My Pregnancy: Week 28

This week has been good, for the most part.  I had my 2nd round of steroids at the beginning, the only bad part about that was that it messed with my sleep cycle.  I’m still working on getting back into my routine.  The nurses offer me Ambien every night, and I tried it the first night, but I really don’t want to have to rely on it to sleep.  Not to mention, it didn’t really work all that well when I did try it.

Yesterday morning, after a night of no sleep, I called my nurse at around 530am to come and hook me up for the non-stress test.  I just had a strange feeling about the baby because he had not been moving as usual.  The day before that, I was given Benadryl for some red patches that popped up on my arms.  I assumed the Benadryl was the reason why the baby had been not moving as much, but I was ready to see his heart rate to reassure myself everything was ok.

They usually leave me on the nst for 20 minutes or so.  I had been on for 45 minutes when all of a sudden a team of doctors and nurses rush into my room.  They were explaining that the baby’s heart rate had dropped (70-80ish, his norm is 120-140′s)  and they needed to give me oxygen, have me turn and then do an internal sterile speculum and glove exam to check for cord prolapse and dilation.  The exam checked out well and once I turned and got some oxygen, his heart rate came back up.  It was terrifying, I just knew I was 5 minutes away from an emergency c-section.  They even sent the anesthesiologist in.

I stayed on the monitors for about 2 more hours and everything was fine.  The MFM specialist and my usual resident came in and said that it’s likely this happens more often than we know, but there’s no way to tell because I’m not constantly on the monitor.  They weren’t worried about it, especially once his heart rate came back to normal so quickly.

In other news, my blood pressure has been great all week.  It makes me feel good because that’s just one less complication we have to worry about.

My Pregnancy: Second Dose of Steroids

Today I had a new MFM specialist and resident.  They came in early this morning with a plan to re-dose me on the steroids starting today.  I told them i needed some time to think about it, since I was considering doing it at 30 weeks instead of 28.  Of course, there’s no guarantee I’ll get to 30 weeks, and if I were to go into labor there would be no time to do the rescue dose.

I was initially  confused, as my regular specialist and I didn’t discuss doing this and he’s currently away at a conference, so I can’t ask him.  But after I had breakfast and I was able to wrap my brain around the possibilities and talk to my nurse (who is amazing, has been here 25 years and is a wealth of knowledge) and decide to do the dose now. I think this will be a good option, as I’ve read about good outcomes in babies who’ve had the steroids even after the time of maximum efficacy.

My non-stress tests have been going great and the baby is very active.  This is such a blessing because of the limited space he has and I love feeling him roll around and kick, it’s so reassuring.

My Pregnancy: Week 27

This week, I was admitted to the hospital and I had a second level II ultrasound.  The ultrasound showed good things, all of the baby’s parts were right on target, growth-wise.  The stomach, kidneys and bladder were functioning well and the brain was just right.  That is amazing news.  They estimated the weight at 2 lbs.  My doctor is about 90% sure that he saw boy parts when he checked for gender.

Being in the hospital is proving to be quite a transition for me.  As nice as the facilities are, it can get very lonely.  I am on the same hall as the delivery suites a couple of them are just feet away from my door, yet the soundproofing here is amazing and I can never hear a thing.  In a way, the sensory deprivation is bothersome but I guess it’s better than hearing a woman in pain at 3am?  My nurses only come in around every 6 hours to take my blood pressure and temp.  It’s not so bad when my husband is able to be here, but otherwise it’s definitely a challenge.

My nurse tonight mentioned in passing that there was a plan in my file to deliver the baby around 32-34 weeks.  I would have much preferred to hear this from my doctor, rather than a random nurse I met 30 seconds previously.  Hopefully on Monday, I’ll get a chance to discuss that information with my (favorite) specialist.  Until then, I have to see the other one.  He’s actually got quite a depressing manner, so I’m not his #1 fan.

Prayers are definitely needed for continued stability for myself and the baby.  It seems like I am stressing over the littlest things here lately and I know that’s not good at all.

My Pregnancy: Hospital Admission

I am updating this tonight from my hospital room.  I was admitted yesterday after my appointment with the MFM specialist.  Moving in wasn’t all that eventful, except for having an iv hookup installed in my hand and some routine blood work.

This morning, I was up at 5 for my glucose testing and non-stress test, I should find out the blood work results sometime this week.  The iv on my hand was very bothersome and made it hard to sleep or do much of anything (it’s on my dominant hand) and today I asked one of my nurses if I still needed it…and she removed it!  That was the best part of the day, for sure.  I could understand the need for it if I were receiving fluids or medication, but I’m not and I haven’t.

Prayers are being answered, the baby and I have been very stable lately (even if the baby doesn’t always have much fluid.)  I’m definitely hoping for my stay here to be a long one, so that the baby has the most time to develop and grow.

My Pregnancy: Week 26

This week started out well with a trip to the MFM specialist.  My fundal height was right on track and they were really surprised about that, considering the lack of fluid.  The heartbeat sounded great, too.  I told my doctor that I was planning on being admitted the following week, of course he thought that was a great idea so that I could be close to the NICU.  He asked me to go ahead and move in and plan on being there until the baby is born..whether that’s next week or March.  Overall, it was a great appointment.

