Friday, September 14, 2012
Bye Bye, Bedrest!
Today, I went to the doctor to see Dr. M, but she wasn't in. Weird. I had to see Dr. H instead. I was hoping to be told that bedrest wasn't needed, since that was what Dr. M told me before would happen, but that wasn't what happened with Dr. H. Although I had no real change in fluid or with the baby's heartrate, I was told to stay on bedrest. Dr. H didn't even check to see if I had dilated anymore than before. I guess it didn't really matter to check if I wasn't having contractions.
That weekend was my neighborhood block party, and I really wanted to go. I had thought of borrowing a wheelchair from my parents to get the couple of blocks to the event, but I decided against it at the last moment. Maybe doing some walking would change my status in some way. Who knew! When it was nearly 5pm on the 15th, we walked down to party. Dennis and Andrew were very far ahead of me, since I needed to take it really slowly. I hadn't done really any big movements in the past two weeks because of bedrest, so this was taking a lot out of me, not to mention the pressure I was feeling. Things were fine the entire night, though. I didn't have any contractions, nor did I go into labor.
I decided that I was going to try to live a bit more off of bedrest, but I didn't plan on overdoing it by any means. Some of the moms from my moms' group were going to the local apple orchard on Monday, and I was wondering if I should try it. When Sunday came around, I started to feel lots of sharp pressure on my pelvic bone, so I decided against going. I thought the standing and walking would be too much for me to handle. I think it was a wise decision. Andrew and I spent time with my mom, so it all worked out.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Bedrest Begins!!
After leaving the hospital on Saturday, September 1, I was officially on bedrest. It stunk. Being on bedrest with a 2 year old is much different than being on bedrest without one. I can't stop being a mom and taking care of my son. I just don't know how to do that. Luckily, the first day home was already a bit late in the day. The second day, however, was when Dennis wanted to take his sister into Chicago for the Chicago Jazz Festival. We had discussed it before any thoughts of preterm labor, and even thinking of myself as a healthy, pregnant woman, I wasn't going to go in. Too much walking. My mom and dad said that they didn't have any plans, so Dennis dropped off me and Andrew for the day at their house. Andrew and I spent lots of time there this past summer, since temperatures were commonly in the 90s or 100s, and it wasn't any fun being outside. He loves it there, so that also made it nice. My mom is a good mom and took care of us. I was able to rest when I needed to, also.
I felt bad at times being on bedrest, though. Dennis' sister came all this way, and I had to stay in bed or on the couch the whole time. We did take her out on Tuesday night to a Mexican restaurant, but that was the extent of me going out with her. Dennis and Andrew took her a few places on Monday, so she could get a few, last-minute purchases before leaving us on Wednesday afternoon. After taking her to the bus stop, Dennis dropped Andrew and I off at my parents' house again. We were being babysat again by my mom! :) By Friday, it was just too hard for me to sit and do nothing while my mom played with Andrew and cleaned/cooked, so I actually made lunch and dinner that day. I didn't feel too horrible, so I didn't think it was a big deal.
I had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday and Friday. I was being watched by my doctor to see if there were any changes. Luckily, there weren't any changes with my cervix and baby's position, but I was still on the Procardia and still on bedrest. Dr. M just changed it from every 6 hours t every 8. On Friday, Dr. M was delivering someone's baby, so I had to see Dr. H. She confirmed that things were staying put, but she didn't want me to stop bedrest or the Procardia. Dr. M hinted that she would stop me today, but since she wasn't here to talk with me herself, I still have to take it. At least, my body seems to be making more of a adjustment to the medication, and I don't have such bad heartburn feelings or rapid heartrate. A part of me was also hoping to get off of bedrest. I don't know why she would have stopped that, since I'm only 34 weeks, but I was hopeful. During my ultrasound, the tech measured the baby's size. He measured at 6 pounds 7 ounces, which was more than Andrew measured at the same time. This, of course, freaked me out a bit, because it just proved to me that this guy was going to be big. The tech also said that his head was in the 75% for size. Andrew had and still has a little bean, which I have appreciated so much. Delivery was hard enough with his little head, and I wasn't looking forward to how things would go with a 75% head with Edmund. Hopefully, all would work out. Dr. H checked me and said that I was 1 cm still. I was also 80% effaced, and the baby was at a minus 2 station.
On Saturday, we went back to the hospital, but this time, we were taking a prenatal class that lasted all day. That was a bit difficult. 9am-5pm, sitting in a wheelchair was hard. I was so uncomfortable. I don't want to say that we learned a lot during the class, but lots of information came back to us. That was nice. We really needed to be refreshed on the lamaze breathing and a bunch of other things. We were both glad we went. After leaving, we called my sister, who took Andrew to soccer with my two nephews. I guess he was in 7th Heaven all day being with his two buddies. She told us to go ahead and get some supper out, since we might not get another chance before the baby comes. Though I was exhausted, it was a good idea, and besides, we didn't have any groceries in the house to feed us or Andrew. We got a bite at Chili's, which was great. It was nice to spend some QT with Dennis. We never do that anymore. When we picked up Andrew, he, of course, didn't pay any attention to us. Would you if you had a million toys to play with and two playmates? We finally got him to leave, and it didn't take him long to pass out. We also were in bed and asleep by 9pm. What a day!!! It really proved to me that I can't and shouldn't sit that long without laying down for part of the day.
I had some pains from time to time, but it was so hard to know what it was. Braxton Hicks? Uterine irritability? Contractions? Nothing seemed regular, so I didn't think anything of it. I thought more of the fact that I had to cancel a bunch of playdates for me and Andrew with my Mom's Group. I really looked forward to those events at the coffee shop or park, and I really felt bad that Andrew was missing out on playing with other kids. He is so shy, and I love to have as many opportunities for him to mingle as possible. All I hoped was that I would get some good news at the doctor on Tuesday during my visit, but since I have to meet with Dr. H instead of Dr. M, I just have a feeling that bedrest is going to continue until the baby is born. We'll see what she says and how long bedrest and this pregnancy last. When I saw Dr. H on Tuesday, Sept. 11, the baby moved a lot on the monitor, but I wasn't having any contrations. Though I thought this to be a good sign that I would be taken off of bedrest, that wasn't the case, since Dr. H wanted to still be cautious. Being cautious is good, I guess. I am just feeling so uncomfortable all the time. I thought it would still be a good idea to discuss my birth plan with Dr. H, in case she would be the one delivering me. She was pretty much fine with everything, which was a great relief. The baby's heartrate was 144, and the fluid was still on the high side, 24. I weighed at 156.
I felt bad at times being on bedrest, though. Dennis' sister came all this way, and I had to stay in bed or on the couch the whole time. We did take her out on Tuesday night to a Mexican restaurant, but that was the extent of me going out with her. Dennis and Andrew took her a few places on Monday, so she could get a few, last-minute purchases before leaving us on Wednesday afternoon. After taking her to the bus stop, Dennis dropped Andrew and I off at my parents' house again. We were being babysat again by my mom! :) By Friday, it was just too hard for me to sit and do nothing while my mom played with Andrew and cleaned/cooked, so I actually made lunch and dinner that day. I didn't feel too horrible, so I didn't think it was a big deal.
