CHARLIE GREW!!!!

Charlie grew a whole pound in 3 weeks! Bless you for praying for him, everybody!
.
Here's a report from my daughter-in-law today:
.
The prayers are paying forward. I saw two doctors today and had a series of tests. Jody was with me the entire time. They do not know the cause of the IUGR (Intrauterine Growth Restriction) at this point but feel that the baby is still tolerating the uterus. He still remains between 2.5%-5%. Even though he is tiny he has grown approximately one pound in the last three weeks. Average weight gain is half pound a week and we really didn’t know if he’d grow at all under the circumstances. So we think he has done very well! He is 4 lb. 15 oz. We hope to get him up to 5 lb. 8 oz. by delivery. This is a “magic number” for babies with IUGR. 6 lbs would be terrific. This would even move him up on the curve.

.

The placenta is functioning, my blood pressure has stabilized, there is no protein in my urine, and I have increased my amniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid increased from 13 (last week) to a 17, the technician thought going from 8 – 17 was tremendous improvement. He passed his NST (heart rate reaction to movement and contractions) even though the doctors thought “he was sleepy”. He is head down getting ready for the final weeks.

.

Jody has some pictures from our ultrasound test. The baby looks like he has a heart shaped face, round little chin and fat lips. We both have very thin lips so we got a chuckle that that is where all his weight has gone- straight to his lips! He looks perfect. We also saw a detail of his fist curled up knuckles and all, tiny fingers with fingernails. It was pretty amazing.

.

They tested for strep today but did not perform an amniocentesis. They do not believe the IUGR is related to chromosomal defects or abnormalities. I am hoping he is just a small squirt but turns out to be healthy. I would really like to be able to nurse and take him home from the hospital when we are discharged. I pray there are no long term complications or neurological implications. 2 weeks and 2 days to go. Charlie’s got work to do! Grow, Grow, Grow!

Please continue praying until June 1 (Shannon's C-section at 7:30) that he would keep growing! Let's ask boldly for the "magic number" or above, ok, friends? Thanks for caring!