Each year, approximately 26,000 babies are stillborn in the United States. Another 26,000 die within their first year of life. Close to one million more are miscarried.
In 1989, President Ronald Regan declared October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. This has proven to be instrumental in bringing the needs of bereaved parents to the forefront.
Several years ago, October 15 was declared Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. On this day, parents, grandparents and friends around the country light candles at 7:00 pm in honor of babies who have died.
We will be lighting a candle tonight at 7:00 in honor and remembrance of Matthew, our firstborn, who, sadly, many of you never had a chance to know.
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Today's appointment was uneventful and quick (first time we have ever been in and out in under an hour!). Blood pressure is holding steady, and we heard the baby's heartbeat right away. It continues to pump away at a strong and healthy pace.
We were introduced to another one of the doctors in the practice. I think we have now met 5 of the 9 or so who practice there. We didn't have any real questions, so the meeting was brief.
On a little more exciting note, Kara has been feeling the baby move more lately. Kara was pretty sure we would still have a heartbeat today because she has been feeling the baby pretty regularly. At our last ultrasound, the technician said that the baby's head is near Kara's ribs on her right side, and that is where she feels the baby after she eats or if she sits a certain way and limits how much space the baby has to spread out.
We go back next Friday, the 23rd, for our next ultrasound. We previously mentioned wanting to give more information on some of the conversations we have had with the doctors lately- we will post an update with that info before our next appointment. Sorry- not meant to be a cliffhanger, but will need a little more time than we have right now to put all of that down in one place.
Please continue praying for us and for this baby to make a miraculous recovery. We are trying to remain as hopeful as we can, and every week we have a heartbeat only helps us stay more positive. Thank you for all of your support!!