Fast forward a few hours, we’re almost home after having lunch and a leisurely roll around Target in the wheelchair.  I suddenly get this pain in my back off to the left side, in the area between the bottom of my ribcage and my hip.  It really hurts and as we get closer to the house, it radiates around front to just left of my navel.  I can’t really explain the sensation, but it was intense pain.  I didn’t really think it was anything related to the baby because it was fairly high and didn’t feel like anything related to my uterus.  But, the pain caused me to start contracting.

As soon as I got home I had my husband call our friend who is an RN in the OB/GYN department at my hospital.  She said to use a heating pad and/or take a Tylenol and try to relax.  I was freaking out because I really needed to shave my legs (of all things, right?!) just in case I had to go back to the hospital.  Hello, I’ve been on bed rest for 9 weeks and my leg shaving situation has faced some serious neglect.  So, I head to the bathroom panting from the pain and start shaving.  That probably takes me 10 minutes, and after I finish up the pain is a lot less severe than before.  I pop a Tylenol and lay down and things get a lot better.  After that, I slept for several hours and luckily the pain didn’t come back.  Although, I have to say it was probably the scariest situation so far in my pregnancy.

The next day, I had my appointment with my regular OB.  I think it was the best appointment I’ve had since I’ve been pregnant.  My fundal height measured 27-28 weeks, and during the ultrasound the baby measured 27 weeks by the head, stomach and femur measurements.  My doctor also found a sizable pocket of fluid and saw lung movement.  This was all great news, especially the possibility of lung function.  I’m also really happy that the baby is measuring right along with my actual conception date.

Throughout the past week, I’ve continued to lose fluid and I’m still supplementing.  Next week is going to be pretty busy for me, at least at first.  I have another appointment with the specialist on Monday, my Glucola test and I’m moving in to the hospital.

My Pregnancy: Week 25

At the appointment today we got some pretty good news.  The specialist decided to do an ultrasound to check cervical length.  This past week has worried me, baby-wise and I had some concerns that must have come through during the appointment.  The ultrasound showed us good things.  My cervix is still long (4.5cm) and there was some fluid around the baby.  Not a substantial amount, but fluid is fluid in this situation so I was happy to see it.  The baby is also growing and is moving well.

I had  a 4 day span where I retained fluid last week.  That was during my steroid treatment so I’m hoping the baby was able to get the maximum benefit.  My doctors are still wanting to admit me every week and I feel like I’m closer to having an idea of when I am going to go.  I feel like 27 weeks will be a good time.  The steroid treatment will be able to be repeated after that time, not to mention it’s close enough to 28 weeks for me to feel more comfortable about actually being in the hospital.  Before then, I find that it’s really just a toss-up as to whether it could actually benefit us.  Not to mention, for now I am doing well at home.  The biggest reason my doctors want me in, they’ve told me, is in case of placental abruption.  I have to say, I am right there with them on that one.

The doctor said today that I could very well be in for a long hospital stay. I’m glad they see the possibilities now.

Steroid and Antibiotic Therapy, etc.

Today is day two of my steroid and antibiotic treatment.  I must say, if you choose or are able to do steroid treatment at home, you may have to tie yourself to your bed or couch.  After two months of being completely sedentary…all I want to do is go, go, go!  Luckily, my husband took me for a spin around the grocery store in my trusty wheelchair.  Really though, it’s given me way more energy than I can handle, I can’t even sleep more than an hour or so at a time.  Thankfully, I’ll be done with the treatment by 8am tomorrow.

I wanted to update and expand on several of the supplements I’ve been taking.  I’ve turned in to a pill popper extraordinaire, which is saying something for someone who used to have trouble taking a Tylenol.

A couple weeks ago I started a bottle of Standard Process Collagen-C supplements.  I can honestly say these are amazing.  I have resealed and accumulated fluid TWICE now (for at least 48 hours each time) since I’ve been taking these.  There’s no guarantee, of course, that it is because of the supplement.  I only know how the timing looks.

I got my shipment in today with the Neuromins DHA and Primal Defense Ultra.  Yes, I upgraded on the Primal Defense.  Mainly, because I was going to be on the antibiotic therapy and I wanted to be absolutely sure all my good bacteria would be replenished.  And, the Neuromins are for brain development for the baby now and it will also be available through my breast milk after the birth.

In addition to those supplements, I’m also still taking at least 3 grams  of vitamin C daily, 800 iu of E, Standard Process Utrophin PMG, Garden of Life Perfect Food and Source of Life Liquid Prenatal.  If anything, I have felt a lot healthier since I started supplementing.  I also feel like they are very beneficial for the baby.

Yesterday during my appointment, I met with one of the midwives who also happens to be a Nurse Practitioner.  I explained to her about my C & E supplementation and she wrote down the specifics of what I’ve been doing.  Then she mentioned that she was going to check into doing a study about it!  I think that will be wonderful for future women who experience pPROM because then it may be something that is suggested to them.

