SS: Good friend found out bad news about her pregnancy

[Jenny]

My friend Kim had an ultrasound on Thursday. The doctor said the baby was measuring very small for her approximate due date (VERY small) and so he sent her to the hospital to have another ultrasound done there.

She went and had it done and found out on Friday that the baby's intestines are growing outside the body because the stomach didn't fully close (or something like that).

Her first son was born at 28 weeks, so he was VERY premature. Considering how preemie, he was very healthy. He did have some problems but is now a healthy, happy and almost completely normal 2 year old.

So this is really hitting them hard. She also had placenta previa (spelling?) diagnosed earlier this pregnancy. But at the ultrasound on Thursday, it showed that the placenta had moved back up, so at least that isn't a concern right now.

As I understand it, after the baby is born (c-section, not vaginal, but she has to have a c-sect anyway, because of the way it was done with Caleb 2 years ago), they can do a surgery (or multiple ones, depending on how much is outside the body and how much room is inside) to put the intestines back in and close it up, and the baby should be completely normal. I may be wrong, but that is what I believe...

So bad news but good news, I guess. :(

[chrissy]

OH Jenny!

Tell her to be strong! I have a friend back in IL who was born with that and the proceedure has changed so much! I actually watched a baby show on TLC (or something) just a couple weeks ago about this condition and how they correct it.

[Jenny]

Chrissy, I have seen one on TLC too :)

And thanks, I will. :)

[speedracer120]

Wow, that's gotta be heart wrenching. I hope things turn out well. I know so many people that are pregnant lately and it just goes to show you how much you need to keep them in prayers as well.

[Jenny]

Ok, update:

Saw a specialist Monday morning. He determined that it looks like the baby stopped growing at 23 weeks. And that Kim is 26-28 weeks along. Also, if the baby's problem (intestines growing outside) is caused by one thing (don't know the name), it will probably have several other birth defects. :( She got a steroid shot at the dr today, in the hopes that it will help speed up lung development in the baby.

They are here in Wichita tonight and have an appointment with a specialist here tomorrow. He will probably do one of 3 things:

1) Send her home, continue the steroid shots and have the dr here keep a close eye on things.

2) Admit her to the hospital here and do the same thing.

3) Deliver the baby tomorrow. :(

It's bad...really really bad. :(

[OC]

I'm so sorry Jenny. Your friend Kim and her family are in my thoughts and prayers.

[chrissy]

:( Oh, Jen! Will keep her and the baby in my thoughts and prayers too.

[Jenny]

Very very bad news :(

The specialist here today told them this (I'm making it as short as possible):

Sometime early in the pregnancy, undetected, the amniotic sac wrapped itself AROUND the baby, preventing much, if any, lung development.

From the waist down, there are SEVERE deformities. One leg/foot developed enough there is a club foot. The other didn't even develop that much. They are also not sure if they will be able to tell if it is a boy or a girl. :(

They are staying at least overnight tonight in the hospital. There is a very very good chance that the baby will not live through the delivery, and an even greater chance that the baby will not live very long after birth. Then, there is also a chance that the baby will live but will be a vegetable. Then again, the baby could also die in utero.

That's all I know. *sigh*

[Jihforce]

:( i'm so sorry to hear that. Soooo sad....

[speedracer120]

Wow. Speechless.

My cousin is pregnant for the first time and it's been several years since they got married. I just hope and pray that they find a solace through these difficult time and unimaginable times.