Well, I am now in the 3rd trimester (as of tomorrow morning). April 30th I went to the doctor and found out I have hydramnios (too much amniotic fluid). I was told that there are several reasons why this could happen to me.
1. I may have diabetes. Hydramnios usually happens to about 10% of diabetic women and usually is diagnosed in the 3rd trimester. I was tested for it 4 weeks ago and didn't have it, but who knows, maybe now I do. I am being tested again on Thursday.
2. Caroline could have some sort of birth defect. Sometimes the baby will have a problem that causes her to stop swallowing fluid while her kidneys continue to produce more urine from the fluid she's already swallowed....this means she could have plyoric stenosis, a cleft lip or palate, or some kind of blockage in the gestational tract. Also, some neurological problems can keep her from swallowing. She may also have some sort of bladder of kidney problem. Obviously we are hoping that this is not the case with our sweet Caroline.
3. She could also have severe anemia caused by an infection. I did some tests and this is pretty much ruled out...but who knows?
4. This whole thing could just be a fluke and the amniotic levels will eventually go back to "normal".
Obviously, we are hoping for #4! I go to the doctor Thursday morning for an ultrasound to find out what the amniotic fluid level is. Also, I will be doing the diabetes test. We are just hoping for the best! I honestly feel like she is just fine. I feel her kicking all the time which makes me so happy! I feel blessed to have this little girl no matter what!
One of the risks with Hydramnios is preterm labor. My levels were at 26. According to my doctor if the level gets to 30 my water could break. So, if the level is still the same on Thursday, I will have to be tested weekly. If they have gone down, I am pretty much in the clear. But, if they have gone up I will need to have some amniotic fluid removed through a process just like amniocentesis.
Pray for the best!
The latest picture of Caroline. She is very flexible...notice the foot by her head.
me at 27 weeks