I had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday and Friday. I was being watched by my doctor to see if there were any changes. Luckily, there weren't any changes with my cervix and baby's position, but I was still on the Procardia and still on bedrest. Dr. M just changed it from every 6 hours t every 8. On Friday, Dr. M was delivering someone's baby, so I had to see Dr. H. She confirmed that things were staying put, but she didn't want me to stop bedrest or the Procardia. Dr. M hinted that she would stop me today, but since she wasn't here to talk with me herself, I still have to take it. At least, my body seems to be making more of a adjustment to the medication, and I don't have such bad heartburn feelings or rapid heartrate. A part of me was also hoping to get off of bedrest. I don't know why she would have stopped that, since I'm only 34 weeks, but I was hopeful. During my ultrasound, the tech measured the baby's size. He measured at 6 pounds 7 ounces, which was more than Andrew measured at the same time. This, of course, freaked me out a bit, because it just proved to me that this guy was going to be big. The tech also said that his head was in the 75% for size. Andrew had and still has a little bean, which I have appreciated so much. Delivery was hard enough with his little head, and I wasn't looking forward to how things would go with a 75% head with Edmund. Hopefully, all would work out. Dr. H checked me and said that I was 1 cm still. I was also 80% effaced, and the baby was at a minus 2 station.
On Saturday, we went back to the hospital, but this time, we were taking a prenatal class that lasted all day. That was a bit difficult. 9am-5pm, sitting in a wheelchair was hard. I was so uncomfortable. I don't want to say that we learned a lot during the class, but lots of information came back to us. That was nice. We really needed to be refreshed on the lamaze breathing and a bunch of other things. We were both glad we went. After leaving, we called my sister, who took Andrew to soccer with my two nephews. I guess he was in 7th Heaven all day being with his two buddies. She told us to go ahead and get some supper out, since we might not get another chance before the baby comes. Though I was exhausted, it was a good idea, and besides, we didn't have any groceries in the house to feed us or Andrew. We got a bite at Chili's, which was great. It was nice to spend some QT with Dennis. We never do that anymore. When we picked up Andrew, he, of course, didn't pay any attention to us. Would you if you had a million toys to play with and two playmates? We finally got him to leave, and it didn't take him long to pass out. We also were in bed and asleep by 9pm. What a day!!! It really proved to me that I can't and shouldn't sit that long without laying down for part of the day.
I had some pains from time to time, but it was so hard to know what it was. Braxton Hicks? Uterine irritability? Contractions? Nothing seemed regular, so I didn't think anything of it. I thought more of the fact that I had to cancel a bunch of playdates for me and Andrew with my Mom's Group. I really looked forward to those events at the coffee shop or park, and I really felt bad that Andrew was missing out on playing with other kids. He is so shy, and I love to have as many opportunities for him to mingle as possible. All I hoped was that I would get some good news at the doctor on Tuesday during my visit, but since I have to meet with Dr. H instead of Dr. M, I just have a feeling that bedrest is going to continue until the baby is born. We'll see what she says and how long bedrest and this pregnancy last. When I saw Dr. H on Tuesday, Sept. 11, the baby moved a lot on the monitor, but I wasn't having any contrations. Though I thought this to be a good sign that I would be taken off of bedrest, that wasn't the case, since Dr. H wanted to still be cautious. Being cautious is good, I guess. I am just feeling so uncomfortable all the time. I thought it would still be a good idea to discuss my birth plan with Dr. H, in case she would be the one delivering me. She was pretty much fine with everything, which was a great relief. The baby's heartrate was 144, and the fluid was still on the high side, 24. I weighed at 156.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
My 28 Hour Hospital Stay that Resulted in No Baby
After getting my Kindle and talking over what might happen with the hospital stay with Dennis. I headed off for the hospital. On the way, I stopped at McDonalds, since I knew that I probably wouldn't get fed in the hospital if they thought I was in labor. I didn't want to be extremely uncomfortable the entire time I was there, so I settled for two fish sandwiches to tide me over.
I parked in the visitor parking off of State Street, since this is the main entrance and the one that I was most familiar with. I walked in and asked the lady behind the counter for "Labor and Delivery." She asked if I needed a wheelchair or any help, but since I wasn't feeling any real pain, just some pressure, I told her that I would walk. The walk seemed longer than I had planned. I think this was because I wasn't used to doing much activity being pregnant and being so far along.
When I reached the 3rd floor, I punched the button to get into the floor. They asked whom I wanted to see, and I told them that I was checking in, "I guess." The lady said, "you guess? you're not sure?" She told me to come on in, and I walked to the check-in desk. It took them a bit of time to find me a room. I guess they were rather busy. It was about 12noon. The wait wasn't horrible, and soon I was taken to room 540. I got undressed to my bra and socs and pu a green gown on that opened in the back. I came back to the bed and sat down. I wouldn't say I was in pain, but the monitor revealed that I was having contractions. Also, since I stopped to get some food before coming in, I wasn't hungry either.I sat there on the monitor for a few hours. I was alone, so I brought my Kindle to do some reading. Overall, I was content just to hang out alone, since I didn't have much in the way of downtime being a stay-at-home mom. My mom and sister didn't know why I hadn't asked them to come up and stay with me, but it just didn't seem necessary to waste anyone else's time for a false alarm. Besides, I was just in a triage room, and it didn't seem very serious for now. I had been in a room just like this one with Andrew, but during that visit, I was alone the entire time.
I was alone when I went into the room, but shortly thereafter, they brought in someone else. I was in the second bed in the room, Person B. The other lady seemed to be having similar issues from what I could hear the nurse say. She actually wasn't there as long as I was either. I got there at about 12noon and left the room around 6pm. I didn't even hear when she left, which was weird. I just noticed that a cleaning lady came in at one point to clean up, so I knew that she was either dismissed or placed in a permanent room. I never heard anything about her after she left, but while she was there, I heard more than I needed. Apparently, her husband was away on business, so she called to talk to him. I heard the entire conversation, since she had the phone on speaker. Who does that? I mean, I was in the same room for the same reasons as she was, and it just was rude for her to have to talk on speaker. I didn't understand the conversation because she was of some type of Asian background, and she talked to her husband in their language. I mentioned something to the nurse, so more or less just shrugged. Since it was a triage room, most of the times, they (the nurses) didn't say anything in these cases. I just really hope that I don't have her as a roommate when it comes times to recover from delivery. Last time, I had my own room for that, but I have a feeling that I won't be as lucky this time around.
The second person in the room was a young girl. I heard her say that she was in her early twenties. It just made me feel old. She was in the her part of the room with her parents. They spoke English and quite a bit. When I finally left the room, I was surprised to see two white people in there 60s and a young, black girl. I guess you get certain images in your mind when you are behind a curtain from ther other person, but I wasn't expecting them. They seemed nice enough people, and I hope the girl was going to be okay. I think she mentioned to the nurse that she was as far along as I was. Yet again, I have no idea what happened to her after I left the room.
