High-Risk Pregnancy

Bring on the chips and chocolate-covered pancakes! The baby and I saw the OB/GYN for our first prenatal exam in October. The specialist documented my medical history and asked if there were any genetic conditions on either side of our family. Since I was 36, my pregnancy was considered high-risk. Research suggests that women who get pregnant for the first time after age 35 are more likely to have complications than most younger women. He explained that a high-risk pregnancy is any pregnancy that carries increased health risks for the mother, fetus, or both. Specific pre-existing and other health concerns, as well as age (being over 35 or under 17 when pregnant), can increase the risk. He also assured me that he would watch me like a hawk and help me take every precaution along the way to ensure a healthy baby. On my way home from the appointment, I stopped and purchased prenatal vitamins suggested by the specialist and hoped they would help me feel more energized.

Amniocentesis

Pete and I met with a genetic counselor later in October to share our genetic information and ask questions about the amniocentesis procedure, also known as the Amniotic Fluid Test.

The amniotic fluid surrounds and protects a baby during pregnancy. This procedure can provide useful information that helps identify genetic or other problems in the developing baby. First, an ultrasound is done to find fluid around the baby. Then a small sample of the amniotic fluid is removed for testing. I was okay with that until I read the information about the risks.

“Although the various studies have concluded that amniocentesis is “safe,” there is a statistical chance-usually quoted at 0.1 to 0.3 percent in this country of an adverse effect, including spontaneous abortion. Though the risk is small, it is not to be dismissed.” Upon learning that spontaneous abortion could be possible, I discussed the information with Pete.

The Waiver

We agreed to cancel the appointment with the geneticist and waive the amniocentesis procedure.

I wrote the following to my OB/GYN explaining our decision:

“I contacted the geneticist’s office regarding amniocentesis. After carefully reviewing the literature his office provided and additional reading about amniocentesis, Pete and I have decided not to have the testing done.

My husband and I both feel confident we’ll have a healthy baby. We’ve decided to go with these positive feelings and eliminate the possible risks of amniocentesis.

I know I signed the Prenatal Diagnosis Screening Questionnaire as wanting this testing done. However, Pete and I changed our minds and take complete responsibility for this decision.”

The Importance Of Prenatal Care

Every pregnancy is unique, depending on individual circumstances. Some are planned, while others are not. Where you live (urban or rural), financial situation, pre-existing health conditions, alcohol, and drug use, smoking, family genetic history, natural birth or C-section-the list goes on of possibilities that can affect mother and baby.

In my opinion, prenatal care is the lifeline to protect an expectant mother and her unborn child. Only an experienced obstetrician can evaluate the risks during the pregnancy and prevent the likelihood of future complications.

I believe seeking and following through on all prenatal visits is the first step in becoming the best parent you can be. Your daily responsibility requires going from self-centered to selfless once you have conceived a child.

Our second visit was in November, and the OB/GYN scheduled an ultrasound. The specialist explained that the reason for the ultrasound was to check fetal age and proper growth development. He thanked me for taking the time to write about our decision not to have the amnio procedure.

The Ultrasound

Drinking the necessary amounts of water to have a successful ultrasound is a real lesson in willpower. Two hours before the procedure, I had to drink four 8-ounce glasses of water. I could not use the restroom until after the ultrasound. It did not take long to realize I did not have a 32-ounce bladder. The entire time I was sitting in the waiting room, I just wanted to be pacing around with my hand between my legs like little kids do when they got to go.

I was sure I was going to be a human Niagara Falls. Just before the dam almost burst, Pete and I were called into a dimly lit examining room. Discomfort gave way to pure amazement when we saw our miracle on the “big screen” for the first time. What a show-off! Our little one made some extreme moves that I believe even the great skateboarder, Tony Hawk, would have been impressed by.

The technology confirmed we were parents. We wanted the sex of our child to be revealed at birth, so the technician kept that information to herself during the ultrasound. I was twelve weeks along in my pregnancy, and the baby looked good and was active. I was relieved we canceled the amnio. Silently, I promised God and our baby that I would do my best to provide him or her with a happy, healthy life.

I believe the ultrasound experience was the second most joyful event in our marriage. I will always remember sharing that precious confirmation with Pete.

Prenatal Care #3 Thru #7

In December, Pete and I attended a class about baby nutrition at the hospital where our baby would be born. I learned how important it is for pregnant women to remember they are “eating for two.” I began to full understand how I cared for or did not care for my body instantly and irrevocably impacted my baby’s survival.

During this third prenatal check-up, the OB/GYN ordered a blood test to check the baby for spina bifida, a neural tube defect. He also went over the ultrasound results and explained that they were within normal limits. From those results, the due date changed from May 20 to May 27.

We had our fourth visit in January. The OB/GYN said the baby was moving around quite a bit and its heart sounded good. Three days later, I felt and saw the subtle skin ripples as my baby “rocked to the oldies” for the first time. Baby Fuller, the precious gift to a poet turned legal assistant, and a dairy worker, was alive and doing great. Life, if you are living it, is filled with marvelous meaning and purpose when you remember to trust and be grateful.

Check-up #5 was in February and I was starting to show. Considering my pregnancy was high-risk, both of us were doing fine. The prenatal vitamins helped tremendously. I felt much better than I thought I would at this point in my pregnancy.

I was checked for anemia during the sixth prenatal care visit in March. The lab results were beautiful, and the baby’s heart still sounded good. Of course, the weight gain due to the baby growing inside was quite evident.

Pete and I also attended an anesthesia class at the hospital this month. We were encouraged to educate ourselves about the C-section procedure, should the birth require this surgical procedure. Because the pregnancy had been progressing so normally to this point, emotionally I was doing okay. However, the thought of having anything other than a natural delivery truly unnerved me. The possibility of a C-section or other unforeseen birthing emergency rattled my usually calm outlook on life. I kept these fears to myself.

