Evening Everyone,
So initially I wanted to keep the induction date a secret but things have moved on a bit since then and the whole point of doing this blog was to help others so I want to make sure I share all important developments so that the complete picture is shared and so people become more aware of pregnancy and disability.
We were due to come in this Friday 2nd August 2019 for induction as this is when I will be 37 weeks and full term. I never thought I would reach this stage. I could remain pregnant for longer but as baby is big, we chose induction to increase my chances of avoiding a C section.
However, I have been having issues with my bladder as the baby’s head is so low that he is preventing urine from passing. This can happen in pregnancy but is more common in women with paralysis as the nerve pathways are compromised anyway so any pressure on the nerves from baby means the nerves stop working altogether.
I saw the midwife on Monday and she referred us to hospital where we spent the day. I had to be catheterised and the doctors wanted to admit me to ensure my bladder could be emptied regularly. I wasn’t ready to stay in hospital for 4 days and I just didn’t feel it was necessary. The doctors know that my job role and years in hospital mean that I am aware of the risks and benefits of hospital admission. They therefore agreed to let me home on the understanding I would return if I felt my bladder was getting too full and not emptying properly.
I managed yesterday but today I started to feel uncomfortable again so I have been admitted to a ward. My bladder has been drained and I am currently in bed listening to baby’s heart on a monitor. They said he seems happy and is very active.
I had hoped to avoid hospital until induction but I didn’t want to take any risks so came in tonight. There are slight traces of infection in my urine but these are mild. The doctors will visit in the morning and make a decision about whether to induce tomorrow or Friday. The catheters carry risks of infection so it may be worth inducing a day early to minimise this risk. However, it depends on beds on the induction suite.
I haven’t been in hospital since my last back surgery in 2005. Being in a hospital bed with all the associated noises brings back memories for me that aren’t the best but I think these experiences have made me stronger. A few people have asked if I am nervous about the delivery but honestly I haven’t had time to think much. With my body nothing really goes to plan when it comes to hospital treatment so I am going to go with the flow.
I will keep you all updated but it may not be for a few days.
Take care all xxx
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Morning All
So this may well be the last blog before our long awaited baby is born.
I have just had my scan and been reviewed by the Fetal Medicine Consultant at St Michael’s Hospital. Baby is doing well. Still a big boy with an estimated birth weight in the region of 7.5 pounds despite the fact he will be born around 3 weeks early. I discussed the fact he is big again with the consultant and my concerns about his head getting stuck in my pelvis particularly given that my spine is not straight so there is a chance my pelvis is not straight. He was not concerned as I will he monitored closely and should any problems arise in labour, a c section is always an option. After all, I do get my legs round a chunky pony each week with no trouble! The problem is that working in clinical negligence law, I only ever hear the nightmare stories.
The ventricles measured 10mm again today which makes them borderline abnormal but the consultant is reassured by all other test results. It is difficult to measure the ventricles now as baby has his head so low. We have been warned there is a strong possibility he will make his own way out before next week.
With regards to the kidneys, the left side which was the one that caused concern was visualised on today’s scan. It appeared normal but small. The right kidney could not be seen as his hand was over it. It seems he has his Mummy’s long fingers.
He will have to be monitored after birth due to him having been exposed to a muscle relaxant and the odd codeine. I have tried to keep these as few and far between as possible but I have to balance the risks of not taking the medications. My legs can become locked in spasms which spread throughout my body. If this happens during a transfer from the bed to the toilet, I could fall which is more risky than a low dose Diazopan.
The hardest thing is still the getting up to the toilet in the night. Pulling myself out of bed in this heat on my arms is getting so tough. Being able to walk would be so much easier. By the time I get back to bed, I am then wide awake in the boiling heat.
This is my last week at work. I am in the office tomorrow for the last time. Not sure how I feel really. I will miss my colleagues and it’s strange to think they will all carry on without me. Then again, I am moving on to a new exciting chapter which I know will fly by and before I know it I will be back at work. I’m surprised I have managed to keep working until 36 weeks which is the same as most women without a disability. I think it is being active that has helped me get this far.
I have a final midwife appointment on Monday to check my blood pressure and urine. This will endure I am fit for induction. It’s then just the count down until our next trip to St Michael’s Hospital which will be the biggest days of our lives. We have enough snacks to supply a small shop and I plan to make the most of Deliveroo.
