We had another ultrasound a couple weeks ago to see if the placenta had moved away from my cervix. The specialist gave us an 80% chance of everything remaining as is, and guessed that it would likely still be covering the cervix and a c-section necessary. In most cases the placenta will gravitate north as the baby grows and you expand to make room for everything, but that was just not the case for us and the specialist was right.
It has moved a tiny bit – while it was completely covering the cervix, and even into the cervix a bit, it’s moved to only marginally covered as the placenta moved a half a centimeter to the great north. Unfortunately it has to be at least two centimeters from the cervix to be considered clear and good, and it’s still technically securely in place down low. nuts.
I talked to my OB at my most recent appointment to understand better what everything means for planning ahead… because I absolutely have to have a plan. Even living over a thousand miles away my mom hasn’t missed a birth, and Baby Gump is certainly giving us a challenge. Especially considering how heavily I’m going to rely on her to help take care of the Littles while I’m in the hospital, and I know I’m going to want my mommy when I’m recovering from the surgery, I’m up for the challenge. So I present you with Plans A, B and C:
Plan A) we have another ultrasound on August 9th and if the placenta is still in place we schedule an amniocentesis on August 26th to make sure the baby’s lungs, etc. are developed enough for the c-section. If the test results give the okay, we go straight to labor and delivery and baby makes three. I’ll be a day shy of 38 weeks and at first my OB was nervous about allowing me to go that late because of the risk of bleeding if I start dilating. BUT she’s pretty surprised I haven’t bled yet at all, so she’s confident that I can last to nearly 38 weeks. There’s a chance of bed rest if there’s spotting toward the end but as long as there’s nothing too severe, we should be in the clear.
Plan B) we have another ultrasound on August 9th and if the placenta has moved past the two centimeters then everything is a wash and we’ll wait to let Baby come in their own time around the due date of September 10th.
Plan C) we have another ultrasound on August 9th and the placenta is still in place or has moved back to where it was eight weeks ago and the specialist won’t let me wait until the end of the week for the 26th and has me schedule the amnio a week prior or that Monday or Tuesday the 22nd or 23rd. My OB is on vacation then and I’d be way more comfortable with her doing the c-section so I’m hoping that’s not the case, plus then my mom has to try to move up her flight last minute, which would be a headache and I’d imagine hurt the pocketbook.
While it’s exciting to know the potential date that we’ll know this baby but also slightly terrifying because it’s right around the corner now, which is overwhelming. We’ve been starting to move rapid fire now switching rooms around and nesting has completely kicked in. Unfortunately I’ve had a huge problem with the sciatic nerve in both legs (it’s always frickin got to be something, ugh.) which makes it so difficult to walk by the end of every day that I have to wear a belly brace to help carry the weight of Baby and hopefully ease the pain.
It’s also directly put all the stress of physically getting things done squarely on Justin’s shoulders. I can tell he’s likely close to his breaking point with all the pressure he has to carry in supporting our family nearly on his own since I’m just literally not able to help as much as usual. Now we’re trying to settle into new routines with renewed expectations and it will hopefully help release a lot of stress. We’re just exhausted… it’s only going to get easier with three, right?!
a picture six weeks ago at my college roomie's baby shower - wouldn't have pictured this seven years ago! so much fun sharing pregnancies with friends!
this was also the last time I've worn heels this summer... hello swelling. Sweet Moses.
