I thought the baby was due in September. Why did she come so early?
At Marianne's last doctor's appointment in July, she was diagnosed with preeclampsia. The doctors immediately admitted her to Rex hospital for monitoring. Her condition was severe, and if she got any worse, they knew they would have to deliver the baby early. After 5 days in the hospital, she did get worse, and to keep both Marianne and Katie safe, the doctors delivered the baby.
Click here for more information on preeclampsia.
Less than 2 pounds! Why is she so small?
First, most babies grow inside their moms for 40 weeks. Katie only had a little more than 30 weeks. Second, the doctors had been monitoring her growth and she was only in the 10th percentile for her gestational age. So, she was small to begin with, and then born early. The good news is that she was really strong for both her size and gestational age.
Click here for more information on Intrauterine growth restriction (babies who are small for gestational age).
Click here for some size comparisons.
What are they doing with her in the hospital?
Basically, they're trying to "fatten her up" a little. She's fed through a tube in her mouth that goes to her belly, and she had an IV in her arm that loads her up with fat and calories. They're also monitoring all her vital signs for any problems. She needs a little extra care since she's so small, but thankfully, she's not needed any help breathing so far!
Click here for information about the Rex Special Care Nursery.
When will you take her home?
That will depend on her growth and progress. At minimum, the doctor says she will need to weigh 4 pounds. It will probably be sometime in September, which was when she was due anyway!
Mary Kathryn - why did you choose that name?
She was named for Marianne's mother AND grandmother (both Mary) and Eric's Grandmother (Kathryn). Although "skinny Minnie" fits right now!
Click here for a link to Katie's first vacation location.