This journey has been a strange one, lonely and isolating. It's been interesting the number of women around me who have come forward and said "I had that test, and everything was ok", but it isn't usually part of the pregnancy story they tell.
And I know the decision you make if something is wrong isn't an easy one to share (only one person openly talked about her decision), but I wonder if we should talk about the unknown of the journey, and find a better way to support each other.
So, if you follow my facebook page, you know the results are in, and what they are, but before I share that, I want to share a little bit about the journey to get here.
My booking-in appointment at the hospital was brought forward so I could get "in the system". The midwife I saw remembered me from Riley's pregnancy and all the issues I had with the hospital, so she was thorough going through my medical history (side note - my medical history is blank except for pregnancy!) and explaining to me what our options were (having amniocentesis for further investigation, etc) She then referred me to the obstetrician the next day.
The obstetrician was late (not a good start), and the appointment was quick (she already had the referral for amnio written, based on my file notes), until she saw my blood test results - I'm still anaemic. We discussed that, and she looked up my test results from November, when I saw a specialist, and discovered that I'm also B12 deficient. She recommended an iron supplement and a B12 supplement (and was rather annoyed that neither my doctor or specialist had recommended them, especially because I'm pregnant.)
Then it just became a waiting game. 3 days to hear from the big hospital about a test date, then 2.5 weeks before the actual test.
Waiting has been the hardest part. Feeling so sick from the morning sickness, not really knowing if this pregnancy will be ok, this baby will be ok. The genetic counsellor we saw yesterday understood that. She went through our genetic history, looked at the full report from the nuchal scan, and answered our questions.
And the doctor who did the procedure was just as thorough. Although anybody who tells you the needle doesn't hurt is lying! He asked why we thought we were high risk and needed an amnio (if someone hadn't labelled 1in119 "high risk", would we have thought it was a risk?) He checked all the measurements, heartbeat, location of all the bits, then started the procedure.
Then more waiting. Only 24-48 hours to get basic (but definitive) results, but waiting none the less. Until I heard just before lunchtime today. And I admit to crying a little bit. Because all the pressure and stress of the last few weeks could finally disappear.
Because everything is ok.
Our baby is fine.
Now I can get on with enjoying this pregnancy (if that is even possible through all the nausea!)
I am so very, very happy for you, Cate! May the rest of this journey be filled with joy and good health.
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you Cate! I went through the same in my last pregnancy, it was torture. From finding out we were 'high risk' to getting our result took almost four weeks and during that time I really struggled to be happy that I was pregnant.
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad that you can relax and start to enjoy yourself. Good luck with the nausea xx
Fantastic news - hope the nausea settles down a bit too - looking forward to your gender announcement post - xx
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. So happy to read this. Hope you start to feel better now
ReplyDeleteOh Cate that is wonderful news! Phew!!!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic News - so happy for you and your family Cate
ReplyDeleteSuch very good news x
ReplyDeleteSo please you can relax a little now and look forward to the new arrival!
ReplyDeleteAlison xx
That is great news. (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteI cried. I really did when I heard the news. My hormones are still out of wack after Lillian was born, but that's just an excuse - I was just so happy for you! I had a friend who went through the same thing and she came to me when she got the results crying through her laughter, because she had decided if bub had DS she would have terminated, not because of the DS but because she didn't think she would have been able to cope with 2 other high needs kids + a DS child. She hated herself for that decision and was so glad she didn't have to make it in the end. She has a healthy happy little boy now. xx
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ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you! I hope the morning sickness is getting better and you can now enjoy your pregnancy. I'm keeping you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI was holding my breath as I read - so pleased for you, and hope the sickness either goes away or is more bearable now you know the result. Hoping you'll be able to breathe easier ...
ReplyDeleteSo pleased you had a good result.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness. I can't even begin to imagine your relief. I hope the rest of your pregnancy is blessed as well. Take care.
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