Water, Water, Everywhere...

Well, we just got back from our first BPP - biophysical profile. As I mentioned in my last blog post, the BPP, in coordination with the NST test I had on Tuesday, help determine how the baby is growing and developing. I guess when you have a high risk scenario, these things are important, especially in determining when a baby might have to be delivered early. Since this pregnancy has been without much stress (relatively speaking) so far, I went into these appointments with some mild concern, but overall pretty confident.

The NST on Tuesday was fine, aside from some issues with time management at my OB's office (you are hereby saved from THAT rant), and even though the baby decided to take a nap during the NST, we were able to coax her with cold water and apple juice to move enough to show periods of activity. Today's BPP was also an example of the little monkey doing her job. The sonographer showed us the heartbeat (right in the higher 140s - all good) and showed us the evidence that the baby is practicing her breathing - all in all, she's doing all that she is supposed to be doing. Good girl - an excellent student, just like her mama!

Unfortunately, aside from the baby's great performance, it seems that my amniotic fluid levels are on the low side. Last Friday (one week ago), I was told that the levels were low. On Tuesday, the midwife explained that the "normal" range is between 9 and 20, and last Friday, I was at a 9.9. On the low end of normal, but normal. So, great, I didn't leave the office worrying too much - I just committed to making sure I was getting enough water every day.

Today, however, the levels had dropped. The tech's first measurement came out around 6.4 and the second measurement was slightly better at an 8.6. The high risk doctor came in (who we love!) and discussed what this meant for where we are at right now. I'll be going in again for another BPP this Tuesday to see where we are at - in the meantime, I'm going to try to keep my water intake up (it never hurts to stay hydrated!) and rest as much as possible. The doctor cautioned, after my inquiry about simply upping water intake, that it might not just be a matter of hydration (although, second reminder, it's good to keep your body hydrated!). It's entirely possible that this might be an indication that the placenta is starting to poop out (her words), and not do an adequate job of getting fluids into the amniotic sac. So, we're in a wait and see scenario. While the doctor didn't say this, my reading between the lines brought me to the conclusion that this could be the first step towards being put on bed rest, or potentially even welcome the little monkey into the world a little earlier than expected. I'm at 34 1/2 weeks right now (give or take a few days for varying calculations of the due date), so the longer the little one can cook, the better.

For now... I have a liter of water next to my side of the bed, a laptop with Netflix Watch Instantly loaded and ready to go, and my copy of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo ready to be read. Bring the weekend on!