26 Weeks!

Finally a week with great news. Alexa's doctors appointment started out with the usual routine & then we were given an ultrasound. I love being able to actually see our daughter. She continues to look great to the doctors. She weighed in at 1lb 15 ounces. All of her measurements were right on schedules or a little ahead. Her femur bone was measuring in the 70th percent tile! The doctor checked it a few times just to make sure. When the doctor did the final over all percent tile he took out the femur measurement. He said that one long bone cant really give an accurate result. So she is currently in the 48th percent tile & in the 60th percent tile if you include her legs. I am not sure where she got her long legs from, but we'll take it.

The doctor continued by checking on me. My cervix has not shortened anymore & that's a good thing. He feels confident that we are in a safer place now. I am allowed to do "moderate activity" for the time being. He said this is basic walking for up to an hour a day. I still need to be very careful with the heat & not to lift anything. He wants to continue to see me regularly. I go back in 2 weeks for the glucose test.

I will not have many details on Alexa's weekly development from here on out. A baby born at 26 weeks has about an 80% chance of survival. This is sooo exciting. This also means that most of the crucial development stages are behind us. During the last 14 weeks of pregnancy her organs will be maturing and she will be gaining weight. So keep it up Alexa!

This past week Justin & I traveled to Delaware/ Pennsylvania for his cousins wedding. We all had a great time. At one point my feet were swelling & I felt like shrek. I made sure to have all my fluids & did little activity. I did have 3 opportunities to swim. I love swimming when I am pregnant. It is an amazing feeling to not have any weight on my back. It seems like just a few weeks ago I was writing about people asking me if I was pregnant. Well this week I had someone ask me if I was "ready to pop?" As shocked as I was to be asked this, it was still exciting that I look that pregnant. So we are now taking the green dress out of the wardrobe... I believe she was actually embarrassed when I told her I have 3 more months.. LOL! I should have been a little more prepared for this comment after hearing I put on 2.5lbs this last week. (16 in total)

Justin & I are heading to Orlando tomorrow. We will be spending the weekend alone before the Cox family joins us on Sunday. I am looking forward to Seaworld & It's a Small World. I have a list of things I can & cannot ride, lets just say that one list is a lot longer. We will be back in Columbia next Thursday.

11 Weeks until full term & 14 weeks until our due date!

25 Weeks Down... 15 to go

But only 12 Weeks until we hit full term. Yes, I am officially starting the count down. Alexa's chance of survival is up to 50% if she were to be born this week. She should be measuring around 13.5 inches long and weighs around a pound and a half. Around week 25, the structures of her spine are starting to form, including 33 vertebrae (rings of bone), 150 joints, and 1,000 ligaments. These structures will eventually support her body weight. Alexa's capillaries are also forming this week. Capillaries are the tiny blood vessels that move blood from the heart to tissues in the body. By the end of week 25, air sacs and blood vessels in her lungs will develop, getting her ready for her first breath.

Bedrest was very challenging for me this time. I had to skip on vacation bible school, work, cooking & really everything I enjoy in life. Of course it was what was best for Alexa, so I took it very seriously. She has continued to be very active, but lets me sleep at night.

On Wednesday we meet with the new doctor. I was very nervous going into this appointment. I was afraid that he would not be a good fit for us, that something could be wrong with Alexa and really a bunch of irrational fears. The nurse who took us back was really nice. We did the usual weigh in (105.8) and basic questions. She did an entire history on us & did the whole "Welcome" speech. After waiting a really long time for the doctor, he finally came in. Within the first 30 seconds I knew were were at the right place. He was very personable, very detailed & kept the entire appointment enjoyable.

He checked my cervix, which was still closed. We discussed the last few weeks in very close detail & he seemed to ease our worries. He said the protein test that was ran on Sunday was a huge indicator that I am not currently in preterm. He said the contractions may or may not be something to be concerned with. It can vary from one extreme to the next between people. He also believes the shortening is a very relative term. He was on the same page with the hospital when it came to having multiple people performing the test. The results cannot be compared unless its the same tech, same time of the day & the bladder is at the same level of fullness.

He did determine that I do not need to be on full bedrest for now. That was the best news I could have heard. He still insists that I take it very easy. I am allowed to do my normal activities but no extras. I cannot work out, lift anything over a few pounds or push any limits. He does not want me outside except walking to my car. His concern is the heat & dehydration. He said even if you are full hydrated, the 100* temperatures can cause problems. I am also suppose to add between 8 & 10 ounces of Gatorade to my already 4 bottles of water & 2 glasses of milk liquid in take each day. The Gatorade has electrolytes which will help with the stomach cramping.

I will be going back on Wednesday at 9am to get an internal ultrasound done & to monitor the preterm symptoms.

Justin & I will be heading to Delaware for his cousin's wedding this weekend. I will have to make sure I stay very hydrated, take frequent stops to walk & plenty of rest. Looking forward to a relaxing few days!