After 8 long months, our IVF baby boy decided to make his arrival 7 weeks early 👶🏻
The signs…
Moni had preeclampsia history from the first pregnancy. This made us become more cautious about this pregnancy. We checked on Moni’s blood pressure 2-3 times a day. The goal is to ensure her blood pressure does not go up so high.
On June 30th, Moni started feeling extra exhausted and shortness and breath was worsening. Her blood pressure started rising a little but not enough to be concerned. We waited until Moni’s OB appointment on July 9th. Moni’s blood pressure spiked and that was enough for her doctor to order labs, mainly looking at her protein level in the urine.
Labs results came back. The doctor saw that the numbers (blood pressure and protein level) were rising but still not enough to conclude. We were supposed to see the doctor again on July 16th.
Contraction…
The morning of July 10th, Moni was extra exhausted. Her blood pressure was HIGH (141/86), we thought, perhaps the beginning of preeclampsia. Moni took a long nap that afternoon while Michael was taking care of Mona, work, and getting the house ready for our baby boy.
Around 6:30 pm, Moni started feeling worse. That was when cramping began. Moni thought she was having a diarrhea BUT this is where the trip to labor and delivery started. Moni spotted mucus plug and the stomachache was worsening.
We thought for sure it was a false alarm, also known as Braxton Hicks contraction. At this point blood pressure has risen to 160/100. An hour later, the stomachache, more like cramping, continued and Moni started sweating. We decided to drive to the hospital, of course, it had to be super stormy that day. ⛈
Chaos and Calm
We arrived to labor and delivery close to 8 pm of July 10th. We waited to be seen by the doctor for about 30-40 minutes. Once the doctor came in, Moni was already 9 cm dialated. That was when doctors and nurses scrambled into our room and moved Moni to the actual labor and delivery room. There were probably 5-6 medical staff (doctors and nurses combined). Moni was also told that she may have to start pushing as they were wheeling her. 😲 Moni was also told that it may be too late to get epidural…
Well…Moni did get epidural. The anesthesiologist was fast at getting to the room and working his magic. We call him Dr. Park. When Moni’s dilation was checked the first time, her water had not broken yet—so even with a large dilation at 9cm, we were still hours away until baby Mac made his big arrival.
Also, with lab results, the doctor confirmed that Moni had preeclampsia 🤦🏻♀️ Sometimes, we wonder what normal pregnancy looks like 😂 Guess we will never know…
Hours later, from probably 10:30 pm to about 4 am of the next day, the doctor came in to break the bag (known as break the water). Moni started pushing and it only took her about 10 pushes!!!🎉
Welcome to the wonderful world, McAllister William Gmitro
Born on July 11th, 2022 at 4:12 am
Healthy and strong 6lbs 6oz (~2,892 grams)
Mommy and baby boy are doing great. Baby Mac will be staying in NICU for a little bit. The doctors say he is healthy overall, and they will want to keep him until he can eat enough food on his own to maintain his body weight.
His sister, Mona Vie, has been so excited to finally meet her little brother. She has talked about him everyday for months, getting his room ready and pretending her dolls are “Baby Mac.”
Mona climbed up to the crib to meet Mac for the first time and said “Hi, I’m your sister Mona”😊
Now that IVF procedure and pregnancy journey are over, we realized we are entering another chapter, perhaps another emotionally and physically draining one, which is life in NICU. We will continue to update as Mac gets stronger, and eventually ready to go home to his Big Sister!
Officially, a family of 4 Ms ❤️
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