While I was in the room, I was made to drink up as much water as possible. Occasionally, I could fee the contractions, which looked to be all the time and at a pretty good force. The monitor told me more than my belly did, so I didn't hesitate drinking whatever was put in front of me. The room was rather hot, so that helped me want to drink more. Dr. H was on-call, and she wasn't convinced that drinking would help alone. She issued them to give me an IV at 1:30pm. I knew the extra fluid would help, but I wasn't expecting to get up and go to the bathroom every half hour. It was so uncomfortable to have to unplug myself from the monitor and wheel my IV into the bathroom everytime. I hate needles, and having something like an IV stuck in me was unsettling. I also had a sore hand from the first attempt. The nurse used a needle that was too big for my little vein, and it was so painful. I cringe when thinking about it. She tried again to do it, but found luck in my wrist. I need to remember this for next time. They shouldn't even bother to try my hand. Wrists are much more comfortable anyway.
Drinking and reading were my only activities. The baby was pretty active the whole afternoon, which was good, and I guess that having to pee every 30 minutes could have been worse. At least, it got me out of that extremely uncomfortable bed. They gave me another IV bag at about 2:30pm. The labor seemed to be going strong from the reading on the monitor, and the fluids didn't seem to help much to get them to calm down. The nurse then gave me a shot in my lft buttocks, which was a steriod for the baby's lung development. It burned like crazy, and I accidentally kicked the nurse when she was trying to give it to me. Oops! Note to self: make sure that someone holds my legs down for the next shot, which was scheduled for 24 hours from now. These shots were also given to me with Andrew in case he came out early. This way, his lungs might have the chance to develop and lessen the risk of him having to go to the NICU.
The nurse also gave me two pills to help stop the contractions. She said that they may cause rapid heart rate because they are often taken for blood pressure. The side effect would be to relax the uterus. It was weird to take a pill for the side of effect, but I was willing to get these contractions to stop. (Later the next week, my doctor told me that they don't actually stop contractions, but just relax the uterus. I was a bit surprised that I was taking them instead of something else, since it seemed that my labor was moving right along. My regular OB/GYN didn't think they were that important to take. Weird.) The pills were called Procardia, and once I go home, I am supposed to take them every 6 hours until 3:30pm the next day when I get my other steroid shot in the butt (other cheek). I will have to come back to the hospital for it.
I had to wait an hour after the pills to get my cervix checked before I could go home. Two nurses checked me at about 4:45pm. Ouch!! They said that I was still just 1 cm dilated, which was good considering all the contractions. I was worried that it was much worse, so this news was reassuring. They said that after talking with Dr. H, they'd get me ready to go home. When the nurse came back in, I had just been monitoring myself on the computer. Those peaks were so high and so frequent; they made me nervous. I also started to get much more back pain and told that to the nurse (Alicia). She contacted Dr. H again, who said to just admit me overnight for observation. This completely took me by surprise, because I was mentally ready to go home. Though I felt uneasy about going home with such intense contractions, I thought it was okay since I didn't really feel much of them or any pain. The only time I've ever stayed overnight in the hospital was when I had Andrew, so this was a weird thing to experience. I still didn't believe that I was going to have the baby now, but I didn't want to rule it out in any case.
It took my nurse, Alicia, close to an hour to find/get cleaned a room for me. As I said beofere, they were really busy today. I went in a wheel chair directly across the hall to room 539. This was a labor room much like the one I was in when I had Andrew. It was also private which was nice, since I'd be staying alone. Dennis and Andrew were just now getting home from picking up Anette from the airport, so he'd be at home tonight instead of staying with me in the room. I didn't think much of that, since I wasn't worried about being alone. I quickly texted my sister and Dennis to tell them what was going on. THe bed was much nicer in my new room, but the monitor was harder to see. I couldn't tell what was going on with my contractions except for what my body was telling me. Since I was staying at the hospital, I didn't have to take those pills every 6 hours.
Instead, they gave me magnesium sulfate in my IV. Boy o boy, did it bun. It also made me feel very hot and flushed all over! The nurses said that I could feel dizzy and vomit, but I was okay. I startd to get a small, pressure headache just before moving rooms and starting the medicine. It felt more like allergies, though. There's a hurricane in New Orleans working its way north, so my sinuses probably felt it. The first hour of the MS was the hardest, because It burned in my IV and it made me very warm (nurses gave me ice chips and cool, wet wash cloths.) It was relentless. It was almost to the point of being unbearable, but once the bit jolt of medicine was in, I only felt a light sting in my IV after that.
By this time, I was getting hungry. 7:30pm came, which is when Dennis and Andrew came up with my Southwest Black Bean Salad from Beef-A-Roo. Yum!! I really wanted a piza, but the nurses told me to stay away from greasy foods while I was on the magnesium sulfate. I opted for a sald and some Nutrigrain Bars. The nurses actually said that I was responded remarkably well to the medicin given my small size and all.
Andrew was a bit unsure at first when he walked into the room. I smiled and said "come here, buddy," and he came right to me. I think that my being "okay" made him feel easier. I'm sure the size of the hospital was overwhelming to him, and he just didn't know what to expect having never been in this position before. He wanted to sit on mommy's bed, so daddy lifted him up. We had as much hugs and kisses as we could given that I had an IV in my left wrist, a pressure cuff on my right arm and 2 monitors on my belly. Luckily, all the cables went to the right, so he sat with me on the left side of the bed. He was his normal, wonderful self! :) He got down and wanted to sit on the different chairs in the room, and he also looked around a bit. The lights were off except for the bathroom, so there might not have been much to see. Dennis helped me get my glasses on, since my eyes were dry, and I ate my salad while Andrew was occupied with the chairs. Andrew, of course, seemed to immediately sense what I was doing and wanted some of mommy's food. Luckily, I still had the red peppers on my salad, that I forgot to tell Dennis to order without, so I gave all of them to Andrew. I dove into my salad, and I was over half-way done when Andrew wanted more food. Dennis confessed that he might not have eaten much today, so I told him to give Andrew one of the Nutrigrain bars from my bag. I had one too! :) Andrew still seemed hungry, so I told Dennis to feeld him more food when they got home. Anette stayed home because she was tired and also because she wanted us to have some family time. She figured that she'd see me later.
The boys left after 8pm, since Andrew needed to get ready for bed. I was also feeling sme fatiue from the MS, but my mind wouldn't shut off. I watched TV for an hour and then asked the nurse to give me some sleeping pills. It seemed that when I pushed my buzzer around 9:30pm, the nurse who answered didn't tell my nurse (Heather) about the sleeping pills, so when Heather cme in to check on me, she was surprised about the order. She quickly went to get the medicine, but she had to go out again to get me some water. It took the pills a bit of time to kick in, so I laid on my left side to pass out. I got up as normal to pee about 3 or 4 times and finally woke at 7am.
