Umbilical Cord Low Blood Flow

I sent you a PM. For starters, eat tons of protein (at least 60 grams a day) and rest as much as you can on your left side. Babies can be completely fine with low blood flow - but it ususally means they're on the small side. Low blood flow can also be a sign of early TTTS, so ask your doctor if he saw any other signs (like unequal amniotic fluid).

You aren't using the term, but it sounds like what I had while pregnant with my first. It's called absent end diastolic flow and/or reverse end diastolic flow. Have they used these terms? Have they done a Doppler ultra sound?

In my case, they were monitoring me as high risk already so I had a Doppler US at 26 weeks. this is able to measure the blood flow to/from fetus and mother. I showed the beginnings of AEDF. So as you mentioned, was put on "watch". I came back the next week and it was progressing. Eventually at 28 weeks I was put on bi weekly monitoring and told to be ready anytime to be sent to the hospital. Week 29 I was sent to the hospital directly from the doctors office as it was now REDF.

After 2 doses of steroid shots, they held off delivering and we were able to get 10 days more- all spent in the ICU hooked up to 24-7 monitoring....then her heart rate dropped 2x down in the 30s and they made the call to deliver. Funny how someone mentioned the umbilical cord falling off- the NICU nurse told me hers was the size of a pencil and just fell off too. I never saw it.

She was early and tiny (3lbs) but all else was perfect. And I know have a 2 1/2 yr old that is thriving with no issues at all. She's taller and talks more than any of her peers.

It's very scary! Ask to be monitored frequently. Ask for the Doppler US. Sounds like they are on top of it. Good luck and if you have any questions let me know.

I'm interested in hearing about all the reasons why though- since mine was never diagnosed and now I'm pregnant again....

The doc would let you know if you needed to worry. Just take it day by day.

I don't have any answers...but sending prayers and best wishes your way....Congrats on your twins. Just do what the doctor said and take it easy as well. Keep your appointment and make sure to call the doctor asap if you notice any changes....There is no stupid question...only the one that isn't asked....Take care.

I would double-check with your doctor about any of the genetic blood clotting disorders. When my daughter was born, we almost lost her after having a normal pregnancy until the last 2 weeks. When I was pregnant again, my dr sent me for all of the blood disorder testing and it turned out that I have a mutation in the g20210A gene which predisposes me to blood clots. My doctor told me his thought was that a clot probably stopped the flow of nutrition to my daughter and she didn't have the energy to fight the first contraction that I had (which was so small I didn't even know it was a contraction). She was born at 5lbs and 20 inches. I had my daughter tested, since it is genetic, because I don't want her going on bc pills, in the future, if she has the same issue. Luckily, she doesn't! I would think your ob would know about the handful of clotting mutations. Factor 5 is a big one and does cause a lot of problems for babies. From what I understand, MTHFR is another one that has just been discovered in the last 10-15 years. I don't mean to scare you, but it's worth asking about. Good luck.

because my sister had the same problem, I was tested for thick blood disorders by my fertility specialist before becoming pregnant.They found two thick blood disorders, the most important one being MTHFR (methaline tetra hydro folate reductase) It meant that I had too much homocystine in my blood and it keeps you from absorbing B vitamins) It was awesome!!!
I know. Sounds crazy. It explained why I felt like I was 80 most of my life! It is treated with a pill called Metanx that is 16,000 units of B vites and something to make you absorb them. I got pregnant with twins too and they told me that I would feel double everything. Double morning sickness etc. But it didnt happen. They ended up telling me that they treat mornng sickness with B vits. I also had more energy then I had ever had before.
I also had to give myself Heperin shots in my stomach to keep the blood thin before the Metanx kicked in fully.
I would ask for a test for MTHFR as it is expensive and insurance doesn't like to pay for it unless there is a good reason to run it. I would use it as the opportunity for the test because if you have high homocystin levels it can affect you for your whole life, pregnant or not.
You don't feel anything with or without it, but I am a different person with tons more energy which is needed to chase after two 4 year olds!