Bump Update: 19 Weeks and a Test of Nerves

Disclaimer:  I don't really like to air "personal issues" online {imho, some things are strictly Not For Public Consumption}.  That being said, even in 2013 there are a lot of myths surrounding pregnancy {chief of those being that the worst part is morning sickness}, and perpetuating them doesn't help anyone.  So, with that in mind, I put on my Big Girl Pants and wrote the following:

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This week was interesting, to say the least.  I went in for my mid-term Level II ultrasound and got some less than thrilling news.  I learned that I have a bilobate placenta, which basically means the placenta has two parts rather than the usual one.  And - as often happens with this condition - the cord is inserted smack in between the lobes, something called velamentous cord insertion {VCI}.  VCI is a long name for  an umbilical cord that is inserted into the fetal membranes rather than the center of the placenta.  There's a risk that any exposed blood vessels could rupture.  And there are some additional risks at birth if things aren't all in the right position.  It also can mean a lower birth weight since the connection can be more tenuous and in that case, less nutrients get to le bebe.  

CUE ANXIETY ATTACK.  I grew a bad baby feeder.

And even better: no one really knows why this happens.  Medical mysteries are the BEST when they're happening in your body.  The perinatologist was quick to reassure me that I shouldn't worry {buddy, you just said "RUPTURE"} and that the position of the blood vessels was better than what they usually see with VCI so the risk of rupture should be lower.  The nurse then asked me if I was alright because I had a "worried face."  Thanks, Sherlock.

The GOOD news is that the little guy looks perfect - all limbs, organs, etc. are in the right place and are the right size.  His heart looks good and strong, and he was jammin' around the entire ultrasound.  He's also slightly larger than average, so even though my baby feeder is wonky, it's getting the job done.

The other good news is that I have a great perinatologist.  He's a bit of a character but is one of the best in Los Angeles, which means he did a very, very thorough scan and caught this wonkiness early on.  I have to go back in a month for another look-see, which I'm hoping means the State of the Womb is not terribly serious {if so, I'd think he'd want to see me sooner}.

So while I'm a bit rattled, I'm so thankful for (1) good health insurance and (2) good doctors.  Things will be closely monitored from this point on, and for my own sanity I have to believe that will help to ensure this little guy comes out in great shape.

I'm also thankful for other bloggers who have been honest about the bumps in the road they encountered while pregnant.  It was immensely helpful for me to re-read their "scary news" posts and think of the beautiful, healthy babies they had anyway.  This stuff is terrifying and not easy to talk about, so THANK YOU.

I've exchanged my "worried face" for my "brave face."  I like it better.

Weeks cooking: 19

Weeks remaining: 21 {due date July 21}

Size of Baby:  average is about the size of a mango - 6 inches long and 8.5 ounces.  Turns out our little guy is slightly bigger than average, ringing in at 9 ounces.  Way to bulk up, little guy!

Weight Gain: almost 10 pounds.  I feel pretty fine about this, actually, since he's growing at a good pace.  And I'm not crazy about doing super vigorous exercise in light of the dreaded word "rupture."  If I need to lie in bed demanding bonbons for the next 5 months to keep this guy growing well, I'm prepared to make that sacrifice. Ha!

Maternity Clothes: None yet.  I'm still rocking the stretchy gear, and that seems to be working just fine.  I have been ordering maternity clothes, but I looked through them yesterday and it turns out I've ordered mostly black dresses.  Any suggestions for fun, colorful maternity gear?

Symptoms: Hungry! Sniffles! Seriously, I cannot wait for this chronic congestion to be over.

Food Cravings/Aversions:  Eggs, avocados, salsa . . .  basically I want to have huevos rancheros for every single meal.  No big aversions to anything in particular.

Sleep: Still waking up in the early hours of the morning and having a hard time falling back asleep.  I miss my old sleeping habits!

Sex: BOY!

Movement: It's finally started! Well, I know the little guy has been practicing gymnastics in there for weeks now, but I can actually feel him jumping around now.  It's like having a goldfish in my belly.  It started on the flight to Austin, and has been pretty constant ever since!  I can usually feel something if I sit still for long enough.  And boy, was he active during the ultrasound!  Boxing, kicking, rubbing his nose, hiccuping {that was pretty hilarious to watch}... he's a real mover!  So reassuring.

What I Miss:  The usual - sleeping on my back, more than one small cup of coffee, margaritas.

Looking Forward to: those kicks getting stronger!