This has been a busy week for our family as we have our first ultrasound. Since I am pregnant with my third baby I am used to the routine of what to expect for an ultrasound. However, having a complication this time around has thrown a wrench in my plans.

We have antibody production, meaning there is a protein present in my body that it does not produce. It is called FyB, and after much testing we found that it comes from my husband’s genes. They say that a little bit of each baby always remains with the mother, and in my case it is very true as the protein came from carrying my second son.  My body is producing the cells to fight this off and it can, in some instances, be harmful to the new baby. In the worst case, this complication can cause fetal anemia and can lead to intrauterine blood transfusions or early births. The FyB is not harmful to the baby, but because of this complication all my ultrasounds and blood tests are being monitored by a Perinatologist as well as my midwife.

Complications can certainly put a damper on the excitement of pregnancy. The amount of worry and stress over the unseen and unknown of pregnancy can multiply as you have little to no control over what is going on. Pregnancy is an emotional time as you prepare for your life to change, yet complications can happen to anyone for any reason, in fact 9 out of 10 pregnancies have a complication of some sort.

Many of these complications occur from pre-pregnancy health issues such as depression, anemia, diabetes, STD’s  and high blood pressure. Some are genetic, some are infections picked up during pregnancy and some are circumstantial. However, with proper prenatal care most are treatable. With extra monitoring – I am receiving extra ultrasounds every six weeks to check the growth of baby – and care most complications can be muddled through pretty much the same as a regular pregnancy.

The night before my ultrasound I barely slept–just thinking of seeing my baby for the first time was so exciting. Fortunately, the appointment was nice and early in the morning and I was able to be there nice and early. The appointment went well, starting with the usual weight and blood pressure checks along with a urine sample to check for protein (usually this does not start until week 22 but because of the antibodies it is being done now). See my baby on the screen was incredible–such a rush of feelings and amazement.

Annnnndddd….it’s a boy!! A third boy!

Pia Watzig is a stay-at-home-mom to soon to be three boys. She is an avid knitter, homemaker, gardener and is excited to meet her third baby boy in November.