SATURDAY
To start, I have to admit that I'm a bit concerned. My insurance ended yesterday, and today is my first day on Dennis' insurance. I hope all goes well. I'm also so hungry, so I open up one of my strawberry Nutrigrain bars. I texted Kim and Dennis to let them know that I'm awake and feeling okay. I'm pretty clueless as to what's going on with the baby and contractions, since I need to get checked by the doctor. I notice that the NG bars are gone, so I open up some peanut butter and cheese crackers. I only eat a couple in case they bring me a good breakfast. Breakfast comes at 8am and is 2 pancakes, 2 sausage links, a bowl of oatmeal, OJ, milk and coffee. I eat all of it except for the sausages. Not bad. I put half the maple syrup in the oatmeal as well as squeeze the orange slice that was used to decorate my plate into the bowl. It was really pretty good. I keep the OJ for later, but drink all the milk. I'm feeling pretty good, but VERY groggy. I'm not sure if it is because of the sleeping pills or the magnesium, but I"m a bit unfocused.
Dr. H is making rounds and comes to check on me. She says that I am at least 1 cm dilated, 80% efface and that she can feel the baby's head. This came as a huge surprise. The doctor said that I'd be checked again around 3:30pm when I got my second steroid shot for the baby's lungs. She'd determine what to do after that. Until then, I just needed to hang out on the monitor. I sat in my bed talking to mom or texting Kim or Dennis on my phone. Poor Dennis! His inbox for texts must be full!! :) hahaha I got a little worried about what the doctor said, so I texted him all that needed to be packed for Andrew in case I delivered, since he was either going to Mom and Dad's or Kim's. I know he felt overwhelmed too, since I'm here, he's home as a single parent, and his sister is visiting. Where was the right place for him and what was he supposed to be doing? I understand if he felt somewhat confused about what is role as husband was in this situation, but if I was just going to sit in the hospital and wait, he might as well be doing other things. If we didn't have Andrew or Anette visiting, I would want him to be with me more, but we'd been down this road of false alarm before. He was fine to stay with Andrew. Some might have wondered why he wasn't with me, but I didn't feel bad about it at all. Andrew also had soccer, and Dennis had to get groceries. What sense would t have made for him to sit here? None! I was fine! There wasn't much he could do anyway.
Shortly after 9am, they took me off the magnesium. The bag was still on my IV cart, so I hadn't realized right away that it wasn't being pumped in me. The nurse came back in my rom at about 11:30am. I was in desperate need of wash cloths because my skin still felt really hot. My cheeks and chest were bright red. It looked like I spent yesterday in the sun instead of in the hospital. Also, I needed more water. She brought me in 2 Procardia pills, which were the smae pills I had last night to help with the uterine irritibility. She also told me that my last contraction was about 1/2 hour ago, which meant they were slowing down from yesterday. This was good news, and hopefully, could go home at 3:30pm after my second, steroid shot.
At about 12noon, I started to feel a really strong contraction, so I wasn't so optomistic. I just wanted my lunch to come, soI could take a nap. Ilaid down for about 15 minutes knowing the food would come at 12:30pm. I didn't want to miss it. Sure enough, at 12:30pm, the food lady was there, and it took me a total of 5 minutes to eat a grilled cheese sandwich, a bowl of tomato soup and a cup of mixed, tropical fruit. I kid you not. I inhaled it! :) It was good food, probably because I was starving and pregnant! :) I went slower with my lemonade, peed and went to sleep comfortably on my left side. My noon contraction was a single. No Worries!!
Dennis showed up around 2pm. We talked and slept on and off until the nurses came in to give me my second, steriod shot at 3:30pm. Dennis and the nurse, Carly, held my legs down, while Cherry (nurse) gave me the shot in my right butt cheek. There was much less pain this time around, because Cherry was an excellent nurse. She said to put the alcohol swab on it first, but then to wipe it off so that I didn't have any burning from the alcohol when she actually gave me the shot. How clever. I also didn't have as much desire or reflex to kick, which was good for all involved! :) We waited until 4p when Cherry checked my cervix and gave me 2 more Procardia pills. I need to take them every 6 hours, which means every 4 o'clock and 10 o'clock. I'd have to set my alarms to make sure I didn't forget. Cherry thought that I was definitly 1 cm dilated, but she would say that I was more 50% effaced. It was hard to know whom to believe, but being any percentage effaced still meant that I needed to take things easy.
They released me then from the room, and Dennis and I were escorted down the elevator and to the car, which Dennis pulled to the door for me by the two nurses. I was pushed in a wheel chair the entire time. The nurses were great in the hospital. I would say that they only bad experience would have to be when one of the nurses from Friday couldn't get the IV in because the needle was too large. Ouch!! A week later, my hand still hurt from that. Everyone else was wonderful. They were very supportive and also very nice. They said many nice things to me during the entire process, which seemed odd. I appreciate it though. It was nice to be taken care of even if I wasn't leaving with a baby this time!
I parked in the visitor parking off of State Street, since this is the main entrance and the one that I was most familiar with. I walked in and asked the lady behind the counter for "Labor and Delivery." She asked if I needed a wheelchair or any help, but since I wasn't feeling any real pain, just some pressure, I told her that I would walk. The walk seemed longer than I had planned. I think this was because I wasn't used to doing much activity being pregnant and being so far along.
When I reached the 3rd floor, I punched the button to get into the floor. They asked whom I wanted to see, and I told them that I was checking in, "I guess." The lady said, "you guess? you're not sure?" She told me to come on in, and I walked to the check-in desk. It took them a bit of time to find me a room. I guess they were rather busy. It was about 12noon. The wait wasn't horrible, and soon I was taken to room 540. I got undressed to my bra and socs and pu a green gown on that opened in the back. I came back to the bed and sat down. I wouldn't say I was in pain, but the monitor revealed that I was having contractions. Also, since I stopped to get some food before coming in, I wasn't hungry either.I sat there on the monitor for a few hours. I was alone, so I brought my Kindle to do some reading. Overall, I was content just to hang out alone, since I didn't have much in the way of downtime being a stay-at-home mom. My mom and sister didn't know why I hadn't asked them to come up and stay with me, but it just didn't seem necessary to waste anyone else's time for a false alarm. Besides, I was just in a triage room, and it didn't seem very serious for now. I had been in a room just like this one with Andrew, but during that visit, I was alone the entire time.
I was alone when I went into the room, but shortly thereafter, they brought in someone else. I was in the second bed in the room, Person B. The other lady seemed to be having similar issues from what I could hear the nurse say. She actually wasn't there as long as I was either. I got there at about 12noon and left the room around 6pm. I didn't even hear when she left, which was weird. I just noticed that a cleaning lady came in at one point to clean up, so I knew that she was either dismissed or placed in a permanent room. I never heard anything about her after she left, but while she was there, I heard more than I needed. Apparently, her husband was away on business, so she called to talk to him. I heard the entire conversation, since she had the phone on speaker. Who does that? I mean, I was in the same room for the same reasons as she was, and it just was rude for her to have to talk on speaker. I didn't understand the conversation because she was of some type of Asian background, and she talked to her husband in their language. I mentioned something to the nurse, so more or less just shrugged. Since it was a triage room, most of the times, they (the nurses) didn't say anything in these cases. I just really hope that I don't have her as a roommate when it comes times to recover from delivery. Last time, I had my own room for that, but I have a feeling that I won't be as lucky this time around.
