The test results are in and the doctor has diagnosed cholestasis. From the American Pregnancy Association website: "Cholestasis of pregnancy is a condition in which the normal flow of bile in the gallbladder is affected by the high amounts of pregnancy hormones. Cholestasis is more common in the last trimester of pregnancy when hormones are at their peak, but it usually goes away within a few days after delivery."
I have transferred my care to the specialists and for the next few weeks will spend two days a week in Woodbury doing a biophysical profile on baby. This includes an ultrasound checking amniotic fluid, his movements, tone, and practice breathing. Then they monitor his heart rate for 20-40 minutes. As long as baby is happy I will go until about week 37 (around the first week of June) and do an amniocentesis to check the amniotic fluid to make sure baby's lungs are mature. As soon as he is ready to breathe on his own they will induce labor. I will be delivering at United in St. Paul.
I am not sleeping well and the itching is maddening. Hopefully the medication they prescribed will help a bit. This is definitely not the "short labor and water birth" that I had hoped for. With Jacob my water broke at home, we labored with our doula, headed to the hospital, and within a total of eight hours and no drugs, Jacob was here safe and sound. The process over the next few weeks is going to be a bit more challenging on many different levels but we are so thankful that they are keeping a close eye on him. I have a high school friend that has dealt with this with two of her pregnancies and she was blessed with two healthy babies. It was reassuring corresponding with her and nice to have someone empathize with the crazy symptoms.
That is the latest from here. My first appointment is on Friday and away we go. Baby will be here before we know it!
Thanks for checking in and now I shall attempt a nap.
3 comments:
Hi Nikki...
Sorry to hear that...
As always you sound very positive and ready to do what is necessary with no drama (you know me, I am a bit of a drama queen...).
I have you always in my thoughts and I really hope everything works as smoothly as possible!
It is a pity we didn´t manage to visit you all before, I guess we´ll wait for the new one to arrive!
Keep us posted whenever you get a chance.
Love,
Pat
Oh Nikki....Thinking of you! I, too, had to be monitored closely with both of my babies, have twice weekly BPP's, etc. And I know how that goes, not having the delivery you had planned on. I had to be induced with Evie, had a long labor, and ended up with a c/s. SO not the plan I had hoped for! But as you know, the end result is worth it. Will be praying everything goes smoothly!!
Prayers and thinking of you!
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