Guest guest Posted November 12, 2003 Report Share Posted November 12, 2003 Wow - I'm so sorry. Here are just a few thoughts. 1. Get a second opinion on the fluid level. Are you near a major university hospital or level 3 neonatal ward? Consider consulting someone there. 2. Lung development - can they give you steroids to speed it up? 3. If you really have no fluid and the baby has no chance of surviving inside of you, you are not far away from the point where the baby has a chance of surviving outside of you. At 20 weeks, the chance is very low, but there. At 24 weeks, the possibility is much better, especially if you know you're going to deliver and prepare for it. I teach middle school and had a student born at 24 weeks. She was very bright and not at all " slow. " You would never know now. But of course there is the possibility of a disability if born at 24 weeks, and you should be prepared to do physical thearapy/touch/massage with the baby for a couple of hours a day. This actually really isn't a lot of time, it's less time then a new mom spends breast feeding (which really surprised me when I became a mom). So maybe find out what disabilities you may face and consider if you are willing to deal with them. 4. In that amnio test in which doctors take out a bit of fluid and test it for disabilities, they take out fluid. Therefore, in theory they should also be able to replace fluid. Has this every been done with a synthetic fluid ( " formula " sort of)? Maybe research the Internet and see if it's every been tried. 4. If it were me, I would weigh all that. At 17 weeks, you have a very developed baby, as you know, and just a few more weeks inside mom will make a huge difference. 5. Finally, if you choose an abortion, how many more weeks do you have before it cannot be legally done, if the federal ban on partial birth abortions is upheld (I don't know a lot about abortion -- is that the kind you would need since you are so far along)? Just some thoughts. My best wishes go to you. e > I've been a member of this group for quite awhile, but have been a > lurker for most of the past year. > > I'm 17 weeks pregnant and I've pretty much had complications the > entire time. I was put on " limited activity " at about 6 weeks because > the doctor discovered blood in my uterus. I had a U/S at 6 weeks b/c > I was on fertility drugs and the docs wanted to know if there were > multiples. I have a BU, butonly one side is " open. " So it's sort of a > UU, because only the right side is available to carry a baby. > > A little over a week ago I was in the ER again with heavy bleeding, > at that time they discovered I had very low amniotic fluid. I was put > on bed rest at that time and told to lay on my side as much as > possible. Yesterday, we saw a high-risk specialist and had another > U/S. He discovered that I have virtually no amniotic fluid. My fluid > level is at .9 cm, a typical 17 week pg woman would have b/n 15 and > 20 cm. > > Without amniotic fluid the baby will not be able to develop properly. > The biggest development problem will be with it's lungs. With little > to no fluid the baby's lungs will not develop at all and it won't be > able to live outside the womb. > > Because we were IF patients and have been trying for this baby for > more than 3 years the doc is willing to wait and see what happens > during the next two/three weeks. He wants a bunch of b/w done, and > possibly amniocentisis, or a placental biopsey. (I'm 30 BTW, 1st PG) > In 2 or 3 weeks I'll be 19 or 20 weeks. > > He said if situation does not repair itself and I still have no fluid > then we may want to consider terminating the pregnancy. He said it is > possible the baby will continue to grow and I can carry it to term, > but he said as soon as it is born it will die, because it will have > no ability to use it's lungs. > > I guess I'm looking for information, but I have no idea what info. I > want. I do have an appt. this afternoon with my regular OB/GYN so he > can answer any questions we have. > > Has anyone been through anything similar, or know of any information > on the web about terminating a nonviable pregnancy at 20 weeks? > Support groups? Web sites? Anything? > > I am just devestated. I've done nothing but cry during the past 24 > hours. I just can't imagine killing my own baby. But I also can't > imagine carrying a baby, for another 20 weeks, that has no chance > once it is outside the womb. Other than the fluid the baby has no > problems that they can tell, he/she has managed to develop normally > to this point. > > Any help or information would be greatly appreciated. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2003 Report Share Posted November 12, 2003 Wow - I'm so sorry. Here are just a few thoughts. 1. Get a second opinion on the fluid level. Are you near a major university hospital or level 3 neonatal ward? Consider consulting someone there. 2. Lung development - can they give you steroids to speed it up? 3. If you really have no fluid and the baby has no chance of surviving inside of you, you are not far away from the point where the baby has a chance of surviving outside of you. At 20 weeks, the chance is very low, but there. At 24 weeks, the possibility is much better, especially if you know you're going to deliver and prepare for it. I teach middle school and had a student born at 24 weeks. She was very bright and not at all " slow. " You would never know now. But of course there is the possibility of a disability if born at 24 weeks, and you should be prepared to do physical thearapy/touch/massage with the baby for a couple of hours a day. This actually really isn't a lot of time, it's less time then a new mom spends breast feeding (which really surprised me when I became a mom). So maybe find out what disabilities you may face and consider if you are willing to deal with them. 4. In that amnio test in which doctors take out a bit of fluid and test it for disabilities, they take out fluid. Therefore, in theory they should also be able to replace fluid. Has this every been done with a synthetic fluid ( " formula " sort of)? Maybe research the Internet and see if it's every been tried. 