Dear Friends,
Things are starting to turn around for Jennifer and our unborn baby Sophia!
First of all, we have results back that Jennifer did NOT have H1N1 (swine) flu. In fact, it tested negative for influenza A and B so it must have been some other virus that was affecting her.
Secondly, the Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) was measured at 8.9-9.0 cc this afternoon! Ideal is 10-11 cc so this is amazingly good news and a dramatic increase since Wednesday when it was at 3.9 cc. Hospital bed rest, a lot of liquids and a continuous IV have made a dramatic difference. I would also add that God has been gracious and merciful in intervening because even doing all those things doesn't guarantee it will go up and the doctor told us on Wednesday that it might increase it 10%. I think he meant to say 150%.
Finally, the other good news is that the p-r interval was back down around 113. Usually they like to take it three or four times to get the range since it is difficult to be absolutely precise every reading; they were only able to get one good reading today.
So, does this mean that Jennifer is coming home? I'd like to say yes, and that is my hunch, but we won't know for sure until Monday at the earliest. The on-call doctor was in today and told Jenn that if she were his patient he would keep her in until at least Wednesday. But the perinatologist (OB specialist) will make that determination after a full growth study and AFI on Monday.
We had this same problem with low amniotic fluid with Grace. Jennifer bounced in and out of the hospital repeatedly from weeks 28-31 before the doctor decided that the only way they could keep the AFI up was for Jenn to be on hospital bed rest for the rest of the pregnancy. This doesn't have to be the case but it would entail that Jenn stay off her feet completely if she is going to complete this pregnancy at home.
I would say that unless something drastically changes before Monday that we are at least temporarily out of the woods but we aren't home yet. Once again I cannot say enough about my church family here who have been so loving, encouraging and supportive throughout this ordeal. I have to admit that it was heart rending to hear the doctor even hint that the baby might fall into duress and not make it.
It also reminds me how much we take precious things for granted until things change. With Jennifer gone I immediately realize how much I rely on her to take care of the kids and do so much around the house. More than that, I realize what a precious gift her love and companionship are on a daily basis. Putting the kids to bed and finding how depressingly quiet the house is without her laughter and conversation. Even knowing that the separation is only temporary doesn't make that longing any less strong.
I pray that this situation is quickly over and I also pray that I have a lasting reminder of how amazingly special my helpmate truly is.
Dave
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