Pregnancy Round Two

The Smith Family is growing and so is my belly.  I am super excited to have a new baby.  But, I have been hesitant to write about this pregnancy like I did Eva's.  Partly because I am way more busy than the first time around, but mostly because it has not been easy.

12 weeks (mid May 2015)

This pregnancy has come with a lot of scares.  At about 9 weeks I began spotting.   After a few phone calls, the doctor decided I should come in.  Everything checked out okay.  I didn't really get an answer as to what was causing the spotting, but I did have a small bruise on my uterus.  Feeling relieved, I went home with a sense of reassurance.  A couple weeks later I went to the doctor again and all was well. Then, at around 13 weeks I began to bleed again. There wan't any pain, but there was a significant amount and it was suggested I go to the ER.
Sitting in the ER waiting room I tried to remain calm and attempted to think positive thoughts.  I repeated time after time, "I will have a happy, healthy baby in November."  I kept reminding myself many women have things a lot worse.  I thought about everything I was thankful for and tried to breathe.  After about an hour I was taken for an ultrasound.  The wait was agonizing.  As the technician began the screening my first question was if the baby's heart was still beating.  With reassurance she said yes...what a relief.  The exam continued for quite some time.  The tech needed to look at every nook and cranny of my uterus trying to figure out where the bleeding was coming from.  She continued to reassure Chris and I.  The baby looked great, the heart was beating, he/she was measuring 13.6 weeks, and my cervix was closed.  After some investigating she began to ask and explain about placenta previa.
As of now my placenta is attached extremely close to me cervix.  This is not an ideal location and can cause bleeding throughout pregnancy.  In 90% of cases the placenta grows with the uterus and moves away from the cervix. However, if it does not move it can cause issues with delivery.  In this case I will have to have a c-section. Ideally I would prefer to attempt natural child birth again, but I like that I can prepare myself for all possibilities.
It's hard to come to terms with the fact I may bleed throughout my pregnancy. As the days and weeks pass my worry comes and goes.  I can't be certain it will subside altogether, but I am hopeful as this pregnancy progresses things will continue to improve and correct themselves.  Each day that passes is a wonderful feeling, I am that much closer to having a happy, healthy baby.  In my most recent visit the baby's heartbeat was strong (even though it took a little work to find since we have another mover on our hands!).

16 weeks (early June 2015)