8 Years ago
8 years ago, this week I gave birth to my little blue eyed redhead daughter, E.
When I found out I was pregnant with her, it was a definite surprise. To say I was scared, was an understatement because I was terrified how I was going to handle 2 kids. It took me till my 8-week prenatal appointment to accept that I was having another baby.
In March at my 20-week appointment I walked in anxious because this is a big moment for pregnant women. Not only do we want to make sure our baby is healthy, but we find out if they are a boy or a girl.
I'll never forget my ultrasound tech. Everyone in the office knew how high risk I was and treated me so well, and this woman was absolutely wonderful! She made me laugh and we talked through the scan before the big reveal. As she scanned my belly, she asked me 'are you ready?' I told her yes, and she told me, 'You're having a girl.'
I laid there on the table speechless. I cried, because not only was I thrilled she was healthy but a girl! Then the words came out of my mouth. 'What the hell do I do with a girl?' She laughed at me and asked what I meant. I had to tell her I was a boy mom and that's what I was familiar with. My mind was racing.
All of the families were informed, and I was working on the nursey for colors, clothes, decorations the works. Her big brother was in for a treat and all I could hope for were they'd be closer than my brother and me.
As my pregnancy progressed, I was put on so many medications for ICP. In other words it was (in the words of wikipedia:
| Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy | |
|---|---|
 | |
| High magnification micrograph showing liver cholestasis. | |
| Specialty | Obstetrics |
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), also known as obstetric cholestasis, cholestasis of pregnancy, jaundice of pregnancy, and prurigo gravidarum,[1] is a medical condition in which cholestasis occurs during pregnancy.[2] It typically presents with itching and can lead to complications for both mother and fetus.[2]
Itching is a common symptom of pregnancy, affecting around 23% of women.[3] The majority of times, itching is a minor annoyance caused by changes to the skin, especially that of the abdomen. However, there are instances when itching may be a symptom of ICP. Although typically noticed on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, the itching can occur anywhere on the body.
Onset is mostly in the third trimester, but may begin earlier.[4]
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This came on very early and my doctor was concerned, especially as my numbers kept rising which is a bad thing. Due to this issue, I was hospitalized a couple of times, some with overnight stays and steroid injections. I was then told I'd be delivering 3 weeks early to the day. Why? Because even a day would determine life or death for my daughter.
Around 35 weeks I'd gone in for a new routine exam that monitors both our heart rates. Basically, I go in, put on the belly bands and wait an hour as they monitor us. I'll never forget when the rates dropped so badly, I almost passed out in the chair and all I remember were hearing footsteps running down the hall of the doctor's office. We were admitted to the hospital that night for an overnight and I was given steroids. After that, things were okay.
37 weeks, I checked in at 5 am and given my epidural and Pitocin. 'Here we go.' She was delivered healthy at 11:01 AM after 4 pushes. This little girl peed all over me when they laid her on my chest and I was still in shock. Within the hour something was right with her breathing. Due to the quick labor and few pushes apparently, she wasn't able to expel the mucus correct and she was admitted to the NICU.
My heart was hurting, and I was devastated. However, the nurses took the utmost care of her and taught me exactly what to do. I was pumping while in the hospital and after I was discharged, I still delivered breast milk till she was released.
Happy, and healthy and today she's been the fire under my feet. She's adored by everyone and has the typical healthy relationship any 8-year-old would have with their older brother. My little aura reader, and partner in crime for R.
She was one of the best surprises I've ever had and wouldn't change it for the world.
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