4. If it were me, I would weigh all that. At 17 weeks, you have a very developed baby, as you know, and just a few more weeks inside mom will make a huge difference. 5. Finally, if you choose an abortion, how many more weeks do you have before it cannot be legally done, if the federal ban on partial birth abortions is upheld (I don't know a lot about abortion -- is that the kind you would need since you are so far along)? Just some thoughts. My best wishes go to you. e > I've been a member of this group for quite awhile, but have been a > lurker for most of the past year. > > I'm 17 weeks pregnant and I've pretty much had complications the > entire time. I was put on " limited activity " at about 6 weeks because > the doctor discovered blood in my uterus. I had a U/S at 6 weeks b/c > I was on fertility drugs and the docs wanted to know if there were > multiples. I have a BU, butonly one side is " open. " So it's sort of a > UU, because only the right side is available to carry a baby. > > A little over a week ago I was in the ER again with heavy bleeding, > at that time they discovered I had very low amniotic fluid. I was put > on bed rest at that time and told to lay on my side as much as > possible. Yesterday, we saw a high-risk specialist and had another > U/S. He discovered that I have virtually no amniotic fluid. My fluid > level is at .9 cm, a typical 17 week pg woman would have b/n 15 and > 20 cm. > > Without amniotic fluid the baby will not be able to develop properly. > The biggest development problem will be with it's lungs. With little > to no fluid the baby's lungs will not develop at all and it won't be > able to live outside the womb. > > Because we were IF patients and have been trying for this baby for > more than 3 years the doc is willing to wait and see what happens > during the next two/three weeks. He wants a bunch of b/w done, and > possibly amniocentisis, or a placental biopsey. (I'm 30 BTW, 1st PG) > In 2 or 3 weeks I'll be 19 or 20 weeks. > > He said if situation does not repair itself and I still have no fluid > then we may want to consider terminating the pregnancy. He said it is > possible the baby will continue to grow and I can carry it to term, > but he said as soon as it is born it will die, because it will have > no ability to use it's lungs. > > I guess I'm looking for information, but I have no idea what info. I > want. I do have an appt. this afternoon with my regular OB/GYN so he > can answer any questions we have. > > Has anyone been through anything similar, or know of any information > on the web about terminating a nonviable pregnancy at 20 weeks? > Support groups? Web sites? Anything? > > I am just devestated. I've done nothing but cry during the past 24 > hours. I just can't imagine killing my own baby. But I also can't > imagine carrying a baby, for another 20 weeks, that has no chance > once it is outside the womb. Other than the fluid the baby has no > problems that they can tell, he/she has managed to develop normally > to this point. > > Any help or information would be greatly appreciated. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2003 Report Share Posted November 12, 2003 Wow - I'm so sorry. Here are just a few thoughts. 1. Get a second opinion on the fluid level. Are you near a major university hospital or level 3 neonatal ward? Consider consulting someone there. 2. Lung development - can they give you steroids to speed it up? 3. If you really have no fluid and the baby has no chance of surviving inside of you, you are not far away from the point where the baby has a chance of surviving outside of you. At 20 weeks, the chance is very low, but there. At 24 weeks, the possibility is much better, especially if you know you're going to deliver and prepare for it. I teach middle school and had a student born at 24 weeks. She was very bright and not at all " slow. " You would never know now. But of course there is the possibility of a disability if born at 24 weeks, and you should be prepared to do physical thearapy/touch/massage with the baby for a couple of hours a day. This actually really isn't a lot of time, it's less time then a new mom spends breast feeding (which really surprised me when I became a mom). So maybe find out what disabilities you may face and consider if you are willing to deal with them. 4. In that amnio test in which doctors take out a bit of fluid and test it for disabilities, they take out fluid. Therefore, in theory they should also be able to replace fluid. Has this every been done with a synthetic fluid ( " formula " sort of)? Maybe research the Internet and see if it's every been tried. 4. If it were me, I would weigh all that. At 17 weeks, you have a very developed baby, as you know, and just a few more weeks inside mom will make a huge difference. 