Boo

29 weeks + 5 days, 13 weeks post rupture, day 44 at my parent's place.

So my fluid levels are low at 2.5cm.

Damn.

I've been leaking pretty heavily and consistently all week, and although I still feel movement it's more of a tight rolling feeling (which I equate with low fluid), rather than quick pops so I'm not surprised. Still it's disappointing and worrisome. All other parameters are the same. Acorn still has good movements, still has breathing motions, bladder was full and cord flow is normal. Cervix is 4cm long (this measurement changes so much I have no idea how accurate it is, but I guess bigger is better). They didn't do the measurements of the baby today, which makes me sad because weekly growth is nice to see, even if it's only an estimate.

Dr. S.'s instinct at this point is not to deliver, HOWEVER...with fluid levels that low he's concerned about cord compression, so he would like to admit me to hospital for twice daily NSTs. Boo.

The plan is to go to hospital tomorrow and monitor Acorn's heart rate over the weekend. If Acorn starts having decels then we might be looking at delivery sooner rather than later. If my low fluid levels are just a 'blip' and an ultrasound next week shows increased levels, then he would be happy for me to continue to be at home. My concern is, what if on Monday Acorn has shown a good heart rate over the weekend and looks just fine on the monitors, but continues to have low fluid levels? My bet is that they will want to keep me. And while I'm all for doing everything in Acorn's best interest, I'm loathe to spend anymore time in hospital than I absolutely have to. Infection causing bugs, crappy beds, awful food, expensive parking and astronomical costs for a private room are what lies at the hospital...not a place I want to be if I can help it.

Dr. S. did say that his 'secret suspicion' is that Acorn's lungs are going to be okay, as he or she has had adequate amounts of amniotic fluid for the weeks that were very important for lung development. He can't 'guarantee' that of course, but it's nice to hear him say it. It still doesn't completely alleviate our worry over Acorn's lungs...but it helps a bit. Our goal right now is to build up fluid (come on hole, seal up!), avoid infection, avoid cord compression and make it as long as possible in order to avoid 'preemie' problems. It still feels like an up hill battle. Just keep going. One foot in front of the other.

We also discussed his impending vacation from weeks 31 to 34 of my pregnancy. He told me that one of two doctors would be taking over my case. Neither of them are Dr. K. However, one of them I have met and liked and (bonus!) she's a woman. As I've previously mentioned, I would have chosen a female OB from the start if I had any choice in the matter, so I might just get this one tiny, now insignificant, wish granted. Joy.

So, my next update will be from my hospital bed. Let's hope it's a good one.