We will be sure to keep you updated and I will blog as soon as I can.
Love xxx
So this may well be the last blog before our long awaited baby is born.
I have just had my scan and been reviewed by the Fetal Medicine Consultant at St Michael’s Hospital. Baby is doing well. Still a big boy with an estimated birth weight in the region of 7.5 pounds despite the fact he will be born around 3 weeks early. I discussed the fact he is big again with the consultant and my concerns about his head getting stuck in my pelvis particularly given that my spine is not straight so there is a chance my pelvis is not straight. He was not concerned as I will he monitored closely and should any problems arise in labour, a c section is always an option. After all, I do get my legs round a chunky pony each week with no trouble! The problem is that working in clinical negligence law, I only ever hear the nightmare stories.
The ventricles measured 10mm again today which makes them borderline abnormal but the consultant is reassured by all other test results. It is difficult to measure the ventricles now as baby has his head so low. We have been warned there is a strong possibility he will make his own way out before next week.
With regards to the kidneys, the left side which was the one that caused concern was visualised on today’s scan. It appeared normal but small. The right kidney could not be seen as his hand was over it. It seems he has his Mummy’s long fingers.
He will have to be monitored after birth due to him having been exposed to a muscle relaxant and the odd codeine. I have tried to keep these as few and far between as possible but I have to balance the risks of not taking the medications. My legs can become locked in spasms which spread throughout my body. If this happens during a transfer from the bed to the toilet, I could fall which is more risky than a low dose Diazopan.
The hardest thing is still the getting up to the toilet in the night. Pulling myself out of bed in this heat on my arms is getting so tough. Being able to walk would be so much easier. By the time I get back to bed, I am then wide awake in the boiling heat.
This is my last week at work. I am in the office tomorrow for the last time. Not sure how I feel really. I will miss my colleagues and it’s strange to think they will all carry on without me. Then again, I am moving on to a new exciting chapter which I know will fly by and before I know it I will be back at work. I’m surprised I have managed to keep working until 36 weeks which is the same as most women without a disability. I think it is being active that has helped me get this far.
I have a final midwife appointment on Monday to check my blood pressure and urine. This will endure I am fit for induction. It’s then just the count down until our next trip to St Michael’s Hospital which will be the biggest days of our lives. We have enough snacks to supply a small shop and I plan to make the most of Deliveroo.
We will be sure to keep you updated and I will blog as soon as I can.
Love xxx
Friday, July 12, 2019
Hey everyone!
So I promised to update you all today as today is a big milestone in the pregnancy as I have reached 34 weeks gestation. Most babies born at this stage do not need respiratory support and have the same survival rates as full term babies. The doctors actually had me provisionally on the list for induction today as they were so sure the baby would have stopped growing due to reduced space in my abdominal cavity. HE HAS NOT STOPPED GROWING! This means the pregnancy can continue for at least another 3 weeks so that he will be classed as full term when I am induced. Although 40 weeks is the normal length of pregnancy, the NHS class 37 weeks as term nowadays. As with all inductions, it may take a few days but it is safe to say that baby Scotto will arrive in the next 4 weeks or so.
So with regards to the abnormality with the ventricle size in his brain, we are so relieved that not only was Monday’s MRI normal, but today on the ultrasound the measurements were below the 10mm threshold above which doctors become concerned. This does not mean the previous measurements were wrong and those taken during the MRI and the scan today are correct but it is further reassurance that any abnormality that is present is minor.
However, during the scan today they did note that one of the baby’s kidneys was larger than the other. They initially said one was too large. However, the doctor performing the scan said that the baby does have normal kidney function and the enlargement in the one kidney could be due to a full bladder.
We were then told we would need to come back for more measurements next week with the Fetal Medicine Unit (baby doctors). However, a patient failed to attend their appointment today so they squeezed me in with a consultant from the Fetal Medicine Unit this morning who did another thorough scan. She agreed that the ventricles in the brain were within normal range and she said that it is not that one kidney is enlarged but that one is a bit small. It is impossible to say if the smaller kidney is working but it has good arterial blood flow so it looks like it is functioning normally. I myself have one kidney smaller than the other and there is about a 2cm difference. They are not concerned but will scan baby when he is a few days old. Even if the kidney isn’t working at all, no treatment would be given because we can live happily with one kidney.
