38w7d BPD still small

I can't believe I'm still pregnant. Tomorrow will be 39 weeks on the dot. They didn't talk about induction now, but said I should have the baby within 2 weeks. My husband says they can't make me go to any appointments. I'm supposed to go next Wednesday to another one. Measurements are still not good.

31w7d everything was fine: 

• BPD was 8.01 cm (32w2d).
• AC was 28.03 cm (32w3d).
• FL was 6.52 (33w5d).
• FHR was 142 bpm.
• EFW was 2052 gr.

At 34w7d the head was small: 

• BPD was 33 weeks.
• AC was 34 weeks.
• FL was 35w6d. 
• EFW was 2400 gr.

This meant that in 3 weeks, the head had only grown about 6d, the abdomen 1w6d, and the leg 2w2d.

At 36w7d the measurements were a bit better:

• BPD was 8.77 cm (35w4d).
• AC was 31.39 cm (35w3d).
• FL was 7.14 cm (36w4d). 
• EFW was 2776 gr.

The head was 1w3d behind, the abdomen was 1w4d behind, and the FL was 3d behind. However, the head had grown 2w4d, the abdomen had grown 1w3d, and the leg had grown 5d.

At 38w7d things are small again:
BPD is 8.72 cm (35w2d).
AC is 32.87 cm (36w6d).
FL is 7.44 cm (38w1d).
EFW is 3081 gr.

My due date was pushed back to the 6th of January and is now pushed back another week to the 13th of January. The doctor said I need to have the baby within 2 weeks though. What this means is that from my last appointment 2 weeks ago, the head has shrunk 2 days. The abdomen has grown 1w3d. The leg has grown 1w4d. I don't understand what's going on. The baby is head down. I know in breach babies the BPD can be off.

Money

• Today I paid 195,830.
• Doctor's visit: 32,260. 
• Ultrasound 100,000. 
• NST 63,570. 
• Tricare (my insurance) paid 195,830. Out of pocket was 0.

More info
For more info, you can see how much this has cost, I also have a summary of dates, as well as my Rx protocol.

34w7d measuring small

I know that at this point ultrasound measurements can be off by as much as 4 weeks. However, the baby has pretty much always measured exact for dates or a bit ahead. And if the baby was behind, it was just by a little bit. Today the measurements were far behind. Usually they print off the paper with the measurements, but this time they just told me. They didn't mention the days, just the weeks. I tried to look at the screen, but the only days I could make out were for the FL. The BPD and AC ran off the screen. I was also told to get some final tests done, so they did blood and urine tests and will do the NST (non-stress test) next time.

31w7d everything was fine: 

• BPD was 8.01 cm (32w2d).
• AC was 28.03 cm (32w3d).
• FL was 6.52 (33w5d).
• FHR was 142 bpm.
• EFW was 2052 gr.

At 34w7d the head is now small: 

• BPD is 33 weeks.
• AC is 34 weeks.
• FL is 35w6d. 
• EFW is 2400 gr.

This means that in 3 weeks, the head has only grown about 6d, the abdomen 1w6d, and the leg 2w2d. The small head is worrying. I know that I have a small head, but for it to be normal last time and only have grown 6 days worth in 21 days is kind of scary. Googling doesn't help either. I'm just hoping the next ultrasound will be ok.

Money

• Today I paid 409,080.
• Doctor's visit: 32,266. 
• Blood and Urine tests: 276,814. 
• Ultrasound 100,000. 
• Tricare (my insurance) paid 409,080. Out of pocket was 0.

More info
For more info, you can see how much this has cost, I also have a summary of dates, as well as my Rx protocol.

31w7d offered the TDaP

I'm really liking these short appointments. I'm one day away from 32 weeks, which is a milestone. Once I hit 35 weeks, it will be safe to birth at home. I've heard that ultrasounds aren't the best for babies during pregnancy, but at the same time, given my history, I want to know that everything is ok. They just did a regular ultrasound.

Stats

• BPD was 8.01 cm (32w2d).
• AC was 28.03 cm (32w3d).
• FL was 6.52 (33w5d).
• FHR was 142 bpm.
• EFW was 2052 gr.

