[jkl123]

It seems like I have one issue after another with this baby!! Due to diabetes, I have to have NSTs and BPPs (ultrasounds) done every Tues. and Fri, since 24 weeks. The past few days, I have been having what I thought were contractions (I have never been in labor and don't really know) and some were so painful, I couldn't stand up straight to walk.
Well, during the BPP yesturday, the measured my fluid - it was over 34!! Normal range is under 20, and I have been running higher (23-25), but 34 is a huge difference. So the technician decided to do measurements on the baby, though they were supposed to wait til next week for that. He is already measuring at 37 weeks, 5 days and weighs 6lbs 7 oz!! I know that is just an estimate, but on Sept. 3rd he was only 5 lbs.... so he is gaining weight rapidly! I am only 33 weeks along.
So, during the NST, it recodred a bunch of contractions in the 30 minutes I was on the machine. The nurse was concerned that it may be pre-term labor, given the fact that the baby is big and the fluid is high. I saw the DR and she did a swab to see if labor was likely in the next 2 weeks. Thankfully, that came back neg. But they weren't able to ckeck for dilation, because of the previa, and I am still having contractions (that wake me up at night!). So, I amnot really sure what to expect now. They said to just rest and take it easy over the weekend. However, I have a wedding to shoot tomorrow and not doing it is out of the question.
I'm wondering if the fact that the baby is so big and he is measuring at 37 weeks - does that mean my body thinks he is ready to come??? And does that mean is developed enough to come at this point?? My due date isn't til Oct. 29th, so I think this is still too early. Opinions??

[KR258]

I don't know...but I am praying for you and your little one.
My dd was due october 27th and was born september 22nd...but that's a bit closer together.

[jkl123]

Was she OK?? I mean, did she have to stay in the hospital, or have any health issues?? That is my main concern.

[poliscmjr]

I wish I had advice for you. Just take it easy this weekend and try to get plenty of rest.

[KR258]

She was jaundice and was under the lights for 2 days and was on the Cpap for 1 hour after birth. She was breathing but it was grunting like...after she got taken off the cpap she was on regular room air and did very well. She was a tiny one and left the hospital weighing 5 lbs 2 ounces...but she came home after only 3 days. She was in the NICU for the first 2 and on the 3rd day they let me stay in a special room with her (it was a part of the nicu but private rooms for mom and baby) and take full care of her. She didn't have any other major health issues so far and has only been sick once amazingly. I bf'd her for 3 months. She didn't reach 11 lbs till 4 months old but she was healthy and active.

So it was hard her being in the NICU but it was only 3 days and she did very well...I was in the NICU every second they let me. I hope your little one waits but if your baby does come early I pray he'll be nice and healthy.

[kjdama]

Sending out prayers that your little one waits a bit longer!! But if he does come early, prayers for him being healthy and not needing to stay in the NICU for more than a day or so!!!

[jkl123]

Kara, that is reassuring. I had visions of him having to stay til his actual due date of Oct.29th. I know he is big and healthy already - he's beenpracticinghis breathing muscles since 24 weks (which is early for the babies to do that) and now does it almost continuosly (they check for this with the BPPs). I had one technician insist I must have got my dates wrong - but with the laternative way I conceived, I know the exact day.
I am just thinking maybe he advanced ahead of schedule, so to speak, and is ready now.
Thanks for all the prayers!

[bhoneycutt]

I heard when an Ob measures for the baby's weight, they can be off by up to two pounds! I would try (I know, easier said than done) not to worry yourself about it.

My best friend gave birth at 35 weeks. She had her DD on a Friday and they were both released on Monday (three days!) because her DD was developed just fine. Anything after 35 weeks is considered full term. Also, the doctor told her that her baby was measuring at 5 lbs 9 oz (or bigger) and she came out at 4 lbs. 5 oz. (big difference). I wouldn't put too much stock into what they're saying your baby weighs as they can be wrong.

We only have a little over a week until we're 35 weeks (we have the same due date!)

Are they offering you steroids in an attempt to develop your DS's lungs? They will do that if they fear he's going to appear early.

[jkl123]

No steroids - if that swab test was positive last Friday, they were going to do that.
I know they can be off - the technician I have says by 11 ozs - but being diabetic, I also know the baby will be big. no matter what. I am hoping they are off a little... the rate this one is going, he won't fit into any of the 0-3 month clothes I just washed!!