I can’t explain how much I want the word to get out about the options available with this complication.  Yes, it is beyond serious and it is very scary.  But there are treatment options and there is a glimmer of hope!  The more hospitals, midwives and doctors who know about this, the better it is for everyone.

My Pregnancy: Week 24

Today I had another visit with the specialist.  We didn’t talk for very long but we ultimately decided to do the outpatient steroid treatment and round 2 of antibiotic therapy.  I was prescribed 4mg Dexamethasone every 8 hours for 2 days, 500mg Ampicillin every 6 hours for 7 days and 500mg Azithromycin once a day for 7 days.  The dosing is going to be a little tricky with each of these having specific times and instructions for use, such as taking the Dexamethasone with food, and the Ampicillin 1 hour before or 2-3 hours after a meal on an empty stomach.  After the first two days it’ll get easier, that’s for sure.  I’m going to stick with all of my current supplements also, during the steroid/antibiotic treatment.  Especially the Primal Defense which has shown to be a lifesaver when it comes to taking antibiotics. (A little shoutout to Donna here, [you pPROM Facebookers will know who I'm talking about]  Thank you SO much for the Primal Defense recommendation, it has been absolutely amazing..I already have another shipment on the way!)

I’m taking everything on a week-by-week basis.  As long as everything keeps progressing well and the baby and I am healthy, I would like to wait until January 4th (week 28) to be admitted to the hospital…if not longer.  Of course, all of my plans depend on the baby, so anything can change at any time.  I feel very confident in being able to self monitor at home, and for the most part my health care team seems to be on board with that plan.   I am able to feel the baby, so that is a huge benefit.

I added a new feature to my page, the pPROM Survey.  It is for women who have experienced premature preterm rupture of membranes and is listed on the right side under Pages.  If you have experienced pPROM, please take the time to take this survey.

My Pregnancy: Week 23

I know it’s been awhile since I updated.  I’ve had extra stress in my life, besides the pregnancy complications.

Over the past weekend, I went two days without any amniotic fluid leakage.  I was so excited and hopeful that I was resealing.  At then end of the 2nd full day with no leaking, I started bleeding.  Not too long after that, my water broke again and I lost most, if not all, of the fluid I had accumulated over the past two days.  The bleeding slowed and eventually stopped as the leakage slowed down.  Even though losing the fluid was disappointing, I feel good that the baby had it for almost 48 hours.

Interestingly enough, while I wasn’t leaking I could feel the baby higher up than normal and in a different position.  Also, the kicking and movement felt different.  That really made me believe that there was significantly more fluid than normal.

My doctor didn’t seem to believe that I had resealed.  That didn’t surprise me too much, as he has to base his opinions on prior experience.  During my appointment, we were able to talk further about options and hospitalization.  In a roundabout way, he suggested (I use that term lightly) that I stay home for a couple more weeks, at least.  I have to say that I agree with him.  As long as I’m healthy and the baby is doing well, there’s really no need for me to be under constant monitoring.  He mentioned the possibility of an emergency c-section, and that sealed the deal for me.  I’ll be staying home until further notice.

I still have hope for an unmedicated birth.  I keep researching every day for more information about high risk pregnancies with low fluid and natural births.  The info is just not there.  But I’ll keep looking.

Also, I recently bought The Premature Baby Book by Dr Sears.  It’s amazing and I highly recommend it if you’re expecting a potential premature delivery.  I found another supplement recommendation, Neuromins.

“Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid and plays a significant role in cerebral development , especially during the crucial period of fetal development and infancy. Pregnant mothers transfer DHA directly to the fetus, to support rapid brain and retina development. DHA is supplied to the newborn via mother’s breast milk.”

Dr Sears recommends supplementing with neuromins while breastfeeding, especially for preemies.  I’ll be adding this supplement to my current regimen within the next week or so.

I recently read on a blog (and I’m paraphrasing) “Everything I do during my pregnancy and the baby’s birth is not for me, it is for the baby.  I will do everything with the baby’s best interest in mind.”  I couldn’t agree more.

3rd Appointment with the Specialist

Today I had an appointment with the 2nd of my two specialists.  This doctor is the chief of Maternal-Fetal Medicine.  He is also the one who did part of my level II ultrasound last week.  We had a long wait at the hospital today, but I’ve decided that it’s because this doctor is very thorough with his patients.  So after I saw him and we had a long discussion about everything, I didn’t mind the (2 1/2 hour) wait so much.

Essentially, he told me a lot of things I already knew, but honestly it felt good to hear them from him specifically. He offered me steroid treatment and hospitalization in two weeks or steroid treatment in two weeks and hospitalization within two weeks following that.  As of now, I’m looking more towards steroid treatment and later going into the hospital. The constant monitoring, etc at the hospital worries me.

He gave me some rough statistics for delivery at weeks 23-25…they were very worrisome.  Something like 23: 5%, 24: 25% and 25: 50%.  I already knew that the baby had little chance before week 28.  My short-term goal is 28 weeks and then my long-term goal is 34.  I’ve heard that in the NICU they call 34 weeks “as good as term.”  Realistically, I know that’s not completely true, but it helps to think of it that way.

The only baby news I have today is that it’s heartbeat was around 140bpm.  It sounded great on the doppler.