This appointment
Then after I sat down, the doctor and translator kept talking and not telling me anything. I thought something was wrong. The doctor pushed a pamphlet with TDaP written on the front. I just said I'm not going to get the shot and he smiled. I think they're getting used to me opting out of things. I opted out of pap smear in the beginning, but still did the titers testing and STD testing. But I opted out of the gestational diabetes test as well.

To be fair, I've also done a lot of other things, such as taken a high dosage of steroids at the beginning, IVIG (which is experimental), intralipids, and tests (HSG, thyroid, and NK cells). I think I have a really good doctor. I'm allowed to make my own choices, including where I'll give birth (at home).

Money

• Today I paid 131,260.
• Doctor's visit: 32,260. 
• Ultrasound 99,000.
• Tricare (my insurance) is paid 131,260.
• Out of pocket was 0.

More info
For more info, you can see how much this has cost, I also have a summary of dates, as well as my Rx protocol.

27w7d measuring cervix length

At this appointment, they did a vaginal ultrasound to measure the cervix and said that it was more than 5 cm, which is good. I will be opting out of this ultrasound in the future if they offer it. I'm past viability, so everything should be ok. The baby is growing just fine and is measuring slightly ahead. The femur is consistently a week ahead.

Stats

• BPD is 7.04 cm (28w3d).
• AC is 23.63 cm (28w1d).
• FL is 5.48 cm (29w1d).
• FHR is 147 bpm.
• EFW is 1220 gr. 

Money

• Today I paid 236,900.
• Doctor's visit: 32,270. 
• Ultrasound 204,630. 
• Tricare (my insurance) paid 236,900.
• Out of pocket is 0. 

More info
For more info, you can see how much this has cost, I also have a summary of dates, as well as my Rx protocol.

23w6d 4D ultrasound

My daughter came along this time because we thought it would be nice for her to see the baby. The anatomy ultrasound takes forever. It took about 30 minutes and after about 2 minutes she wanted to go home. She did think it was funny that they got to see the baby's butt. They measured a lot of things and it all looks normal. The baby is ahead for most dates, so that's good. We also finally agreed on a name and as it works out, my daughter and this baby will be having similar names.

No IVIG or intralipids today! It's nice to be done! And I don't have to come back for an entire month which is very nice. I opted out of the gestation diabetes test and luckily my doctor didn't push it.

Stats

• BPD is 5.84 cm (23w7d).
• HC is 21.46 cm (23w5d).
• AC is 20.34 cm (25w1d).
• FL is 4.24 cm.
• EFW is 698 gr.

Money

• Today I paid 162,260.
• Doctor's visit: 32,260. 
• Ultrasound 130,000. 
• Tricare (my insurance) reimbursed me for 162,266. 
• Out of pocket was 0.

More info
For more info, you can see how much this has cost, I also have a summary of dates, as well as my Rx protocol.

21w5d and Intralipids #1

Today I should be getting another round of IVIG which would have been #7, however, they have decided to give me intralipids instead since everything is going well. I've heard from people that intralipids is fast, easy, and painless. It was not for me. I had no issues with IVIG, but intralipids hurt, made my arm feel heavy, and just made me feel weird. It took about 2.5 hours for them to do 400 ml of a 10% solution which is 10 gr.

Everything is normal. The baby is growing fine. They said it was a girl for the third time and I think my husband finally believes them.

Stats

• BPD is 5.21 cm (21w7d).
• FL is 4.03 cm (23w1d).

Money

• Today I paid 133,780.
• Doctor's visit: 32,270. 
• Intralipids: 41,510. 
• Ultrasound 60,000. 
• Tricare (my insurance) reimbursed me for 32,273. 
• Out of pocket was 101,507.

More info
For more info, you can see how much this has cost, I also have a summary of dates, as well as my Rx protocol. 

20w7d leaking clear fluids

It happened a couple times before while I was sleeping. I felt fluid leaking. Of course, if you google it you are told that it's either amniotic fluid or urine. It didn't seem like I was peeing myself and I thought it was weird that it was only happening when I was lying down. But since this was the third time it happened, I decided to go to the ER at Osan AFB.

It was early in the morning and I got seen right away. They did an ultrasound then made me drink a ton of water and did another ultrasound. I've had numerous ultrasounds in Korea and was never told to drink water. It makes me think that Korean ultrasound technicians are a lot more experienced than American ones. After they did the ultrasound and ran some tests they told me that it was neither amniotic fluid nor urine, but a yeast infection. And while you'd think that I would know what a yeast infection was, this was the furthest I'd been pregnant since my daughter and I figured all the extra discharge was normal plus I'd had it since the beginning. Now I know that the high doses of oral steroids (prednisolone) probably killed off the good bacteria and caused a yeast infection.

