver at Sunrise Hospital. Once the cerclage is taken out, which is scheduled in the middle of week 36, then I am to deliver out here at the base, right?"
Doctor: "Yes, that is all correct."
Me: "Okay good."
Doctor: "Your numbers (diabetes) are okay, and not warranting medication at this point so just continue monitoring your diet, ok."
Me: "I can do that."
Prayers being said.
Week 35 day 5 @ 4:45 pm- Phone call from the base
Dr. ___________ (I still don't know her name): "I just wanted to let you know that everything we discussed earlier this week has changed. We have been discussing your file here and we feel that you SHOULD be delivering here on base, because you are our patient. That is as long as you have hit the 36 week point. Also, we would like to put you on medication for the remainder of your pregnancy."
Me: "Spectacular. Thanks again for the conflicting information. Have a great day."
At this point, I am thinking of a way to get my labor started, and fast!!!!!!! Now, I only have 2 days left to save me from the stress of delivering at a hospital where they can't find the babies head, allow me to see an actual doctor who I have seen previously, or give conclusive information.
Later that night, I decided that while my babies were with their daddy at his church basketball game, I would go and walk around Ross and Wal-Mart. I was almost to 36 weeks and it couldn't be that bad to be out for a brief period of time. My rationale was this; I wanted to have maternity pictures taken with my babies loving on my gigantic tummy, and so we needed a few cute new shirts. I also knew we needed diapers, wipes, baby wash, and Desitin. My motives for this walk were NOT AT ALL a last stitch effort to put myself into labor so I could deliver at Sunrise Hospital. (Wink, wink.)
Prayers being said.
Week 35 day 6 @1 am
Me: "Sugar, my tummy feels weird. I think I am having contractions. They are different from the ones with Afton and Jack, but they are increasing. We need to go to the hospital."
My Sugar: "Okay."
@ 2:45 am
Dr. in Labor and Delivery: "Your cerclage is broken. You are at a 2. You are delivering here, today."
Prayers answered.
Jocelyn Claire Westra
March 8, 2014
5 lbs. 13 oz.
17.5 inches
1:52 pm
This whole process was long and challenging. I prayed frequently and fervently. All I wanted ultimately was for my baby girl to get here and be healthy. All the drama that went along with this pregnancy was not needed, but I knew could be overcome. Especially with my Heavenly Father's help. I am finally finishing this blog post that I started way back in November. I have since had our beautiful baby girl, Jocelyn. We have seen the blessings given to us by our loving Heavenly Father. I am grateful for His love and willingness to listen to my constant pleading through prayer. I have a testimony of prayer and am so grateful for the number of prayers that were said on behalf of our little family. Thank you to all of you and to my Heavenly Father.
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