October Update Part 2

The second part of my update is about what's been going on with my pregnancy. I'm now at the end of my 6th month, and this has definitely been a different pregnancy than with Connell. First off, I've been incredibly more sore than I ever remember being with Connell! I just had my 4th ultrasound yesterday, and from the pictures you can see that his head is down and right against my cervix, so that would explain some of my soreness! The ultrasound technician couldn't get him to move his head! He really likes that position. In the picture above, it looks like he's sucking on the uterine wall. In the bottom picture, he looks like he's sucking on his hand. I think this baby boy's going to like his pacifier! Connell just stuck his tongue in and out and never really liked pacifiers. It'll be interesting to see.

Anyway, the reason I've had so many ultrasounds is that in my 20 week ultrasound, they found out that I have marginal placenta previa. I found a good article that explains what it is, and here is the summary:

"The placenta normally attaches to the upper portion of the uterus which is more muscular and stronger to support the placenta. However, in placenta previa the placenta attaches to the lower portion of the uterus which is weaker, thinner, and more vascular. As you enter your second and third trimester, the cervix begins to thin and stretch in preparation for labor. As this area stretches it can cause the villi (blood vessels) to break therefore causing bleeding. Placenta previa can lead to complications for both mother and baby.

"Placenta previa will often correct itself during pregnancy. In more than 90 percent of women diagnosed with placenta previa in the second trimester, the placenta will correct itself by the end of the pregnancy. The placenta itself doesn't actually move, but as the uterus stretches it is not as close to the cervix as it was earlier in pregnancy...So for the majority of women, placenta previa will correct itself (justmommmies.com)."

In my 26 week ultrasound (on Thursday), we could see that the placenta has stretched upwards a tiny bit, so that's a good sign. I'm hoping it will continue to do so, so there won't be any complications. Worst case scenario is that if I start bleeding, I have to go to the hospital to be on bed rest for the rest of the pregnancy, and then have a possibly C-section. But we're praying everything will be fine and it won't come to that. At least everything with our baby boy looks perfect; he's growing just as he should and all his organs look great! He's going to be adorable, I'm sure! It was really fun to watch him moving around in this ultrasound. I can't wait to meet him in person!

In the mean time, my midwife has put me on "pelvic rest," which basically means I have to be careful and not over-exert myself by lifting too much or doing too much. I'm not even allowed to go walking, which is annoying, but I guess I can be lazy for the safety of me and my baby. That's one thing I'm pretty good at, especially if I have a good excuse! I'm still feeling great though and able to do everything I need to around the house. I'll continue to have ultrasounds once a month and see my midwife every two weeks, but I still get to go visit Idaho in November, so I'm not complaining too much! I'm just very thankful for all that is good in my life. Connell is going to be a great big brother and JayC is a great daddy! We are very blessed to be having this baby.





He gave us a good picture of his little foot!



And here he has his balled up fist in front of his mouth. The ultrasound technician said it looked like he was sucking on it! (She also said he has a very cute little nose!) 3 months to go! I'm so excited!!