As you can tell, I didn't last at home very long. I was released from the hospital last Tuesday afternoon and returned Thursday night.
How far along: 34 weeks 4 days
How big is baby: Estimated weight at the last ultrasound on 9/21 was 5lbs 10oz.
Weight gain: Not sure. I haven't been weighed in weeks.
What I'm looking forward to: 36 weeks or when Eliana is born. Whichever comes first.
The current plan:
Hospital bed rest until 36 weeks
Nifedipine (Procardia) 20mg every 4 hours
17P shots weekly
Terbutiline shots as needed
Current labor progression:
2cm dilated, 70% effaced and baby at -3 station
One of the hardest parts of being in the hospital for so long is boredom. Of course boredom makes time drag. Another bad thing about being bored is how easy it is to let yourself get depressed. I start thinking about being home. So what do I do to stay busy all day?
1. Surf the internet....Facebook, Pinterest, Babycenter, blog, and read blogs.
2. Read
3. Watch TV
4. Put random things on my belly and watch Eliana "play" with them.
5. Play games on the DS
6. Taking random pictures of myself or things in the room.
7. Video record Eliana moving around.
8. When all else fails...take a nap.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Wordless{ish} Wednesday: The room
After a week and a half of hospital bed rest, my OB finally released me to finish my bed rest at home. I did get some pictures of the room I was staying in while in the hospital.
So, hospital bed rest wasn't all that bad...mainly just boring and I missed my family so much. Well, the bed was awful for the first week. Then a nursing student realized their was something different about the bed and notified the nurse. She felt so bad when she saw I'd been sleeping on a labor bed. Once they added the correct padding, it was a little better. I had mentioned the fact that there was something wrong with the bed to a few nurses, but nothing was ever done about it.
So, hospital bed rest wasn't all that bad...mainly just boring and I missed my family so much. Well, the bed was awful for the first week. Then a nursing student realized their was something different about the bed and notified the nurse. She felt so bad when she saw I'd been sleeping on a labor bed. Once they added the correct padding, it was a little better. I had mentioned the fact that there was something wrong with the bed to a few nurses, but nothing was ever done about it.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
33 weeks pregnant: Hospital stay meltdown
It' been 5 days since I was admitted to L&D. Shortly after writing my post on having a "successful" week on home bed rest, I started feeling a lot of pressure and cramping. I called my OB just to see if she could see me earlier in the week, but instead she told me to go to the hospital to get checked out. By the time we arrived I was having contractions that were every 2-4 min apart. I also dilated a little more to 2cm and effaced 75%. Nothing they did would stop the contractions so I was admitted. I was put on magnesium line for 48 hours and was given steroid shots to help mature baby's lungs in case she was born.
Emotionally, the last few days have been draining. All of this has been tough on everyone. Decisions about who would watch Parker while I'm here and Nolan is working. Making sure Vanessa gets to and from school. Figuring out what to do with my unfinished business orders. Parker been so stressed out and he can't even visit without having a major meltdown. I miss cuddling with him all day and I know that he is confused about everything going on.
It's so hard, I feel so detached from everyone. From Vanessa, Nolan and Parker. I feel so alone. My only comfort is knowing that all this is keeping lil' Eliana in longer. I just can't handle the idea of Eliana having to spend time in the NICU. Not being able to take her home with us right away. Not being able to hold her anytime I want. I recently saw a comment that was made by someone else that is going through something similar in her pregnancy. I was pretty upset by it. The individual stated that she visited the NICU and saw 32 week old baby and that the baby didn't look all that bad off. I don't care how uncomfortable or how much pain I'm in, as long as she's not in distress, I would do anything in my power to keep Eliana from going into the NICU.
I trust my OB and I know that being here is what is best right now. That being said it doesn't make it easier.
Emotionally, the last few days have been draining. All of this has been tough on everyone. Decisions about who would watch Parker while I'm here and Nolan is working. Making sure Vanessa gets to and from school. Figuring out what to do with my unfinished business orders. Parker been so stressed out and he can't even visit without having a major meltdown. I miss cuddling with him all day and I know that he is confused about everything going on.
