I realize it's been a while since my last post, and and even longer time since my last post about Tiny Piglet #2. Well, a lot has been happening and not happening at the same time. As of Tuesday, September 6th, I am 24 weeks into my pregnancy. I wish I could give stories of rainbows and unicorns but I'm not going to lie, it's been rough. Don't get me wrong, we are thrilled to be expecting another little girl and are so thankful that she seems to be growing and developing right on track because in the end, that's all that matters. Unfortunately, this placenta previa is making it difficult to truly enjoy the experience.
I was diagnosed with placenta previa at 13 weeks after some bleeding landed me in the ER. I was told that it was still VERY early and there was a great chance it would take care of itself. However, as of my last ultrasound, it's still hanging out in the same place and now I've been told it has an "accessory lobe". Other than visions of my placenta carrying around a handbag and wearing a belt, I'm not entirely sure what this means. The doctor tells me it won't cause any other complications but they'll just need to track Tiny Piglet #2's growth. I'm kind of to the point where less information is better. I've been trying very hard to stay away from Google where it seems someone always posts their worst case scenario.
Anyway, this accessory lobe is causing quite a bit of bleeding, which is scary and frustrating at the same time. I've been to the ER three times now, stayed a couple nights in labor and delivery, and to the doctor's office countless times because of it. Fortunately, each time our little girl has stayed strong and content.
With the early episodes of bleeding, they would just send me home for to rest for 24-48 hours and then I could go back to light activity. Unfortunately, these episodes were becoming more frequent and on Friday, August 26th the doctor assigned me to my bed indefinitely. I wish I could say it's helped, but I've still had problems. I guess it's at least comforting to know that I'm doing all I can at this point.
While all of this is hard enough on it's own, it's been extremely complicated managing a toddler too. Of course, I already knew that I had the most helpful, understanding, and loving husband in the entire world, but it is times like these that reaffirm those "in sickness and in health" vows. Drew has been amazing, not only taking care of Paige and I, but also handling all the laundry, errands, and daily tasks all while putting in long days at work. Not only do I have the best husband, we are fortunate enough to have numerous friends with the same wonderful qualities. They have really done more than we could ever ask for, watching Paige, bringing dinners, and just keeping us sane, all while managing families of their own. Our families are equally as helpful, taking Paige for a week so we could have a break and visiting to help out with all the daily tasks that Drew is trying to keep up with on his own. I can only hope I can repay all of their thoughtfulness.
The doctors are still extremely hopeful that the placenta (and it's handbag) will move up as I grow. I'll have another ultrasound in 6-8 weeks to check the progress. From what I understand, it can still move in the third trimester but if it doesn't, it's a c-section at least a couple weeks early.
So, I'm sure you can understand why we take each day at a time, which makes the weeks go by very slowly. We just pray that God continues to keep us all strong and healthy and take comfort in knowing that He is in control.
