Anhydramnios aka: No Amniotic Fluid

[AllMacsNow]

Linaa, I am so terribly sorry. My heart is breaking for you. You sound like a very strong woman, and I am glad that you're looking into genetic counseling. If it's ok with you, I'll pray alongside you that God will give you your healthy baby.

 

[peepacabra]

I just got home from a super long visit at my maternal fetal medicine office. I didn't get a chance to talk to my specialist doc, since they were super busy, but I did get to talk to my nurses, and they were totally in shock about the actions of the OB. They basically said that while yes, there is a big chance her lungs won't be developed and she could pass, there is an equally large chance that they will, since I've been taking steroids and also I'm 31 weeks today! They speculated that since it's so rare for babies in this situation (anhydramnios) to make it this far into a pregnancy and not have the usual complications (her only other complication is a slight build up of fluid on the heart that will probably disappear after birth, and smaller size since she's only in the 30 percentile), that he was going by babies with other complications or that have to be born super premature. I know they are monitoring me closely over there, so I trust them. If it was really as awful and dire as he said, that they would have transferred me to the University of Michigan hospital to deliver, or at the very least would have already induced me.

I feel a bit better, though I'm still worried about Scarlett and super angry with that other doc. I want her to survive and thrive so much, especially to prove that jerk wrong.

I've been reading all the other comments, and I can't thank you guys enough for your support. I'm so lucky to have found this community of wonderful people who are so supportive of us in this scary time.

Also, Linaa, I'm so, so, so sorry to hear about your precious little one. I agree that going to a genetic specialist is a great idea. I had a friend who was in a similar situation and saw a specialist. The next time she became pregnant, she was monitored very carefully, and they were able to guide her along to deliver a perfect baby boy. She now has 3 children. I wish the same happiness for you.

Thank you everyone. Hopefully I'll have more good news the next time I post.

 

[babydrms]

Linaa, so sorry you received such tough news.

 

[kimbotrav]

hi i dont have any experience of this just want to wish you and ure little girl well xxxxxx

 

[AllMacsNow]

Peepacabra, that is fantastic news! I will be praying for you and Scarlett!

 

[babydrms]

.

 

[flashy09]

I just got home from a super long visit at my maternal fetal medicine office. I didn't get a chance to talk to my specialist doc, since they were super busy, but I did get to talk to my nurses, and they were totally in shock about the actions of the OB. They basically said that while yes, there is a big chance her lungs won't be developed and she could pass, there is an equally large chance that they will, since I've been taking steroids and also I'm 31 weeks today! They speculated that since it's so rare for babies in this situation (anhydramnios) to make it this far into a pregnancy and not have the usual complications (her only other complication is a slight build up of fluid on the heart that will probably disappear after birth, and smaller size since she's only in the 30 percentile), that he was going by babies with other complications or that have to be born super premature. I know they are monitoring me closely over there, so I trust them. If it was really as awful and dire as he said, that they would have transferred me to the University of Michigan hospital to deliver, or at the very least would have already induced me.

I feel a bit better, though I'm still worried about Scarlett and super angry with that other doc. I want her to survive and thrive so much, especially to prove that jerk wrong.

I've been reading all the other comments, and I can't thank you guys enough for your support. I'm so lucky to have found this community of wonderful people who are so supportive of us in this scary time.

Also, Linaa, I'm so, so, so sorry to hear about your precious little one. I agree that going to a genetic specialist is a great idea. I had a friend who was in a similar situation and saw a specialist. The next time she became pregnant, she was monitored very carefully, and they were able to guide her along to deliver a perfect baby boy. She now has 3 children. I wish the same happiness for you.

Thank you everyone. Hopefully I'll have more good news the next time I post.

That's such good news for you! Is it still better for her to be inside you without fluid than to be induced/c section and come out, even if premature? Are they planning to take her early or let you go naturally? I have no doubt your doctors are doing the right thing, I am just truly curious about all this! So happy for you that Scarlett is still doing well, I have been following your posts for awhile.

 

[mummyof3babas]

hope all goes well x

 

[peepacabra]

Oh, thank you so much, Flashy09! How sweet of you to say so. Well, from what I understand, my specialist said that we're kind of playing see-saw here. Right now, it's more beneficial for her to be developing in the womb vs being outside of the womb. The second he sees that shift to where it's safer for her outside of the womb, he'll have them send me upstairs to induce me via c-section (thank goodness. I couldn't imagine the stress of pushing naturally when I'm already so worried about her survival odds on the outside).

As of right now, they're still planning on giving me steroid injections, in hopes they jump start those lungs and her weight. Right now she is still a tad on the smaller side, but hopefully that gets rectified once she's out and I can get her on breast milk.