We are so fortunate to have the scans and today’s care was amazing. However, with so many different measurements and different people scanning, anomalies that are actually nothing to worry about do get detected.
Baby is still big, now weighing 6 pounds, so I questioned whether a C section would be best with my small pelvis. The doctors are confident that it is safe for me to try a vaginal birth first so that is what i will do. We do have a confirmed date of induction and I will blog before this date but we would like to keep the exact date to ourselves and close family. It is likely to be a long process. Louie is looking forward to sleeping in a reclining chair for at least 3 nights!
The Health Visitor has just visited this afternoon and is happy that we are as organised as we can be and that the house and measures we have implemented make it safe for me to care for the baby independently. She spoke about isolation after birth which may be more of an issue for me because I can’t get in a car spontaneously and go places. She has given me contacted details for lots of support groups that Louie and I can attend soon after birth. She also agrees that breastfeeding would be the best option for me to avoid the messing around with bottles when I am in my own.
So now it’s tome for a nap, it has been a worrying few weeks but we can count down the days until we meet our baby. I hardly sleep at night now due to needing the toilet approximately each hour. Getting up into a wheelchair, transferring to a toilet and then back again isn’t easy on your arms with a big bump. I use my inflatable bath cushion to lift me out of the bath but even with this helpful equipment, Louie does occasionally have to rescue me. It all depends on baby’s position. The one hour each way commute on the train to work is tough in this heat and my legs are quite spasmy due to not riding or being able to take medication. Oh well, just 2 more weeks of work and then some annual leave before I go on maternity leave. All seems real now!
If anyone would like to guess the name, delivery date, and weight, please comment below.
I must just say a quick happy birthday to my Mummy. Everyone says their Mum is the best but mine really is and she has done so much for us over the last 9 months. She is already the best Grandma to my niece Grace and I can’t waitvfor her to meet our little one. I know they will have the best bond! She is coming up with Dad this weekend to celebrate her birthday with us and to finish the nursery. Excited!
Lots of love. Xxx
So I promised to update you all today as today is a big milestone in the pregnancy as I have reached 34 weeks gestation. Most babies born at this stage do not need respiratory support and have the same survival rates as full term babies. The doctors actually had me provisionally on the list for induction today as they were so sure the baby would have stopped growing due to reduced space in my abdominal cavity. HE HAS NOT STOPPED GROWING! This means the pregnancy can continue for at least another 3 weeks so that he will be classed as full term when I am induced. Although 40 weeks is the normal length of pregnancy, the NHS class 37 weeks as term nowadays. As with all inductions, it may take a few days but it is safe to say that baby Scotto will arrive in the next 4 weeks or so.
So with regards to the abnormality with the ventricle size in his brain, we are so relieved that not only was Monday’s MRI normal, but today on the ultrasound the measurements were below the 10mm threshold above which doctors become concerned. This does not mean the previous measurements were wrong and those taken during the MRI and the scan today are correct but it is further reassurance that any abnormality that is present is minor.
However, during the scan today they did note that one of the baby’s kidneys was larger than the other. They initially said one was too large. However, the doctor performing the scan said that the baby does have normal kidney function and the enlargement in the one kidney could be due to a full bladder.
We were then told we would need to come back for more measurements next week with the Fetal Medicine Unit (baby doctors). However, a patient failed to attend their appointment today so they squeezed me in with a consultant from the Fetal Medicine Unit this morning who did another thorough scan. She agreed that the ventricles in the brain were within normal range and she said that it is not that one kidney is enlarged but that one is a bit small. It is impossible to say if the smaller kidney is working but it has good arterial blood flow so it looks like it is functioning normally. I myself have one kidney smaller than the other and there is about a 2cm difference. They are not concerned but will scan baby when he is a few days old. Even if the kidney isn’t working at all, no treatment would be given because we can live happily with one kidney.
We are so fortunate to have the scans and today’s care was amazing. However, with so many different measurements and different people scanning, anomalies that are actually nothing to worry about do get detected.
Baby is still big, now weighing 6 pounds, so I questioned whether a C section would be best with my small pelvis. The doctors are confident that it is safe for me to try a vaginal birth first so that is what i will do. We do have a confirmed date of induction and I will blog before this date but we would like to keep the exact date to ourselves and close family. It is likely to be a long process. Louie is looking forward to sleeping in a reclining chair for at least 3 nights!
