You know what they say, the only thing constant in life is change! Evan, baby Wagley and I went to the specialist this week for an ultrasound to get a detailed update on how things are progressing.  These appointments are always enjoyable for us because we get to watch our baby move around and do backflips for an hour.  Backflips?  Yes, we literally watched our baby perform backflips during the appointment.  We were informed that this was possible because I am carrying A LOT of amniotic fluid.  Extra amniotic fluid is typical with Trisomy 18 babies because they do not swallow the fluid like normal babies usually do.  To give you a little perspective, amniotic fluid is measured in cubic centimeters.  At full term, anything more than 24 cubic cm is too much fluid, and anything less than 5 cubic cm is too little.  12-14 cubic cm is ideal.  I’m carrying 33 cubic cm of fluid at 31 weeks!  To put it simply, it’s A TON of fluid! Between my ocean for a uterus and swollen elephant leg from the blood clots, I feel like I need a trip to the de-juicing room with Violet at Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.  Other than that, nothing has changed significantly for the better or worse with our baby’s health.   We still have our fingers crossed for her to make it to and through birth so that we can have a little time with her.

Because of the recently found blood clots, last week we were discussing an early induction at 36 weeks.  Now with this new discovery of excess amniotic fluid added to the situation, we are considering an even earlier induction date unless my water breaks on it’s own before then.  Next week we will meet with our specialist and obstetrician to discuss everything and finalize plans.

We feel pretty overwhelmed trying to get everything in order in time but feel this may be the best decision considering my health.  Even through all of this unexpected craziness, I feel so much happiness at the end of the day because it’s another day that I can still feel her kicks and the now identified “backflips”.  I’m still so grateful to be experiencing the good even if there is some bad that comes with it.