Mommys Peanut: January 2012

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Good News! Placenta on the move...

Okay so it's been awhile since I posted an update. Aside from having a really bad cold right now, things are doing alright. I've had zero spotting.

The good news is, I went to my ultrasound and the next day the nurse called me to say that my placenta is moving. However, they didn't take measurements or anything. It was really hard to get a good look because the baby's head is in the way.

On that note, she was already in birthing position as of 27 weeks. That's quite early to be in that position. Her head was so low into my pelvis that they had to push her up in order to do a trans-vaginal scan. But everything else seemed okay.

I've gained a couple more pounds and am at my pre-pregnancy weight officially. Some of it is water weight and it comes and goes, but I'm gaining at a healthy ratio now. Over the next few weeks I should gain quite a bit of weight. I may not. But at least being at this mark, I will most certainly gain at least the minimum 8 pounds required for a women who started off over 20lbs overweight.

So the movement of the placenta means they're ruling out the more dangerous of complications, accreta. At 29 1/2 weeks, if I were to go into premature labor, there would likely be few complications to the baby. Me on the other hand, until total resolution, bleeding may still be a risk. Still, I'm relieved that the baby's chances have improved and that accreta is ruled out.

If the placenta moves enough out of the way in the next 10 weeks, then I won't need to have a C-Section. I'm rooting for a natural birth so go team peanut.

Otherwise, I'm still taking it easy. I missed my last OB appointment because I was sick. And so I spoke to a covering doctor just to get some lab results but I still have to wait until my next appointment to really get the scoop.

My next appointment is February 7th. So I'll keep you all posted :)

Update: 29.5 Weeks

Baby is about 15 inches long and weight around 2.5 lbs.
She can now respond to pain and show obvious pleasure. When I eat something sweet, it may influence the flavor of the fluid she's swallowing. So she may swallow more or grin.
Her eyes can move around in their sockets and she may be able to follow a light pointed at my belly. No pointing one of those dot things at me.
Her feet are over 2 inches long.
Hair on the head can grow and if she's going to have pre-birth hair, it can be clearly visible, textured and colored.
She can dream while she's sleeping and brainwave scans show REM sleep.
By the end of the week, she should be able to breath air with little assistance. If born this week, there is over a 90% chance of survival; although complications could still occur, they grow less likely.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Update: 26 Weeks

Aloha!

This is the last week of the second trimester. Next week marks the beginning of the third and final trimester. 13 weeks to go from here.
Baby measures around 14 inches, weighs between 1.75 and 2 pounds and is about the size of a small pinapple. (So that's why my back hurts.)
Her spine is becoming stronger, allowing her to extend her body and push against my internal organs, resulting in all kinds of fun pains in my kidneys, bladder and occasionally making me almost pee myself. #TMI
Her feet are formed, around 2 inches long and have toe prints.
The eyes are developed now and can partially open and perceive light more clearly than before with eyes closed. Shining a flashlight on my belly may make her move around. This may also make my foot move around to your behind. :)
Brain wave patterns resemble those of a full term baby at birth. That means she is already determining if you're a douchebag and/or moron.
The fetus makes breathing movements, but there is no air in the lungs yet - duh. But it's cute none the less.
The fetal brain scan will show response to touch. Touching and playing with the baby is possible now, as they may respond to your touch through your belly wall. First person to tickle me loses a finger.