We'll be seeing the pediatric cardiologist at 8 a.m. tomorrow morning, 23 hours long from now. Until then, we just have to wait. We don't know much about this problem right now, but here's what we do know:
- The baby's heart rate was 70 bpm yesterday; the normal range is 120 to 160.
- Some possibilities are that she may need a pacemaker inserted when
she's born (temporary or permanent), and the obvious worst-case
scenario at any time.
- The baby has been growing well; she measured the size of 30 weeks, but she was only 29 weeks 1 day, and her weight was about 1.7 kg which is pretty big for her age.
- The baby has been moving a lot; I certainly had no concerns with fetal movement. Even last night, every time I woke up, she reassured me with a kick or two.
- I had a bunch of blood (10 viles) taken after the ultrasound yesterday; they are looking for maternal antibodies (especially anti-Ro and anti-La, I think) that would cause this problem.
- Neil's Aunt Glenys came over last evening and said from her research it was encouraging that the baby is growing well and moving a lot. She also said they will likely put me on steroids for the rest of the pregnancy.
- If you want more details, look at the Google search results for fetal heart block.
Neil was with me yesterday at all appointments, and he'll be here with me all week. He is worried too, but he doesn't show it. Laurel picked up the girls from Sharon's yesterday and kept them overnight. She took them to Sharon's this morning too. I did not go to work today. I am not feeling very well. I don't feel like eating, but I am eating anyway. I think we will have the girls at home tonight. I miss them and I do want to give them a big hug, but I don't want them to see how upset I am or to worry about me or the baby. We'll see how today goes.
I want this baby. I want her to be healthy. I want Sophia and Madeline to have a baby sister. I want to see my three children play together. I want everything for her. I don't know how to deal with this.
