Hello everyone!
Here is an update on our sweet baby.
On March 13, 2013, we went to the specialist for the fourth time. The ultrasound showed no change in Ruth's left hand. We just see a little nubby with five possible bones attached. I asked the nurse some questions just because I was curious. The nurse talked about how she sees about five of these cases a year. She explained that the issues with Ruth's left hand were probably caused by an amniotic band. Since Ruth seems to have no other issues, this theory seems to make the most sense. Below is a little information on amniotic bands.
Amniotic banding can affect approximately 1 in 1,200 live births. It occurs with the partial rupture of the amniotic sac. This rupture involves only the amnion; the chorion remains intact. Fibrous bands of the ruptured amnion float in the amniotic fluid and can encircle and trap some part of the fetus. Later, as the fetus grows but the bands do not, the bands become constricting. This constriction reduces blood circulation and causes congenital abnormalities. In some cases a complete "natural" amputation of a digit(s) or limb may occur before birth. Amniotic bands are considered an accidental event, and it does not appear to be genetic or hereditary. The likelihood of it occurring in another pregnancy is remote. The cause of amniotic bands is unknown. So, there are no known preventative measures.
(This information did come from wikipedia. But it does seem to summarize what we have been told over the last few months.)
Also during the ultrasound, we saw hair! It better be curly! :) The nurse further assessed Ruth to see if my blood sugar issues were causing any problems. If blood sugar is a problem, the placenta would be larger than normal, and Ruth would have extra baby fat. The nurse said the placenta was the right size and Ruth has not too tubby. She stated that if Ruth was going to be a big baby it would be because of genetics - not blood sugar. So, Ruth and I have daddy to thank for that! :) After the ultrasound, we were told by the specialist to only return if Dr. Dulaney requested it. We left the office feeling very blessed that Ruth seems to be a very healthy baby with no other issues.
We are getting so close now. On Thursday, we hit the 38 week mark! So far, we are dealing really well with the reality that Ruth could be born with only a partial hand. But I talked with Shawn recently about how there will probably be a "second reality check" for me when we see Ruth in person. I will need some private family time after she is born so I have a chance to take everything in and get to know this little miracle - no matter what God decides to do with her hand. No matter what medical information we have been given, God is always in control. We don't know what to really expect until she arrives. So, we will see what God has in store. We feel exited and blessed no matter what!
I continue to pray for what God thinks is best for her. I don't know what is best for our baby - but God does. I just feel alot of peace when I trust His plans and not my own. Like I have said before, I haven't prayed specifically or boldly for a full grown left hand. Sometimes I wonder if that is okay. We have soo many folks praying for us - friends close and far away, folks from Henderson, folks from Maryland, both of our families, our Whitten Church family, and more. I know that some of those prayers are specific and bold. So, I have asked myself if I was praying the right thing. Am I doubting what God can do? Do all these other people have more faith than I do? The answer seems to be that none of us is wrong - whether someone is praying for God's will or if someone is specifically praying for a full grown hand. Ruth's story means something different to each person who prays for her. God has individual lessons for us to learn through life's experiences. God can take one experience and teach many different lessons. Everyone isn't affected in the same way, and everyone doesn't have the same lesson to learn. We all learn something unique from life's surprises. So, our prayers will also be unique. I have thought alot about prayer throughout our baby Ruth experience. God listens to us. God wants us to pray because He wants an intimate relationship with us. As long as our prayers follow God's word, we should pray for it. Seek Him, and follow His word. There we will find answers, direction, and understanding.
We will keep you posted as Ruth makes her arrival. We are so excited to meet her! Thank you for letting us share our story.
Much love,
Wendy and Shawn
No comments:
Post a Comment