High-Risk Pregnancies

I wanted to clear up any confusion about Boston's diagnosis and what it means for me and the pregnancy. Physically, I am absolutely fine. Pregnancies can be classified as "high-risk" for two reasons: either (1) there are issues with the mother and/or (2) there are issues with the baby. We are at St. Luke's because of the second reason: there are anticipated issues with Boston. There are, however, no issues with me. My blood pressure is good; my kidneys work great; there are no problems with my blood or urine. I have even kept my weight gain down to only a few pounds (which for me is an accomplishment).

Additionally, there are not any anticipated problems with the progression of the pregnancy. There are no more tests that have to be done to put Boston at risk, no in utero kidney biopsies or surgeries would be helpful. I shouldn't have to be on bed-rest or anything like that, and as of right now, we are not anticipating that Boston will need to be born early. Personally, I don't think there is any way that he will make it to his actual due date of February 12, because every sonogram that we have had shows him about 2 weeks ahead on his growth. So I think he will be born closer to Feb. 1, which is what I thought my due date was to begin with.

Also, Boston's kidneys shouldn't cause him any problems in utero. Right now, my kidneys do all of the heavy lifting for him, filtering all of the blood and fluid that goes to him. And my kidneys work great, so that means his kidneys get to take a break. It is like being on free mommy-provided dialysis.

The only thing that we are watching for that could cause Boston to come early is low levels of fluid around him. A lack of fluid means his kidneys have shut down completely. The fluid is necessary for his lung development. So far the fluid level has been great - just the perfect amount. Each week that passes with Boston still inside is another week for him to grow and develop and become a strong, healthy baby. Grow, Boston, grow!