Update of Aurora

Well, I am now 30 weeks and a few days along…It seems like yesterday that we found out we were expecting again, what a blessed surprise that was! Starting in a week and a half, I will have to go in weekly for biophysicals for our little girl. These are similar to an ultrasound, but it is testing the baby’s “breathing”, heart rate, movement etc., and she has 30 minutes to pass, otherwise we will then have a non-stress test. The reason for these biophysicals is because I have a genetic defect called MTHFR.

• *”Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a rare genetic defect that can lead to complications in pregnancy. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is the name of a gene that produces an enzyme, also called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. If a person carries the genetic mutation that inhibits production of this enzyme, it can result in hyperhomocytenemia, which is an elevated level of an enzyme called homocysteine found in blood plasma. When the body is deficient in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, its ability to absorb folate (also known as vitamin B9), such as folic acid, is inhibited. Folic acid and B9 are both essential to the development and health of the fetus.Because of a mother with MTHFR’s inability to efficiently metabolize folic acid and vitamin B9, the disorder has been linked to a variety of pregnancy complications.
• Because MTHFR is a blood-based disease with many varieties, symptoms vary depending on the exact mutation of the disease. They can include: blood clot, depression, anxiety”

*Information gathered from various sites.

I have been taking folic acid daily, daily lovenox injections to help prevent blood clots, as well as a weekly progesterone injection to help keep my uterus “calm”. With all of the different meds and precautions being taken because of past pregnancy complications, this pregnancy has been very calm and without complication. We are so thankful and blessed! Our little girl has a few more weeks before we get to snuggle her, and we can’t wait. Titus and Aubri give her hugs daily and are excited to “play” with their new baby sister.