A Health Update

I am 32 weeks pregnant and have been having stomach issues for over 2 months. My OBGYN wasn't concerned so I decided to go to a gastrointerologist. She said my symptoms weren't normal and is currently running tests for celiac's, crohns and ulcerative colitis. I started researching celiacs when I noticed how sick I got daily, and I am thinking I may have to get rid of gluten. My family genes have autoimmune disorders and everyone's seen my record-breaking results from my skin prick allergen test. So it would make sense. Celiacs can also be triggered by pregnancy, if you have the gene marker predisposition for it.

    Ironically, about a week ago I noticed Olivia had this white patch of skin on her forehead:

This summer I remember seeing white patches on her legs, but I honestly disregarded them as being from the spray sunscreen we used, not being rubbed in enough. I noticed a few here and there all over her body. I looked it up and saw that it looked to be vitiligo, the skin disorder Michael Jackson had. It's way more apparent in darker skin, since they are patches without any pigment.

  Most of what I read said the only harm with this condition is psychological from looking different. But I did find some more recent studies that correlate autoimmune disorders with it, and many times celiacs, especially if it's already in your family. So yesterday her doctor ran a battery of blood tests to check for allergy antibodies and her urine for nutritional deficiencies. We won't know results for a month or so--but we also weren't able to fill all the many vials they needed, because her veins just dried up (probably didn't drink enough water)--plus she was screaming when they pricked her 4 times...I couldn't calm her down to just breathe normal. Lucas will probably need these tests as well--I know he has my bad allergies.

   So we are presently waiting for both our test results.

Today I had a second ultrasound to check on baby Eustace because there was extra amniotic fluid a few weeks ago, and I am measuring larger than average. Eustace feels big to me---like a wood plank caught diagonally in my gut---I can't sit comfortably with his feet in my right rib cage, and head on my lower left. He is very active like Olivia was. :( Guess that means I won't get the wonderful sleep Lucas allowed me lol.

    Anyway, with all the measurements they took, it looks like the amniotic fluid is normal and baby is healthy. In fact, he's about 5 lbs already! The doctor says if I make it to 39 weeks (which will be around Xmas) Eustace will probably be around 8 lbs! All my babies have been average weight: 7lbs 12oz, 7lbs 4oz, and 7lbs 6oz...so he will be the biggest. It's slightly comforting to know that it's not just me gaining the weight lol.