Tuesday, April 28, 2015

26 Weeks

Once again, I have gone MIA from this blog. I wish I could tell you it's because I've been whisked away in a happy pregnant bliss, nesting to my heart's content, and enjoying everything there is about pregnancy. Unfortunately, things have been very difficult and the pregnancy is not going so well. It has been full of surprises...

***Warning: high risk pregnancy update***

Let's start with the happy surprise. We learned at another anatomy scan that our little ninja babe is NOT a boy... IT'S A GIRL!!! Apparently, it was too soon to tell at our 16 week scan, and the doctors got it wrong! What a surprise! Not to sound cliché, but, truly, boy or girl, it doesn't matter to us as long as the baby is healthy. Either way is a blessing!


Unfortunately, during the anatomy scan the doctors also discovered a few complications with the baby. Our little girl has congenital heart disease, more specifically a hyperplastic aortic arch and a ventricular septal defect, and will require surgery after birth. There are a few other complications, but I don't want to get into them here. Thankfully, we were told that the surgeries would give our baby a very hopeful prognosis. 
This diagnosis came back in March at 18 weeks. It took us some time to adjust to and accept the situation, but we figured that things would be tough for a while, but we'd get through it. 

Then when we returned for another ultrasound at 24 weeks, we found out that the baby's condition was a lot worse. She has fluid in her belly, and the amniotic fluid was very low. Why this was happening, no one could be sure. I was not leaking fluid, and I had no signs of preterm labor. Due to the baby's heart condition, she would not survive if she were delivered until at the earliest 28 weeks. At the present moment, there are no interventions we can do but wait. 

The next week, we found that there is now no amniotic fluid. This is very concerning, and presents several risks to the baby: lung development, muscle tone, joint constriction, and the chance of fetal demise. I am paying close attention to the baby's movements & am to report to the hospital if I don't feel her move after a few hours... It has been extremely unnerving to say the least. 

Thankfully, the baby has been moving regularly, and somehow we are managing to keep our heads. We are preparing for a delivery as early as 28 weeks (May 12th) and no later than 34 weeks (June 23rd). We are praying that our little ninja survives the pregnancy, and when she is born that she is ready for a fight. I believe in my heart that she is a fighter. We are doing our best to stay positive and healthy. 

10 comments:

  1. It's nice to hear your voice again. Not a day goes by that we aren't praying for your little lady.

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  2. Oh Run- I can't even imagine how stressful it has been for you! I have been wondering how it is all going and hoping you and the baby were well. I'm sure you have a little fighter there and will be wishing you all the best as you move closer to her birth. Doctors can do so many amazing things these days and the NICU's are amazing. Best of luck xoxo

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  3. I have been checking your blog and have been wondering about your little ninja. So so sorry to hear about the difficulties. Will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

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  4. Sending so much love to your family. I'm so sorry you guys are going through this, but if your little ninja is anything like her beautiful mother, you know she's a fighter. Take care of yourself. Always rooting for you <3

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  5. I've been thinking about you and wondering how you were doing. I'm so sorry. It doesn't seem fair that you have to deal with this, but I also believe your little girl is a fighter. Keeping you in my prayers and hoping for nothing but good news from this point on!

    (JBDamonM - from the days of the bump :)

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  6. Hoping ninja princess keeps her ninja kicks going inside to strengthen up for her fight on the outside. Will be keeping all three of you in my thoughts these next few months. If she's like her momma she's already one hell of a fighter.

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  7. I love you, Cici, and am always saying prayers to sweet baby girl. LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU!!!

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  8. Always always sending love and prayers to you and your beautiful little girl <3

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  9. Every time I hear Fight Song I think of you and R.

    "This is my fight song
    Take back my life song
    Prove I'm alright song
    My power's turned on
    Starting right now I'll be strong
    I'll play my fight song
    And I don't really care if nobody else believes
    Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me"

    Love you to the moon and back.

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