At least there's an easy fix and it just goes to show you that fluid isn't always amniotic fluid or urine.

Total cost of this visit was 0. For more info, you can see how much this has cost, I also have a summary of dates, as well as my Rx protocol.

18w2d IVIG #6

Today I was told that I would not have anymore IVIG treatments. I was supposed to go to 23 weeks and I'm only at 18 weeks. The doctor said that since I started at 3 weeks instead of at 5 weeks and that the baby is measuring ok, I should be fine. I am very wary about stopping 5 weeks early and with only 6 treatments instead of 7, but they said I could do intralipids (which is egg, soybean, and other things) next time.

Stats

• BPD is 4.31 cm (19w1d).
• AC is 13.33 cm (18w7d).
• FL is 3.13 cm (19w6d).

This appointment
Again, I was told that it was a girl but my husband is still in denial. Intralipids is often done instead of IVIG because it's cheaper. It also has similar results as IVIG, but only in the case where there is no known reason for miscarriages. Since we know that I have high NK cells, IVIG is supposed to be better. This is IVIG #6 and my last treatment. The IVIG is a 5% solution of 300 ml, which is 15 gr of IVIG.

I'm taking fish oil and Wobenyzme N, both of which are supposed to suppress NK cells and some people have said it's a natural alternative to IVIG or intralipids.

Money

• Today I paid 381,410.
• Doctor's visit: 32,260. 
• IVIG #5: 289,150. 
• Ultrasound 60,000. 
• Tricare (my insurance) reimbursed me for 33,942. 
• Out of pocket was 347,468.

More info
For more info, you can see how much this has cost, I also have a summary of dates, as well as my Rx protocol. 

15w2d and IVIG #5

I did another round of IVIG. This is number 5. The IVIG is a 5% solution of 300 ml, which is 15 gr of IVIG. They also did a Fragile X syndrome screening and Quad test and said I would get the results in a week or so. (Edit: Everything is normal.) The baby is growing just fine and is measuring a few days ahead. We were told it was a girl, but my husband says it's too early to tell.

Stats

• BPD is 3.17 cm (15w7d).
• FL is 2.13 cm (16w4d).

Money

• Today I paid 837,140.
• Doctor's visit: 32,270. 
• IVIG #5: 289,140. 
• Ultrasound 60,000. 
• Fragile X syndrome screening and Quad test 455,710. 
• Tricare (my insurance) reimbursed me for 496,722. 
• Out of pocket was 340,418.

More info
For more info, you can see how much this has cost, I also have a summary of dates, as well as my Rx protocol. 

12w2d 4D ultrasound and IVIG #4

My husband is back from his business trip and made it to the hospital with me. They did the 4D ultrasound this time. The baby kept moving around so we didn't get any good photos, but everything is ok and the baby is growing fine. I did another round of IVIG. This is number 4. The IVIG is a 5% solution of 300 ml, which is 15 gr of IVIG. They also did the 1st blood test to check for pregnancy hormones and Down's. If I don't hear anything then there's nothing wrong. (Update: I got a text about a week later saying the tests are normal.) I go back in 3 weeks. Maybe then I will start telling people.

Stats

• CRL is 6.04 cm (12w5d).
• BPD is 1.77 cm (12w6d).
• FHR is 173 bpm.

Money

• Today I paid 557,570.
• Doctor's visit: 32,260. 
• IVIG #4: 289,140. 
• 1st sequential blood test: 146,160. 
• 4D Ultrasound 90,000. 
• Tricare (my insurance) reimbursed me for 142,732. 
• Out of pocket was 414,768.

More info
For more info, you can see how much this has cost, I also have a summary of dates, as well as my Rx protocol. 

9w1d and IVIG #3

The baby is growing and the heartbeat is fine.

Stats

• I'm 8w6d.
• The baby is measuring 9w1d. 
• CRL is 2.32 cm (9w1d).
• FHR is 180 bpm. 

Another round of IVIG (6 volumes). The IVIG is a 5% solution of 300 ml, which is 15 gr of IVIG. Next ultrasound will be a 4D one.