5. Finally, if you choose an abortion, how many more weeks do you have before it cannot be legally done, if the federal ban on partial birth abortions is upheld (I don't know a lot about abortion -- is that the kind you would need since you are so far along)? Just some thoughts. My best wishes go to you. e > I've been a member of this group for quite awhile, but have been a > lurker for most of the past year. > > I'm 17 weeks pregnant and I've pretty much had complications the > entire time. I was put on " limited activity " at about 6 weeks because > the doctor discovered blood in my uterus. I had a U/S at 6 weeks b/c > I was on fertility drugs and the docs wanted to know if there were > multiples. I have a BU, butonly one side is " open. " So it's sort of a > UU, because only the right side is available to carry a baby. > > A little over a week ago I was in the ER again with heavy bleeding, > at that time they discovered I had very low amniotic fluid. I was put > on bed rest at that time and told to lay on my side as much as > possible. Yesterday, we saw a high-risk specialist and had another > U/S. He discovered that I have virtually no amniotic fluid. My fluid > level is at .9 cm, a typical 17 week pg woman would have b/n 15 and > 20 cm. > > Without amniotic fluid the baby will not be able to develop properly. > The biggest development problem will be with it's lungs. With little > to no fluid the baby's lungs will not develop at all and it won't be > able to live outside the womb. > > Because we were IF patients and have been trying for this baby for > more than 3 years the doc is willing to wait and see what happens > during the next two/three weeks. He wants a bunch of b/w done, and > possibly amniocentisis, or a placental biopsey. (I'm 30 BTW, 1st PG) > In 2 or 3 weeks I'll be 19 or 20 weeks. > > He said if situation does not repair itself and I still have no fluid > then we may want to consider terminating the pregnancy. He said it is > possible the baby will continue to grow and I can carry it to term, > but he said as soon as it is born it will die, because it will have > no ability to use it's lungs. > > I guess I'm looking for information, but I have no idea what info. I > want. I do have an appt. this afternoon with my regular OB/GYN so he > can answer any questions we have. > > Has anyone been through anything similar, or know of any information > on the web about terminating a nonviable pregnancy at 20 weeks? > Support groups? Web sites? Anything? > > I am just devestated. I've done nothing but cry during the past 24 > hours. I just can't imagine killing my own baby. But I also can't > imagine carrying a baby, for another 20 weeks, that has no chance > once it is outside the womb. Other than the fluid the baby has no > problems that they can tell, he/she has managed to develop normally > to this point. > > Any help or information would be greatly appreciated. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2003 Report Share Posted November 12, 2003 , I wish I had answers for you, or even information that might help, but all I can say is I'm so sorry you're going through this. I can only imagine how incredibly difficult it must be fore you, facing a situation like that and possibly having to make that sort of decision. You'll be in my thoughts, and I hope you can find answers. TTYL, D. in Dallas lisa@... " The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones. " -- Chinese Proverb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2003 Report Share Posted November 12, 2003 , I wish I had answers for you, or even information that might help, but all I can say is I'm so sorry you're going through this. I can only imagine how incredibly difficult it must be fore you, facing a situation like that and possibly having to make that sort of decision. You'll be in my thoughts, and I hope you can find answers. TTYL, D. in Dallas lisa@... " The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones. " -- Chinese Proverb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2003 Report Share Posted November 12, 2003 , I wish I had answers for you, or even information that might help, but all I can say is I'm so sorry you're going through this. I can only imagine how incredibly difficult it must be fore you, facing a situation like that and possibly having to make that sort of decision. You'll be in my thoughts, and I hope you can find answers. TTYL, D. in Dallas lisa@... " The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones. " -- Chinese Proverb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2003 Report Share Posted November 12, 2003 I've been a member of this group for quite awhile, but have been a lurker for most of the past year. I'm 17 weeks pregnant and I've pretty much had complications the entire time. I was put on " limited activity " at about 6 weeks because the doctor discovered blood in my uterus. I had a U/S at 6 weeks b/c I was on fertility drugs and the docs wanted to know if there were multiples. I have a BU, butonly one side is " open. " So it's sort of a UU, because only the right side is available to carry a baby. A little over a week ago I was in the ER again with heavy bleeding, at that time they discovered I had very low amniotic fluid. I was put on bed rest at that time and told to lay on my side as much as possible. Yesterday, we saw a high-risk specialist and had another U/S. He discovered that I have virtually no amniotic fluid. My fluid level is at .9 cm, a typical 17 week pg woman would have b/n 15 and 20 cm. Without amniotic fluid the baby will not be able to develop properly. The biggest development problem will be with it's lungs. With little to no fluid the baby's lungs will not develop at all and it won't be able to live outside the womb. Because we were IF patients and have been trying for this baby for more than 3 years the doc is willing to wait and see what happens during the next two/three weeks. He wants a bunch of b/w done, and possibly amniocentisis, or a placental biopsey. (I'm 30 BTW, 1st PG) In 2 or 3 weeks I'll be 19 or 20 weeks. He said if situation does not repair itself and I still have no fluid then we may want to consider terminating the pregnancy. He said it is possible the baby will continue to grow and I can carry it to term, but he said as soon as it is born it will die, because it will have no ability to use it's lungs. I guess I'm looking for information, but