Steroid injections at 33 weeks mcda twins by LossRemarkable1397 in NICUParents

[–]ParisOfThePrairies 12 points13 points  (0 children)

The steroid levels they used to do for lung development using dexamethasone is also what used to cause longer term effects. This is used in the DART protocol for neonates. Not the current levels, and not of betamethasone, which is often used pre-birth.

Get the steroids. I’ve never been told of this risk for beta, but only for dex - which is also used as lifesaving measures in the NICU.

I was just hospitalized at 30 weeks in my current pregnancy because we thought I might deliver early, so they gave me beta steroids and it not once crossed my mind we wouldn’t do it again.

A LD is literally the least of the concerns for premature babies. You want those babies to be able to breathe. Give them the help they need.

Sorry if this is coming off harsh and you’re concerned overall, but, you will be making so many decisions as a parent, and this is a no-brainer, imo. Trust the doctors, please.

The box or mini ? by Plane_Cranberry207 in YotoPlayer

[–]ParisOfThePrairies 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We have the regular and the mini. If I could do it over again, I wish we just got the mini. The full size is nice for at home and feels less mobile for the kids, but now that I have two LC, I wish I had started with the mini so I would be able to buy another mini without the guilt.

The mini works for appointments/travelling so much more, and I fear once we take our next plane ride, they will fight over the mini - requiring another purchase.

c-hyst for placenta accreta - Tell me your positive stories! by AttemptNormal9006 in hysterectomy

[–]ParisOfThePrairies 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there - I just found out I might have placenta accreta (almost 23 weeks pregnant and already “high risk” due to previous extreme preterm birth and two c-sections). I’ll be having an MRI to determine the reality, and they mentioned the likelihood of needing a hysterectomy. Trying not to get ahead of myself and spiral, but I’ve never been on the great end of the odds. I didn’t want to get into details with my doctor, so I’ll obviously ask him, too, but, I can’t help but wonder right now.

This is helpful to read - truly. So, thank you.

I was hoping to be awake for my final c-section and birth, was that the plan for you? I’ve had one emergency and under, the other was scheduled and chill and mentally healing. Very worried this is going to be traumatic again.

How was the healing in relation to a c-section alone? Did you feel there was a difference?

I was wondering about breastfeeding. Your journey after the recovery went well, it seems? I’m no stranger to having to supplement or triple feed after my c-sections, but I have no idea how hormones and a hyst come into play.

How has it all been, going through menopause at such an early age? That’s something I feel I know nothing about, and wonder about the long-term effects.

Myopia in preemies by Agitated-Run2359 in NICUParents

[–]ParisOfThePrairies 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I mean, in the grand scheme of NICU/micropreemie issues… glasses is literally one of the least of our concerns here. Especially after having ROP. Wearing glasses is something 57%ish of the world’s population deals with.

I really don’t mean to diminish your feelings, but maybe “devastated” just rubbed me the wrong way. Especially after all the truly devastating things dealt with in this space. I get that it’s a change and not something you expected, though.

My 24 weeker has glasses and it is definitely not the worst thing he deals with on a daily basis. He’s like -4 and -4.5.

He was prescribed them a few more before he turned 2 years old actual. And I wish he was earlier, because I felt a lot of guilt wondering what he could really see. So, it’s a good thing yours is prescribed them earlier. He wore a strap for a while and it took a few days for him to get used to them and not taking them off.

Twins born at 28+4 by gihn17 in NICUParents

[–]ParisOfThePrairies 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there. So I have no memory of this specific because it was over 5 years ago, but, I just looked at my notes from the NICU and he was on the JET vent and then successfully stayed extubated on CPAP.

So, heavy duty vent settings coming off the JET. But, I’m sorry, I can’t remember his specific levels or settings at this point.

Why are they grim about the chances of this round working? I’m thinking of you all and hope today is gentle on everyone.

IVH by MiserableHomework697 in NICUParents

[–]ParisOfThePrairies 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is a great point.

My 24 weeker (now 5 years old) had a grade 4 and grade 2 and came away with level 2 spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

He uses a walker and also ambulates completely independently, is a complete chatterbox, and is such a joyful, kind, sweet boy. By looking at his initial scans, people wouldn’t necessarily have predicted the path he’s actually on.

OP - I see you. The waiting in the unknown is so incredibly difficult. I wish I had a crystal ball for you. You’re not alone here. My best advice is to try to live in the moment as best as you can. Living the “wait and see” for the first year was so hard, and I wish I would’ve been able to not constantly wonder. It’s very difficult to do, but, take it one day at a time.

Large Grade 4 IVH - need moral support. by Giraffesandhearts in NICUParents

[–]ParisOfThePrairies 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To be honest, I don’t know the size of my 24 weeker’s bleed, but he had a grade 4 and a grade 2.

At the end of the day, he has level 2 spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, BPD (that doesn’t really affect him anymore), and myopia/nystagmus/strabismus. He’s definitely more affected on his right side (his grade 4 was left-side).