The second person in the room was a young girl. I heard her say that she was in her early twenties. It just made me feel old. She was in the her part of the room with her parents. They spoke English and quite a bit. When I finally left the room, I was surprised to see two white people in there 60s and a young, black girl. I guess you get certain images in your mind when you are behind a curtain from ther other person, but I wasn't expecting them. They seemed nice enough people, and I hope the girl was going to be okay. I think she mentioned to the nurse that she was as far along as I was. Yet again, I have no idea what happened to her after I left the room.
While I was in the room, I was made to drink up as much water as possible. Occasionally, I could fee the contractions, which looked to be all the time and at a pretty good force. The monitor told me more than my belly did, so I didn't hesitate drinking whatever was put in front of me. The room was rather hot, so that helped me want to drink more. Dr. H was on-call, and she wasn't convinced that drinking would help alone. She issued them to give me an IV at 1:30pm. I knew the extra fluid would help, but I wasn't expecting to get up and go to the bathroom every half hour. It was so uncomfortable to have to unplug myself from the monitor and wheel my IV into the bathroom everytime. I hate needles, and having something like an IV stuck in me was unsettling. I also had a sore hand from the first attempt. The nurse used a needle that was too big for my little vein, and it was so painful. I cringe when thinking about it. She tried again to do it, but found luck in my wrist. I need to remember this for next time. They shouldn't even bother to try my hand. Wrists are much more comfortable anyway.
Drinking and reading were my only activities. The baby was pretty active the whole afternoon, which was good, and I guess that having to pee every 30 minutes could have been worse. At least, it got me out of that extremely uncomfortable bed. They gave me another IV bag at about 2:30pm. The labor seemed to be going strong from the reading on the monitor, and the fluids didn't seem to help much to get them to calm down. The nurse then gave me a shot in my lft buttocks, which was a steriod for the baby's lung development. It burned like crazy, and I accidentally kicked the nurse when she was trying to give it to me. Oops! Note to self: make sure that someone holds my legs down for the next shot, which was scheduled for 24 hours from now. These shots were also given to me with Andrew in case he came out early. This way, his lungs might have the chance to develop and lessen the risk of him having to go to the NICU.
The nurse also gave me two pills to help stop the contractions. She said that they may cause rapid heart rate because they are often taken for blood pressure. The side effect would be to relax the uterus. It was weird to take a pill for the side of effect, but I was willing to get these contractions to stop. (Later the next week, my doctor told me that they don't actually stop contractions, but just relax the uterus. I was a bit surprised that I was taking them instead of something else, since it seemed that my labor was moving right along. My regular OB/GYN didn't think they were that important to take. Weird.) The pills were called Procardia, and once I go home, I am supposed to take them every 6 hours until 3:30pm the next day when I get my other steroid shot in the butt (other cheek). I will have to come back to the hospital for it.
I had to wait an hour after the pills to get my cervix checked before I could go home. Two nurses checked me at about 4:45pm. Ouch!! They said that I was still just 1 cm dilated, which was good considering all the contractions. I was worried that it was much worse, so this news was reassuring. They said that after talking with Dr. H, they'd get me ready to go home. When the nurse came back in, I had just been monitoring myself on the computer. Those peaks were so high and so frequent; they made me nervous. I also started to get much more back pain and told that to the nurse (Alicia). She contacted Dr. H again, who said to just admit me overnight for observation. This completely took me by surprise, because I was mentally ready to go home. Though I felt uneasy about going home with such intense contractions, I thought it was okay since I didn't really feel much of them or any pain. The only time I've ever stayed overnight in the hospital was when I had Andrew, so this was a weird thing to experience. I still didn't believe that I was going to have the baby now, but I didn't want to rule it out in any case.
It took my nurse, Alicia, close to an hour to find/get cleaned a room for me. As I said beofere, they were really busy today. I went in a wheel chair directly across the hall to room 539. This was a labor room much like the one I was in when I had Andrew. It was also private which was nice, since I'd be staying alone. Dennis and Andrew were just now getting home from picking up Anette from the airport, so he'd be at home tonight instead of staying with me in the room. I didn't think much of that, since I wasn't worried about being alone. I quickly texted my sister and Dennis to tell them what was going on. THe bed was much nicer in my new room, but the monitor was harder to see. I couldn't tell what was going on with my contractions except for what my body was telling me. Since I was staying at the hospital, I didn't have to take those pills every 6 hours.
Instead, they gave me magnesium sulfate in my IV. Boy o boy, did it bun. It also made me feel very hot and flushed all over! The nurses said that I could feel dizzy and vomit, but I was okay. I startd to get a small, pressure headache just before moving rooms and starting the medicine. It felt more like allergies, though. There's a hurricane in New Orleans working its way north, so my sinuses probably felt it. The first hour of the MS was the hardest, because It burned in my IV and it made me very warm (nurses gave me ice chips and cool, wet wash cloths.) It was relentless. It was almost to the point of being unbearable, but once the bit jolt of medicine was in, I only felt a light sting in my IV after that.
By this time, I was getting hungry. 7:30pm came, which is when Dennis and Andrew came up with my Southwest Black Bean Salad from Beef-A-Roo. Yum!! I really wanted a piza, but the nurses told me to stay away from greasy foods while I was on the magnesium sulfate. I opted for a sald and some Nutrigrain Bars. The nurses actually said that I was responded remarkably well to the medicin given my small size and all.
Andrew was a bit unsure at first when he walked into the room. I smiled and said "come here, buddy," and he came right to me. I think that my being "okay" made him feel easier. I'm sure the size of the hospital was overwhelming to him, and he just didn't know what to expect having never been in this position before. He wanted to sit on mommy's bed, so daddy lifted him up. We had as much hugs and kisses as we could given that I had an IV in my left wrist, a pressure cuff on my right arm and 2 monitors on my belly. Luckily, all the cables went to the right, so he sat with me on the left side of the bed. He was his normal, wonderful self! :) He got down and wanted to sit on the different chairs in the room, and he also looked around a bit. The lights were off except for the bathroom, so there might not have been much to see. Dennis helped me get my glasses on, since my eyes were dry, and I ate my salad while Andrew was occupied with the chairs. Andrew, of course, seemed to immediately sense what I was doing and wanted some of mommy's food. Luckily, I still had the red peppers on my salad, that I forgot to tell Dennis to order without, so I gave all of them to Andrew. I dove into my salad, and I was over half-way done when Andrew wanted more food. Dennis confessed that he might not have eaten much today, so I told him to give Andrew one of the Nutrigrain bars from my bag. I had one too! :) Andrew still seemed hungry, so I told Dennis to feeld him more food when they got home. Anette stayed home because she was tired and also because she wanted us to have some family time. She figured that she'd see me later.
