On Thursday, I had a doctor's visit that included an ultrasound to determine whether my placenta had moved away from the cervix opening (at the 2nd trimester ultrasound they had noticed marginal placental previa, which meant it was very close to the opening.)
During the ultrasound, I was diagnosed with a shortened cervix At this point in my pregnancy, I should be at 30mm (3 cm) but I was at 5 - 6 mm (1/2 cm). The concern here is going into early labor. I was sent directly to the hospital for bed rest and further monitoring.
The good news is that I was at 28 weeks and 6 days, and 29 weeks is the "magic number," that they want patients in this condition to get to before delivering the baby. I guess 29 weeks is a solid preemie status.
At the hospital, I received a steroid shot that helped to increase the development of the baby's lungs, intestines, and brain, in case of premature labor.
Other monitoring would indicate how long I would need to stay in the hospital. In many cases, it is until the baby is born, or at least until 35 weeks, at which point the premature risk is no longer dangerous.
Luckily, I was low risk - having carried Geoffrey 41 1/2 weeks, no prior cervical complications, etc. In addition, I had no contractions or signs of labor, and all of the baby's testing was perfect - plenty of fluids, strong heart beat, size measurements in the 50 - 65% - exactly where he or she should be.
The icing on the cake was a protein test that they did on friday night. The results were negative, which meant I would not be going into labor for the next two weeks.
Since everything pointed to things going well, it was determined that I could come home and be on modified bed rest here rather than in the hospital. Modified bed rest means I can shower and go to the bathroom, and sit for short times at the table to eat - otherwise I am to be reclining on the couch or in bed. The idea is to keep weight off of my cervix in order to prevent it from further thinning.
I will be monitored by both my regular doctor and a NICU doctor weekly or more often. I will not be returning to work before the baby is born. If labor signs become apparent , Iwill likely be readmitted to the hospital for the duration of the pregnancy. Needless to say, I am going to follow the instructions perfectly. I want to be home with Grant and Geoff!
I am feeling pretty positive about the baby, and very glad I get to be home with geoff and grant. (Mostly stressed at this point about work and helping make a good transition for my long term sub, who will now be teaching almost half of the school year! Luckily I have a great sub!)
Grant has been amazing through all of this. He is truly the most supportive, wonderful husband I could ask for.
If you want a longer, even more detailed narrative about my hospital adventure, go ahead and read the next post.
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