I typed this all to my mom and thought...hey, I wonder if any of Jackson's fans are wondering, "what about the pre-eclampsia with Baby #2?" So, for anyone out there who is interested (or anyone doing a blog search on pre-eclampsia) this is what I know based on my visit to the specialist yesterday:
He didn’t give me a lot of new information, but Soren and I did so much reading the first time around, I didn’t expect too much. There is a 50-70% chance I will go full term with no complications, and a very high percentage I'll go much further than last time. All they can really do is monitor me. It is less likely to occur the second time around with the same mom/dad combo. The theory is that your body figures it out the second time around with the same mix of chromasomes. They’re going to take a “whole bunch” of blood next week and do a 24 hour urine collection to see if I have any “genetic triggers” for pre-eclampsia (good times). I don’t know exactly what these are, but if they are found, may make a case for blood thinner/blood pressure medication.
Going forward, I will start taking my own blood pressure daily starting at 24 weeks. I’ll see my regular ob/gyb every two weeks, and then every week past 24 weeks. I’ll see the specialist every 3 weeks. So basically, a lot of appointments and ultrasounds to monitor the baby's growth.
Unfortunately, there is not much they can do that is preventative. Some studies show taking a small amount of baby aspirin helps, but I can’t do that with the prednisone I'm taking for rheumatoid arthritis. However, pregnancy often relieves the arthritis symptoms, so if I go off the prednisone, I should start the baby aspirin. The best case scenario, if it does happen again is to catch it early before the blood pressure gets to high, and try to control it with medication and/or bedrest to buy time. Assuming no complications, based on the size of the baby, I’ll have a scheduled delivery at no later than 39 weeks. So, "Boo" will most likely make an appearance before Halloween...but hopefully not too much before. That is everything I know.
And here are pictures of the Big Brother being cute. Playing baseball on Easter, reading in his new chair, and cooking for us:
4 comments:
Thanks for all the information. Even though this all boosts our confidence for a wonderful and pleasant pregnancy I, am so grateful that they will keep such a watchful eye on you and Boo (our little pumpkin in waiting). I hope that all these doctor appointments do not wear you out. Let me know if I can be of any help. Thank you for the update. Hugs and Kisses,
Pumpkin's Nana
An OT I work with found out after her first baby that she had a genetic clotting disorder. For her second pregnancy she was on some blood thinners and BP meds thoughout it all. First baby was a miracle as she (baby) never should have made it through birth as they didn't know about the condition. After her second baby delivered she had problems regulating her BP for a few weeks after. She was on very limited activity (not complete bed rest) towards the end as her BP became very sensitive (last 2-3 weeks). If I remember right, she also had limited activity afterwards too. Baby #2 was full term and no problems whatsoever. I can find out more scoop if you need, she's a great gal and we share the same babysitter. Hang in there. I have no doubt they'll even know when Baby Boo sneezes or blinks with all that monitoring =).
One other thought - sometimes the home BP cuffs can be a bit off from the manual ones at the Dr.'s offices. You may want to try taking your BP with both at an appointment to compare apples to apples. We had some differences with a patient's personal one that we used in the rehab gym for awhile.
Bobbi's a Halloween baby and now requests no orange and black cakes for her birthday =) We'll be thinking of you. Let me know if you'd be interested in more scoop =)
Jaime
Hi Jack
I am so grateful for the info your mom gave us. It seems your mom is in good hands and with knowledge there is power. So I am sure "Boo" will come in to this world a lot easier than you did. Unfortunately you had to pave the way, but you've shown how love, hope and all the wonderful new medical discoveries have made you the miracle you are.
I like your new chair and I am glad you had a good Easter.
Sweet dreams
Love grammie
Hi Jack
I am so grateful for the info your mom gave us. It seems your mom is in good hands and with knowledge there is power. So I am sure "Boo" will come in to this world a lot easier than you did. Unfortunately you had to pave the way, but you've shown how love, hope and all the wonderful new medical discoveries have made you the miracle you are.
I like your new chair and I am glad you had a good Easter.
Sweet dreams
Love grammie
Post a Comment