It's been a while and there are some updates to the never-ending saga that is our pregnancy. Let's see.... Two and a half weeks ago, we went to visit a perinatologist in Topeka (in the midst of a snowstorm, by the way). We were sent to the specialist in order for him to check the position of baby Pyle's cord insertion on the placenta. While he was checking this, he noticed a couple other issues that complicate matters further. Luckily, he didn't issue any edicts on my activity but rather left that to my regular OB. I say luckily because we left for Charleston for our baby shower two days later. If we had seen our regular OB before the planned plane trip, there's no way she would have let us go. Whew!!----I would've been truly disappointed had we not been able to go for our baby shower that we had really been looking forward to and ended up having a wonderful time.
The following Friday, we saw my regular doctor. With the information from the perinatologist, she decided that I should go to working only 4 hours per day and take it easy for the rest of the day. I had a non-stress test that day also, where she noticed that I was having contractions (unbeknownst to me). This new information, along with the other issues noticed by the perinatologist, meant that I was at risk for pre-term labor. She immediately put me on some medication meant to stop the contractions that also has the wonderful side effects of making me shaky and speeds up my heartrate. She decided that we would be scheduled for a c-section at 37 or 37 1/2 weeks, IF we can make it that far. That was the scary part that we were not at all prepared to hear. What did she mean IF??? We had never really contemplated having Pyle prematurely. Now, we have to think about him possibly spending time in a NICU if he comes too early. And, there's no NICU here in town--he'd have to be taken to Kansas City or Topeka. It also makes us feel a little more urgency in getting the things that are absolutely essential for a newborn---clothes, diapers, wipes, a place to sleep, car seat, etc. We think we are set for those things now (we took a trip to Babies R Us and Target to get the last minute items).
So, I worked for three days on my shortened schedule. Then, we went back to the perinatologist who noticed things looked a little worse than they had two weeks prior. We saw my regular OB the next morning (this past Thursday), who immediately said, "no more work," and put me on modified bed rest. I can get up to shower, use the restroom, make lunch, etc., but otherwise I'm to be on the couch with my feet up so I don't stress my body out any further. Yesterday was my first full day on the couch and I definitely noticed a difference----a whole lot less pressure in my pelvis, less tightening in my belly. So, while I am not at all excited about the prospect of being stuck on the couch for the next 6 weeks, I can do this for Pyle's well-being. And for all of you thinking that 6 weeks on the couch would be a nice vacation, think again!!! Yes, you can watch movies and get a lot of reading done, but there are lots of things that you can't do, like get up to sweep or vacuum the floors, take a quick trip to the grocery store or Kohl's, etc. And all the people you know work during the day, so they can't keep you company. I think I just might go bonkers, and it's only been 2 1/2 days!!!
OK, so the good news that we heard from the doctor on Thursday: another non-stress test showed that I was no longer contracting, so the shake-inducing medicine is working! Also, she is going to schedule us for a c-section on April 4th, when I'll be 37 weeks and 2 days (IF I can make it that far). And, my doctor is going to keep a very close watch over me---appointments twice weekly to make sure Pyle and I are doing well.
All in all, things are a little scary, but OK. I have a wonderfully supportive husband who is by my side as much as possible. Pyle looks to be doing alright. My doctor is vigilant. Please, everyone who is reading this----keep your fingers crossed that Pyle can stay inside and bake a while longer---until the finish line of April 4th!!!!
1 comment:
Well, I think the month of March is a perfect month to stay on the couch...it's cold, it's warn, it rains, it snows.....who can keep up.....might as well stay indoors, right? Besides, haven't you always wanted to become a Sudoku master?!?
Hang in there, you (and Pyle) are so close!
Post a Comment