This past Thursday was my first meeting with the MFM. I had a full on anatomy scan to go with the growth scan, and they also checked my cord flow from the placenta to the baby, and my amniotic fluid levels.
Dr. C is awesome. He says that the most likely cause for the IUGR is my unicornuate uterus (as expected). My fluid levels are normal, blood flow to baby looks good, no markers for TORCH infections, no hypertension or diabetes, and completely normal-looking anatomy (so low risk for a chromosomal issue). I am relieved that everything looks good, but at 30w4d she weighs 2lb 12oz, which is the 3rd percentile. She’s incredibly small. The biggest risk here is stillbirth, which he says is a very small risk since I will be monitored so closely. I hope that’s true.
The plan is for me to have twice weekly non-stress tests (NST), once weekly ultrasounds to measure the flow to the baby from the umbilical cord, and to check my amniotic fluid levels, and every other week growth scans/appointments with him. He says even if she doesn’t grow, as long as everything still looks normal we plan for an induction at 37 weeks. He also said that if things still look good at 37 weeks we can discuss pro-longing the pregnancy. I am also able to try delivering vaginally if the baby stays head down (I think she will stay head down since I’m pretty sure she had no room to turn). However, IUGR babies tend to get stressed during labor so I may end up needing a c-section anyway.
I have had 2 scheduled NST’s so far and she passed both of them. For the first one I had contractions registering every 1-5 minutes the whole time, and I could even feel them all. I also went into labor and delivery last night because the baby had reduced movements all day. Luckily everything looked great on the NST there and she is moving back to normal today. I also had a few mild contractions I couldn’t feel. Apparently that’s my new normal.
So how am I feeling after all of this? Honestly, I’ve been a bit of a mess. I’m incredibly scared that my body will be unable to continue growing her and I’ll give birth to a tiny baby with a whole host of problems. I don’t think I could forgive myself if that happens. I just keep wondering if it was selfish for me to try carrying a pregnancy with this known uterine anomaly. But then I have to remind myself that we don’t know the outcome, and we took a calculated risk. I am just hoping for the best.
Thank you to everyone for your support. If all goes well I get to meet my little girl in about 6 weeks. I am so excited (and scared). A year ago, I could have never fathomed that.
randomrj09 
I can imagine the whole thing is very stressful (no one wants to hear a risk of stillbirth. Eeeeek) but it sounds like you are getting some great care from people who are used to doing all this. Just keep going into L&D if there are reduced movements. Who cares if it is every day even. Whatever keeps you sane and able to get to the end. She will be fine even if she is tiny. They are very good at looking after new tiny babies these days. I even see premise bubs getting to come home from hospital before their due date which used to be unheard of. They really do such a great job and getting those babies everything they need. Hugs. Hope this time passes swiftly with as few freak outs as possible for you guys xx
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Glad everything is looking pretty good so far and she’s not stressed at all. I hope she continues to grow, even if she’s a little slow. I wouldn’t blame yourself for anything, you’ve done nothing wrong! The drs will keep you both safe and make sure things are progressing, and step in if they need to. I’ll be thinking of you lots over the next weeks, as we’ll both be visiting our drs tons! Fingers crossed we both have perfect littles to cuddle in a couple months!
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I can’t imagine how stressful this is. You are doing great. One day at a time 🙂 sending so many good thoughts your way.
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Definitely scary stuff. Every day cooking counts! I know the feeling of worrying about bab(ies) coming out early and possibly having health issues but all you can do is take care of yourself and hope for the best!!! You’re almost there!
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I have been seeing the MFM for my pregnancy and they are so reassuring, I am sure that everything will go as planned and you will end up delivering later than 37wks. Good luck 🙂
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I will be thinking of you. I have been up all night with my 5.5 week old that won’t sleep, but – as I read your post – I just hugged him a little tighter and kissed his sweet head. You’ll get here. We are the lucky ones and I have faith that the weeks will fall away and then your little one will arrive in your arms. It’s al worth it in the end (as I know you know already!)…much heartache leads to much gratitude. Hugs!
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Wishing you the best of luck. It must be a terribly stressful time, but hopefully it will all be wonderful in a few weeks. Sending you hugs. X
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Sounds like you have some really great support. It must be really scary but sounds like you’re coping really well. I hope the six weeks hurry up so you can be holding your little one and putting this awful stress behind you xo
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Not selfish AT ALL! So get that thought out of your head! I know you are really scared, but if MFM says that all looks good, trust him/her. She will have plenty of time to grow once she gets here! Some of my in-laws have had small babies, 3 lbs, and none of them have any issues. Only needed to stay a little longer to gain some weight. The important thing is that she is still safe inside you, she is getting everything she needs from you, even if you don’t think so, all of her organs and everything are functioning properly and developing as they should.
I know it is impossible to not worry, so I really hope these next 6 weeks fly by while your little one continues to thrive. Keep doing what you are doing, you are doing a fantastic job. I’m sure everything will be perfect here in a few weeks! Praying for you and LO.
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I can only imagine how stressful this is on you. Im sorry. Please know u are doing all u can for your girl, and so are the doctors. I will be praying for you and looking for your updates. Sending love
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There are no right or wrong answers. I definitely get why you feel the way you do. All you can do is put your best foot forward and hope for the best.
My thoughts are with you.
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I can’t imagine how scary it is for you, but I’m glad to see things seem to be going as well for your little one and that their is a good plan in place. Definitely not selfish to want to bring her into the world! One day at a time and hopefully things go smoothly from here.
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I am glad to hear that, although she’s small, everything else looks great. Take it one day at a time, and it seems all the doctors are on top of this so if anything changes you will know right away. Sending you lots of good thoughts
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You couldn’t have known before how much your womb would stretch. So of course it’s not selfish, and you shouldn’t put so much pressure on yourself. You did everything in your control to have a healthy pregnancy. But I understand the messy feelings of hope and guilt. I’m glad she’s passing the non-stress tests and hope she will be healthy and in your arms in 6 weeks. Thinking of you and sending you lots of love and strength. Hang in there
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I definitely don’t think your selfish or should feel guilty ( although I know that is easier said than done). Praying little Miss stays well and growing. Big hugs to you!
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