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