The Health Visitor has just visited this afternoon and is happy that we are as organised as we can be and that the house and measures we have implemented make it safe for me to care for the baby independently. She spoke about isolation after birth which may be more of an issue for me because I can’t get in a car spontaneously and go places. She has given me contacted details for lots of support groups that Louie and I can attend soon after birth. She also agrees that breastfeeding would be the best option for me to avoid the messing around with bottles when I am in my own.
So now it’s tome for a nap, it has been a worrying few weeks but we can count down the days until we meet our baby. I hardly sleep at night now due to needing the toilet approximately each hour. Getting up into a wheelchair, transferring to a toilet and then back again isn’t easy on your arms with a big bump. I use my inflatable bath cushion to lift me out of the bath but even with this helpful equipment, Louie does occasionally have to rescue me. It all depends on baby’s position. The one hour each way commute on the train to work is tough in this heat and my legs are quite spasmy due to not riding or being able to take medication. Oh well, just 2 more weeks of work and then some annual leave before I go on maternity leave. All seems real now!
If anyone would like to guess the name, delivery date, and weight, please comment below.
I must just say a quick happy birthday to my Mummy. Everyone says their Mum is the best but mine really is and she has done so much for us over the last 9 months. She is already the best Grandma to my niece Grace and I can’t waitvfor her to meet our little one. I know they will have the best bond! She is coming up with Dad this weekend to celebrate her birthday with us and to finish the nursery. Excited!
Lots of love. Xxx
Monday, July 1, 2019
Morning All,
It’s a bit unusual for me to have the time to blog on a Monday morning but today I am on annual leave and am spending my morning at a midwife appointment undergoing a glucose test. This is because on our last scan on Thursday 27th June 2019 it became apparent that our baby is very large. I am now 32 weeks plus 3 days pregnant and a baby at this stage is usually between 3 and 3.5 pounds. Our little boy is estimated to be around 4 pounds 15 ounces. You do have to allow about 3 ounces each way for scanner error. Even with this 3 ounce either way allowance, he is still big with a fat tummy. This means the doctors have to rule out gestational diabetes. I don’t think I have diabetes as I don’t have any of the swelling or urinary symptoms but it’s best to be sure. My mum had the same situation when she was pregnant with me and it turned out I was just big. I think the doctors were expecting a small baby with my short body but everyone in mine and Louie’s family are quite tall. I had to starve myself from last night then I came and had my first lot of bloods taken. I have just had to drink a vile glucose drink and am now sitting for 2 hours before having repeat bloods taken. I should get the results in 3 days.
There was another issue identified on the scan. Although everything looked fine and he was moving and growing well and the amniotic fluid levels were normal, a ventricles in his brain appeared slightly dilated. Each of the 4 ventricles should measure between 4mm and 10mm. Each measurement of one of the anterior ventricles was 10mm but when a final check was performed the measurement was 11.8mm. We have therefore been referred to Fetal Medicine for another scan this Wednesday and this time it will be performed by a Consultant Neonatologist. Dilated ventricles can be caused by a variety of conditions including Downs Syndrome and Hydrocephalus. However, we have been reassured that these conditions are unlikely as our genetic blood tests performed early in pregnancy cams back with low risk of Downs Syndrome and baby’s head circumference is normal which suggests it’s not Hydrocephalus. I have done a lot of research this weekend and a measurement between 10mm and 12mm appears to be classed as mild and 98 percent of babies with this measurement are born healthy. It’s just a waiting game. The lady who scanned me said she is sure it is nothing and is referring me because of my history of spinal issues. She also noted on her report that she struggled to get a good view due to his head now being well down in my pelvis. Even if the Consultant does measure the ventricle at higher than 10mm but less than 12mm and if all else is well, the pregnancy will continue as normal and we will know more when he is born.
We have been told that labour will be induced around 37 weeks as this is what the NHS class as full term. This would be the best outcome for baby. The countdown really has begun.
I had my second baby shower on Saturday which was lovely. Friends travelled from all over the country and I was so touched. It means so much to have the support of those around me. We were totally spoilt with presents. I am looking forward to organising them in the nursery.
When my second blood test is done I am off up to the stables. It will be my last visit before I become a Mummy. I then plan to rest for the remainder of the day as I am feeling a bit drained. I have a urine infection and the heat is taking it out of me a little bit. Urine infections are common in pregnancy but I am at higher risk due to not being able to stand up. Also, now that the baby’s head is so low down, emptying my bladder fully is harder. I will start antibiotics today.
