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September 21, 2009

1%

We had another ultrasound today with mixed results. Bit is doing really well. Everything looked normal, no cleft pallet, heart, brain and kidneys all look normal. Bit is weighing it at 14oz and is measuring one week ahead of schedule at 20w 4 days. We resisted the urge to look when they went to look at the baby bits so Bit's sex/gender is still a mystery.

The bad news from the visit is that it looks like we have velamentous cord insertion (which I have never ever heard of). This basically means that the umbilical cord doesn't insert into the mass of the placenta. The exposed vessels are not protected by Wharton's jelly and are vulnerable to rupture. Apparently, this only occurs in 1.1% of singleton pregnancies. Woo hoo! Lucky us.

Part of me feels like of course we fall into this 1%. This whole process hasn't gone our way or smoothly from the beginning so why should it now. Basically, I'm feeling extremely sad and scared for Bit that something will go very wrong. The doctor who's office we were in for the ultrasound wasn't in but the tech seemed unfazed. We'll have to go in for monthly ultrasound appointments to make sure Bit continues to grow, as lack of growth can be one of the complications. We have a call out to the midwife to see what this means for Bit and if our plans for a home birth are still possible. I'm hoping that I'm just overreacting and this really is going to be a non-issue since Bit is already measuring one week ahead which means he/she must be getting everything it needs. But I just keep thinking that if this only happens in 1% of pregnancies how can it not be a big deal?

12 comments:

ohchicken said...

most definitely thinking of you right now. you are in such good hands w/ your midwife. she will be your advocate however things must move forward.

i have every confidence that your baby is alright, and will be born full term, healthy (and probably big).

x

Next in Line said...

Darn 1%. Drat. Hopefully you can get some more info from your midwife that will put your mind at ease.

J and D said...

I would wait to get an opinion from a doctor or midwife. The u/s tech should really have left this discussion up to a medical professional!!! Remember that rare doesn't mean bad it just means it doesn't happen very often.
I do know it's hard not to worry. )= I hope you get the answers you need and everything is OK.

2momswithaplan said...

I agree with pp - the tech should have not given you that information. Don't stress about it until you get all the facts from your doctor. As you said - Bit is one week ahead so he/she is doing really well with the unique umbilical cord.

Anonymous said...

((hugs)) so sorry you've been given one more thing to stress/worry over. bit sounds like s/he is doing well, despite the funky cord situation. i hope your midwife is able to provide some reassurance and you are able to have the birth you want.

Unknown said...

What a roller coaster! I would definitely need several medical opinions to rest your heart. I am happy that 'bit' is growing well.

B. said...

You don't need this! But I agree with everyone else- don't worry (any more than you can't avoid) until you speak with an expert on the subject. Maybe this just means that you won't be allowed to eat kumquats on Thursdays until 2014 (who east kumquats?), or participate in any professional wrestling matches, or some other totally ridiculous and inconsequential thing. Bit's growing and developing normally and that's all that matters right now. Hang in there!

Lizzie said...

Sorry for the stress that news like this brings. Saying a prayer that all continues to go well with your little bit. Lots of love.

Gayby Rabies said...

I wish this "luck" would apply to things like the lottery for you instead of just nerve-wracking things! It sounds like Bit is doing just fine in spite of it all. For what it's worth, I read that in many cases, the velamentous cord insertion isn't discovered until the placenta is examined after a healthy baby is delivered.

tbean said...

Scary indeed but I agree that bit's growth is probably your best indicator that everything is going smoothly. I hope your midwife can give you more reassurance.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry you're faced with this. I too think it is a very good thing that Bit is measuring a week ahead already - he/she must be getting the nutrients needed.

Hopefully your midwife can calm your worries.

Thinking of you.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of all three of you and hoping that this cord issue proves to be a non-issue for you and Bit. I'm sorry that it's scary right now, and hope that your midwife does an excellent job of allaying your fears. Many many good thoughts to you!