Thanks to all of your for checking in on me and for your words of support and encouragement. I'm exhausted from being awake since 4 am, so I'll give you the down and dirty and try to come back later to write about how I'm feeling.
Most importantly, the baby is fine. I think the word "perfect" might have even been used. Bumble is measuring right on track - measurements showed growth measuring anywhere from 16w5d to 17w4d. And Bumble already weighs 6 whole ounces! The specialist said that the skull, spine, and facial structure all look perfectly normal and that everything else looked good too. He'll want to take another look at the heart at 21 weeks, but only because it is too early to get the best view.
The not so good news is that I have placenta previa and a significant bleed in my placenta. Because this puts me at risk for a low-birth weight baby and pre-term delivery, I'll now be monitored by ultrasound every 4 weeks to check on Bumble's growth, the position of the placenta, and any change in the bleeding. He advised me to take it easy and to limit my lifting and bending as much as possible. Bumble is currently breech, although I know that can change. He advised that if my placenta stays where it is, I'm looking at a c-section delivery.
Despite the anxiety that John and I felt this morning, I'm really glad that I had the test done. If I hadn't we might not have found out for another couple of weeks, and now I know that I really need to be careful with my movements and activity. This is especially important considering that I have a show coming up this weekend and that I've been completely obsessed with cleaning over the past week.
I am grateful for the attention that our OB's office has shown us and for how this whole situation was handled. I'm so happy that I'll be monitored extra-closely to watch for any additional problems. John and I both appreciated how detailed and thorough the specialist was in explaining what is happening. I think we're both happy that things make sense - the spotting/bleeding - the abnormal blood results (due to the bleed) - and that we have some answers instead of having to deal with unanswered questions.
Oh, and did I mention that Bumble is a GIRL? We're over the moon - we truly couldn't be happier.
Congratulations on your daughter!!! I wish you a very uneventful pregnancy. Yay for girls!!!!
Posted by: Susan | December 07, 2007 at 03:00 PM
Oh, I KNEW it was a girl!!! Yay!!
And thank goodness that Bumble is measuring spot on - excellent news.
And... Sounds like you couldn't really ask any more of your OB practice.
A good day all around. Take it easy and take care of you and Bumble...
xxx
Posted by: serenity | December 07, 2007 at 04:09 PM
Congrats on your perfect little girl!!
Its a good thing they found the Placenta Previa and as long as its monitored, you really shouldn't worry too much. They will monitor it closely and I'm sure everything will be just fine.
The frustrating part will be not being able to do everything you want to do, both because of energy and just being careful because of your placenta. But you'll be OK. You'll adjust to a new routine.
I am so happy for you - a girl!! yaaaay!!! I'm sure you're exhausted from your emotional roller coaster from the quad screen. With my first pregnancy, even though it came back fine, I stressed SO much I swore Id never do it again. and yet I did do it again because I wanted to know.
You'll feel better in a couple days.
many hugs to you guys!
Posted by: Kelly | December 08, 2007 at 11:07 PM
hey! I would like to add that I said I thought you were having a girl in a comment on 11/28 under your "moving along" post!
I love being right.
=D
gloating (and SO happy for you) total stranger,
-Kelly
Posted by: Kelly | December 08, 2007 at 11:14 PM
hey nikole...just wanted you to know i had a similar diagnosis and a very complicated pregnancy and everything was just fine. i researched a bunch if you need any encouragement i'm happy to share....much peace.
a girl....so very exciting!
Posted by: patience | December 09, 2007 at 10:49 AM
Congratulations Nikole! What great news, and I am so happy to hear you are receiving such good care. Tears of joy for you, John and your daughter!!
Posted by: mollyk | December 09, 2007 at 08:58 PM
oh honey, that is wonderful news!! a little girl!
please continue to take care of yourself; i am happy to hear you are being well looked after and monitored.
keep breathing angel, and focusing on that sweet, sweet girl who is coming soon...
xoxo
Posted by: schmoops | December 09, 2007 at 10:35 PM
I hope all goes as well as possible with the placenta previa.
Congrats on a girl!
Posted by: SaraS-P | December 10, 2007 at 01:44 PM
A little girl! Yay! Just take care of yourself and we'll be cheering you on in the wings! Sending all my best...
Posted by: Megan | December 10, 2007 at 05:06 PM
CONGRATULATIONS and have fun getting ready for Bumble-Girl!! Wish I was there to see you in your new winter coat. Don't worry too much about the PP, my friend had an easy normal birth with it. Just take it easy and let John keep being your hero. xoxoxo
Posted by: Jenny | December 18, 2007 at 05:49 AM