planning for the homestretch

         It sure does feel nice to be back in Atlanta! Although yesterday I am pretty sure it was colder here than it was the few days we were in Cincinnati. I had a follow-up appointment with the Maternal-Fetal Specialists today so we could touch base and go over the plan for the remainder of my pregnancy. Since the doctors in Cincinnati had recommended we have NST’s (non-stress tests) weekly starting at 32 weeks and induction at 38 weeks I wanted to make sure the doctors here were aware and planned on following through with this recommendation. We were able to see Dr. Read again (he was the doctor we saw last week that recommended we head to Cincinnati). Josh wasn’t able to come with me because of work, but my mom came just to make sure I didn’t forget to review anything and for peace of mind since I feel like I never know what to expect at each appointment – last week kind of threw me for a loop to say the least.

The technician was able to get some 3D pictures for us (not as good as last week), and I think they have felt bad for us lately so we have gotten some at every appointment (not complaining though because I love seeing our little guy!). 

He is such a little snuggler!

Dr. Read came in and did an ultrasound of his own. He had noted that last week my amniotic fluid levels were somewhat high. They are still high this week, but nothing that is raising any red flags and they will continue monitoring at every appointment. He reviewed everything the reports from Cincinnati said just to make sure I was told the same thing and we discussed the schedule of appointments with them. For the next four weeks I will have an appointment every other week and at 32 weeks I will see them and Dr. Pohl (each) once a week. One doctor will be doing the NST and one will be doing the BPP (biophysical profile). These appointments will each be on two different days of the week so they are able to keep an eye on the baby every few days. The plan is to have me induced around 38 weeks (May 6 or 7) but it could be earlier if things change or start to look concerning (please pray that all will stay the same and he can stay in utero to develop as much as possible). Even though I don’t have weekly (really twice weekly) appointments until 32 weeks, my existing appointments are already weekly starting now. I have my 28 week appointment with Dr. Pohl next week, the next appointment with Maternal-Fetal the next week, and another appointment with Dr. V (the pediatric cardiologist) on March 14. Whew! That is quite a lot to keep up with, but I am thankful that he will have a set of eyes on him every week until he makes his grand arrival! One question a lot of people have asked is if I will have to have a c-section. All doctors have confirmed that the only reasons for me having a c-section would be the same as a normal pregnancy so it isn’t something we are planning on right now. In fact, it would be better if I didn’t so that in the event that baby Murphy has to have surgery sooner than later I can be released from the hospital quicker.

I left this doctor’s appointment feeling a whole lot better than probably any other appointment I have had in the past. There were no new issues and I somewhat have a plan. All who know me and have read previous posts know that I love to plan, and that has been one of the hardest things about this diagnosis – the fact that I cannot plan for what will happen after his birth and that it all ‘just depends’ on how he is doing once he gets here. I will say that I am very thankful that the doctors discovered this in utero because the risks of him not surviving after birth would be increased GREATLY by lack of being prepared. I am still nervous/scared/worried/upset about everything that is going on, but God is working in our lives and I am working towards being able to trust Him fully. It is definitely a work in progress, but I know that whatever His plan is He will be by our sides.

When I started this blog it was more to be therapeutic for me in relation to all that is going on. This diagnosis is a lot to swallow, and to be honest I still don’t know how I am handling it. I prayed that God would allow my words to somehow be used if that was part of His plan – and they have! I have been able to connect with several other moms who are either pregnant with a child who has a CHD or have had recently had a baby with a CHD. It has been nice to connect on my end and I hope that I will be able to share my testimony to them and let them know they aren’t alone. Not only with support from me, but to let them know that God is on their side too and He wants to be their ultimate comforter, as He has been for me. Psalm 55:22 says “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”

Some people may be wondering what a CHD is – and I want to take a quick moment to explain. CHD stands for Congenital Heart Defect. The diagnosis we have received for baby Murphy falls under this category as well as many other heart defects. Every 1 in 100 babies is born with a CHD and it is the most common birth defect, some more severe than others. CHD’s affect about 40,000 babies each year and close to 4,000 won’t make it to their first birthday. Before I found out what was going on with baby Murphy, I was VERY unaware of CHD’s and their effect and severity on babies if undiagnosed (and even when they are diagnosed). I want to try and raise awareness so that more people and expectant moms are aware and don’t let this diagnosis pass them by in utero and them be surprised at birth. I encourage you to share the blog/facebook page because you never know who may see it and be encouraged by our story.

I want to thank everyone again who has supported us in prayer, financially, and by kind words of encouragement throughout this journey. Thank you will really never be enough to express my gratitude towards all of you. Baby Murphy is already loved by so many and I know there are a lot of people excited to meet him! I have connected with a few other moms who have babies (some still pregnant) with a diagnosed CHD. Please keep these families and babies in your prayers as well! I posted a few weeks ago about my friend Lacy and her baby Josiah. Baby Josiah has had his first open heart surgery and is doing great! He is enjoying time at home with mom and dad and spending time getting bigger before his next surgery in a few months. Please keep this sweet family in your prayers as they spend time at home and get ready for the next surgery for baby Josiah.

Special shout out to my husband as well. God has definitely blessed me with this man and I don’t think I could walk this path and face this battle without him. He has been able to make me laugh and keep my mind off of things when all I wanted to do was cry. We certainly didn’t know what this first year of marriage would bring, but I do know this has made our marriage stronger and brought us closer together. So thankful for his love and feeling beyond blessed to call him mine. I will keep you all updated as the pregnancy continues and as I go to my next appointments.

Love to you all,

Ashlyn