Progesterone Levels and other Updates

I have been wanting to update my blog for a while but I don't seem to have the right words. Every time I begin to update my blog about this pregnancy, my heart breaks for all those who are still waiting. I pray for all of you every single day. Last month marked 4 years of our TTC journey and I still don't know how I survived those 4 years. It was God's grace which carried us all the time. After 4 years, I cannot believe that I am carrying a baby in my womb. Four years of trying and surrendering to God's will.

I am 12 weeks pregnant this week! Praise be to God! Each day is a miracle. I had another OB appointment last week. It was a different doctor instead of my NaPro doctor but she was really sweet. We heard the baby's heartbeat on doppler. It was 174bpm and then without having to ask, the doctor did an ultrasound and we saw the little one wiggling around moving his/her arms and legs. What a precious sight! I can never tire seeing the video of this little one moving around.

The SCH looked very small on ultrasound and the doctor told it wasn't concerning. I haven't had any bleeding or spotting for the last 3 weeks which is such a huge relief. We are in awe of God's mercy. The last four years, I had never ever dreamed that we would be able to see a baby moving around in my womb.

I have another appointment next Tuesday and I will be 13 weeks which means I will be out of my first trimester. As usual, I have so much anxiety as I prepare for another appointment. I just hope and pray that everything will be fine at the next appointment. Time is going so slowly. I wish the weeks would fly away.

Meanwhile my Progesterone levels have fallen to Low Zone 2. These are the levels from the last weeks:
Week 6 - 55
Week 9 - 20
Week 11 - 19

I have been on the maximum dose of PIO, suppositories and shots right from the beginning. I am learning that I am not in control of anything. All I can do is pray and trust in God. I just wish my broken body would do a better job at producing progesterone. Nevertheless, I am so thankful that I am being monitored by the doctors who believe how critical progesterone is during the entire pregnancy.

Coming to the good and bad about Immune treatments. Prednisone has made me gain weight at a rapid pace. I have gained 10 lbs in 12 weeks and my face looks all puffy. I feel bloated most of the time and so had to buy maternity pants. I have to do a Glucose Tolerance Test at my next OB appt as steroids can raise blood sugar levels. My hair is falling and my skin looks terrible with acne and I know it is the Prednisone which is doing it. I am hoping that I can wean off Prednisone after the first trimester and get my weight gain on track but I will have to leave that decision to Dr. KK.

The good thing about Prednisone is that I don't have any pregnancy symptoms like fatigue or nausea. I read that steroids can make you feel energetic and suppress pregnancy symptoms. No wonder I don't feel like taking naps. However, I have read that the energy levels are going to crash once you stop the steroid. I still remember how fatigued I was when I stopped Prednisone after my last miscarriage. I had to take 3 hour naps in the afternoon and still didn't have energy to do any chores. I couldn't figure out what was wrong and it went on for 2 months.

Please keep is in your prayers. I don't know if I will ever be able to relax and take it easy with this pregnancy. After all the miscarriages, it is so difficult to not worry. However, after each appointment, I feel so much better. And I know that I am not in control but God knows what is best for us.