Sunday 30 December 2012

baby#5 | 12+4

I haven't recorded anything about this pregnancy anywhere yet. I wasn't even sure if I wanted to. But I wouldn't be true to me if I didn't record something somewhere, and because I can't be bothered creating another pregnancy journal, the blog is the place to be.

it isn't easy to photograph film

This whole journey has totally thrown both Steve and I. We were quite certain, and had been for a number of months, that we weren't having any more children. Our group of four was just right for us, and they are all becoming independent and enjoying time together.

So discovering I was pregnant (and having no concept of {when} it happened) threw us. And within a couple of days of discovering the pregnancy, morning sickness set in. I was unable to keep food or water down (I've lost 5kgs in the last 6 weeks, not the best way to do it), and had no energy to move from the couch, cook meals, write blog posts, live life.

In the few days since Christmas, that has eased. Now I just have a constant nausea and feeling of ickyness. I can feel a bulk shop of Gaviscon coming on soon!

In Australia, it is common for women to be offered the Nuchal Translucency scan at twelve weeks. It's a scan that I have avoided previously (it wasn't standard practice when I was pregnant with Chloe, and I refused on principal with Natalie and Riley because I was already being labeled a "geriatric pregnancy") After a conversation with some friends, and a discussion between ourselves, Steve and I decided to have the scan this time.

And I kind-of wish we hadn't. Because the results came back with a high risk result for Trisomy 21. So my doctor has started the ball rolling on an amniocentesis, a process that once again puts me in a high-risk category, even if the results are normal. And everyone I've spoken to is confident that the results have come about purely because of my age, not because of any issue with the baby. But we're heading down the path of "what if" in our discussions.*

* Everyone has their own opinion when faced with this discussion. Please be respectful of mine when we walk this path.
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13 comments

  1. Oh Cate, it's a scary time but I always think it's better to be informed. I hope all your tests come back ok. Rxx

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    1. Definitely, being informed is better, but it's hard finding much information beyond medical, so I'm hoping to document the journey a little bit.

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  2. {{{hugs}}} Cate. Must be such a scary time for you all. I know many girls who have had not very good odds and the amnio etc have come back perfectly fine.
    Fingers crossed all is good for the little jellybean, but if not know that I support you no matter what you choose for your bubs, your family and yourself.

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  3. Such a challenging time for you, Cate. May the nausea subside soon and your energy return. Good luck with your waiting, thinking, talking, planning and deciding. My thoughts are with you.

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  4. What a stressful time for you both. I am sure you have had much soul searching over these decisions but when all is said and done, this is your baby and your family, so whatever your decision is, it is the right one. It is not for anyone else to judge. I do hope that you are able to have the next batch of tests quickly so that you can know the answers to all your questions. Hope you are feeling better soon, just rest and take it easy when you are feeling bad x

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  5. Cate, thanks for stopping by my blog!
    My #3 was a complete surprise so I can understand the mixed emotions you are struggling with. I had very difficult first few months, mainly emotionally, but eventually it all turned good. I chose to do amnio because I already had two healthy kids it was very important for me that the baby is healthy. Like Deb above said, whatever you will decide, that will be the right decision for you. Hope the nausea will pass soon! Sending you virtual hugs from Wisconsin all the way to Australia.

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  6. Keeping you in my thoughts Cate...hoping everything works out well, and in the meantime take care of yourself
    Alison xx

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  7. Sending prayers your way for a healthy happy baby & that the remainder of the pregnancy will go well!

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  8. You're in my thoughts and prayers. I was 38 when I had my youngest - 16 years after her next closest sister. I also had all the tests - particularly since my first cousin had just had a Down's syndrome baby. Everything turned out fine - but I do know how scary it can be.

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  9. I'm sending prayers as well. Good luck with everything!

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