Beginning of 3rd Trimester

At 27 weeks 6 days, I had a routine 2 week check up ultrasound with the specialist. She found that our baby's bowel had increased in size due to swelling and irritation. We knew we would eventually be sent to Halifax for appointments, but we didn't expect it to be so soon.

We were sent to the IWK to be checked by another specialist, which confirmed everything the previous doctor had said. Their worry was the blood flow, and the risk of the swelling getting worse. During the ultrasound at the IWK, they told us that blood was still flowing through her bowels, and that it seemed to still be healthy. The only thing that would change would be more frequent appointments to keep an eye on the bowel. Instead of every 2 weeks, we will now be seen every week, and if required twice a week.

The Doctors we met at the IWK were extremely helpful and informative. My concern was that they would tell me they wanted to induce me earlier than 37 weeks. They reassured me that they will try their best not to, so that the baby's lungs are nice and strong, come time for her surgery. On that note, we did meet with one of the surgeons that could be doing the procedure. He was extremely helpful and answered a lot of our questions. (At the end of the blog I will leave the questions we asked, and the answers we received from the Doctors and Surgeon). The surgeon explained to us the two different procedures that could take place in two different possible scenarios.

The first scenario being the best one, is that the baby is born and taken to the NICU, once the bowel is wrapped with wet gauze and secured with plastic saran wrap, the surgeon looks at the bowel to make sure the digestive track starts from the mouth and has no interruption all the way to the bum. If this is the case and the bowel is not too swollen, the bowel will be pushed back into the tiny hole and part of the umbilical cord will be folded on top of the wound, and wrapped up. The body takes care of the rest. If the bowel is swollen, they will place the intestines in a silo that is held up, and slowly the bowel will be pushed back into the hole.

The second scenario, which is the one we are hoping our daughter doesn't have is if the digestive track has a "blockage" somewhere. He explained this as the intestine not being fully connected, and needing a little bit of a bigger surgery. For this procedure, the baby would be taken down to the OR, and they would have to cut each end of the blockage and stitch it together, and let it heal. This procedure is more invasive, and could take longer to recover. (It is also less common to have this than the first scenario).

Each baby is different, and they will only be able to tell upon her birth what procedure needs to be done. We are hoping for the best case scenario of course. Some of the questions we asked the Surgeon and Doctors:

Q: When will I be induced?

A: There is no telling exactly when, the goal is to keep the baby in the womb for as long as possible so they are strong and ready to take on the procedure. The induction is optimally done between 36-38 weeks.

Q: How long do you think it will take her to recover from both scenarios?

A: The best case scenario is that she is sent home between 3-8 weeks. There are instances where children stay at the hospital for longer periods of time such as 3 to 6 months, and in extreme and rare situations a years time.

Q: Can I still have her naturally?

A: The baby can be born naturally, and it is encouraged and recommended to have the natural birth as there are no risks with the bowel being out, and having a vaginal birth. It would only be in regular scenarios that a Cesarean would occur such as the baby being breached.

Q: Why are gastroschisis babies on average smaller?

A: No way to tell the direct association, but there is a belief that the placenta could have an abnormality that doesn't allow for as many nutrients to be absorbed. There have been some scenarios where the placenta was in perfect condition and the baby was still born small. Although there is a correlation, it does not mean that is the case for all.

Q: Can I still breastfeed?

A: Yes, and it is recommended. Pumping the milk at first, and giving the baby controlled amounts based on the progress, until the child is cleared as being able to digest 100% on their own. Eventually proceeding with breast feeding with or without pump.

All around, it felt good to meet with the doctors that will be taking care of myself and my child. I will be seeing them again at 34 weeks for another check up, and hopefully a tour of the NICU, where my baby will be while recovering from surgery. Between here and then, if anything does come up I will make sure to update the blog.

On a positive note, the baby shower is coming up in 2 short weeks and I'll make sure to post pictures from that event to lighten up the content!

Currently: 28wd3

#thirdtrimester #pregnancy #gastroschisis