Well, life has a funny way of going a bit pear shaped, doesn't it? :)
I went for my routine 29+3 OB visit yesterday, worried about baby being breech again and that was it. Other than my rib pain and some more discharge, I didn't actually have too many questions for my doctor.
After a quick chat, we started my scan. Baby girl looked perfect! Measured within a few days of our estimated due date, approximately 1.4kg in weight, cute as a button. During that belly scan though, the OB commented that he'd like to recheck my cervix to see where it was at.
(He later told me that he could already see an issue on that scan, but wanted to check first before worrying me.)
So... out came dildo cam, and that's here the bad news started. My cervix (which was 3+cm, long and closed just two weeks ago) has full funneling with membranes/fluid, and the closed portion has shortened to less than 1cm. In essence, it's both bulging and shortening in a very short time, which puts me at insane risk of preterm labour and having an extremely early delivery.
I was sent home to pack a hospital bag immediately, while the OB organised a second scan at a formal sonography place to confirm growth, measurements and cervical incompetency. Unfortunately, the results were the same. Seemingly healthy baby girl, on par for dates, but drastically reduced cervix with lots of funneling. Both the OB and the MFM doctor recommended hospital grade rest.
Here we are. Complete bed rest, only allowed up to pee/shower. I can sit up to eat, but then back down again. Compression stockings at the ready. Plenty of lying still with legs up, trying to fatten up this baby by keeping her baking at least another few weeks. I'm petrified of having her come too soon, but I'm doing everything I can to keep her in - as are my wonderful team of doctors/midwives. I've had two shots of steroids just in case, I'm on progesterone for my cervix, and I'm on medications to stop contractions/infections. There's nothing I can do now but wait and see.
It's super tough, but I'll do anything to have this little girl arrive healthy - and preferably a little later.
First milestone is 30 weeks, which will be on Saturday.
Second milestone is 31 weeks, when I'll be re-scanned to see if there's been any change.
Third milestone is 32 weeks, when I *may* be allowed to go home to continue bed rest.
My doctor is brilliant for picking this up - and I'm so thankful we've been doing regular cervical checks so that he can see that this big jump has happened quickly, and acted accordingly. I trust him. He can't guarantee anything, but the one thing he did say, was that he doesn't think we'll get to 36 weeks, like I did with Georgia. That scares me, because another baby in the NICU/SCN is what I was desperately hoping to avoid. Not going to happen, so I need to readjust my goals for the pregnancy.
Lucky she's cute, hey? :)
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15 comments:
Thinking of you and sending positivity your way! Keep baking sweetheart! xx
You can do this! Bed rest is SO hard. I was on bed rest for 12 weeks with my first - some of it in the hospital - starting at 24 weeks. And, against all odds, we made it to 36 weeks. It wasn't easy but it was worth it and I am so thankful for the doctors who took such good care of us. Every time I see my beautiful now 6 year old I realize how lucky I am! You will get through this difficult time - I can't wait until you are holding your beautiful baby girl!
I'm sorry this is happening, but everything crossed the bed rest does its job! Stay in, baby!
The exact same thing happened to me when I was 28 weeks pregnant with my girls. At my 28 week scan my cervix was completely thinned. Luckily we made it to 30 weeks before they were born. It allowed time to give me the steroid shots for their lungs to develop.
Oh gosh. After everything you've already been through. Sending so many good thoughts your way. I'm desperately hoping for you that she stays in atleast a few more weeks and is healthy with as little complications as possible.
This has to be so scary and stressful. I'm so sorry! Sending positive thoughts, vibes, and many prayers your way. xo
Lawsy, keep baking, bebe!
xox
Oh my bed rest sounds AWFUL. So glad you have a good doctor on your side! Hang in there!
so glad your OB caught this!! T&Ps that baby girl keeps baking for a bit more!
Thank goodness for modern medicine and the ability to catch issues like this. THANK GOODNESS. I'm sorry you are stuck in the hospital on bed rest and will be crossing all my limbs that you're able to go home for bed rest at least. Hopefully all the medicine you are getting will keep baby girl nice and snug in your belly for several more weeks. Hang in there, mama. I'm thinking of you and your sweet family. <3
Hello. Thought I'd check in and see how u 2 were going. I'm glad they have picked this up and you're in the best place for bed rest. Hope you have some good books to read. Hope bubs stays put for a few weeks more for you. Take it easy huh X Christina p.s. On a break from FB but miss hearing from you. I just HAD to get off there.
I love that your doctor is so with it and caught this! I hope your little girl stays put as long as possible, but if she doesn't stay as long as 36 weeks, she is getting the best care possible beforehand. I hope you find something to keep you busy while on bed rest. I know I'd go crazy, but I'd also be happy that it was something I could 'do' for my little one.
Stay in there baby girl! We don't want to meet you just yet!
So thankful that your docs are on high alert and caught this when they did! I hope you're resting and that baby girl stays put for as long as possible as a result.
I saw one of your posts on Hellobee, and I found my way over here. My water broke with my twins at 25 weeks, and I was in the hospital on bedrest for 6.5 weeks until they were born at 31+3. Baby A had a six week stay in the NICU, and Baby B was there for 7 weeks. They are now home, healthy, and it's all just a memory now.
I have a three year old as well, and I was on bedrest about two hours from our house. It was hard on everyone, but she adores her brothers, and it seems like she's already over the separation.
I just wanted to share my story, and tell you that there is a light at the end of the tunnel! 31 weekers are little, but they're not as scary as the really tiny preemies.
Best wishes, and I hope your little girl stays put for as long as possible!
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