February 26th, 2010

Today I went with Grandma Jay to U of M for a non-stress test, ultra-sound and OB appointment. My fluid levels are in the average range and Riley is doing well. While we were there they did change my induction date to Thursday, March 11th. Dr. Ohye, Riley's surgeon, needed to schedule her surgery to March 15th because he will be on vacation the following week. This will allow us the weekend for visitors and the kids to spend time seeing Riley so it will work out just fine!

Please keep Riley in your prayers! She is in HIS grip! (As my friend Linda likes to put it!)

Mom

February 19th Visit to U of M

Yesterday we had a visit to U of M. First, we had an ultra-sound in Perinatal Assessment. This ultra-sound indicated that my amniotic fluid was borderline low. On a scale of 1 to 10 the fluid measured a 5. 5 and above they do not worry, 5 and below they have some concerns. Because the amniotic fluid is the representation of the placenta, we needed to make sure that the baby has enough fluid and that she is not squeezing her own oxygen supply through the umbilical cord. They then sent us for a stress test to monitor Riley's movements and watch her heart rate. As long as her heart rate was increasing and decreasing as she moved, she is in no danger and has enough fluid to move in. I now need to go to U of M on Tuesdays and Fridays to have this stress test done and to have an ultra-sound measuring amniotic fluid. The physicians at U of M said that if the fluid level stays the same or increases Riley will do just fine. However, if the fluid goes any lower they will need to induce labor. We were also told by hydrating much much more I do have a chance to increase the amniotic fluid, however, there are two differing opinions on if this actually works or not. When I was pregnant with Christian I had the same issue with fluid levels. He was induced on my due date and did just fine!

Riley is measuring 5 pounds 1 ounce! She is growing and developing well, she just needs a few more weeks to add more weight. We checked with the Cardiothorasic Surgeons and if Riley does come early she already meets the minimum requirements for weight to endure surgery.

Between our appointments we did get a tour of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). We saw several small babies and there families and were very impressed with the facility. When Riley is first born she will immediately be taken to a very small "warming room" where she will be assessed by multiple physicians. She may need to be placed on a ventilator, or need other assistance. This room is equipped to handle any of her needs. Once they assess Riley she will be sent to the Cardiothorasic floor to be monitored, this is where she will be until she is ready for surgery. The physicians will determine the surgery date after birth, anywhere from 3 to 7 days of life. Once she has here surgery she will return to Cardio-thorasic floor (generally for about 2 weeks), then she will go the regular NICU until she is fully recovered (generally 2-3 weeks).

Our last appointment was in OB. Here they checked by blood pressure and vitals. We discussed possible scenarios if induction does place sooner than we planned. Our hope is to hydrate as much as possible and pray that the fluid levels do not go any lower!! We will know more next Tuesday, so for now it is time to drink up!