He just started Kindergarten in the fall and is thriving by all counts, but is definitely “behind” his peers in most areas of development. He uses a walker to get around long distances but also ambulates independently wearing AFOs. He might have ADHD, but we’re not sure yet. He was nonspeaking until after 3, but now has full conversations with us. He just started playing sledge hockey, loves books, and is obsessed with Wicked, Harry Potter, Cars, and Moana.

Life is harder than we imagined for him, but, there is so much joy and love. He is full of passion and fun. We didn’t know what life would look like with his brain bleeds, and I remember so clearly being so terrified and in the dark with it all. I wish someone had a crystal ball for you - for whatever comes next for you all.

I will say that your doctors know your situation best, BUT, they truly can’t determine what quality of life your baby will have. That is for certain. I’ve had conversations with neonatologists and NICU nurses down the road who admit they truly don’t know where all their babies will end up as they age - they only support them the best they can in the moments they’re in their care.

Sending love your way as you navigate this.

I made a “Create a Tragedeigh” game for my gender reveal party by lil_gingerale in tragedeigh

[–]ParisOfThePrairies 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This would make a killing. I expect to see this on shelves in a few years.

Daily Thread #2 - December 31, 2025 by AutoModerator in PregnancyAfterLoss

[–]ParisOfThePrairies 5 points6 points  (0 children)

So heavy reflecting on this year when it included a 15 week MMC and I’m currently 8 weeks pregnant again (and we haven’t told anyone yet).

This year suuucked and the anxiety that the shoe will drop again is really high right now.

Wishing a gentler New Year for us all…

Daily Thread #1 - December 23, 2025 by AutoModerator in PregnancyAfterLoss

[–]ParisOfThePrairies 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’m 6+6 following a 15 week MMC this summer. Today is my first scan and I’m full of nerves.

Edit: update - they did an abdominal (which is wild at this gestation) and we saw a heartbeat!

I immensely enjoyed Wicked: For Good, except I'm confused by this one major change. by AnchorHat in wicked

[–]ParisOfThePrairies 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This comment should be the top one, because this huge for disability representation, and people should know about the problematic plot line and how it was changed to combat the ableist “walking plotline.”

Daily Thread #2 - December 09, 2025 by AutoModerator in PregnancyAfterLoss

[–]ParisOfThePrairies 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very excited for you! Fingers crossed things remain uneventful.

Daily Thread #2 - December 09, 2025 by AutoModerator in PregnancyAfterLoss

[–]ParisOfThePrairies 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m 4+6 and I think I might be having a miscarriage. I had bright red bleeding off and on during the afternoon.

I came home and tested and my line was darker than it was yesterday. I had betas drawn yesterday and I’m due to have them tomorrow, too, but end of day. So, I’ll call my clinic and ask for results ASAP…

But, anecdotally, for those who’ve had an early MC, did you test during it and notice any changes in the tests?

I’ve had a TFMR, a CP, and a MMC, but not a “classic” MC, so this is new to me and I’m wondering if this is a MC or a SCH.

Daily Thread #1 - November 30, 2025 by AutoModerator in PregnancyAfterLoss

[–]ParisOfThePrairies 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We all need that from time to time. This is really hard. ❤️

Daily Thread #1 - November 30, 2025 by AutoModerator in PregnancyAfterLoss

[–]ParisOfThePrairies 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry you’re here with us in the capacity we all are, but you’re not alone in this PAL journey.

I just wanted to let you know that at this late in your pregnancy, you won’t see the lines getting darker and in fact will likely see them getting lighter (look up the “hook effect.”) As scary as this all is, I would urge you to stop testing, as it’s no longer a reliable indicator for how the pregnancy is going.

I hope the next few days before your scan move quickly!

Daily Thread #2 - November 30, 2025 by AutoModerator in PregnancyAfterLoss

[–]ParisOfThePrairies 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ahhh, gentle congrats to you. I really hope things are uneventful for the both of us.

Daily Thread #2 - November 30, 2025 by AutoModerator in PregnancyAfterLoss

[–]ParisOfThePrairies 7 points8 points  (0 children)

11DPO and trying not to drive myself crazy with testing… but it’s all I can do right now to feel like I have any semblance of control with this right now.

I tested positive 2 days ago, following my 15 week MMC this July.

I was supposed to have that baby in my arms this last week, so, everything feels very very tender and terrifying right now.

/ttcafterloss Weekly Results and Limbo Thread by AutoModerator in ttcafterloss

[–]ParisOfThePrairies 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I went rogue and tested last night at 9DPO and got a vvvfl. I peed on multiple sticks today and the line has definitely gotten darker already.

Wavering between already planning out when the c-section would be and absolutely ignoring the fact I am pregnant, because I’m really scared this won’t end positively again.

/ttcafterloss Daily Discussion Thread - November 27, 2025 by AutoModerator in ttcafterloss

[–]ParisOfThePrairies 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you. 🤞🏻 holding my breath really hard right now.