The boys left after 8pm, since Andrew needed to get ready for bed. I was also feeling sme fatiue from the MS, but my mind wouldn't shut off. I watched TV for an hour and then asked the nurse to give me some sleeping pills. It seemed that when I pushed my buzzer around 9:30pm, the nurse who answered didn't tell my nurse (Heather) about the sleeping pills, so when Heather cme in to check on me, she was surprised about the order. She quickly went to get the medicine, but she had to go out again to get me some water. It took the pills a bit of time to kick in, so I laid on my left side to pass out. I got up as normal to pee about 3 or 4 times and finally woke at 7am.
SATURDAY
To start, I have to admit that I'm a bit concerned. My insurance ended yesterday, and today is my first day on Dennis' insurance. I hope all goes well. I'm also so hungry, so I open up one of my strawberry Nutrigrain bars. I texted Kim and Dennis to let them know that I'm awake and feeling okay. I'm pretty clueless as to what's going on with the baby and contractions, since I need to get checked by the doctor. I notice that the NG bars are gone, so I open up some peanut butter and cheese crackers. I only eat a couple in case they bring me a good breakfast. Breakfast comes at 8am and is 2 pancakes, 2 sausage links, a bowl of oatmeal, OJ, milk and coffee. I eat all of it except for the sausages. Not bad. I put half the maple syrup in the oatmeal as well as squeeze the orange slice that was used to decorate my plate into the bowl. It was really pretty good. I keep the OJ for later, but drink all the milk. I'm feeling pretty good, but VERY groggy. I'm not sure if it is because of the sleeping pills or the magnesium, but I"m a bit unfocused.
Dr. H is making rounds and comes to check on me. She says that I am at least 1 cm dilated, 80% efface and that she can feel the baby's head. This came as a huge surprise. The doctor said that I'd be checked again around 3:30pm when I got my second steroid shot for the baby's lungs. She'd determine what to do after that. Until then, I just needed to hang out on the monitor. I sat in my bed talking to mom or texting Kim or Dennis on my phone. Poor Dennis! His inbox for texts must be full!! :) hahaha I got a little worried about what the doctor said, so I texted him all that needed to be packed for Andrew in case I delivered, since he was either going to Mom and Dad's or Kim's. I know he felt overwhelmed too, since I'm here, he's home as a single parent, and his sister is visiting. Where was the right place for him and what was he supposed to be doing? I understand if he felt somewhat confused about what is role as husband was in this situation, but if I was just going to sit in the hospital and wait, he might as well be doing other things. If we didn't have Andrew or Anette visiting, I would want him to be with me more, but we'd been down this road of false alarm before. He was fine to stay with Andrew. Some might have wondered why he wasn't with me, but I didn't feel bad about it at all. Andrew also had soccer, and Dennis had to get groceries. What sense would t have made for him to sit here? None! I was fine! There wasn't much he could do anyway.
Shortly after 9am, they took me off the magnesium. The bag was still on my IV cart, so I hadn't realized right away that it wasn't being pumped in me. The nurse came back in my rom at about 11:30am. I was in desperate need of wash cloths because my skin still felt really hot. My cheeks and chest were bright red. It looked like I spent yesterday in the sun instead of in the hospital. Also, I needed more water. She brought me in 2 Procardia pills, which were the smae pills I had last night to help with the uterine irritibility. She also told me that my last contraction was about 1/2 hour ago, which meant they were slowing down from yesterday. This was good news, and hopefully, could go home at 3:30pm after my second, steroid shot.
At about 12noon, I started to feel a really strong contraction, so I wasn't so optomistic. I just wanted my lunch to come, soI could take a nap. Ilaid down for about 15 minutes knowing the food would come at 12:30pm. I didn't want to miss it. Sure enough, at 12:30pm, the food lady was there, and it took me a total of 5 minutes to eat a grilled cheese sandwich, a bowl of tomato soup and a cup of mixed, tropical fruit. I kid you not. I inhaled it! :) It was good food, probably because I was starving and pregnant! :) I went slower with my lemonade, peed and went to sleep comfortably on my left side. My noon contraction was a single. No Worries!!
Dennis showed up around 2pm. We talked and slept on and off until the nurses came in to give me my second, steriod shot at 3:30pm. Dennis and the nurse, Carly, held my legs down, while Cherry (nurse) gave me the shot in my right butt cheek. There was much less pain this time around, because Cherry was an excellent nurse. She said to put the alcohol swab on it first, but then to wipe it off so that I didn't have any burning from the alcohol when she actually gave me the shot. How clever. I also didn't have as much desire or reflex to kick, which was good for all involved! :) We waited until 4p when Cherry checked my cervix and gave me 2 more Procardia pills. I need to take them every 6 hours, which means every 4 o'clock and 10 o'clock. I'd have to set my alarms to make sure I didn't forget. Cherry thought that I was definitly 1 cm dilated, but she would say that I was more 50% effaced. It was hard to know whom to believe, but being any percentage effaced still meant that I needed to take things easy.
They released me then from the room, and Dennis and I were escorted down the elevator and to the car, which Dennis pulled to the door for me by the two nurses. I was pushed in a wheel chair the entire time. The nurses were great in the hospital. I would say that they only bad experience would have to be when one of the nurses from Friday couldn't get the IV in because the needle was too large. Ouch!! A week later, my hand still hurt from that. Everyone else was wonderful. They were very supportive and also very nice. They said many nice things to me during the entire process, which seemed odd. I appreciate it though. It was nice to be taken care of even if I wasn't leaving with a baby this time!
Friday, August 31, 2012
33 Weeks and One Big Surprise
On September 4th, Andrew and I went to see Dr. M at 8:30am. This, of course, was a routine checkup, so I didn't think twice about taking Andrew. I also didn't have to have an ultrasound, so I figured that it would be somewhat of a short visit.
We walked back to get my weight, and I weighed in at a solid 153 lbs. Then we went to the NST room, so I could sit on the monitor. It is nice that there are toys in that room, especially plastic animals, which Andrew loves to play with. I just feel badly that I couldn't play with him much, because I have to lay reclined in a chair as much as the chair will recline. I sat on the monitor for about 20 minutes, which is the standard time. As I was sitting there, I noticed that I was having contractions. I could feel a few things, but it didn't really seem severe. The hills on the tape looked to be pretty equal in spacing and in height, which wasn't normal. I just hoped that it wasn't too serious. The baby was very active while I was on the monitor, so I took that as a good sign, and just waited to hear what the doctor would say about the tape.
I went to talk with Dr. M after that, who wanted to check my cervix. This wasn't expected, because I don't think I would have brought Andrew. Who knows how he would respond to having mommy looked over in that way. The doctor also thought it would be a good idea to do another fetal fibernectin swab while she was down there doing the exam. This wasn't an issue, but it appeared that Andrew wanted me to pay attention to him at about the same time. He started to cry right before the doctor actually did anything, so she gave me a second to calm him before she began. I ended up giving him a hug and having him take whatever out of my purse that he needed to make him happy. The doctor came back in, and Andrew was still a little upset. Once he took the 4 pack of crayons out of my purse, he seemed a bit better. He handed them to me as I laid on the table, so I could get them out of the wrapper for him. It was actually a blessing in disguise because focusing on going over crayon colors with him helped my breathing through the rather uncomfortable experience. It wasn't painful to be checked, but it didn't feel good either.
