My Pregnancy Journey With Baby #2

Maternity photos by Trisha Rose Photography

PREGNANCY- For some it can be an amazing time filled with excitement, anticipation, and wonder. For others, it may include hesitation and anxiety after months and months of waiting or previous loss. Some Mamas feel their best and are glowing while pregnant, while others may struggle to get through a day while battling nausea, fatigue, and more. There’s a whole  spectrum and each story is so different. 

Although my second pregnancy had a lot of similarities to my first, there were many differences as well. I wanted to document our pregnancy journey with baby #2 for me to look back on and potentially for others to not feel alone if they were going through something similar. 

After months of trying, we made an appointment with the same fertility specialist that helped us become pregnant with B (or first daughter). Much to my surprise, in the days prior to our appointment, we found out we were pregnant with baby #2. I was shocked and in disbelief to see a positive test after so many negative tests that I’d previously thrown in the trash. Further calculations showed that this baby’s due date would be just 2 days before B’s second birthday - what are the odds?

Everything seemed to be going well in the beginning weeks and I had a huge sigh of relief at our first 8 week ultrasound when I could see baby’s heartbeat. Despite extreme morning sickness (that kicked in around week 9 and lasted until about week 20), I was thankful to progress each week with baby continuing to grow. And, thank goodness for a helpful husband who stepped in to make endless mac-n-cheese, bagels with cream cheese, and chase an energetic toddler around while I laid on the couch. 

At 12 weeks, we found out that our baby’s NT (Nuchal Translucency) measurement was just over the threshold. Our ultrasound tech and OB educated us that an enlarged NT at 12 weeks can be a predictor of possible genetic abnormalities or heart defects. Caught off guard, we were advised to see a MFM specialist and elected to get NIPT bloodwork done. The wait for the bloodwork results seemed like the longest two weeks, but when our results came back with low indicators, we thought we were in the clear. At this time, we also found out that we’d be having a baby boy! 

It wasn’t until our MFM appointment that we learned there are actually a variety of other chromosomal abnormalities that the NIPT can’t check for. The NIPT only tests for 4 key chromosome pairs and there are many other possibilities of abnormalities on the other 19 chromosome pairs. Another growth scan showed our baby’s NF (now called a Nuchal Fold at this gestational age) was still over the threshold. After a very emotional conversation with our MFM doctor we were advised to consider an amniocentesis. I thought for sure I would never consider having this procedure done, but after some long hard talks, decided that it would either help bring us closer to necessary resources in preparation of baby’s arrival or help provide peace of mind for the remainder of our pregnancy. The days and weeks leading up to the amnio and results were some of the most emotional and challenging throughout the pregnancy. While I tried to remain positive, there were also endless possibilities of '“what if’s” that filled my brain.

So many prayers were answered when we got our amnio results. There were no indicators of any chromosomal abnormalities and a follow up growth scan indicated that the baby’s Nuchal measurement had decreased and was now within limits. The MFM doctor also felt good enough about what he could see with our baby’s heart that he advised us we no longer needed to get the fetal echocardiogram that we previously scheduled. We were elated and so grateful for all of our family and friends who prayed along side us and supported us during that time. 

Luckily, the remainder of our pregnancy had emotions of excitement and wonder as we anticipated the arrival of our baby boy. By 34 weeks, we learned he had turned head down from a previous breech position and we prepared to meet him. Meanwhile, we did all the nesting activities at home and “Grammy” flew in to be on standby for B when the time came for her baby brother’s arrival. At 39 weeks, I decided to get a membrane sweep at my OB appointment to help induce labor if baby was ready. Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I’ll share baby’s birth story.

A special thanks to Trisha Rose Photography for capturing these maternity photos of me. I’ll cherish them forever!