NST, preterm labor and a grandbaby on the way!

[ChristineMP]

I have so much news! :)

1) Last week we started weekly NST and ultrasounds to monitor my baby because of the gestational diabetes. Robin is measuring large 34 wks 3 or 4 days when she was 33 weeks 1 day on the day of the test. We have another one tomorrow (Tuesday) and will have them every Tuesday between now and 38 weeks. We didn't get to talk to the perinatal specialist because he was in a meeting and I had an appointment with my OB right after my scan. I will get to talk to him tomorrow, though about the results of last week and this.

2) I have been working weekend doubles as a nurse at a long-term care/skilled nursing facility since the end of July with no problems. I worked an extra shift this past week on Friday and was fine. Well, Saturday morning at work I started having contractions that did NOT feel like my usual Braxton-Hicks contractions. They were painful, started in my low back and I felt a lot of downward pressure and they kept coming (I didn't time them because I was busy trying to get my work done and didn't have my watch on). So, I went to the nearest hospital. Thankfully, the contractions stopped on their own and my cervix isn't showing any changes. However, the OB doctor there told me no work, pelvic rest, no lifting, etc until I see my regular OB (I have an appointment this Thursday). I was hoping to work at least 4 more weeks...My husband and I were having some serious issues last week so my emotions were all over the place Thursday, Friday, Saturday and most of Sunday (imagine that, a pregnant woman getting emotional!!). Possibly that triggered things?  

3) My daughter, age 21, just found out that she is pregnant! So, I will become a grandmother next year around the end of May (her due date per her LMP is May 26th) and my little Robin will have a niece or nephew that is only 7 months younger than she is :) Please keep my daughter and grandchild in your prayers. My daughter is not a particularly mature 21 year old-she smokes and has been doing a lot of drinking since she turned 21 in July. I pray she stops smoking and drinking and puts her baby first...

[nextgen901]

Christine-take good care of yourself for the next few weeks till Robin arrives. All the best!

[ChristineMP]

Yes, I am aware of the effects of alcohol on babies and my daughter is aware also. I don't think she has done any partying since she found out she is pregnant but I can't say what she did before that. She just turned 21 in July so going out and partying isn't something she has been doing for long so hopefully she won't have a problem refraining while pregnant (and her friends are all aware that she is pregnant and that drinking isn't good for the baby so I don't think ANYONE will be wanting to go out with her). She's a child care worker and has taken classes in child development. She has also had children in her care that have been drug and alcohol exposed in utero (foster children whose foster parents use the day care where she works) so has seen the effects first hand.

Her smoking is more worrisome because she is pretty addicted and so far has only been able to "cut down". Her co-workers are helping in that regard...redirecting her when she is about to go take a smoke break...but eventually she goes home and she tends to walk all over her fiance so I don't think she gets as much encouragement at home.

[magnalicianemilysmom]

If your daughter drinks alcohol during pregnancy you should show her the side effects of fetal alcohol syndrome.My 33 year old brother inlaw has it.Both of his parents are passed on so my husband and myself are stuck taking care of him.His problem due to it is more mental then intellectual so the state of Maryland is not helping us as much as they should.It can also result in premature birth and retardation.I hope for her sake she seeks help.

[ChristineMP]

Oh yes, as soon as Robin is born I will post pics :) I do have an image from the last ultrasound I will try to scan and post...is a 3D image of her face. It looks like she has my nose.

[adgal]

Measuring ahead or behind at this stage means nothing.  The first trimester is the only time it's even accurate.  That's why they don't change due dates based on second or third trimester measurements. They all grow at their own speed and do their own thing after that.  I can't believe your getting so close.  Please tell me we will get to see a picture of Robin!  I can't wait!!

[ChristineMP]

Thanks all :) Met with the perinatal specialist today. Little Robin is doing well, so far she is in excellent shape. The perinatal specialist isn't worried about her measuring ahead. He said at this stage there are babies who are bigger and babies who are bigger.

I meet with my OB Thursday and will find out if she thinks it would be alright for me to return to work.

[adgal]

Wow, you do have a lot going on.  And you know that all 3 of you are in my prayers.  Please, remember to also take care of momma.  Sometimes we can get so caught up in what is happening with others, we forget about ourselves a little.  And I have no doubt your daughter will do what's right.  It's amazing how having a little one on the way can quickly mature someone, and help them in making better choices.  You take care of yourself, ok?

[nextgen901]

That is a lot to take at this stage of pregnancy. You, your baby, DH, your older daughter and her baby are in my prayers. Don't beat yourself up. I am sure all will go well.

[RmberMe69]

I hope everything will settle down with your baby. I have GD and at my last scan my baby was measuring 3 weeks ahead. But I really do thing they are not as accurate as they say.
I also have a daughter who is 21 and pregnant and due 2 months after me. However she doesn't smoke or drink thank God. All I know is you can't force them to do something they don't want to do, as it has the opposite affect :-( if only they could really see the damage drinking and smoking can do. My thoughts are with you and your daughter.