I am still working full time although I do 2 days a week at home which helps. I hope to work for at least another 3 weeks. I have given all my cases to colleagues now just in case I need to leave work suddenly.
My Mum came up and washed and ironed all the baby clothes. My hospital bag is packed although if baby carries on growing, some of the clothes are likely to be too small. Louie has also packed a bag as he is likely to have to stay with me in hospital to help me move around, especially if I do end up having a C section. I can hear babies crying having their post-natal check ups. That might be our baby any day now. Who would have thought he was expected to arrive 4 weeks ago.
I will blog again soon.
Lots of love xxx
It’s a bit unusual for me to have the time to blog on a Monday morning but today I am on annual leave and am spending my morning at a midwife appointment undergoing a glucose test. This is because on our last scan on Thursday 27th June 2019 it became apparent that our baby is very large. I am now 32 weeks plus 3 days pregnant and a baby at this stage is usually between 3 and 3.5 pounds. Our little boy is estimated to be around 4 pounds 15 ounces. You do have to allow about 3 ounces each way for scanner error. Even with this 3 ounce either way allowance, he is still big with a fat tummy. This means the doctors have to rule out gestational diabetes. I don’t think I have diabetes as I don’t have any of the swelling or urinary symptoms but it’s best to be sure. My mum had the same situation when she was pregnant with me and it turned out I was just big. I think the doctors were expecting a small baby with my short body but everyone in mine and Louie’s family are quite tall. I had to starve myself from last night then I came and had my first lot of bloods taken. I have just had to drink a vile glucose drink and am now sitting for 2 hours before having repeat bloods taken. I should get the results in 3 days.
There was another issue identified on the scan. Although everything looked fine and he was moving and growing well and the amniotic fluid levels were normal, a ventricles in his brain appeared slightly dilated. Each of the 4 ventricles should measure between 4mm and 10mm. Each measurement of one of the anterior ventricles was 10mm but when a final check was performed the measurement was 11.8mm. We have therefore been referred to Fetal Medicine for another scan this Wednesday and this time it will be performed by a Consultant Neonatologist. Dilated ventricles can be caused by a variety of conditions including Downs Syndrome and Hydrocephalus. However, we have been reassured that these conditions are unlikely as our genetic blood tests performed early in pregnancy cams back with low risk of Downs Syndrome and baby’s head circumference is normal which suggests it’s not Hydrocephalus. I have done a lot of research this weekend and a measurement between 10mm and 12mm appears to be classed as mild and 98 percent of babies with this measurement are born healthy. It’s just a waiting game. The lady who scanned me said she is sure it is nothing and is referring me because of my history of spinal issues. She also noted on her report that she struggled to get a good view due to his head now being well down in my pelvis. Even if the Consultant does measure the ventricle at higher than 10mm but less than 12mm and if all else is well, the pregnancy will continue as normal and we will know more when he is born.
We have been told that labour will be induced around 37 weeks as this is what the NHS class as full term. This would be the best outcome for baby. The countdown really has begun.
I had my second baby shower on Saturday which was lovely. Friends travelled from all over the country and I was so touched. It means so much to have the support of those around me. We were totally spoilt with presents. I am looking forward to organising them in the nursery.
When my second blood test is done I am off up to the stables. It will be my last visit before I become a Mummy. I then plan to rest for the remainder of the day as I am feeling a bit drained. I have a urine infection and the heat is taking it out of me a little bit. Urine infections are common in pregnancy but I am at higher risk due to not being able to stand up. Also, now that the baby’s head is so low down, emptying my bladder fully is harder. I will start antibiotics today.
I am still working full time although I do 2 days a week at home which helps. I hope to work for at least another 3 weeks. I have given all my cases to colleagues now just in case I need to leave work suddenly.
My Mum came up and washed and ironed all the baby clothes. My hospital bag is packed although if baby carries on growing, some of the clothes are likely to be too small. Louie has also packed a bag as he is likely to have to stay with me in hospital to help me move around, especially if I do end up having a C section. I can hear babies crying having their post-natal check ups. That might be our baby any day now. Who would have thought he was expected to arrive 4 weeks ago.
I will blog again soon.
Lots of love xxx
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