It's so hard, I feel so detached from everyone. From Vanessa, Nolan and Parker. I feel so alone. My only comfort is knowing that all this is keeping lil' Eliana in longer. I just can't handle the idea of Eliana having to spend time in the NICU. Not being able to take her home with us right away. Not being able to hold her anytime I want. I recently saw a comment that was made by someone else that is going through something similar in her pregnancy. I was pretty upset by it. The individual stated that she visited the NICU and saw 32 week old baby and that the baby didn't look all that bad off. I don't care how uncomfortable or how much pain I'm in, as long as she's not in distress, I would do anything in my power to keep Eliana from going into the NICU.
I trust my OB and I know that being here is what is best right now. That being said it doesn't make it easier.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Bed rest: week 1 completed!
One more week behind us, and bed rest only drove me mildly insane this week. I feel for those that have been on bed rest since early pregnancy and have months of it. It's actually been much harder on Parker. Normally, we are always on the go and that literally has come to a halt. We did have some friends stop by this week to help keep Parker and I company, but it was still pretty rough on him. He's become pretty clingy to me in the past couple of weeks and is struggling with naps, so that isn't helping right now either.
The DVT therapy on legs/feet...looks funny, but it feels like a massage.
Current bed rest orders:
Length: 3 to 4 weeks (until 35/36 weeks pregnant)
Weeks pregnant: 32 weeks 3 days
Bed rest: At least 8 hours of the day laying/reclined in bed, laying in a recliner or laying on couch.
Restrictions: No long walks, no standing for more than 10-15 minutes at a time, no long car rides(except to appointments), no grocery shopping, no lifting(this one is tough when I'm alone with Parker during the day), very very light housework, no baths/swimming and of course the obvious no "contact" with hubby.
Medications: P17 shot 1x weekly until 36 weeks & Nifedipine 10mg every 4-6 hours
I was given permission to continue sewing, as long as I only sit at the machine for 10-15 minutes at a time. It takes me a little longer to finish something, but this is "mental" therapy for me. I will take my 10-15 minutes.
On Wednesday, my OB sent over a nurse with a DVT therapy machine and a SCS(sequential compression system) machine for use on my back, feet and legs. This is to help reduce the potential for swelling or clots in the legs and feet. The SCS is a hot/cold therapy for the back and is to help with having to lay down all day long. What I love about the SCS for my back is when I'm having a hot flash I use it because it gets super cold for a while and helps with the hot flash. Isn't my OB awesome?!?
The DVT therapy on legs/feet...looks funny, but it feels like a massage.
Current bed rest orders:
Length: 3 to 4 weeks (until 35/36 weeks pregnant)
Weeks pregnant: 32 weeks 3 days
Bed rest: At least 8 hours of the day laying/reclined in bed, laying in a recliner or laying on couch.
Restrictions: No long walks, no standing for more than 10-15 minutes at a time, no long car rides(except to appointments), no grocery shopping, no lifting(this one is tough when I'm alone with Parker during the day), very very light housework, no baths/swimming and of course the obvious no "contact" with hubby.
Medications: P17 shot 1x weekly until 36 weeks & Nifedipine 10mg every 4-6 hours
I was given permission to continue sewing, as long as I only sit at the machine for 10-15 minutes at a time. It takes me a little longer to finish something, but this is "mental" therapy for me. I will take my 10-15 minutes.
On Wednesday, my OB sent over a nurse with a DVT therapy machine and a SCS(sequential compression system) machine for use on my back, feet and legs. This is to help reduce the potential for swelling or clots in the legs and feet. The SCS is a hot/cold therapy for the back and is to help with having to lay down all day long. What I love about the SCS for my back is when I'm having a hot flash I use it because it gets super cold for a while and helps with the hot flash. Isn't my OB awesome?!?
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
31 week pregnancy update!