The doctor discovered that I was 1 cm dilated, and since I was having back pain, she thought it would be best for me to go to the hospital to get put on a monitor for further checking. She gave me my test swab and told me to take it with me to the hospital for them to run the labs there.
Luckily, Dennis was able to take Andrew so that I could go to the hospital. His sister was coming in on an afternoon flight for the weekend. Andrew was already excited about going with him, and I was planning on going through cookbooks to plan meals as well as work on getting groceries for the weekend. I need to do a bit more cleaning before she arrived too, but I guess that was all going to go along the waste side, since I had to go to the hospital. When we had a labor scare with Andrew about 34 1/2 weeks, we were at the hospital for about 6 hours our so. I anticipated the same with this visit. I didn't have much discomfort, except for some back cramps. I just assumed that I'd be home by the time Dennis and Andrew came back from the airport with Anette. That's what I thought...at least.
We walked back to get my weight, and I weighed in at a solid 153 lbs. Then we went to the NST room, so I could sit on the monitor. It is nice that there are toys in that room, especially plastic animals, which Andrew loves to play with. I just feel badly that I couldn't play with him much, because I have to lay reclined in a chair as much as the chair will recline. I sat on the monitor for about 20 minutes, which is the standard time. As I was sitting there, I noticed that I was having contractions. I could feel a few things, but it didn't really seem severe. The hills on the tape looked to be pretty equal in spacing and in height, which wasn't normal. I just hoped that it wasn't too serious. The baby was very active while I was on the monitor, so I took that as a good sign, and just waited to hear what the doctor would say about the tape.
I went to talk with Dr. M after that, who wanted to check my cervix. This wasn't expected, because I don't think I would have brought Andrew. Who knows how he would respond to having mommy looked over in that way. The doctor also thought it would be a good idea to do another fetal fibernectin swab while she was down there doing the exam. This wasn't an issue, but it appeared that Andrew wanted me to pay attention to him at about the same time. He started to cry right before the doctor actually did anything, so she gave me a second to calm him before she began. I ended up giving him a hug and having him take whatever out of my purse that he needed to make him happy. The doctor came back in, and Andrew was still a little upset. Once he took the 4 pack of crayons out of my purse, he seemed a bit better. He handed them to me as I laid on the table, so I could get them out of the wrapper for him. It was actually a blessing in disguise because focusing on going over crayon colors with him helped my breathing through the rather uncomfortable experience. It wasn't painful to be checked, but it didn't feel good either.
The doctor discovered that I was 1 cm dilated, and since I was having back pain, she thought it would be best for me to go to the hospital to get put on a monitor for further checking. She gave me my test swab and told me to take it with me to the hospital for them to run the labs there.
Luckily, Dennis was able to take Andrew so that I could go to the hospital. His sister was coming in on an afternoon flight for the weekend. Andrew was already excited about going with him, and I was planning on going through cookbooks to plan meals as well as work on getting groceries for the weekend. I need to do a bit more cleaning before she arrived too, but I guess that was all going to go along the waste side, since I had to go to the hospital. When we had a labor scare with Andrew about 34 1/2 weeks, we were at the hospital for about 6 hours our so. I anticipated the same with this visit. I didn't have much discomfort, except for some back cramps. I just assumed that I'd be home by the time Dennis and Andrew came back from the airport with Anette. That's what I thought...at least.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
33 Weeks: Part One
On Aug. 28th, I went back to Dr. M for the first of my two visits. I was told that I would continue to have two visits a week (Tuesdays and Fridays) until the birth of the baby. Dennis was able to come with me on this trip, which made it a special time. He hadn't been to an appointment in forever, so I was eager for him to see the baby on the ultrasound and maybe get a peek at a 3D image. I just knew that this kid was going to come out looking like his "mini me", and I wanted him to see the ultrasound to prove it. Seeing the pictures that I bring home just isn't the same as watching him on the screen. Everyone says that Andrew looks just like Dennis. I really don't see it, but the baby in the belly was sure proving to be a closer fit.
We started out with the monitor as usual. I felt bad that Dennis had to sit in the room with me and wait out the 20 minutes of me being on this monitor. I know that he had canceled a bunch of meetings to be with me, and I didn't like that he was sitting there doing nothing! The monitor was fine, and everything showed to be normal. We were able to move on to the ultrasound room rather quickly after that, which is when Dennis and I met up with the "bad" tech from last Tuesday. :( I was so bummed that I got her again, and so I made another mental note not to get my next ultrasound on a Tuesday. She again complained about there not being enough room in my belly to get a good picture of the baby. Nonetheless, she printed out a few pictures for us before saying she was done. I asked if she could at least try for a 3D image, since my husband made a special trip to come to this appointment. She tried and gave us one view of the baby. I could tell that Dennis was happy to see his features on the little boy in my belly. It was nice to share that experience with him. Sometimes, it is hard to know what he's thinking or feeling about the whole thing. We already have one son and have been through this all before. This visit showed me that he was getting excited for his second son, to see him and get to know him. It just made everything much more wonderful, even though I still don't like the ultrasound tech.
After we saw the little guy on the screen, I told Dennis that he could leave. It was already an hour after my appointment began, and I didn't want him to miss any more of work. My visit with my doctor was extremely short anyway. We mostly just talked about the results from Andrew's delivery. It turns out that I did NOT have an epidural. Though I had to sit up and they put something in my back, it wasn't an epidural. I knew it. The drug that they injected into my back was a narcotic, but it appeared to be one that didn't reach the baby. It was one that was meant to take the edge off of the pains I was feeling so that I could push. I believe it was called Fentanyl. It gave me some relief to know, finally, what I was given then so that I would be ready to have this baby knowing that I can do it without an epidural. :)
We started out with the monitor as usual. I felt bad that Dennis had to sit in the room with me and wait out the 20 minutes of me being on this monitor. I know that he had canceled a bunch of meetings to be with me, and I didn't like that he was sitting there doing nothing! The monitor was fine, and everything showed to be normal. We were able to move on to the ultrasound room rather quickly after that, which is when Dennis and I met up with the "bad" tech from last Tuesday. :( I was so bummed that I got her again, and so I made another mental note not to get my next ultrasound on a Tuesday. She again complained about there not being enough room in my belly to get a good picture of the baby. Nonetheless, she printed out a few pictures for us before saying she was done. I asked if she could at least try for a 3D image, since my husband made a special trip to come to this appointment. She tried and gave us one view of the baby. I could tell that Dennis was happy to see his features on the little boy in my belly. It was nice to share that experience with him. Sometimes, it is hard to know what he's thinking or feeling about the whole thing. We already have one son and have been through this all before. This visit showed me that he was getting excited for his second son, to see him and get to know him. It just made everything much more wonderful, even though I still don't like the ultrasound tech.
