Preggo update: 27 weeks

Hello fellow babes! I'm excited to share good news from my last doctor appointment. Hurray! And my, now weekly, updates on my pregnancy will vary in context. Here you go!

This past week we visited the perinatologist Dr. James Kurtzman at Maternal-Fetal Medicine. For those of you who have no idea what a perinatologist is, like I did, it is "is a physician that works in conjunction with a patient's obstetrician when pregnancy complications develop and is able to provide care for both the mom and unborn baby." At my appointment, the doctor evaluated Baby B in detail by doing another full FETAL ANATOMY (via ultrasound), analyzed my "MATERNAL STRUCTURES" to double check on baby and me, and gave recommendations for further monitoring.

INDICATION: OVARIAN CYST
Some of you may have seen my recent post about our visit, and you know everything is still going well with my pregnancy and the baby. However, because my OBGYN saw a small ovarian cyst on my right ovary as well as slight swelling of Baby B's kidneys, she sent me to have a more thorough ultrasound with Dr. Kurtzman. His expertise and very high tech top of the line ultrasound machine allowed him to better see and explain if there was anything we needed to be aware in order to ensure a healthy baby and mom. 
RECOMMENDATION: If I remain asymptomatic, no necessary "alteration in standard obstetrical management is necessary. However, periodic surveillance is recommended.

INDICATION: PYELECTASIS
After the detailed examination/ultrasound, he concluded that the cyst has not gotten bigger but he just wants to keep an eye on it. It is "simple and anechoic, (moderate in size) and no solid areas were noted". In other words, there are no abnormalities so I have nothing to worry about at this point. : ) The only thing that would bring me to think something was wrong is if I felt significant sharp pain on my right side (by my ovary) on a relatively constant basis. Then further tests would be made. Regarding Baby B's inflamed kidneys, they labeled this pyelectasis. WARNING: my OBGYN's office recommend I don't google it because "it would freak [me] out." I took their advice and have not researched it. I recommend doing the same. : ) It is "generally considered to be a normal variant, PARTICULARLY IN MALE BABIES." This is one of the major reasons why I haven't been worried because it is "common" according to both doctors. 
RECOMMENDATION: Baby looks good and everything is normal (meaning baby looks healthy and is doing great). "There should be a low threshold to proceed with antenatal testing/fetal monitoring if fetal activity should become less expected."

INDICATION: MARGINAL CORD INSERTION:
Additionally, they doctor noted baby's size is MEASURING 8 DAYS AHEAD in respect to my July 26 due date. (I already have had a feeling he is going to come early, but we shall see!) Also, he saw my "placental cord insertion appeared to be marginal (at the superior edge of the placenta). After we were able to ask some questions, we understood that the place of insertion is extremely close to where it "should" be and not enough to raise enough concern where the baby would be in danger of receiving a lack of nutrients. AND based off his "fetal kick counts" there is nothing to alarm us at this point. 
RECOMMENDATION: Because of a possible "increased risk of fetal growth restriction and/or perinatal M&M", it is recommended I undergo ongoing "periodic surveillance" as to minimize potential risks. 

With all that said, I will continue to see both my OBGYN and Dr. Kurtzman for the remainder of my pregnancy. All is well with my soul! 

OK, NOW THE LESS SERIOUS, GOOD STUFF ALREADY! 

1. Stretch Marks: NONE. Thank the Lord! (Besides the ones on my boobs from high school!)​
2. Maternity Clothes: Technically yes. I have some “maternity tops” that don’t look anything like your average maternity fashion. Now that the weather is warmer, I’m wearing a lot of short skirts and dresses made from stretchy material. I love fitted knee length skirts that I wear high rise with a knotted T-shirt or cute top. If I wear something baggy, I feel like it makes me look heavy (or at least top heavy) because my boobs are GINORMOUS (for all you “Elf” fans)! When it’s on the chilly side, I basically live in leggings. WORD.
3. Sleep: One word. Interesting. I still wake up once or twice to pee. So fun... I’m also periodically having vivid and strange dreams. Also fun. NOT!
4. FITNESS: Feeling strong, confident, and kicking butt in my workouts! I obviously don't go as hard as usual but still can do burpess, kettle bell swings/variations, regular push ups, boxing, kickboxing, and more! I cramp more easily now if I do a lot of movement so I just take it easy for a few moments and stretch or modify my workout. Peeing when I jump or run? NOPE! (this is good news!) PS- If you aren't there, don't be hard on yourself. Do what is best for YOU and give yourself some credit/grace. You got this! : )
5. Favorite moment of the week: When Kai, our 4-year-old voluntarily prayed for his “baby brudder” and when he kisses my belly. Heart melting!
6. Food Cravings: Occasionally sushi, tuna sandwiches, hot dogs (yes, I’m a sucker and eat them once a year…don’t judge), and sometimes beer (even though I have a few sips every now and then). Of course all the things I shouldn’t really have!
7. Baby B’s Movement: ALL THE TIME. He’s a mover! Now I’m starting to feel him under my ribs which isn’t the most comfortable feeling. 
8. Baby Bump: I feel like I look about 8 or 9 months pregnant based off my last pregnancy. This bump is showing like CRAZY! Second pregnancies are sooooo different! BELLY BUTTON… has definitely flattened and looks different this time around. Meh… Oh well, could be worse things, right?!
9. Gender: Still a boy. Just in case you were wondering.
10. Emotions: Happy and joyful most of the time! However, I have my over emotional moments at times and sometimes feel on edge. Hormones are so fun! (This also has A LOT to do with what I’ve eaten that day)
11. Things I’m looking forward to: Snuggles! Seeing Duke, my husband, and Kai’s first look when they meet this little man, and playing “dress up” with my little doll baby. : )

That's a wrap, mamas! 

Ila and I would love to hear about your pregnancy journeys! Feel free to comment and share below!

xx,

​Cate