I actually missed posting a 30 week update so I decided to do the update this week. It has been pretty crazy since I posted my last update at 28 weeks. We celebrated Parker's 2nd birthday this past weekend and I will be getting a post up with all the party details. Aside from that I've been struggling with bouts of preterm labor craziness! In the past 10 days I've been to L&D 3 times for preterm issues. After the last visit on Labor Day, I've been put on bed rest, not quite strict bed rest, but I need to tone down my activity levels....even more. If I can't seem to stay down and relax my OB has threatened hospital bed rest...eek! I'm not the type to sit around, it's tough, but right now I'm doing my best and I know it's what our little one needs.
My husband is finally off overtime so it's been nice to have him home earlier in the evening and on the weekends. My mom also did a last minute family/maternity session for us this weekend. It's a good thing we did it when we did, because it wouldn't be possible any longer.
How far along: 31weeks 5days
Weight gain: 16 lbs total
Movement: She has graduated to the rolling movements. It's funny to watch my belly when she is super active.
Symptoms: Other than when I have the bouts of preterm labor contractions, I'm feeling pretty good! When I was up and around too much I would have a lot of pelvic pressure/pain. Now with the rest that has become much better.
Labor: As long as I'm on my procardia regiment, I don't have any contractions. Right now I'm 1+ centimeters dilated, 70% effaced and Eliana is at a -3 station. In the past 10 days I haven't had too much change just slight.
I realize that the ultrasound photo is upside down, but when we tried to flip the photo, the pocket covered up too much of baby. I LOVE it anyhow!
Sleep: Sleep is so-so at the moment. Right before bedtime, I get these crazy "itchy" episodes all over. Not sure why, but it is so frustrating and uncomfortable. I'm getting up to pee 3/4 times a night as well.
Best Moment this Week: We made it through another week and also Parker's birthday party! I also pulled out the hospital bag and started packing it. I feel so unorganized this time around.
What I am looking forward to: Another week under our belt is all I ask for. Also, that we can finish up all the small details in the Parker and Eliana's room.
Next appointment: September 12th
I'm adding a few more "tidbits" now that I'm in the home stretch.
Belly Button in or out: In, it never went out when I was pregnant with Vanessa or Parker.
Feet Swelling: Not really, but my OB ordered me a pair of circulation socks to wear since I will be laying down most of the day.
Wedding rings on or off: I can still wear them, but after a while they start getting uncomfortable. When I'm home they are usually off.
Another sneak peek of the Parker and Eliana's room:
My husband is finally off overtime so it's been nice to have him home earlier in the evening and on the weekends. My mom also did a last minute family/maternity session for us this weekend. It's a good thing we did it when we did, because it wouldn't be possible any longer.
How far along: 31weeks 5days
Weight gain: 16 lbs total
Movement: She has graduated to the rolling movements. It's funny to watch my belly when she is super active.
Symptoms: Other than when I have the bouts of preterm labor contractions, I'm feeling pretty good! When I was up and around too much I would have a lot of pelvic pressure/pain. Now with the rest that has become much better.
Labor: As long as I'm on my procardia regiment, I don't have any contractions. Right now I'm 1+ centimeters dilated, 70% effaced and Eliana is at a -3 station. In the past 10 days I haven't had too much change just slight.
I realize that the ultrasound photo is upside down, but when we tried to flip the photo, the pocket covered up too much of baby. I LOVE it anyhow!
Sleep: Sleep is so-so at the moment. Right before bedtime, I get these crazy "itchy" episodes all over. Not sure why, but it is so frustrating and uncomfortable. I'm getting up to pee 3/4 times a night as well.
Best Moment this Week: We made it through another week and also Parker's birthday party! I also pulled out the hospital bag and started packing it. I feel so unorganized this time around.
What I am looking forward to: Another week under our belt is all I ask for. Also, that we can finish up all the small details in the Parker and Eliana's room.
Next appointment: September 12th
I'm adding a few more "tidbits" now that I'm in the home stretch.
Belly Button in or out: In, it never went out when I was pregnant with Vanessa or Parker.
Feet Swelling: Not really, but my OB ordered me a pair of circulation socks to wear since I will be laying down most of the day.
Wedding rings on or off: I can still wear them, but after a while they start getting uncomfortable. When I'm home they are usually off.
Another sneak peek of the Parker and Eliana's room:
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