I have no idea what info. I want. I do have an appt. this afternoon with my regular OB/GYN so he can answer any questions we have. Has anyone been through anything similar, or know of any information on the web about terminating a nonviable pregnancy at 20 weeks? Support groups? Web sites? Anything? I am just devestated. I've done nothing but cry during the past 24 hours. I just can't imagine killing my own baby. But I also can't imagine carrying a baby, for another 20 weeks, that has no chance once it is outside the womb. Other than the fluid the baby has no problems that they can tell, he/she has managed to develop normally to this point. Any help or information would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2003 Report Share Posted November 12, 2003 , Wow. I am so sorry for what you are going through. You have found a wonderful site here for support. I have a UU and carried my son to 24 weeks before I went into PTL that couldn't be stopped. He passed away. Had I known at that time that I had the UU I would've been monitored a lot closer. I can't make your decision for you, however, I can only tell you what I think I would do having been pregnant before. I would absolutely positively keep this baby. You have been trying for a long time to get pregnant and I know what that's like as well. I can't tell you how many stories I've heard where people have been told to terminate their pregnancy and then everything be perfectly fine or the problems a lot less minor. Hopefully, this is your case but you can't know unless you try. I know, easy for me to say. The only thing I can tell you is to pray about it and ask God for strength. If your baby passes away then you'll never know what the outcome would've been had you tried. I can't imagine wondering that for the rest of my life. That in itself in my opinion would help with closure. I'm am so sorry that you even have to make this decision. Whatever you decide all of us girls in this group will support you I'm sure. Just remember one thing, this is YOUR decision and nobody elses. You are the one carrying that baby. ~ UU 1 loss @ 24 weeks (PTL) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2003 Report Share Posted November 12, 2003 , There are no words that can make things better, I know - but I want to send you major hugs. I am so very sorry you are going through this. My thoughts are with you. SU resected, bicollis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2003 Report Share Posted November 12, 2003 , There are no words that can make things better, I know - but I want to send you major hugs. I am so very sorry you are going through this. My thoughts are with you. SU resected, bicollis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2003 Report Share Posted November 12, 2003 , There are no words that can make things better, I know - but I want to send you major hugs. I am so very sorry you are going through this. My thoughts are with you. SU resected, bicollis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2003 Report Share Posted November 12, 2003 Oh , I'm so very sorry. I will give you what little info I have, and I *will* find out more info for you in the next few days, ok? I promise. The main thing is not to rush into any decision that will end your precious baby's life without all the cards on the table. All I know right now is that 1) My cousin had a baby in utero with almost no fluid at all. The doctors said that baby wouldn't live outside, also. Nonetheless, we are a strong Christian family and don't believe in abortion, so she decided to carry her baby and give it all the chance of life she could. The baby was born early (I think around 30 or 32 weeks?) by c-section. Amazingly enough, even though there was almost no fluid for all those weeks, the baby is FINE FINE FINE! She is totally normal. 2) Doctors are not God. They don't know everything. In fact, they don't know a lot of things. There are lots of stories out there of doctors saying that someone would die, wouldn't recover, would only have 6 mo to live, etc, and none of that coming true. So I guess what I'm trying to say is, if it were me, and it's not, I know it's not, but if it were me, I would personally want to give my baby every single chance to live that I could. I'll keep you and your baby in my prayers. Hugs, Jill SU resected Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2003 Report Share Posted November 12, 2003 Oh , I'm so very sorry. I will give you what little info I have, and I *will* find out more info for you in the next few days, ok? I promise. The main thing is not to rush into any decision that will end your precious baby's life without all the cards on the table. All I know right now is that 1) My cousin had a baby in utero with almost no fluid at all. The doctors said that baby wouldn't live outside, also. Nonetheless, we are a strong Christian family and don't believe in abortion, so she decided to carry her baby and give it all the chance of life she could. The baby was born early (I think around 30 or 32 weeks?) by c-section. Amazingly enough, even though there was almost no fluid for all those weeks, the baby is FINE FINE FINE! She is totally normal. 2) Doctors are not God. They don't know everything. In fact, they don't know a lot of things. There are lots of stories out there of doctors saying that someone would die, wouldn't recover, would only have 6 mo to live, etc, and none of that coming true. So I guess what I'm trying to say is, if it were me, and it's not, I know it's not, but if it were me, I would personally want to give my baby every single chance to live that I could. I'll keep you and your baby in my prayers. Hugs, Jill SU resected Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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