Feb 4 (the specialist report)

Dr DeStefano was out of the office today. Evidentally, she and Dr Darby (my u/s dr) are at the same conference this week. Anyway, I got some answers but still have lots of questions. Unfortunately, non of these doctors are God and can tell me what in the world my body is going to do.

The u/s tech said that the blood on the placenta is what they call a "venus lake". Frmo my understanding, I do not have a subchorionic hemmorage like I feared. This "lake" has not gotten any larger and MAY have gotten smaller but not much. "Venus lakes" on the placenta are fairly common and usually not very worrisome. The one I have is directly underneath where the umbilical cord attaches. This could (but not necessarily) cause lose of blood flow to the baby. Therefore, they have to continue to monitor me until 1) it goes away or 2) it becomes a harm to the baby.

They measured the amount of blood flood in the umbilical cord. The baby is getting plenty of blood flow right now which is great. He is growing like he should and seems to be "pretty happy in there" (what the u/s tech said). As they monitor me, if they see that he is in any harm, they will induce labor. This will probably not happen but IF it does, he will be well taken care of. They may or may not give me steriod shots next week. I have to call Dr DeStefano on Monday after she has had time to consult with my regular ob, Dr Merrit.

I have to "take it easy" for a couple more days...until I have no bleeding for a few days in a row or until I see Dr Merrit again next Thursday. It doesn't have to be as strict as it was but I do still need to rest my body more than usual.