'High Risk'

Well I had my Doctor's appointment this morning and baby is well and growing fine. But I did learn that, as I had suspected, my placenta is now completely covering the opening to the uterus. So I officially have placenta praevia and am now considered a 'High Risk' pregnancy.
I assumed that when I was given that diagnosis, I wouldn't really be shocked or upset, and for a few moments I wasn't.

The first thing the doctor told me was 'absolutely no sex', and I was like - seriously? And yep she was totally serious. They don't even do internal exams because you don't want to disturb the cervix in any way. Okay. I can deal with that. We talked about the likelihood of having a cesarean if the placenta doesn't move away from the cervix. I knew about that already and it didn't faze me. And then she started talking about the catastrophic effects that a bleed could result in and then the tears started.

I know that the likelihood of everything being just fine is almost a definite. The placenta even has lots of time to move up still as my uterus grows. (I am only 23 weeks) I also know that all the worrying in the world won't make anything the least bit better, it is out of my hands. But I am still feeling a bit out of sorts, a bit frightened by the possibilities. I know what it is to be on the wrong side of statistics. 1 in 100 chance of something going wrong, doesn't sound so good to me anymore. With Kalila I had a 1 in 200 chance of something being wrong and she died. Odds are not comforting to me.

Tomorrow I will be back to being optimistic and assured that all will be okay, already I have been able to continually keep letting go of my fears and give them to God. Because I know that whatever happens, He will be holding me in His arms, carrying me through, just as He always has.

My doctor was very concerned that I am a stay at home mom with 4 kids. She told me that if I worked she would put me on leave, but I don't get leave from being a mom. She kept stressing the need for me to take it easy, not take it easy compared to my normal life, but TAKE IT EASY. She wanted to know what kind of help I can get at home etc.

I am not really sure how to incorporate 'taking it easy' into my life. So I won't be helping my hubby move 2 tonne loads on a hoist across the driveway again like I did last week. (scary to me now!) I won't help with the renovations, I will even get someone else to haul the laundry up and down the stairs. But what about picking up my preschoolers? My daughter is still in a crib and needs help getting in her carseat. My 4 year old loves me to carry him to bed and now I have to explain to him that I am not allowed to do that anymore. I guess we will figure all that stuff out, in the grand scheme of things that is all small stuff.

I can't tell you how relieved I was to hear that baby is fine and growing, in fact, baby is measuring a week ahead right now. This is good, because when the placenta is low it doesn't get as optimum nourishment as it does in the blood rich top of the uterus. So later in the pregnancy it can affect baby's growth. I had been a bit concerned about baby's heart as the tech spent so much time looking at it and in the previous u/s they couldn't see it properly. But its heart looks perfect.

So I realize that all of this is fairly common and usually all is well, right now I am just processing all the new developments and how they affect my life and my near future. And praying that all will be well.

Comments

  1. I'm right there wtih you, babe. I had a 0.125% chance of my daughter dying the way she did last July. But she did. And it doesn't matter how likely it is that it WON'T happen - the reality is that it DID, and so the odds don't offer much reassurance. I so relate. And I'm due just a week behind you this time. Hang in there!

    On another note, my sister-in-law had placenta praevia that completely resolved itself. She had a normal vaginal delivery. Don't underestimate what God can do!

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  2. Oh, I am so thinking of you. I think it is great to learn that the baby is doing well. You, mommy, just have to take care of you. Do you have friends/family nearby that can come over and help out here and there so that you get some rest?

    I'm not one for odds--odds don't know me . . .

    Take care--you!

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  3. Hugs! I know it does no good to tell you not to worry but...I can't help it! I'll be praying...more!

    I Love coming here and seeing home many days you have left to go:)

    oh and I'll come and help you early if you need me too, just lmk.

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  4. I'll be praying for you too!
    (((hugs)))

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  5. I'll be saying prayers for you and the wee one.

    *hugs*

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  6. Oh, I'm so sorry.
    I can only imagine how scary it all is, and how it weighs on your heart constantly.
    I can also only imagine how it's going to be with the changes at home with the other kiddos, and how frustrating that may be for all of y'all!

    I'm sorry. And still excited about that baby you're grownin'!

    I'd hug you if I could!

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  7. Oh Kristen, I am so sorry and a little frightened for you. I wish I could be there, to help out with the kids, at least until that pesky placenta moves up and away!

    Keep thinking positive thoughts, and please do try to take it easy. Every little thing you can do in that regard counts. Stay strong, my friend!

    Heidi

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  8. I am so sorry. I know that has to be so scary. My sister in law also had a low placenta and her son turns 1 in June. Still, we were all scared and worried until he was born. I hope it naturally moves up, and I also hope your little ones will understand about the temporary changes to their schedules.

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  9. LOTS OF HUGS AND BEST WISHES.

    It is difficult news to take and understand. My best firend had the same thing and all worked out.

    Try to take it easy as much as you can. Take care of yourself.

    Sending you lots of love and support.

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  10. I'm so sorry that you are having to worry and think about the what ifs....just do your best to take it easy and let others help you out. That is fabulous news that the baby is looking good and growing well!! Please take care of yourself....sending you big warm hugs.

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  11. I completely get what you mean! I once heard a woman say that she didn't care one iota if the odds are only 1 in a million if her daughter was THAT ONE. So you are right, all we CAN do is put our trust in God that whatever happens is His will AND that He intends it for our good. That second part is what I still struggle to grasp. I will pray for you, for comfort, for help with all the physical activity (just hearing "take it easy" would send me into a panic with several kiddos), and of course, for precious baby. He loves you all.

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  12. Trust that everything is going to work out just fine though. Really try to take it easy and do exactly what the doctor ordered. Get all the help you can, enlist friends and neighbors if that's a possibility. It's just a short while until you'll be full term.
    I've also heard of many accounts where the placenta moved and everything worked out just like normal, hope that happens for you.

    Bigs hugs and prayers for you.

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  13. I'm so glad to hear that the baby is doing so well. You need to TAKE IT EASY. I know when I was pregnant and my Mom and sister and friends would tell me to take it easy, I would say that I would and then I'd go and do stupid things like moving a couch across the room or climbing on a ladder. You need to TAKE IT EASY!!!

    Take care- Kellan

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  14. You and the baby will be in my prayers.

    I had placenta previa with my last pregnancy and it fully resolved itself before I had my daughter at 32 weeks. I will pray that yours will resolve itself as well. And in the meantime, take the advice of the doctor and take it easy (as much as you can at least). *hugs*

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  15. Hugs to you. Do take the doctor's advice. I'll pray for you. Sending good positive waves to you right now.

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  16. You're right. All of those things are small int he great scheme of things and your kids will understand. They usually have a way of rising to the occasion and surprising us.

    You know you're in my thoughts and prayers, Kristen. You and your baby are in God's hands, honey.

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  17. my heart just goes out to you. I wish I could help in some way.
    I will be praying for you

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  18. I'm sending you all kinds of supportive thoughts you cute woman.

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