My Placenta (and other baby updates)

Don't worry: this isn't a post about how I plan to do something weird like save my placenta and turn it into vitamins or sprinkle bits of it on top of my morning oatmeal.  I wouldn't be writing about it at all if it hadn't come up at the doctor.

When I went in to have my 20-week ultrasound, my doctor was concerned about the placement of my placenta.  Apparently it was comfortably situated right in line with my c-section scar, which could cause bleeding and could potentially lead to an alternative c-section plan for this baby.  My OB told me to wait six weeks and then check in with a specialist to see if the placenta had moved at all.  I went this morning for the big placenta check, and was relieved to find out that it has moved enough to no longer be a concern.  Personally, I wasn't all that concerned before, but I totally trust my doctor and follow her every lead on this kind of thing.

While checking out the baby today, the specialist noticed that she is measuring very small - in the 9th percentile, in fact.  The doctor wants me to revisit with her in four weeks to check on baby's growth.  Sara, who has never known a weight or height percentile in the single digits, was born at a solid 7 lbs 7 ozs, so my guess is that this baby will end up roughly the same way.  However, in the meantime, we have to track her growth.  Although she's small, everything is developing as it should.  Both my mom and Steve told me that I obviously need to eat more.  I wish that were the case.  I happen to be gaining plenty of weight, thankyouverymuch.  I guess the calories are all getting lost in my butt and thighs before they make it to baby.

Next Friday I have my glucose test.  I'm dreading it.  The bottle of orange drink is chilling in my fridge.  Last time around, I failed and had to do the four-hour test.  I gag a little bit just thinking of downing the concoction in under five minutes on an empty stomach.  I plan to time myself more precisely this go-around in hopes of avoiding another failing score. 

Notice I'm still using the term "baby" ... yep, no name.  We are struggling like no other in this category.

We also don't have any daycare plans.  The baby won't be able to go to Sara's school until May (potentially earlier if a spot opens up, but I have to plan for May).  This piece of the puzzle is causing me incredible stress, and I have yet to do anything about it.

Items left to buy: bottles, formula, diapers, a stroller, a swing, a new car seat cover, a smallish yet functional diaper bag, and some sort of carrying pouch/contraption.  I never used one with Sara, but can see the benefits of having one available with #2.  That's pretty much the same list I've had for months because I haven't purchased a thing.  I need to get on the ball.  Also, donations welcome.

26 Weeks