Lucky #7 visit took place at the end of March, approximately two months before the due date. Jumbo Me weighed 152 pounds; I weighed 128 pounds at the beginning of my pregnancy. I thought I would never see my feet again and wondered how much it would cost to hire someone to tie my shoes. The doctor wanted to check for diabetes, so I had to drink a special “very sweet cocktail.” Exactly one hour later, my blood was drawn to check my blood sugar level. We passed yet another test with no problems.

Pete and I visited groups of pediatricians and chose an experienced pediatrician with excellent credentials for our baby’s doctor.

For four weeks, from the end of March through the middle of April, we took natural childbirth classes together. The classes gave us information about labor and the birthing process. We learned about prenatal exercises to tone muscles for labor, relaxation and breathing exercises, care of newborns and their behavior, and adjusting to being parents. We were given a tour of the Maternity Center at the hospital. It was nice to have an opportunity to check out the more private birthing rooms.

If at all possible, I wanted to give birth without any drugs. Although our relationship had weak points, our strength as a couple was a solid friendship and working together as a team. I was grateful that Pete was by my side for the preparation part of parenthood. There were so many things to learn together. And with our families living 1,330 miles away, we only had each other to depend on.

To prepare for the birth and breastfeeding, my husband and I would go for walks in the cool evenings around the mobile home park. I practiced my labor breathing by asking him to squeeze my hand as hard as he could to see if I could focus on breathing and shut out the pain. Spoiler alert: good intentions but not that effective down the road.

Prenatal Care #8 Thru #12

During Check-up #8, in April, I weighed 154, and my blood pressure was somewhat elevated. Our friends and family members were betting we would have a boy. I was carrying the baby low but still thought no way. My vibes were a girl for sure.

The nurse spent a long time listening to the baby’s heart. After her examination, she told me without hesitation, “Marilyn, you’re going to have a boy.” So much for mother’s intuition. I could be flexible. Instead of Mary Kate, Glenn Ryan was my choice for a boy, strong and Celtic sounding. Up to this point, Pete had not expressed any preference for names. Besides, we could try for the other sex the next time around. The most important thing to us was to have a healthy child.

The Lamaze Breastfeeding Classes began on April 27, and Pete came with me. What could be more natural than holding my precious baby close to me and providing life-sustaining food? Sometimes it’s a good thing to be naive.

The due date was about a month away. The closer it got, the more we both realized that soon we would be on our own taking care of a tiny bundle of non-stop needs. The baby and I saw the OB/GYN every week during the eighth and ninth months.

At Visit #9, my blood pressure shot up to 150/84. I weighed 157 pounds. The specialist was concerned about the elevated blood pressure and ordered partial bed rest until the baby arrived.

I was ordered to get off my feet and take it easy for one hour in the late morning and then again for one hour in the late afternoon. I felt restless at this point, and it was tough for me to follow through. There was still so much to do before the wee one completed our Fun Fuller Family. I remembered my promise to Pete, Baby Fuller, and myself to take every precaution to have a healthy baby. So I did the right thing and rested as required.

Visit #10 happened on April 22 and revealed that the bed rest was working. My blood pressure had dropped to 130/80. I weighed 158 pounds. I was tested for anemia again, and the results were normal.

The following week April 29 Visit #11, my blood pressure was stable at 120/70. My weight was 159.

Considering I was an older mom-to-be going through my first pregnancy, it was free of serious problems other than the concern over my elevated blood pressure towards the end of my grand expansion.

On May 5, Pete and I took the Infant & Child CPR Safety Class. Out of all the classes, this one helped me the most. I highly encourage every parent-to-be to invest a few hours of your time to take this class. The demonstrations and hands-on training boosted my confidence and eased many of my fears about how to handle an emergency situation with the baby. Also, it was important to be informed about how to create a totally safe home for babies.

On May 6, my constant companion and I had our 12th check-up. I weighed a whopping 161 pounds. My blood pressure was 120/70. The specialist played a little trick on me. While examining me, he said: “Here’s the baby’s head. Here’s the back over here. Oh! What do you know? Here’s the other baby’s head right here.” Then he burst into laughter, and I knew he was just teasing me with his OB/GYN humor.

I almost bought the twin thing. My mom was a twin, and my sister had twins. So the possibility of two popping out at once had crossed my mind. It had been a positive experience working with this specialist over the past long months. He had a great sense of humor. He listened to my concerns and thoroughly answered all my questions. I trusted him completely with my care, medical future, my baby’s well-being, and the upcoming birth.

I had always been actively involved in playing softball, hiking and walking, cross-country skiing, and bowling, and blessed with good health as an adult. I quit smoking well in advance of the pregnancy. I did not have any alcohol during the week we tried to conceive or while I was pregnant. I did not take any non-prescription or prescription medicine. There were no primary genetic conditions on either side of our family. I followed my doctor’s orders, and we felt confident that the other third of the Fun Fuller Family would be fully formed and healthy.

I found it most interesting that during my pregnancy I gained 33 pounds, and so did Pete! It seemed that the raging hormones and cravings of pregnancy were equally hard on both of us. Still, I was ready for motherhood. Pete seemed to be ready for fatherhood. We were just waiting on you know who to be ready for babyhood.

Excellent Resource About Pregnancy & Women’s Health

Please check out OASH (Office on Women’s Health) https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy

On the OASH website, you can search for additional information regarding women’s health specific to your circumstances.

Tough Cookie Tip:

Copyright © 2022-2025 Marilyn K Fuller. All Rights Reserved.

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