Well, the news today from the doctor wasn't exactly great, but it wasn't really unexpected either. To put it simply, my cervix is hanging on by a thread. Literally.
At the first ultrasound, my cervix measured 5 cm thick, at the 2nd it was at about 4 cm. Today it is almost completely non-existant up to the stitch. Interpretation: the only thing keeping me out of the delivery room is the 36 stitch cerclage.
The jury is still out about whether or not I am to be ordered on full-time bedrest. Apparently there seems to be some debate as to whether or not increasing the bedrest would actually do any good. The jury is also out about the gestational diabetes test. Results for that should be in in about a week.
The good news? Our baby girl is right on target as far as development. In fact, she's actually measuring 1 day ahead of schedule. The ultrasound technician estimates that she is currently weighing in at about 2 lbs 8 oz. Also, on the ultrasound the cerclage is looking really good. Apparently it's "in a really good place and holding strong." (Ultrasound lady's words, not mine.)
So, the question that I keep getting is, "what now?" Well, from now on I will be having ultrasounds every 2 weeks to make sure my cervix isn't about to tear itself away from the stitches. (Can we say OUCH?) We are also directed to be kick counting and on the lookout for any signs of pre-term labor or signs of the aforementioned cervix tearing.
I also have an appointment on Monday to get a shot of steroids. 24 hours after that, I will go in for a second hit. The hope is that the steroids will accelerate the baby's lung and organ development. These two doses of steroids can be beneficial up to 4 weeks after administration. This is a "just in case" precaution. You know, like, just in case my body decides to go crazy and defy the cerclage. I keep telling my uterus to remember how bad it was last time it pulled one of its fits. Hopefully if I keep repeating "magnesium sulfate" (the torture medication the doctor uses to stop or slow preterm labor) often enough, I should scare my body into obedience.
My doctor has set the new goal for 32 weeks. If I can make it to 32 weeks, then my local hospital's NICU will be equipped to take care of the baby. However, if I go into unstoppable labor prior to that mark, then my doctor will send me by ambulance to a hospital about an hour from here. I'm nervous about that possibility, but at least I know someone who works in respiratory therapy at that hospital, so that helps.
So long story short... keep your fingers crossed for us at least the next 3 1/2 weeks.
Also, I've had several people ask about our baby registry. I pretty much finished it, so for those of you who are interested in it, you can find it HERE. Thank you all for your prayers and support. We really do appreciate it and we know it's making a difference.
About Me
- Malone and Brittany
- About us? Where can I begin? Our little family has been through more ups and downs than can be described here. It has been a roller coaster since day one. Join us as we continue on our crazy ride.
10 comments:
I would do some research before giving the baby steroid shots especially as a "just in case" proceedure. giving the baby shots can greatly increase the chances of developing autism. I'm not trying to sway your opinion one way or another I would just check it out the pros and cons before you did anything.
I hope everything goes well and I will be praying that you make it full term!!!! :)
Thanks for the input Kayla. A couple of clarifications: the baby won't be getting the shots, I will. The steroids will be effectively "filtered" through me. Also, as far as the doses of steroids that I am scheduled for, every study that's been done shows that the benefits far outweigh the risks in a situation like this. The occurrence of negative side effects to the child are very rare, and the chances of the negative side effects being serious to the child are EXTREMELY rare. Of course, this is taking into consideration that we are doing a one-time treatment as opposed to weekly treatments. The weekly treatments are the ones that have been shown to have negative side-effects, and are rarely done anymore. We feel really confident in our doctors who are recommending this treatment. Both our regular OB and the Perinatologist (high risk pregnancy doctor in Laman's terms) who is on our medical team. I have heard that some shots to infants and children, like vaccinations, can increase their chances of getting autism though. I'll have to look into that some more.
You and Malone will be in my prayers. Hang in there girl, just a few more weeks.
Great to hear baby is doing so well and a bit ahead of schedule. Scary stuff knowing your body is trying to evacuate already. Thank heavens for the wonders of modern medicine and that you have had wonderful, talented doctors watching over you and having put in the cerclage that is holding tight. Hope all continues to go well for the next 3 weeks. you are in our prayers.
WOW! As i've mentioned in the past, you simply amaze me. You have got to be one of the strongest persons I know. The Lord knows what's best for your princess, and she will come at the right time. Prayes are sent to you from Phoenix! Love ya & thanks for sharing your registry!!!
ok---breath---, total panic here on this end. Calling the temple. You have come so far and we are all cheering for you and your little girl. (Thank goodness it's a girl.)I really hope they don't have you on a mag. drip soon but remember I did it for 5 weeks! So it can be done. This will all be worth it in the end. I am scared for you both and you know it. Call me if you need to just talk. I am praying up a storm for you.
You hang in the Brittany! Only 3 weeks. You can do it! You are in our prayers. Believe in miracles. I know I do!
We are keeping you guys in our prayers and hope the doctors can do everything they can to help you and the baby (stay in there)! It sounds like they are on top of everything and taking good care of you!
When I was pregnant with the twins, my cervix was completely dilated, too. The dr could feel his head on the other side of the cervix, but it was closed. The cerclage was the only thing holding them in. I survived like that probably about 8 weeks. So, hang in there. The Lord is in charge.
I hope everything goes well and I will be praying that you make it full term
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