Asking for Prayer. Not the first time. And not the last. {Week 28 Update}

The wind has begun to howl and wrap icy snow around the house. The clock reads nearly 11 p.m., and I’m wide awake. To be perfectly honest, I’ve had a 2-hour nap, but then woke up and needed a snack. Now, I’m processing. Processing my need for prayer. Again.

This evening (while sitting in a parking lot in my car that would not start) I spoke with a doctor from my midwife’s office. Abby’s ultrasound results from Tuesday had been analyzed, and once again she needs the care of a specialist. Apparently, her growth has fallen from the 20-30% range to the third percentile. Anything under 10% is considered “small for gestational age” and potentially “intra-uterine growth restricted.”

The on-call doctor (not my own midwife) explained that they are concerned that my placenta is not attached completely and that Abby’s cord is not receiving enough blood/nutrients.

Upon further questioning, I discovered that severe growth restrictions would be cause for emergency delivery…um…NOW. Yikes. My mind can’t even fathom that. You don’t prepare yourself to hear from a doctor, “Well, she is viable. We could take her now.”

So, as soon as the specialist’s office opens tomorrow morning, I will be calling for an ASAP appointment. A special doppler will be used to measure the blood in the cord. Minute measurements will be taken. Best case scenario is that my sweet little girl is just that: little. Worst case is that they want to her born in the coming days/weeks. Middle of the road (don’t you like that I’ve thought all these options through?!?) is that she is small but seemingly healthy, and will need weekly monitoring until she is full-term.

I’m asking for prayer. God’s peace surrounds my heart, and I’m requesting complete healing (if that is needed) and perfect growth for Abby. I know this little one is special, but sometimes you don’t picture the fight for her life beginning so early. Psalm 27 has been part of my devotions for nearly a month now. The age-old words ring true tonight:

“The Lord is my light and my salvation. Of whom shall I be afraid?”

~~~

Abigail is now about the size of a large eggplant, weighing about 1 pound, 14 ounces (as of Tuesday’s ultrasound) and measuring about 14.8 inches long!  According to my phone’s pregnancy app, Abby’s eyes are now partially open and her eyelids are able to blink. Even though the eyes may have some color, the final pigmentation will require exposure to light. Abby is now able to recognize difference levels of light, even inside the womb. Even though she still has to grow a lot, her little body is getting chubbier as fat is deposited under the wrinkled skin. Muscles are developing tone as well. She has a 95 percent chance of survival if born at the end of this week. The lungs are better prepared to breathe, but would still need medical assistance. 

How far along? 28 weeks

Total weight gain: 6-7 pounds (10-11 pounds if you count the weight that I regained after first trimester nausea)

Maternity clothes? Yes. And, I may be moving to the next size in leggings soon…

Stretch marks?  No

Sleep: Not sleeping well, but I can usually get a good 5-6 hours at a time. Considering that I’m about to have a newborn, this is probably not bad practice.

Best moments of the past week(s): (1) Letting David pamper me after several severe cases of pregnancy brain, (2) Deciding that 8 boxes of Thin Mints was a must,  (3) Beginning our nursery (David put in a laminate floor and set up the crib!!!!!) and (4) a massage!

Miss Anything? Running. Not worrying about Abby.

Movement: Yes! Hiccups. Stretches. Kicks. Punches. My belly moves with her movement now. 

Food cravings:  Not really.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Smells. Slight acid reflux issues.

Labor Signs:  No, thank you.

Symptoms: Some shortness of breathe. Intense muscle spasms in my upper back, as my rib cage prepares for her expansion. Hunger.

Belly Button in or out?  Mostly out.

Looking forward to: Moving my own bedroom/living area into the basement (no specific start date determined), maternity photos, and…..hopefully, a good report from the specialist soon about Abby’s growth.

Next appointment:  February 6 is my next prenatal appointment with my midwife, but I’m hoping the ultrasound with the specialist will be scheduled before then, so I don’t have to wait in suspense.