05-8-2009 - Polyhydramnios - multiple hospital apps

My mood while writing this blog: ok now

Hi all

Thanks for reading.

OK, so heres the story. I went to my midwife appointment on Monday. BP was fine but I was showing a little sugar in my urine. I got measured and came out at 42 weeks instead of 38. I mentioned that Emilys movements have slowed, if I poke her (gently of course) or drink something cold she moves but other than that not much. The midwife said I have to have a glucose test next week and she wanted me to go up to hospital for a CTG (monitoring of the heartbeat) for 30 mins or so just to check it out.

Got to the hospital at 12.30pm on Monday and was hooked up to the machine. As normal Miss Emily-Rose embarrased mummy and daddy by kicking like crazy! lol. The second line on the graph shows contractions, you could clearly see that I was having them pretty regular although they are Braxton Hicks I believe. So, I had my belly measured again and was checked internally. My cervix is completely closed :( The measurement was 42-43 weeks so my growth scan was bought forward to Tuesday. I got out of the hospital at 4.30pm.

Went to the scan yesterday (Tuesday) Miss Emily is approx 7lb 10oz which isnt too bad, I was expecting bigger so I was happy with that. Her heartbeat was fine, she is head right down and she is facing in towards my spine. All good news........then I was told that my amniotic fluid is too high (medical term - Polyhydramnios) , now above the max range. I took the report up to the assessment unit in the L&D ward and was told that the glucose test had been booked for next week and some blood was being taken to check for Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Toxoplasmosis and Syphilis. As you can imagine, I came out of the hospital feeling confused and scared. Why were all these tests needed? I had asked the midwife on the ward but she didnt have a clue.

I got home and STUPIDLY looked up Polyhydramnios on the internet. Well...........I read and understood that in 65% of cases there is no known cause and no issues. But as with any parent/new mum, I read on and saw that there are so many scary things it could mean like Congenital problems, Downs, Tumor in the placenta, Problems with central nervous system, Heart, or Kidneys. On top of that stillborn is more common as are problems with labour and delivery. I was utterly shocked and totally petrified. Of course I would love my little girl whatever the outcome, I was just so scared of all that I had read and that stillbirth was an increased complication.

Steve got home from a business meeting and I just collapsed in his arms, crying my heart out. You see, although my pregnancy has gone great this time, I am always waiting for the bad news. This might sound really negative to you, but when you have been through a hard time to have your baby, you kind of never believe its really going to happen for you. So when I read of all these things that could be wrong, I just believed that here is the bad news I have been waiting for. Its all going to go wrong now. Ive got this far and its all going to be taken away.

Last night was awful. In between the crying I managed to grab some sleep but this was all filled with nightmares that I wont go into on here as I dont want to upset anyone. Suffice to say it made me scared to close my eyes. Steve spent most of the night just holding onto me, comforting me and telling me it was all going to be ok.

This morning first thing, Steve and I went to the hospital to see my specialist. I got there and explained my growth scan had already been done but I still wanted to see my Dr today. I had my urine and BP checked, both perfect this time. When that was done, the midwife said we will put you in with Dr ****. I said 'No, I want to see MY doctor. In my last three visits, I have had to see someone else, not today. I want my doctor, I am scared and I trust him and know he will give me the right advice'. They looked pretty shocked at my words! They said you will have to wait, it could be hours. 'Fine' I said as I sat back down in the waiting room!

Only about 40 mins later I was called in. My doc was reading through my notes. He looked up and smiled and said 'Still pregnant, you look well'. Bless. I sat down and launched into the whole story, telling him that I am scared and the reasons why. He was so calm, he listened to me, read through the notes, let Steve speak and then said 'Its pretty common, nothing to worry yourself about'. He asked me to pop up onto the bed, he measured me, had a good feel of my tum (saying that babys head was well down) and listened to her heartbeat. He said, 'yes the fluid levels are higher than average, but really not a cause for concern. Your belly is a great size, baby is measuring a good weight'. He said 'eat lots of curry & liquorice, if you are still pregnant this time next week I will see you again and give you a sweep'. He also said 'Its completely normal to worry, everyone does but when you have been through multiple losses you are bound to be very senstive to anything that is not 'normal' at your appointments'. Then gave me this big grin.

I immediately relaxed. I trust this man 100%, I know that there is no way he would put me or Emily in any danger. I am still tearful, I am guessing the hormones are still raging, but I feel soooooo much better. I just cannot wait until my baby is in my arms where I can see her and know she is ok.

Thanks again for reading x x

Love Rach and Emily-Rose x