Good New, Bad News

Friday we went for another scan. This scan showed that Baby Bob had grow (praise point). "Bob" will still not be a big baby, but he/she is putting on weight & growing, & is still within the normal range. There was however a little concern, as a small amount of fluid was found in the head. This apparently can be a sign of the heart already beginning to fail to be able to pump enough blood around the body. For a moment there it looked like "Bob" could have been entering the world within the next week, however after consulting with a few other specialists it ended up not being as big a concern as first thought. It was decided however that I would not be able to go full-term. So the plan at this stage is that I go back for a scan on the 8th June, & all being as it should be I will be induced on the 11th June. It was also stressed that if I went into labour naturally before these dates I MUST go to Skejby Hospital (2hr drive from where we live). This is different to what has been the case up til now. Previously the case had been that if I went into early labour I was to have the baby in Esbjerg & then he/she would be transferred almost immediately to Skejby.

Although it has always been a known possibility that I would have to give birth earlier, this sudden definite decision has thrown me a bit. As mentioned in my previous post I am not really keen on the idea of being induced, but it now looks inevitable, unless of cause I go into labour early. I am not sure however that I'm entirely comfortable with this outcome either though now that I MUST give birth in Skejby, and I'm not sure how I'd cope stuck in a car for 2hrs while in labour. All I can do is trust that God is in control & He knows best & will work things out.

This change of plans also means that my parents will only be here for a week before the baby is born, instead of the 3-4weeks we had been anticipating. This does not give them & Joshua much time to get to know each other. My parents will be with us in Skejby & looking after Joshua while we are at the hospital with "Bob", so he will be spending a lot of time just with them, away from us.

Update

Monday we were back at Skejby for our next scan. In regards to the heart there is nothing new to report. Overall, baby Bob is doing well, though is a little on the small side. This is something they aren't too concerned about at this stage but want to keep a close eye on.

They also mentioned that although all going well I will be able to have a natural birth that they will induce me. This will happen sometime in the week leading up to my due date of the 26th June. The reason for this is that we live 2hrs from Skejby & Esbjerg does not have the expertise or resources to handle any unforseen complications. I'm not sure why I can't just move up there a week before & wait until I go into labour, but I didn't think to suggest that at the time. This is something I'm not really happy about or looking forward to, but apart from the above mentioned solution can see the logic in it.

Our next scan is on the 25th May.

As the birth draws closer the reality & seriousness of the situation is starting to set in again & our emotions are beginning to become mixed & swing a bit. We are thankful for all who are remembering us in their prayers & ask that you would continue to join us in this journey.

Prayer Points:
* That baby will grow a bit quicker so as to be a normal size & weight.
* That somehow I will be able to go into labour naturally.
* For continued wisdom for us & the medical team in the decisions that have to be made.
* For God's peace & strength as we head into the next stage.