{third time not so lucky}

It's funny how you can actually take something like pregnancy forgranted.

we've had our share of ups and downs in the past, but overall the last two pregnancies have been for the most part uneventful.

People have told me before, the third is always the most complicated.. I never really took it to mean anything, until of course.. my third endeavour.

I feel very thankful that I'm someone who is strong enough to conquer the mind battle on whether or not I should take the 'sips' test (formerly known as the triple screen). I've done this with each of my pregnancies as I think knowledge is power. Of course with this knowledge comes along a lot of issues, whether it be a falso positive issue, or the true issue at hand laid out before you.

I took my test as I usually do early on in pregnancy only to be told that this time a marker came back. Being told this, by a covering doctor for your OB who doesn't know you, and is quickly going over a bunch of doctor lingo, as you sit in their office, alone.. really isn't comforting to say the least...

So, back in the fall I left the office, with the knowledge that I had a low PAPP-A. and what do we do now a days? except google.... this has got to be the greatest invention ever, but also the worst invention on what it can do to your brain! too much information when you don't know your true situation is detrimental.

Thankfully after a long two months, with more testing, more ultrasounds, and more doctors visits, I'm am finally comforted in the fact of knowing what my situation is.

We are four ultrasounds down, and most likely have at least eight more to go! I will have an ultrasound every two weeks down at the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine. Which honestly is a blessing and a luxury! I'm able to have fantastic care, paid for by the government due to my situation, and a beautiful facility, but a very caring OB and maternal specialist, in a location that I feel guilty about being at. ( people are paying thousands for reproductive intervention to attend PCRM ).

I will have to take bloodtests every two weeks to also ensure nothing is going on within my body that we cannot see... and we just hope that I go full term without any problems! and I know this IS a possibilty!!!

If I did NOT take my sips test, I would never have known the true issues at hand... many women chose not to take this test because they are scared to find out there is a downs or trisomy problem.. my recommendation would be to anyone to TAKE the test.. even if you dont want them to test for the downs section, please be tested for the protein level in your placenta! if you never know this, you will never be tested! ultrasounds do not examine your placenta level... therefore you're at great risk of a lot of unfortunate things.

{my fun new adventure - my standing order at BC biomedical! at home checking of my blood pressure, and an advil a day to add to my other vitamin intake}

{photos of the babe!}