Week 27
Greetings and hello to you all.
Today began Xavier's 27th week! Braving the roads early this morning, I drove Rebecca to her appointment. We arrived only a few minutes late and took advantage of the hospital's valet parking service. Very nice, especially in today's weather!
Today's exam consisted of an ultrasound to measure amniotic fluid, fetal heart rate monitoring, BP measurements on Rebecca and protein tests on mom's urine, plus the added bonus of ironing out an insurance glitch.
Two nurses started the ultrasound exam, but had to eventually find a doctor with more skill. The ultrasound machine was not as precise as ones used in the past, and both nurses had trouble finding fluid pockets. One remarked to the other "I feel there is more fluid there" and the other agreed. The amniotic fluid measured at 11.9 mm. This is smaller than the last measurement a few weeks ago. This may or may not be concerning because of the machine's lesser accuracy and comparing its readings to the readings from more sensitive machines. It will, at least, create a baseline for this style of machine, as it will be used weekly for the non-stress test exam.
Xavier's heart rate ranged from 128 to 155, but generally stayed at 144ish. This, at first glance by Dr Donnelly, was concerning and her comment about the "baby not doing so well" brought a pall into the room. She returned later after comparing the chart with previous charts and decided today's measurements are in line with what they have been and her concern lessened.
As Dr. Donnelly told us the baby's measurements were in line with previous measurements, the heart monitor was still attached to Rebecca. We heard several pops, which I thought was just background noise from the monitor, but Dr Donnelly lit up with a smile. (I like Dr Donnelly. She is very expressive and her thoughts and emotions transmit to her face fluidly. When she is concerned, you feel it from her, but when she is excited about something it jumps across to you. She is the doctor who was so excited about the amniotic fluid being around Xavier's head while his lungs formed) She explained these were not background noise, but hiccups! Xavier was hiccuping! She explained this was a very good thing. It demonstrates his nervous system and reflex system are developing well. This was a great blessing to hear, not only the hiccups, but their meaning. Father gave us a wonderful gift this morning!
Rebecca's heart rate was 136/84, and that's a solidly good place for it to be for this pregnancy. This was after hearing about the insurance glitch and Dr. Donnelly suggesting Xavier's health had taken a turn for the worse (which she recanted that opinion several minutes later)
No protein markers were found in Rebecca's urine. For that we also give thanks. Had protein markers been found, Rebecca would have been checked into the in-patient wing immediately.
The insurance glitch turned out to be a non-event; the hospital's insurance person took care of it without us having to get involved other than to explain to her a couple of facts she didn't know.
While waiting for a prescription to be filled, a friend of ours--Liz, the wife of my good friend and college room mate--saw us and came over to say hello. She was visiting the hospital for follow-up on her recent surgery. She and Rebecca spoke for some time while I waited for the prescription. Liz had a glowing testimony about the hospital and its staff. She also explained how to listen to the various types of doctors we will encounter there. Depending on their position with the hospital, some will have better "people skills" than others, so they will deliver facts, ideas and news better than others. Boy, have we learned that! Now we have another means to better interpret a report based on the doctor being a researcher or a fellow, etc. Thanks, Liz!
Our prayers are still focused on Xavier's growth (I am still saying 100 grams), the health of the placenta and its strength to feed Xavier and fuel his growth, and on Xavier getting more oxygen. We are also praying for an increase in amniotic fluid production, the afore-mentioned points will greatly help this last point.
Thank you all for your prayers. They are producing wonderful fruit, and today they allowed us to hear Xavier hiccup! Great is our God!
Sleep and a Movie
Hello and greetings to you all.
Not much to report today. Rebecca spent the morning sleeping to catch up on the sleep she did not get last night. She slept deeply and had no idea I left for a couple of hours to run errands, nor did the incessant clacking of the dog's nails as she paced over the wood floors or her random barking disturb her sleep. When she did wake, she organized her closets and dresser drawers. To get a change of scenery, we went to a late matinee (Olympus Has Fallen) and were two of six people in the theater. Leaving the theater, Rebecca suggested steak instead of our planned smoked salmon, so we stopped at the grocer on the way home. As I type, Rebecca is sleeping soundly while a news special about Margaret Thatcher plays in the background.
Xavier has been moving quite a bit today. We are greatly encouraged by this and by the growth of mom's belly. No notable weight gain for mom, but we see impressive growth in the shape of mom's tummy. We look forward to week 27 for Xavier!
Tomorrow Rebecca and Xavier have one of their weekly perinatal checkups. The appointment is early in the morning. We are watching a spring storm move into the metro area which is expected to be in full swing Tuesday morning, so that may cause our schedule to change.
The first weekly ultrasound is scheduled for Friday morning. This will not be a "growth" check because of the margin of error in the equipment, but will be looking at Xavier's overall health.
Always, thank you all for your prayers. Strong is our God!
First Sunday Out of the Hospital
Hello to you all.
I needed to get some tax information from the Northern Outpost, so Rebecca and I went north this morning. We made it in time for Liturgy at St. James and got to reconnect with many. Everyone was excited to see Rebecca (it's been four weeks).
After church, we stopped at the Northern Outpost to pick up the documents. It was Rebecca's first time to see the renovations to the house in person. She was pleased with all she saw. She toured the yards and enjoyed the early Spring blooms.
After leaving the Northern Outpost, we dined at Culver's. I highly recommend the triple cheese with bacon! We arrived at the Southern Outpost in time for Rebecca's BP meds, and she was a little tired. We are still trying to balance activity with rest; we're getting better at it.
While Rebecca rested, I broke down the sectional couch (the uncomfortable one) and replaced the longer part with our guest twin bed. Now Rebecca has a place to relax and watch TV. As I write, we are enjoying the 1962 movie "Hatari" from a two-tape VHS set.
Xavier has been quite active, which is always wonderful to hear. We are still praying over Xavier's growth (I'm encouraging him to gain 100 grams by Friday), and we are praying for the placenta that it is strong and healthy and fully able to supply Xavier what he needs.
Thank you all for your prayers. We greatly covet them.
A good friend visits with Rebecca (in red) after Liturgy. This morning was one of Rebecca's favorite services in the Eastern Lenten calendar, so it was a blessing to us we were able attend.
The twin bed setup from the TV's point of view.