Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Good News, More Good News and Hmm?

Good News

First the good news. Everything looks great with the baby. Jennifer went back on an IV on Monday afternoon and the Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) was 8.7 yesterday and 8.5 today and it also visually looked good as well. It seems that the IV has helped bring the fluid level up and stabilize it like it did with our first pregnancy. In some ways this defies expectation because good hydration only accounts for 10% of the amniotic fluid. However, it seems to have an almost immediate and dramatic effect in bringing the level up.

It looks like we have found a strategy that both helps the baby’s heart develop without heart block as well as deal with the issue of low amniotic fluid.

More Good News

Without much discussion whatsoever the doctor agreed with this strategy and is pleased with the results of what is happening. We had hoped to be transferred to Grand Forks where we live but they are unable to do two of the tests (The Doppler color blood flow study of the umbilical cord and the p-r interval reading). There was also talk of Jenn going down to Sioux Falls, SD to be under the daily care of the perinatologist but we determined that this wasn’t necessary.

Hmm?

It looks like Jennifer is going to stay under hospital bed rest with an IV for the foreseeable future. Our due date is December 10th and it seems like a very real probability that Jennifer will be in there until the baby is born. Most likely we will deliver by C-section around weeks 36-38 which would put us around November 12-26 depending on the size and lung development of the baby. Wait a minute! It is only September 2nd. Exactly! Hmm.

What does that mean for the kids and me? Honestly I haven’t quite figured that out yet. But what is most important is that Jennifer is healthy and the baby is doing well. Everything else is but a momentary hassle. Please keep us in your prayers, especially for the kids who have to deal with the absence of Jennifer here to love and nurture them. Also, pray for me that I can stand in the gap and be extra sensitive to their needs during this short period of time.

Sincerely,

Dave

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh boy!,Such mixed emotions. I'm happy to hear the good news about Jen and Sophia, sorry to hear she won't be home. We're gonna keep praying! Hang in there Brother GOD'S in the Boat with you. Thank's for keeping us up to date. GOD Bless you all! Felice and Tim.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the blog to keep us posted during this difficult time for you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We pray for peace for you and Jen, wisdom for the doctors, and God's presence as you tackle fatherhood alone. If you need someone to watch your kids in the evenings, let us know. They are more than welcome to come play at our home.
Kami & Bill