We are shocked - but very pleased - to announce that we are expecting our 4th {and final} child. This was a little surprise and we weren't intentionally trying to get pregnant again so soon. And in fact, we have already determined that this will be our last. It just isn't safe for me to carry anymore children - but we will get into that later.
I'm not sure if most of you know or not. . . but since having Jacob my cycles have been off. They have a tendency to go into hibernation sometimes, which isn't a bad thing but it's not completely normal. And I have to go to the doctor to get a jump-start to get things on track again. Well that's what I originally thought when my cycle disappeared. That was UNTIL the nausea and dizziness started. Then it was time for a home pregnancy test which eventually came back positive. But again, we've been in that boat before and couldn't jump to any conclusions until I seen the doctor.
This morning, Jerry and I met with a new OB/GYN to get checked out. And just like we were beginning to expect, I am pregnant. I think after the shock wears off things will be joyous but the first few minutes / hours were filled with questions, worries, doubts. And believe me when I say that I thought about every option - including termination. But I just don't think I can terminate this child because of my own insecurities. {And please know that I don't say terminate because I want to hurt my future child or make them think I don't want them in any way - simply because it is unsafe for me to continue on this journey without knowing all the risks and I have a husband and 3 other children to think about, not to mention all my extended family!} Jerry and I never discussed having another child so close in age to Jaxen. So we had a lot to consider. . . but Jerry was all in from the moment he found out we were expecting again. So that was reassuring.
After discussing all our options and questions with the doctor, we feel that we are taking the right path for everyone. The doctor is concerned about this being my 4th c-section delivery. The only thing saving me is that none of the prior c-sections where emergency c-sections and as long as all the doctor's prior to this, closed me up correctly then my chances are good with having a safe and unexciting delivery. The doctor was also concerned about the placenta problems that I had with Jaxen. But as long as my placenta implants away from the old c-section scar we will be in the clear; however, we will not know that until an ultrasound is done. If the placenta implants close the the old c-section scar then we will have a whole different set of problems for me. . . which will be dealt with as they come. But the doctor is giving us a laid-back, proactive approach to this pregnancy.
It is quick to want medicine to intervene and loose sight of the pregnancy. And believe me that will get expensive fast! Jerry and I want to go forward like nothing is wrong, the doctor is prepared and watching for issues or problems but we will not react until one comes up. Which is exactly what Jerry and I want, it's nice to know that someone is watching out for us and letting us cherish the moment at the same time. The change in doctor's is to benefit a more personal doctor / patient experience. The doctor's office will and have seen me in a days notice. And are seeing me more frequently than the average case pregnancy {I'm seen every 4 weeks or less}. They are always just a phone call away and willing to see me on the weekends. Even though I am not considered "high-risk" {at this time} the new office is suited to handle such cases. And Jerry and I absolutely love the point-blank honesty that this doctor gives us.
The doctor also stressed that it was very important that another pregnancy does not happen. The risk of something bad happening goes up significantly with every pregnancy. . . which does include the placenta growing through my uterus because of the scar and causing me to have a full hysterectomy or dying. {Which my doctor has experienced before and is capable of doing a hysterectomy and saving my life}
With all that scary stuff being said, I really do feel fine. I am nauseous ALL THE TIME and beyond tired most of the time. But other than typical pregnancy related issues things are wonderful. We do not have an ultrasound scheduled until the 20 week scan in February -- that is of course, if they can find the baby's heartbeat at our next doctor's appointment. {We were unable to find it this last time but hopefully that means that the placenta has implanted away from my old c-section scar!! **Good Thoughts**}
So here's what we know right now:
- {Last} Baby #4 - due June 24, 2012
- February ultrasound - gender scan
- Delivery expected at 39 weeks unless something goes wrong
- Deliver at Lee's Summit Hospital - where Jaxen was suppose to be!
- Tubes Tied during c-section
