Baby Update 5.2.11

Not much new to report today, even though we saw the pediatric cardiologist AND the fetal specialist. 

Our appointment with the pediatric cardiologist was more of a consult on the results of the fetal echocardiogram (see previous post - Baby Update 4.25.11).  Basically, the doctor said it all looks pretty much the same as before and what was previously reported by UAB. 

The only change was that the blood flow velocity number went up.  We actually heard this last week as well, but we were beyond confused as to what that meant.  In my mind, I heard that the number went from 1 meter per second to 2 meters per second (velocity of blood flow through the pulmonary valve)…So to me, I took that as a good thing because the valve was open, therefore, allowing more blood to flow through (what do I know???).  And I really couldn’t understand why it was presented as a negative during the fetal echo.  But as the doctor explained, the pulmonary valve is like the end of a water hose.  And when you pinch the tip (or hold your finger on the end) essentially blocking part of the flow, the water builds and what does come out is at a faster rate than if it weren’t blocked (it’s not measuring the amount, but the velocity).  Therefore, measuring the rate of blood flow gives an idea on how much the valve is blocked.  Apparently, it’s expected that the number will get higher as the baby gets larger….The baby is growing, but the pulmonary valve is not.  This is what is called pulmonary stenosis.

So after a few questions and answers, we moved on to the fetal specialist at USA C&W.  We had another ultrasound where they measured my fluid levels and just did a general baby check.  My fluid is still high unfortunately.  And the baby checked out as expected.  The stomach and kidneys looked pretty good this time apparently (yea!).  Because my fluid is high, the doctors are concerned that the baby might have gastrointestinal problems as well, but it’s not something they see at every ultrasound so that is definitely a good sign. 

The unfortunate news came with the question…So, when do you plan to move to Birmingham?  I have just always assumed that whether expected or not, I would just be told what to do.  We had hoped to see June in Mobile, but the doctor said to be prepared to go within the week of our next appointment (which is May 16th)…Approximately 2 weeks!  She seems to be concerned that if I wait it out here, I may not make it to Birmingham for delivery.  OMG.  Total freak out mode.  We knew it was coming, but it doesn’t seem real until it’s here! 

We have laid out some plans for our long stay in Birmingham, but had planned for it to start around early to mid-June.  But now that I need to be there beforehand (just for location purposes) and will still be on bed rest, it really changes things.  We can’t expect everyone around us to change their lives for possibly 5 weeks of just waiting for “Bobby”.  Personally, I will be unable to “rest” with Emerson by my side (a two year-old and rest don’t really mesh) and I am unsure as to the burden of housing just me (especially if I am just the lump on the couch).  Stress!!!