24 Weeks & Doc Update

Doctor Update:
We had our 24 week appointment today and we were there from 3:30-6:30!! Whoa, the price you pay for an in-demand, excellent doctor. We first had our cervical check and biophysical ultrasound. This is to check to make sure my cervix isn't shortening(something it does before dilating) and then to check to make sure Jaxson is growing properly(due to complications that could arise from my Factor V). Thankfully, Jaxson is measuring right on and is estimated to weight 1.25 lbs. It was nerveracking though because as the tech was checking my cervical length he could see I was having a contraction and what it did to my cervix! I've never seen this on ultrasound so I was extremely nervous when I could see an opening on the inside of the cervix. Luckily, he said I was good to go and that it was normal as long as fluid did not get inside the opening and therefore causing an incompetent(sp?) uterus. None the less it put me on edge. My cervix is holding strong and although it shorten from 4.5cm a month ago to 3.9 today Dr. B said I have an extra long cervix and anything about 3 is considered good.

The further along we get the more nervous I get at these appointments. Mainly because I know if Jaxson doesn't grow and the ultrasounds that we receive show this our world is turned upside down and is changed. I'm thankful for the technology to constantly check on our baby but at the same time it can become stressful during the appointments. I know I'm lucky to have so many ultrasounds as most women only get one or two but sitting there waiting to see if your baby is growing ok isn't all that great and exciting. Each time I hold my breath during the measurments and quickly scan the numbers to make sure he's not behind.

We then waited to see Dr. B. I knew I had grown this month but boy have I!! I gained 7 pounds this month!!! SEVEN...I'm still right on track considering I had only gained 3 prior to this month so I've gained 10 total but I definitely don't want to continue this month's trend. So I will begin to start eating more fruits and less sweets! I also blame Gristmill for part of those 7 pounds :) My blood pressure was great and Dr. B got the FFN test and we should know the results of that Monday or Tuesday. This will be the decision maker on whether I stay up right or if I need to become horizontal. We also talked in depth about Brody and his transition to becoming a big brother. This struck emotions with me that I didn't realize were there. She brought up some very good points that his life will be changing a great deal when Jaxson comes and how important routine will be for him. I almost started crying when she began to talk about him being upset or mad or clingy towards me because of jealousy issues. Although I don't think we wil have these problems with Brody, I know it's a possibility and it will break my heart if he becomes upset with us or if he thinks in anyway we won't love him as much. I know this is probably my hormones talking and he won't even think this way but it's definitely makes me want to soak up as much time as I can with it just being us three right now.

I go back in 4 weeks for my glucose test and another biophysical ultrasound for growth.

Here's Jaxson's 24 week development:
This week your baby's crown-to-rump length is around 8.4 inches and your baby will weigh approximately 1.2 pounds. Although it weighs a little over a pound at this point, your growing baby is still tiny. Your uterus can easily be felt 1.5 to 2 inches above your bellybutton. The fetus does not appear to have much room in the uterus anymore, but as your pregnancy progresses, space gets much tighter! Because your uterus is expanding and putting a great amount of pressure on your abdomen, you might get stretch marks. Your weight gain may also be taking a toll on your body at this point. Many pregnant women experience backaches, bladder problems, sore feet and fatigue that affect their daily routines. You might also have some nasal stuffiness or nosebleeds. Your baby's face is basically complete now. The fetus's eyes are close together on the front of his face and they are still shut. Your baby's ears have moved into their final position on the sides of his head. Where they are now is where they will be when your baby is born! Hair will continue to grow on his scalp and his eyelashes are well developed. Most of your baby's features look the same as they will at birth. Because your growing baby is getting plumper, he no longer has room in your tummy to do cartwheels and somersaults.

This week also marks VIABILITY! This means that if Jaxson were to come now he would have a 40% chance of survival. I'm so thankful this is not the case but thankful for the technology and skills of doctors and nurses who could give babies a chance if that were to happen!

I will update with the results of the FFN test when I hear from the doctor next week