After we saw the little guy on the screen, I told Dennis that he could leave. It was already an hour after my appointment began, and I didn't want him to miss any more of work. My visit with my doctor was extremely short anyway. We mostly just talked about the results from Andrew's delivery. It turns out that I did NOT have an epidural. Though I had to sit up and they put something in my back, it wasn't an epidural. I knew it. The drug that they injected into my back was a narcotic, but it appeared to be one that didn't reach the baby. It was one that was meant to take the edge off of the pains I was feeling so that I could push. I believe it was called Fentanyl. It gave me some relief to know, finally, what I was given then so that I would be ready to have this baby knowing that I can do it without an epidural. :)
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
32 Weeks (two times the appointments/ two times the fun) right?
On Aug. 21, 12, I met with my OB/GYN again for the first of my two, routine visits for this week. My weight is now officially over 150. When did it get to be so much?? I started out on the fetal monitor. The baby was great with movements, which I would have to say is the opposite of Andrew. He never seemed to be active when anyone was looking. :) I was actually surprised to learn that I was having some minor contractions at this visit. I thought it was just heartburn, but I had heard that when you feel cramps in your lower abdomen, those are Braxton Hicks contractions (fake ones to prep your uterus for the real thing). Maybe that was what I was having during this visit, since I didn't really feel anything. My heartburn did start the night before, so it could have been that I was just a bit used to the feeling. Who knows.
I then when to get an ultrasound to have the fluid check around the baby. Though it was a bit on the high side as usual, the doctor wasn't worried. I guess I had proved that I was just a high-fluid kind of gal. :) I didn't have the best experience with the tech who did the ultrasound. She really wasn't very good at her job. This was my first experience with her, and she kept saying that she couldn't get a good reading because the baby wasn't cooperative. Whatever! She should be used to uncooperative babies. She also couldn't get a good picture of the baby. I made a mental note about her. Hopefully, I won't get her again.
When I went to talk with the doctor after that, she mentioned that they were still in the process of getting the drug records from my first labor/delivery session. It is hard to believe that after almost 2 1/2 years, I still can't say for sure if I had an epidural. I would really like to know what I had in order to know what I should get with this baby. She said that there was some mix up before, and the form never got sent. Though annoyed, I overlooked it as long as the issue was being looked into now. At 33 weeks, I didn't have much time before I would deliver again, and I really wanted that information.
My second appointment of the week was on Aug. 24, 12. I was officially 152 lbs.,but I didn't really feel that big. I guess it was because most people told me how tiny I was. The belly must have made me look super small, since it was super big! :) Lots of people couldn't believe that I was due in October, since they thought I was due any day. Neither they nor I could fathom my growing any bigger before it was all said and done. :)
Andrew went with me to this appointment. I started with the monitor as usual, and he played with the toys that they had in the room. The monitor showed that I had a few minor contractions with very little movement. I guess this must have sent off some flags with the doctor, because the doctor wanted me to get an ultrasound to check on the baby's movements that way. I thought it was kind of neat that Andrew could see his brother on the monitor. He wasn't a big fan of the dark room, and I'm sure he didn't really know what he was looking at. Nonetheless, I still felt that it was a special moment to have my big guy there. The baby moved much more with the ultrasound, but the doctor still wanted to do another swab test (fetal fibernectin) to see if I would go into preterm labor. Since the last swab test was negative and the baby was moving just fine, I wasn't too worried about this swab test or about the procautions the doctor was taking. I was glad for his concern, though.
I then when to get an ultrasound to have the fluid check around the baby. Though it was a bit on the high side as usual, the doctor wasn't worried. I guess I had proved that I was just a high-fluid kind of gal. :) I didn't have the best experience with the tech who did the ultrasound. She really wasn't very good at her job. This was my first experience with her, and she kept saying that she couldn't get a good reading because the baby wasn't cooperative. Whatever! She should be used to uncooperative babies. She also couldn't get a good picture of the baby. I made a mental note about her. Hopefully, I won't get her again.
When I went to talk with the doctor after that, she mentioned that they were still in the process of getting the drug records from my first labor/delivery session. It is hard to believe that after almost 2 1/2 years, I still can't say for sure if I had an epidural. I would really like to know what I had in order to know what I should get with this baby. She said that there was some mix up before, and the form never got sent. Though annoyed, I overlooked it as long as the issue was being looked into now. At 33 weeks, I didn't have much time before I would deliver again, and I really wanted that information.
My second appointment of the week was on Aug. 24, 12. I was officially 152 lbs.,but I didn't really feel that big. I guess it was because most people told me how tiny I was. The belly must have made me look super small, since it was super big! :) Lots of people couldn't believe that I was due in October, since they thought I was due any day. Neither they nor I could fathom my growing any bigger before it was all said and done. :)
Andrew went with me to this appointment. I started with the monitor as usual, and he played with the toys that they had in the room. The monitor showed that I had a few minor contractions with very little movement. I guess this must have sent off some flags with the doctor, because the doctor wanted me to get an ultrasound to check on the baby's movements that way. I thought it was kind of neat that Andrew could see his brother on the monitor. He wasn't a big fan of the dark room, and I'm sure he didn't really know what he was looking at. Nonetheless, I still felt that it was a special moment to have my big guy there. The baby moved much more with the ultrasound, but the doctor still wanted to do another swab test (fetal fibernectin) to see if I would go into preterm labor. Since the last swab test was negative and the baby was moving just fine, I wasn't too worried about this swab test or about the procautions the doctor was taking. I was glad for his concern, though.
Friday, August 17, 2012
OB/GYN Visit (Aug. 17, 12)
32 Weeks begins my twice a week schedule with my OB/GYN.
I'm back at the doctor's office to do another glucose test. I have to admit that I'm beginning to feel that this is really unneccesary, but I go along with it because it is what is asked of me. I first start out drinking the fruit punch, which makes the baby move like crazy. I was then placed on the monitor where everything seemed normal. No contractions that I could tell of and no issues with the baby. My next stop was to get an ultrasound of the baby's movement and heartrate, which was 144. He looked good on both tests.
I met with my doctor next, and she told me that with all the tests I just took, the baby proved to be an 8 out of 10. I just couldn't see how he could be any better, but an 8 was good enough for me. It just meant that I didn't have to worry. I had to get undressed to do a swab test. She wanted to test the proteins in my sucretions. The lab tech who was supposed to take my blood actually came to me in the exam room and took the blood there. It was rather unorthodox, but it meant less waiting time for me in the lobby.
I'm back at the doctor's office to do another glucose test. I have to admit that I'm beginning to feel that this is really unneccesary, but I go along with it because it is what is asked of me. I first start out drinking the fruit punch, which makes the baby move like crazy. I was then placed on the monitor where everything seemed normal. No contractions that I could tell of and no issues with the baby. My next stop was to get an ultrasound of the baby's movement and heartrate, which was 144. He looked good on both tests.
I met with my doctor next, and she told me that with all the tests I just took, the baby proved to be an 8 out of 10. I just couldn't see how he could be any better, but an 8 was good enough for me. It just meant that I didn't have to worry. I had to get undressed to do a swab test. She wanted to test the proteins in my sucretions. The lab tech who was supposed to take my blood actually came to me in the exam room and took the blood there. It was rather unorthodox, but it meant less waiting time for me in the lobby.
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