Baby Drama

 After a weekend of not going to California due to high blood pressure it was back to the doctor on Monday morning for my weekly check up. Sadly, my blood pressure was even higher (146/82) which didn't make the doctor any happier with my situation. So he decided to have me get some tests done.

He ordered that I do a 24 hour urine test (more on that in a minute) and sent me over to the hospital to have the amniotic fluid measured, monitor my blood pressure, and do a non-stress test on the baby. 

So our adventure to the hospital started in with an ultrasound - it's a little different to see a nearly full term baby on the ultrasound than a 20 week baby. Our baby has packed on the pounds and looks like it is pretty well smashed in there - but you might be able to distinguish some of the features on this new picture. They measured the amniotic fluid and while mine is on the low end - it didn't seem too much of a concern yet.

We had to make sure and tell the tech that we do not know the sex of the baby and would like to keep it that way - can you imagine making it this long and then having it slip? Wouldn't that be disappointing...

Next up we headed to labor and delivery for the non-stress test. I put on this pretty belly band and got hooked up to the monitors.

Then came the easy part - I just laid there and let the baby do it's thing. They just had to make sure the baby was moving and did so by checking the babies heart rate. The baby just had to sustain an elevated heart rate for 15 seconds three times and then we could leave. Our baby moved like a champ and hit that goal in about 20 minutes. They also checked my blood pressure - which was substantially lower the whole time (135/82 and 132/83) then it was in the morning - hopefully that is a good sign.

It's back up the hospital for another round of these tests on Thursday - twice a week until this baby comes.

Next up was the 24 hour urine test - they do this to check how much protein you are excreting as it is a sign that your kidneys have stopped working properly. All I have to say about this is - ugh. Collecting all of your urine for 24 hours basically anchors you to your house. To make it worse - you have to keep it in the fridge - wouldn't you just love opening up the fridge and seeing this sitting next to your milk?

So finally after 24 hours of constantly collecting - I had to take it back into the lab. I felt it was appropriately labelled: 

Now the last thing on my doctor's "To Do" list for me is resting. Lots and lots of rest. Luckily for my boss (and my sanity) he didn't restrict me from going to work - but he did say I should be resting if I'm not sitting at work. I think there is going to be a lot of this going on for the next little while:

So that's the scoop. After a wonderfully easy pregnancy - my baby is choosing now to act up and make things a little interesting. Luckily I still feel just the same and feel great - there is now just a list of things to worry about: high blood pressure, low amniotic fluid, reduced fetal movements, increased swelling, etc.

As much as I want this baby to just keep cooking and for things to continue to go ok - I wouldn't be surprised if this baby makes it's debut at any time. I think much of a change in anything is going to push my doctors hand and it will just be easier to get the baby delivered that risk keeping me pregnant.

So if you need me, you know where to find me - I'll be just be here, on the couch.