Snags in happiness

It has been a very crazy last few weeks.  I'm going to start from the beginning. 

Back at my July 12th OB appointment, I asked the doctor if I could be leaking amniotic fluid because I had just felt wet.  The doctor assured me that I was fine, but he never actually checked. 

Coming home from my grad class on August 3rd, I just felt an increase in the amount of fluid I had been feeling.  After doing a little reading on the internet and in books, we did an at home test to see if it was likely to be amniotic fluid.  The at home test came back positive.

On August 4th, first thing, the doctor's office instructed me to go to Labor and Delivery.  After an ultrasound, they found that my amniotic fluid index (AFI) was extremely low, a 5.  Average is 8-18.  I was admitted into the hospital on bed rest, a lot of fluids, and a heavy dose of antibiotics.  This was, without a doubt the most scary moment and subsequent days of my life.  It was also the saddest as this condition poses a significant health risk to our baby.  Luckily, our baby still had a strong heart beat consistent with what it had been.

On August 5th, I remained in the hospital, now on complete bed rest (as in can not get up) and in trendelenburg's position (where you are on a flat incline with your feet higher than your head).  After a long, lonely, scary night with a nurse who was more pessimistic than helpful, my AFI had risen to 8.  This day was filled with tests.  They performed a ferning test (where they take a sample and observe it on a slide under a microscope).  This came back negative for amniotic fluid.  They checked dilation and I was not dilated at all.  They also did an amnio screen (kind of like a panty liner that checks for amniotic fluid).  I was positive on this.  Although the leak was still there, they were pretty sure it was healing. 

The AFI was checked again on the morning of August 6th, and it had risen to 9.7.  This was going better than we had expected!  They removed the IV and prepared me to go home.  I went home around 7p.m. that evening. 

At home, I was put on flat bed rest where I could be at no more than a 2 pillow incline - even to eat.  I was allowed to walk down the stairs to lay on the sofa once per day.  I was to wear special support socks to prevent blood clots and to drink 80 ounces of water per day.

Our families and friends came together to take care of us, bringing us meals and things to do.  We are very lucky to have so many wonderful people surrounding us. 

Part of my monitoring is to see the maternal fetal medicine doctor at Sinai.  I went on August 13th, but felt like I left with more questions than I went in with.  They refused to determine an AFI, saying it was too early (I was 1 day shy of 19 weeks).  This just perplexed me because Carroll hadn't hesitated.  They did perform another ferning test and it remained negative.

Because we left with so many questions, I scheduled an appointment with my regular OB for Tuesday, August 17th.  She checked the heartbeat and it was a strong 150.  My fundal height (from pelvic bone to top of uterus) was 19 cm and change - right where it should be.  She put me on modified bed rest.  Basically everything remains the same except I'm allowed to move around the house some and sit up.  I also don't have to wear the tight socks anymore.  Sitting up to eat and taking off those awful socks were the best parts!  I still can not go back to work, drive, or go anywhere other than doctor appointments.  The doctor believes that the leak is healing/mostly healed and that with some rest, it might just close all the way.

We have our next Sinai scan on September 1st.  Hopefully everything stays on track. 

We're 20 weeks and 1 day today.  That seemed so far away just 3 weeks ago.  We're feeling more movement from our little one - it feels more purposeful - like an arm or leg, head or butt. 

Please continue to keep our little family in your prayers.  We've been fortunate and blessed, and we hope to keep our little one cooking for another 20 weeks!   

Jillian and Andrew's Wedding

On July 17th, one of our very best friends married the love of her life.  We were lucky enough to be there to share the day with them. 

I met Jillian during our freshman year at Hood where we lived in the same hallway.  Along with her roommate Joanna, the three of us were inseperable.  We lived close to each other for all 4 years, adding (my) Andrew more permanently into the mix during our Junior year. 

Jillian met (her) Andrew online and he's just perfect for her!  They were married at Gramercy Mansion.  It was a beautiful day - complete with a beautiful setting and a beautiful bride!  Here are some pictures from their special day:

Jillian pushing Andrew on the swing

Jillian's bridesmaids

Entire bridal party (that's me on the left!)

First dance

Jillian's grandparents - who had been married the longest

Dancing (that's us in the front!)