Bedrest

Because Suzanne has already written about it in great detail (and at great length), there's no need for me to reinvent the wheel with this little bit of info. So I have cut and pasted from her post for the benefit of the few people who read my blog but not hers:

"The news is still a little fresh, but I thought this was the best way to let all of my family and friends know what's going on with the pregnancy. I had a doctor's appt with my maternal fetal specialists this morning. I took the girls, they were excited to see the baby on the ultrasound for the first time. Baby Girl has not been enjoying these ultrasounds (I've been having them every 2 weeks since about 20 weeks gestation). Every time they try and get a shot of her face, she either turns away or puts her little arms and hands over her face. The doctor even did a close-up on her mouth because he thought that maybe she was sucking her fingers, but no...she was covering her face. Funny girl already. Anyway, the ultrasound went normally and she is growing and things are fine. She is up to around 3 lbs, and the length couldn't be measured because she is all curled up now.

After the normal belly sonogram, they did the cervical length measurement, which not to get too graphic with y'all, but this one involves "the probe". The girls were not thrilled about having to be present for this portion of the appt. They were shielding their eyes and Maryn was even covering her ears (she later told me she thought I was going to scream like they do on "Baby Story". I guess I have some more explaining to do...) Anyway, they took the measurement and what is considered "normal" at this point in my pregnancy would be a "4". That is how long the cervix is before it thins and you start to dilate. I've been at a 4 this whole time. I was at a 4 on June 16 (my last appt.). Today it was a 2.4. Yep. Not good. He was quite surprised, as was I.

He asked me what I'd been doing over the past couple weeks, and I guess looking back I've been doing more than I should. Physically I've been doing more--we went garage saling on Saturday, we went hiking on Monday, I've been rearranging things in the house to get the baby's room ready. But I've also been stressed emotionally--I think I mentioned in my last post that there have been a few hormonal outbursts and more tears than I'd like to admit. But I didn't think that any of this was above and beyond the call of a normal pregnancy. Silly me.

The Dr. is a specialist for a reason. His job is to prevent premature labor. So in light of that, he officially diagnosed me with preterm labor and ordered me to bed rest. There are a few conditions. He says that if I'm super careful this week and come back in a week and things are the same, I can continue the rest of my pregnancy on "semi-bed-rest" which means I don't have to live my life reclined, but still have to limit my exertion and movement significantly. But if things aren't better and my cervical length is shorter, I will be on permanent bedrest and if things get any worse than that, may have to be hospitalized.

The goal now is to get me to 32 weeks gestation (but obviously beyond that as well). Anything before that is too risky for the baby...he informed me of how risky and it gives me chills. I certainly don't want that to happen. I guess I'm still a little stunned and not really digesting the reality of the situation. I'm not supposed to stand or sit for any long period of time. I'm supposed to be reclined to take pressure off of the cervix, and preferably be laying down on my left or right side like all of the time. I can get up to use the bathroom, eat, and shower but that's about it. I asked him about church. He said "not this week". So basically it's the couch or my bed for me for the next 7 days...at least. Hopefully after that I can go back to "semi-bed rest" where I can maybe sit at the computer rather than lay and try and type on the lap-top (this is hard!) We'll see.

The Dr. told the girls they'd have to start pitching in more at home. He asked them if they could cook anything and Avery informed him that he was her Dad's "sous-chef" when he makes cookies and brownies. Maryn told him she could make a sandwich and pour milk. He smiled and my life kind of flashed before my eyes a little bit. They are really going to have to grow up in the next couple months. It's probably a good thing, they'll need to be more independent when the baby comes, but I feel badly that they will have to take on so much responsibility. Oh man, here come the emotions!!

Anyway, not to make this a novel or anything (I don't really have anything else to do now anyway, hum dee dum), but I just thought I would let you know what's going on. I really think we'll be fine. Seriously. Looking on the bright side of things, the girls are old enough that I don't have to chase them around the house and they can wipe their own behinds. It's not like I need help with them. And Mark's summer schedule is becoming a blessing in disguise. He's teaching what's considered "full-time", but gets home every day around 2 and has Fridays off. Because of that I know we'll be okay. I know it will be hard for him to do more than he's already doing, but will find a way to make it work.

I got a blessing from him and my home teacher last Friday night and was reminded that Heavenly Father is aware of me and my struggles and loves me and I only need to turn to Him in prayer and scripture study for comfort and peace. I can see the wisdom in those words more now than at the time. I know I will be okay. I know the baby will be okay. Regardless of how the next couple months play out, I know that He is there and wants the best for me and my family. Please keep us in your prayers. More than anything that I can sit still and have some patience for once in my life!! So much for nesting!!"