Sometimes The News Ain't Great -

Today was my maternal-fetal specialist appointment. It was suppose to be just a quick ultrasound to confirm that everything was hunky-dory, then I'd be on my way (and back to my regular OB next Wednesday).

That's not exactly what happened. Apparently, I've been gaining weight at a good pace. Unfortunately, Baby Larva hasn't seen much of that weight gain (I'm not sure where it's gone!), and is still pretty small.

In fact, even though she's now weighing in at 2 lbs 6 oz, she's gone from being a small baby in the 16% percentile to being a small baby in the 9% percentile. Not what they want to see at all. The fluid around her is good (there's plenty) and the umbilical cord looks good from the brief views they had today. Needless to say, they don't understand the drop, considering I've maintained a good weight gain.

Also, they tried to get a recording of her "practice breathing" - something babies at her stage should be doing regularly. They couldn't get her doing it at all. Now, the nurse seemed much less concerned than the doctor. She kept telling me that the organs are developing fine and as long as Baby Larva can breathe when she's born - that's the important milestone!

Poor Queen was sitting in the waiting room knitting, not knowing why I was taking so long!

So, here's the game plan. This was suppose to be my last visit to the specialist. Instead, I'll be going back next Friday for two tests. One will take a closer look at the umbilical cord (that's the first thing they want to eliminate in her low weight gain). The second will try and capture a more detailed picture of her diaphragm to catch her "practice breathing".

Then I'll go back to the specialist the day after Christmas to have another ultrasound and Baby Larva weight check. Until she's above the 10-15% percentile, they want to see me every week. The specialist is also calling my doctor (who I see next Wednesday) to confer about starting steroids earlier (like now...) and other ways to help me gain weight.

I'm suppose to rest even more (but still not total bed rest, for now), eat more protein and to help with the breathing I have been told to drink one entire 20 oz caffeinated beverage every other day. On the opposite days I'm suppose to eat a king sized candy bar. Apparently the processed sugar will help her kick start into the breathing - or give her hiccups, which count as "practice breathing".

I know most women would be delighted by that prospect, but I can't say it really excites me. I prefer carrots... But for the good of my daughter, I suppose I can force down a king sized Snickers or Hersey Bar every other day.

Please keep us in your prayers. This isn't going to be easy or fun for any of us, but now that the Caterpillars are here through Christmas - I really want to spend as much time as possible with them. Less stress, but still making memories, is my goal for the next 3 weeks!

~Lone Butterfly )i(