Third Trimester Feels: High Risk Edition-

I have had an overwhelming amount of support and understanding throughout this pregnancy, and for that, I am sincerely thankful!

I have patients, friends, and family continuing to ask me what’s going on and what’s the plan. 

​Let me fill you in on what I know.

My daughter, Zirah, came into this world at 32 weeks by emergency cesarean.

Let’s do a general vocab refresher before I dive into this-

​Umbilical Cord: this connects the baby to the placenta. Allowing nutrients and oxygen to pass from mother to baby- while removing waste products.
Placenta: this attaches to the uterine wall. Shaped like a pancake, it provides nutrients and oxygen for the baby and eliminates waste products.
Uterus: this is the muscular organ where baby grows.
Cervix: this is the lower end of the uterus. The cervix softens, thins, and opens during labor allowing baby into the world.

With my daughter, I suffered from complete placenta previa, placental abruption, and vasa previa. 

Let’s dive into what those mean-

Complete Placenta Previa: The placenta is located over the cervix. This can cause bleeding during pregnancy or make vaginal delivery impossible- resulting in a cesarean. (Occurs in about 1 of 250 deliveries)
Placental Abruption: the placenta separates from the uterine wall before the baby is born. This causes the uterus to bleed and reduces the baby’s supply of oxygen and nutrients. (Occurs in 0.4 to 1.5% of all pregnancies)
Vasa Previa: the membranes that contain blood vessels from the baby to the placenta lie across the cervix. (Present in about 1 in 2,500 to 5,000 deliveries.)

© 2021 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp

​With Zirah’s emergent entrance into this world, I had severe complications post C-section. After these resolved, I was left with immense amounts of scar tissue. Adding to my now scarred uterus, it’s also congenitally malformed. I have a bicornuate uterus, which means it’s heart shaped compared to a typical pear shape. 

© 2020. Tommy’s

So let’s get back to the plan-

​Starting next week, I have OB appointments twice a week. On Monday or Tuesdays, I will have a nonstress test on baby. A nonstress test is to check on baby’s health- baby’s heart rate is monitored  to see how it responds to it’s movements. This will be followed up by a check in with my high-risk OB. On Thursday or Fridays, I will have an ultrasound with my maternal-fetal medicine OB. This will be to monitor and watch for potential complications that are arising- especially when we add in a Factor V Leiden mutation as well. I promise, baby and I are in great hands! 

As of right now, I still have severe hydronephrosis in both kidneys. Severe Hydronephrosis basically means that my kidneys are severely swollen from a backup of urine. They aren’t draining properly, due to my scar tissue and malformed uterus, causing constant kidney stone like pain. Unfortunately, there’s nothing to relieve this

I promise I have been and continue to do all I can to support detoxification processes-
you can bet your life on that!😊

Right now, baby is scheduled to come into this world at 38 weeks, on February 22nd. This has every possibility to change- and honestly, I’m betting it will. I will be taking 3 weeks off after baby arrives. Please note my team (and I when possible) will continue to assist you as needs arise during this period. I will be monitoring emails at least once per week. If you have immediate needs or concerns, please email my assistant, Dawn. We will strive to fulfill these requests in a timely manner. We appreciate the understanding when it comes to rescheduling appointments during this time. We truly have the most amazing patients! 

As always, thank you for the continued love, support, and/or prayers- whatever you’re into! Keep it all coming. Please follow us on Facebook for more immediate updates! 

All my love,
Dr. Taryn