Sunday, March 08, 2009

Amniotic Fluid and a New Perspective

Yes, it has been awhile since we have posted on the blog. As many of you know we have had a difficult few weeks. I was consistently measuring about 2-3 cm larger than they expected me to for the week of pregnancy we were in, so they ordered for us to have another ultrasound. The ultrasound relieved that I have elevated levels of amniotic fluid. A Dr. with the worst bedside manor I have ever encountered came in and told us about all the risks associated with high amniotic fluid and I can not even explain the feelings that went through my head. To put it mildly we were really scared and I realized that up to that point I had been completely niave to the idea that anything could be wrong with baby m.

We have since had two non stress tests for baby M and a level II ultrasound with a high risk Dr. He could not find anything wrong with the baby's anatomy that could be causing the high levels of amniotic fluid and based on their measurements the amount of amniotic fluid had gone down a little bit. It is still on the high side - but considered the high side of normal. We have spent countless houses online (not the best thing to do to calm your nerves) and reading journal articles on the topic on medline. To make a long story short it looks like the majority of the time mildly elevated amniotic fluid levels are idiopathic - which is reassuring. We are at a slightly higher risk that something could be wrong with baby m compared to a woman with average amniotic fluid levels and are at a higher risk for a complicated delivery - but we are doing our best to be positive and take comfort in the fact that the Dr's are watching us carefully and that the odds of him being healthy are in our favor.

To say the least, it has been a difficult few weeks and although we are doing better now it has changed things - I am sad to say it has taken a bit of the joy out of the pregnancy and I find myself on pins and needles every time I go to the Dr. just hoping they give us positive news that reinforces my abillity to think that baby m is healthy. I am a worrier - and so even with the slightest increases in risk it tends to consume me. I am lucky that my husband is so grounded. He has a very positive outlook and balances me - I can't thank him enogh for dealing with my emotions of the past few weeks and for his endless positive outlook and support.

We boh appreciate the love, prayers, and all forms of support that our family and friends have shown us over the past few weeks. Please keep baby M in your prayers and we will keep all of you posted on updates and most importantly of baby M's arrival in a few short weeks!