Update #2 on Baby Boy

Waiting to see the specialist for the past week has felt like an eternity but today was the big day.  My ever-so-thoughtful husband decided to take the day off so that I wouldn't have to stress about anything and so he could be with me at the appointment.  I just love him!

Anyhow, things with baby boy are looking great!  My appointment today was with a perinatologist (doctor who specializes in high risk pregnancies, basically) at Utah Valley Hospital.  The doctor I saw today was amazing!!!  Have you ever fallen in love with someone instantly?  That's how I felt about this doctor.  She gave off such positive vibes that it was hard not to be hopeful around her.  Enough about me loving this doctor and back to baby's update.

We got to see baby via ultrasound today and he is growing just fine and is measuring a little big just like his sisters.  Got a vaginal ultrasound as well to check out my placenta placement and to see how my vasa previa was looking.  Based on the ultrasound they did today, I don't have any signs of vasa previa!  Exact opposite of what I was told in my vaginal ultrasound last week.  The doctor found ZERO blood vessels/umbilical cord in the way of the birthing canal.  It's a miracle and such a huge huge relief!  My placenta is still low (about 1cm away from my cervix) which is not ideal but it means that I can still try to give birth vaginally.  If I start bleeding during labor then they will just perform an emergency C-Section but baby doesn't have to be born premie!!!  Who knew that the ability to feel contractions and having my water break would bring me such happiness?!  Lol.  I cried so many happy and grateful tears today and I will probably be crying about it still when baby boy gets here!  I have to go back for a follow-up in four weeks but the doctor is hopeful that things will remain positive.

Have you ever felt like you could literally feel the Lord's hand in your life?  This is definitely one of those times for me!  In the past few weeks I have felt His presence so close and have felt so reassured in all the good and bad that has been happening in my life.  I feel so blessed!  Thank you for all your prayers and reassuring texts.  It has meant the world to me!

Update on Baby Boy

At my 20 week ultrasound I found out that I had a low lying placenta and that I would need to have follow-up ultrasounds to check up on it. I was told and read online that 90% of the time the placenta will move up and out of the way of the birth canal making vaginal birth very likely still. Well, I am 28 weeks now and I went back in today for a follow-up ultrasound. Unfortunately, it was not good news.

I have a rare condition called vasa previa which in a very brief and simple description means that there are blood vessels (part of baby's umbilical cord) that are blocking the birth canal making my pregnancy high risk. What makes this so high risk is that those blood vessels could rupture at any time which is very dangerous for baby boy :(  This doesn't affect baby's physical development in any way. The danger comes during labor and delivery. Here's a pic to explain it a little better. 

I have to go see a specialist on Tuesday where they will run some more tests to see exactly what we're dealing with and what we need to do from here on out. From what I read online (I know I shouldn't have googled it but I couldn't help myself) it looks like I'm very unlucky because this happens in 1/3,000 pregnancies. I'm also very lucky at the same time to have been diagnosed early so that baby and I can be monitored. Usually, no early detection of this results in the loss of the baby's life because of how quickly they lose blood and oxygen if a rupture occurred. 

It looks like chances of me being put on bed rest are very likely and I will most likely have to have an early C-Secrion scheduled somewhere around 35 weeks to avoid any premature rupturing that would endanger baby. Again, this is all from what I read online so nothing is set in stone until I hear from the specialist. Only thing for sure now is that I haven't spotted at all yet (good sign) and that I've been put on pelvic bed rest aka "no sex" starting today. My poor husband! He's sick with worry so I'm sure he could care less but still, it's gonna be a long wait!

Saying I'm terrified about this whole ordeal would be a huge understatement!  I have been crying with worry all day thinking of the worst case scenarios but I know I have to put my trust in the Lord. So far Vili and I haven't told anyone (not even our parents or siblings) because we want to hear from the specialist first and then go from there.  I figured I'd write on here because I can't sleep and no one reads this anyway.  I'll post an update as soon as I see the specialist. If you are accidentally reading this, pray for me and baby boy please!