The Complication Edition

Most of you know by now, but there are still a few who haven't heard yet, so I'll repeat some info here at first and then try and update everyone where the situation stands today. A few weeks ago, Shell had an issue that required her to receive another ultrasound. This ultrasound revealed a complication with the pregnancy. The diagnosis is "vasa previa". Here's how it is described: (the squeamish may want to pass over the medical talk) Vasa Previa is a rare (1:3000), condition in which the fetal blood vessels, unsupported by either the umbilical cord or placental tissue, traverse the fetal membranes (bag of waters) across the lower segment of the uterus between the baby and the cervical opening. There are different types of Vasa Previa: Multi-lobed Placenta and Velamentous Insertion of the umbilical cord. Velamentous Insertion of the umbilical cord - Normally, blood vessels run from the placenta via the umbilical cord to the baby. Velamentous Insertion means that these veins travel across the amniotic membranes before they come together into the umbilical cord. Velamentous Insertion happens in 1-2% of all pregnancies. This is a delicate arrangement, but doesn't necessarily pose any threat (or symptoms, for that matter) during pregnancy. Multi-lobed Placentas - The lobes of bilobed and trilobed placentas are separated by a membrane and are of equal or near equal size. There is no certain information on how multilobed placentas are formed. Because a bilobed placenta in one pregnancy is followed by greater chance of bilobed placenta in subsequent pregnancies, it is possible that some multilobed placentas are genetic in origin. The umbilical cord most often inserts into the membranes between the two lobes of bilobed placentas but in about one-third of cases it inserts into the larger of the two lobes. Okay so now that we know what it is called and what happens here's some good news: The fact that we've received the diagnonsis ahead of time is a huge advantage. The pregnancy will not proceed as normal, instead Shell will be hospitalized at some point in the early third trimester (which beings at 28 weeks) and she and the baby will be constantly monitored. They will aid the baby's development, focusing on steroids to speed up the lung development, to insure the baby can survive for an earlier delivery. At some point, likely around week 35, they will perform a C-section to prevent the baby from dropping down and causing distress in the vessels. Most of the time this problem isn't detected until the baby is well on the way though the labor process and the rupture occurs. The way Shell and the baby will be cared for, they will simply rescue the baby before it can move into position. In the coming few weeks Shell will have another ultrasound which will determine the extent of the problem, and then we'll consult with an OB to determine how soon she will be put in the hospital and whether she can remain at home in bed for a certain portion of the early third trimester. The new ultrasound will likely be a color doppler ultrasound to show blood flow and directionality and give us a close-up of everything. Suffice it to say, the last few weeks have been stressful. Shell has been incredible however and has remained calm and confident. The baby is bouncing and kicking and letting us know its okay. Actually the other evening I had my hand on Shell's belly and felt the baby kick. Shell has reduced her activity level, though she is still working, she's on desk duty and at home she is couch or bed bound just trying to take it as easy as possible. Here either Shell is reading to Dixie or vice versa...I'm just not certain :) As you can see, Shell is doing fine and loves to show off her belly :) So what else is happening? I'm trying to finish up the semester, getting my remaining papers done and taking my finals (or as the Canadians say "writing my exams"). I had my first one yesterday and I'm not sure how I did because to be honest my head hasn't been in University with everything that has happened. I'll be glad when my last final is over and I can just concentrate on Shell, the baby, the house and work. We had a lovely dinner last weekend with Steve and Tara at the Cambridge Keg. After having to reschedule it a few times it was wonderful to finally be able to spend some time with them. The meal was great and Tara I'm sure had the perfect spot picked out in the restaurant, next to the fireplace...ah ambience. When we got home we had to make a special gift for Tara who loves Dixie so we took this picture for her Not to be outdone in the cute department, Willow and I played catch in the backyard today, the first sunny day in a week: As you can see...playing catch is hard work and very tiring And just to show you I don't just take photos of my wife and dogs...here's a nature photo for you. The tulips are blooming :) Well thanks to everyone in the last few weeks who sent along message of love and support. Everyone has been so wonderful...even Alex and his frightening Bozo hair :p Oh and I've written a couple of political essays for you in case you've missed reading them: The 2008 Election and Filibuster Myth Busting As always I welcome your comments and questions. Until next week, Cheers