Monday, December 3, 2007

latest 34 weeks and 3 days! Yeah!

We made it past the 34 week mark! At this point if the baby comes she would probably be ok, but would have to stay in the NICU for a week or so (respiratory stuff.) I've been doing really well. Nasty cough though, causing major pain in my right side ribcage. Oh well!

And I've gained an inordinate amount of weight over the last 2 weeks. Mostly from my knees down. My shoe size has gone from an 8.5 to a tight 10! Kankles...yes! My doctor is a little concerned it might develop into Preeclampsia. So, keep that in your prayers (I had to research and find out what exactly that was...info below...not good.) But the baby seems to be fine.

Overview
Preeclampsia is a condition in which high blood pressure (pregnancy-induced hypertension), proteinuria (protein in the urine), edema (swelling) and excessive weight gain occur during pregnancy. The condition usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy.


What is going on in the body?
The placenta is the spongy material in the mother's uterus that nourishes the fetus. Some experts believe that a problem with the placenta causes preeclampsia. The mother has spasms of the blood vessels, which increase her blood pressure. The blood flow to the placenta is impaired. If the blood pressure is not controlled, it can damage the placenta and cause death of the baby. Preeclampsia develops in 5% of pregnant women. It usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. It may be mild or severe. The high blood pressure can affect the brain, kidneys, liver, and lungs. If the woman develops seizures or coma, the condition is known as eclampsia.

1 comment:

Ryan and Katie said...

I'm glad you have made it this far! I bet it's fun and a little nerve racking to know she could come any day now! You definitely need to talk to Lauren to see her play by play journal of labor her doula did for her. It's amazing.