25 weeks down...10 weeks to go?
I went for a regular check-up on Friday, and thought it would be another in-and-out deal. Nothing bad happened, but it definitely wasn't brief.
The doctor told me we could start doing my pre-term labor monitoring as soon as necessary. As you all know, I have been having contractions. Lots of them. Some of them have been mildly painful, and I have had four in one hour (the cut-off for pre-term monitoring). After hearing all this, the doctor seemed to panic. She decided to start doing testing right then. So, I got to strip down and get a good, old-fashioned, legs-in-the-stirrups exam. And, I get to do it again. Weekly. Until the baby is born.
The good news is, all is well in Bunny-land (this babe's nickname, just so's y'know). The baby is still high and everything down yonder is closed-up tight. The test I am getting done should tell us when the baby will be born (within one to three weeks, actually). So, if we end up with a positive test before 35-or-so weeks, I'll more than likely get shipped off to the nearest hospital with a NICU until the baby is born or I get to 36 weeks (the cut off for delivery at the local hospital).
My doc also doled out some stricter guidelines for my activity, too. I can't walk or do any other load-bearing exercises (weight lifting, stair climbing, etc.). She also told me to stop lifting anything heavier than around 10 pounds. When I asked her what I could do, she smiled and said housework would be ok (as long as it didn't involve lifting, of course). Thank God I get to do something...hehe!
As near as we can tell, I'll end up giving birth around the same time I did with Alden (this estimate comes from some statistical information and my doctor's best guess given my previous history). That means we could see Bunny as soon as 10 weeks from now (or s/he could hang out for 14 weeks, so we make it to term *fingers crossed*). Ten weeks seems like so little time. Thank goodness we have the holidays to keep me occupied, or I think I'd be going nuts! I have so much I want to do, and these early restrictions are cramping my style (um, no pun intended).
*ETA: Since I received a comment telling me to relax, I thought it might be a good idea to clarify a few things. So, I've edited this a bit. I am not freaked out. Really. =)
3 comments:
This made sense until you wrote ten weeks. Where did it come from? Everything sounds good except for some contractions. So you can still go full term. Stay calm and think positive that you will be able to give your baby all the womb time s/he still needs to develop properly. Don't let a panicky doctor panic you.
Hey, anonymous. Thanks for your concern. As I said, ten weeks is the soonest we *might* have this baby based on my history with my last pregnancy (which I'm not sure you're familiar with, since you wrote your comment anonymously). You'll notice I also said things may go all the way to full-term (that being 14 or more weeks). I think my doctor is being overly cautious, but it's a good thing, given my history.
I'm not freaked out about how early this baby might come because of the pre-term/prematurity issue. Sorry if you misunderstood that. I'm mostly concerned about how much I have to do and want to get done, but can't because I've been put on restrictions so early this time around.
This post was meant to update my family and friends on how my pregnancy is going. All of them are aware of my past experience, and like to check in with how things are progressing this time around. I admit I was less worried about my pre-term with Alden (thank you naivete), than I am this time around. But, I'm definitely not panicking. I hope this clears things up for you. =)
Hi Meagan!
If you need or want help around the house for a day or two, or an evening between now and when the baby comes, just write an email or call.
Your willing slave while you take it easy,
Claudia
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