“The second time around” is a journal of a second pregnancy.  Mom2 has a beautiful, energetic toddler.  Since only family and close friends currently know she’s pregnant, she’s keeping her identity under wraps until she’s ready to shout the great news from the roof tops at work, or until her belly gives it away for her.

The weird

12th week of pregnancy.  According to all I read, this is a great time.  Sickness should begin disappearing, energy should be coming back.  At 12 weeks 2 days, I wake up with itchy painful rash all over stomach, back and breasts that is rapidly moving to my arms and legs, up the back of my neck and into my hairline at the nape of my neck. 

I call the OB office first thing, after two hours of waiting in misery I decide to visit my local urgent care center.  Allergic dermatitis is ruled out.  I’m not using any new soaps, lotions etc.  The doctor’s diagnosis, pregnancy rash. 

From what I read on Google that morning, it’s WAY too early for pregnancy rash to start.  According to most sites, the most common rash in pregnancy is called PUPPs (Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy (or just itchy skin bumps).  According to almost every site this rash is:

• Most common in first pregnancies
• Usually occurs in the third trimester with the average onset being between 35-36 weeks and disappears after delivery although in some rare cases can arrive as early as 20 weeks.
• Is worse at night leading to insomnia (due to the intense itching)
• Does not affect the face, neck, hands or feet.
• Usually appears around the area of stretch marks.

This is my second pregnancy.  I’m 12 weeks.  It’s on my neck, and I have no stretch marks.  Hmmm.  Doc gives me prednisone and tells me I can take a Benadryl before bed.

Not me. But 1% of pregnant women endure this torture called PUPPs

The scary

It’s a Sunday.  I feel like crap this day but manage clean the kitchen before the Department of Health shuts it down.  (Ok, it wasn’t that bad, but you know the feeling).  I start bleeding a lot, very quickly.  Husband, child and I pack up and head to the ER.  Do not pass go.  Do not collect $200.

Four hours, a couple more bleeding episodes and two ultrasounds later both mom and baby are fine. 

At the visit with the OB two days later I’m told that I probably have a small placental abruption where the placenta tears away from the uterine wall.  I’m given another ultra sound.  Baby is still looking fine.  My cervix remains closed.  No signs of visible blood collecting behind the placenta in the ultrasound.  All very good signs. 

I’m told that I’m now on “restricted activity.”  Not bed rest.  I can lift my 25lb kid, but must take it very easy and am on pelvic rest.  The hope is that the tear will repair itself. 

First thing Monday, I go for the PAPP-A diagnostic ultrasound.  From there, we will figure out if I need to be seen every week, or every two weeks.  Doctor is also looking into mystery rash as he has doubts that it is the pregnancy rash because it’s too early as my hormone levels are just not high enough at 12 weeks.

For the time being, my holiday weekend will consist of relaxing, and eating to gain back the 5 lbs. I lost.  I may take the little one to the pool.  She’ll be lighter in water and I really want to wear the cute little maternity suit I bought! 

Happy 4th everyone!

Related Posts:

• Bed rest blues…week four
• Bed rest blues, week one
• Interview with a NICU Doctor
• The cycle of infertility … don’t wait to get help
• Second Pregnancy- The halfway point