Update on Ivey Joy.... " When is Your Baby Due? "

This is a question I get asked A LOT. Especially now that I am in my 3rd trimester and the weeks are getting closer and closer to Ivey's arrival. When we found out we were expecting, my doctor gave me the estimated due date of July 12th. After finding out about Ivey's condition we were then told that date is pretty much irrelevant when it comes to when she is "due".

Because of Ivey's Gastroschisis, the 3rd trimester is crucial for her. This is the time babies really start to absorb nutrients and gain fat. Sometimes, babies with this birth defect do not grow in the 3rd trimester like they are supposed to and/or their bowels become inflamed. They monitor her more during this time and next week when I hit 32 weeks they will start doing weekly ultrasounds to keep a good eye on her. If for some reason she is not making the progress that she should be, they will "pull her"....now, whether or not that means they induce me and I go for a natural delivery or they do a c-section really all depends on Ivey. If she is handling things well, they encourage natural delivery. Because of the Gastroschisis, they will not allow me to exceed 39 weeks, at most - and that is if Ivey continues to do well. As of now, she is doing GREAT and thankfully has an appetite like her Daddy and she is gaining weight well for her condition.

So really, Ivey could come at any time! So when Gods ready for Ives to enter the world, that's her "due date".

Prayers for our family as we move to Atlanta next week and prepare our hearts and home for Ivey to come. We go see her new specialist in ATL on the 23rd, praying that she will still be doing well at that point.

You can keep up with Ivey through this blog; I will be posting periodically and probably will be using this for updates through out her stay at the NICU. We are so thankful for all the prayers, cards, texts, and words of encouragement. Our heavenly Father is faithful.


Rebekah