Usually, babies in her situation are induced at between 25 and 28 weeks, and don't have that great of odds because not only are they preemie, but their lungs are often totally undeveloped and unable to function outside the womb. However, with us getting into the 30+ weeks territory with the steroids, we're hoping that makes a big difference. Since I start doing NST monitoring this week, we'll see if that affects their predictions, since right now we have no clue how long she's going to stay in there. In a perfect world, I'd love her to go at least 38 weeks, but if we get to 34, I'll be thrilled.

Hope that answers some of your questions about our condition. Thank you so much for your kind words and support! You guys have really, really helped me get through this. Please share your stories of overcoming tough odds too!

xoxo

 

[Garnet]

Following your story! many prayers going your way! Hope Scarlett is safe!

 

[Twinkie210]

Just wanted to follow your journey and I hope baby Scarlett proves your other Dr. wrong!

 

[peepacabra]

Hi friends!

Just wanted to pop on here really quick to let everyone know that tomorrow is a pretty big day for us. We'll officially be 32 weeks (yay!), but that also means it's my first day of NST tests, which I'm nervous about. They weren't a big deal with my first pregnancy, mostly because my 10 lb 6 oz Shelby had no problem moving. However, with the lack of fluid, I'm concerned about Scarlett. Don't get me wrong, she moves around INCREDIBLY well in there considering her circumstances. She can even knock my laptop off my belly if I'm laying down. However, she doesn't move as often or as strongly as most normal babies would.

So, I'm hoping that doesn't make them freak out and send me upstairs to be induced! I know for most babies, 32 weeks is a relatively safe time, but with the worries about her lungs not developing due to the fluid, I'm still a nervous wreck, which I'd be even at 36 or 38 weeks.

However, I'm still grateful that she's made it this far and this well.

The other thing going on tomorrow is that immediately after NST is her measurement ultrasound. We find out if the steroids have been helping her grow, and how much she's weighing now. I'm hoping she's over 3 lbs! Also, they'll be checking her dopplers, and also her cord.

I'm so nervous! It's hard pushing that negative OB's ridiculous words out of my mind.

Anyway, that's what's going on tomorrow. I hope it all goes well. Thank you again for following our story. Without you guys and my wonderful husband, I have no clue how I'd still be functioning right now due to all the stress.

I'll update you guys as soon as I get a chance.

Cheers, and I hope all of you are doing well!

 

[Garnet]

Good Luck Tomorrow and she still kick in so she gonna be a fighter. Much prayers for you and Scarlett. Go go Baby and please let this be a Christmas miracle!

 

[AllMacsNow]

Congrats for making it this far, and good luck tomorrow!

 

[peepacabra]

Well, the good news is she's doing well enough that they didn't feel the need to admit me! Her dopplers were good and she passed her NST test for today (though barely). The only thing I saw that stressed me out a bit was that her heart is still quite enlarged. On the screen, it looks like it takes up her whole chest. I know the doc said that most of the time that resolves itself once she's out of the womb, but I'm terrified it means her lungs aren't growing. The worst part is that I'm so overwhelmed with stress and dread, I was too afraid to ask if that's what that meant.

However, I'm assuming it can't all be doom and gloom considering they sent me home instead of admitting me. I go to my NEW regular OB on Thursday (and I can't wait to tell him how horrible his partner was to me). The new doc is actually wonderful and I've seen him before. My ONLY complaint about him is that he is always so determined to talk me into having a vaginal delivery, when I already have a c-section planned. We figured since I've already had one that went great, and the fact that it will be easier to get to Scarlett if something goes wrong, I'd rather have it that way.

Talked to one of the U/S techs today, too. She said that though it's their job to give a poor prognosis, a woman in nearly the exact same boat as us gave birth to a baby girl last month who just went home from the NICU last week. She's fine! I know that's not the norm, but it gives me so much hope that we can do this. She gave birth at 33 weeks, too, which is just around the corner for us.

Next NST is Friday. At least we made it to 32 weeks! Thanks again for all the support, ladies. Sorry if I bore you to death, but it really helps me cope with the situation by getting it all out on here.

xoxo!

 

[Garnet]

That is really good news about the other baby doing well. That gives you hope. yeah I would not put Scarlet through the stress of vag birth. c section can get her out quicker. Onto Friday and more good news!

 

[flashy09]

That's great news! Just saw you are in Ohio. I am in KY so kind of close!

 

[babydrms]

Thanks for the update - glad Scarlett is doing well. I will keep you both in my thoughts.

 

[peepacabra]

That's great news! Just saw you are in Ohio. I am in KY so kind of close!

lol! I'm actually up in the northwest corner in Toledo, but I used to live in Cincinnati, which is just over the river from you guys! My bestie's family is from Ashland though. Hi neighbor!

 

[AllMacsNow]

Congrats, hon. It sounds pretty encouraging, and I think if they were worried about her heart, they'd have said so... they haven't shied away from bad news so far.