Money

• Today I paid 381,400.
• Doctor's visit: 32,260. 
• IVIG #3: 289,140. 
• Ultrasound 60,000. 
• Tricare (my insurance) reimbursed me for 25,808. 
• Out of pocket was 355,592.

More info
For more info, you can see how much this has cost, I also have a summary of dates, as well as my Rx protocol. 

7w2d right on track

The baby measured 7w2d which is exactly what I should be. CRL is 1.14 cm (7w3d). FHR is 159 bpm. They also told me (surprise, surprise) that I didn't have STDs or any childhood diseases. I come back in two weeks.

Money

• Today I paid 92,260.
• Doctor's visit: 32,260. 
• Ultrasound 60,000. 
• Tricare (my insurance) reimbursed me for 92,260. 
• Out of pocket was 0.

More info
You can see how much all this has cost on this page. You can also check the summary of dates to see everything that has happened.

6w2d heartbeat and IVIG #2

They heard and saw a strong heartbeat at 121 bpm which is right smack-dab where it should be. CRL is .41 cm (6w2d). Went for another round of IVIG, only 6 volumes this time which is down from 10 at 3w2d. The IVIG is a 5% solution of 300 ml, which is 15 gr of IVIG.

They also wanted to do more testing to make sure I didn't have any STDs or childhood diseases like MMR. I told them I had been vaccinated. They said unless it was in the last six months I had to get tested. I did opt out of the cervical cancer screening since I just had that done. I won't be doing more tests that I don't want to. I know they'll come back negative and it's just a waste of time and money.

I found this PDF about Normal Ranges ranges of Embryonic Length, Embryonic Heart Rate, Gestational Sac Diameter and Yolk Sac Diameter at 6–10 Weeks as well as this growth chart.

Money

• Today I paid 669,280.
• Doctor's visit: 37,700. 
• IVIG #2: 289,142. 
• Blood test 273,338. 
• Urine test 6,100. 
• Ultrasound 60,000.  
• Tricare (my insurance) reimbursed me for 256,104. 
• Out of pocket was 413,176.
  

More info
For more info, you can see how much this has cost, I also have a summary of dates, as well as my Rx protocol. 

5w2d visible yolk sac

This doctor is a bit different than other ones I've been to. Usually they measure the gestational sac and tell you how far along you are. He didn't. He just saw the yolk sac and said I was at 5 weeks. I know that the yolk sac is round mine was more of a sliver, straight up and down. It could have been the angle. They told me to come back next week.

Money

• Today I paid 92,260.
• Doctor's visit: 32,260. 
• Ultrasound 60,000. 
• Tricare (my insurance) reimbursed me for 92,260.
• Out of pocket was 0.

More info
For more info, you can see how much this has cost, I also have a summary of dates, as well as my Rx protocol. 

NK cell results

I got my NK (natural killer) cell results today. The norm is 12 and below and I have 14. This means that my body attacks the babies since it views them as invaders. Right now I'm on prednisolone for 5 days. I'm taking 4 tablets of 5mg in the morning and again at night. It's a steroid and is cheaper than the IV, which I'll need later. I'm paying about 13 cents (USD) a pill. In the USA the same pill would be $10 each. That's insane. The US really needs to fix their medical care.

I've been told that they'll do an IVIG, which is intravenous immunoglobulin, which is a blood product, once I get a positive HPT. I just bought 50 Wondfo early pregnancy tests (they're the blue and white ones) off eBay and hopefully they'll be coming soon. Once I get a positive, I need to go immediately to the doctor to get the IV. I know that some hospitals use IL, which is intralipids, which is a fatty IV and has similar results as the IVIG. It's also much cheaper, so I'm hoping we can do that. Some people only need one IV and some need it every 2 weeks throughout their pregnancy.

They did an ultrasound to make sure the lining was ok and it is. 

Money

• Today I paid 113,260.
• Doctor's visit: 32,266. 
• Ultrasound: 75,000. 
• Prednisolone: 6,360. 
• Tricare (my insurance) reimbursed me for 107,260. 
• Out of pocket was 6,000.

I didn't claim the prenisolone because it seemed more trouble than it was worth so I didn't get an English translation of the prescription.

More info
For more info, you can see how much this has cost, I also have a summary of dates, as well as my Rx protocol.