Baby #2: 35 Week Pregnancy Update

I hit my 35 week mark a few days ago and went in for my weekly pregnancy check up and ultrasound scan yesterday.  What I thought would be an exciting and routine appointment turned out to be anything but that.

(Get ready for a long post)
Let’s start with the ultrasound findings.

FETAL GROWTH SCAN: The ultrasound found that I am experiencing placenta restriction – when the placenta isn’t providing the baby with the proper nutrition for whatever reason.  She is measuring small – around 5lbs to be exact – which puts her in the 14th percentile of where she should be.  (I was in the 50th percentile around 20 weeks.)  Besides her abdomen measuring small (in the 5th percentile), everything else seemed to check out with her organs developing.  Also, the 2 tests they ran during the ultrasound (biophysical profile to check for the baby’s movement and doppler scan to show blood flow to the baby) were both good (THANK GOD). Luckily, baby has been moving non stop so that’s a great sign.

LABOR/DELIVERY: With all the new findings, my doctor has decided to push my delivery date up to 38 weeks (or earlier depending on the weekly pregnancy appointments and findings), which puts my due date at roughly the end of January.  (That’s in 2 weeks!!!)  I revisit with him at 36 weeks and they will  run the 2 tests again and if it all checks out, I’m good for another week.  However, if my results aren’t perfect (which means baby isn’t growing),  I will be induced.  The risks for complications and/or stillbirth increase the longer I leave the baby in if she isn’t being provided the nutrients she needs to grow properly.  So, waiting until my actual due date (Feb 12th) is completely out of the question. Well, at least I can still have a natural vaginal birth like my original plan, right? Uh…maybe not because….

POSITION OF BABY:  …I also found out yesterday that baby girl is breeched. (Insert tears)  Seriously, this was NOT how I was expecting our appointment to go.  I am pretty sure she’s been breeched for at least a month or two because the nudges have been consistent around my belly button (which I thought was her butt, but turns out it’s been her head)!  So, I am trying everything in my power to flip this baby in the next 2 weeks – if you have tips, please let me know!  I’ve come to terms that having a c-section may be the only option because it’s the safest route, but I have to admit I was really looking forward to carrying out my original plan of having another natural birth like I did with Marli.  But, sometimes God has other plans for us and I know He will take care of us.

FEELING: Anxious, guilty, a little sad, but relieved.  Like I said, I had been looking forward to this appointment for at least a week and I was completely unprepared for the news I received. I have to admit that guilt and sadness consumed me after my appointment because I thought it was something I did or didn’t do to cause all of this. But I know it’s out of my control and I’m just praying she comes out healthy and strong.   It’s ok if she’s on the smaller side and breeched.  Lots of babies are delivered like that every day.  I know I’m in the best hands because my doctor is pretty amazing.  At least I know ALL of this information ahead of time so we’re all prepared for the next step.

CRAVINGS: Sweets and still wanting sushi…my doctor recommended I up my calorie intake even more so I guess I can indulge more these last couple weeks.  I already feel like I’m eating everything in sight, but let’s go ahead and super size everything from here on out 🙂

WEIGHT GAIN:  I’m currently at 159 lbs (1 pound up from last week’s update).  Feeling heavy and tight like my belly is going to pop at any moment.

EXERCISE: Long walks 3-4 times a week after I drop Marli off at MDO and I will start looking for some breech exercises to try.  I actually miss running – can’t believe I just said that. I am looking forward to getting back into my regular workout routine after baby arrives.

SLEEPING:  I’m waking up every hour or so to switch positions because my legs go numb, but I’m not feeling as tired as last week.  I do need my mid-day naps which help a ton.
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EXCITED FOR:  I’m more anxious for next week’s appointment.  I hope everything checks out.  I also re-took my blood work for my platelet count since they were lower than normal last time and my doctor performed the Group B Strep Test to check for bacteria so I’ll find out the results of these at the next appointment.  If my strep test is positive, they will give me antibiotics before I go into labor/delivery.

Praying for a safe pregnancy these last couple weeks and a safe delivery for baby girl when God’s ready for her to meet the world.  It’s crazy how different this pregnancy is to my 1st, but like I posted on my Instagram post,

Still, I know He is in control and am reminded not to fear for “He is always with me. He will strengthen me, help me, and uphold me with His righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
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Thanks so much for following along, sweet friends!
(If you missed my  33-week recap HERE it is.)