24 Weeks

I am 24 weeks pregnant today. It may not mean much to most of you but it means a great deal to me. When I was pregnant with Emily, my endocrinologist made a comment that 24 weeks was the point of viability. I thought that was just morbid somehow and didn't want to think of "viability" when talking about pregnancy. Then, I spent 6 weeks in the NICU with my little 30 week baby. I learned exactly what was meant by "viability", if not through my own child but through those babies born more prematurely than mine. It was a wild ride, life in the NICU, and knowing what I know now I am so happy to have reached "viability".

That's not to say there wouldn't be problems if my child was born tomorrow. Babies born at 24 weeks gestation only have a 50% survival rate. Of those that survive, only a small percentage do so without any major health issues. But a 50% survival rate is better than the alternative, in most cases, I suppose. Each day that passes, my little boy grows bigger and stronger. That's what it's all about.

It's like people have told me, "3 is the new 2" when it comes to having kids. Well, for anyone experiencing pregnancy loss and/or pre-term birth, reaching 24 weeks is to us kind of like getting out of the first trimester and leaving the higher risk of miscarriage behind for everyone else.

All that said, I finally met with my OB yesterday. She confirmed a few things for me.

1. I have gained 10 lbs. Not too bad I guess. I really need to lay off the sweets.

2. The bright spot we saw on his heart in January is gone. It could have been a marker for Downs or another chromosomal issue but we weren't very worried about it because my bloodwork and all other tests were normal. It was just one of those things I guess.

3. I will be scheduled for my c-section to take place sometime in my 37th-38th week. That's the week before Memorial Day, if anyone is counting.

Looking forward to meeting this little guy (in May, please). We're getting close to having his room done. Crib should be here at the end of February!!

Aside from all that, I still think I've lost my ever lovin' mind. 3 kids. Under the age of 4? Really? What were we thinking!? ;-)
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