Naptime Blog

My OB wanted to see me before we went on vacation from New York to Myrtle Beach, SC.  When I was pregnant with my twins, by 26 weeks my cervix was funneling and I was put on terbutaline to slow the contractions I was having every five minutes.  By 29 weeks (which was the point I was when we were leaving for vacation with this pregnancy) I was put on bedrest and desperately trying to keep them in.  Although we could be fairly certain these issues were because I was carrying two babies the last time, since my water broke at 36 weeks with my older daughter and she was born early, we wanted to just be on the safe side with this little guy.

So the morning before we were leaving, I was expecting a quick sonogram, measurements, blood pressure check and the “All’s fine” to go on vacation.  But the moment the ultrasound tech began, I knew it was going to be different. 

Turns out I have already started funneling at 29 weeks with this baby.  My activity was cut to 50% (which I still don’t know how I am going to manage with three kids at home on bed rest!), and I guess the only reason we were allowed to still go on vacation was because the baby is transverse, so he is not pushing down on my cervix. 

I guess I had known for a few days before that visit that something was up.  I was beginning to feel stronger contractions (more than Braxton Hicks) and was beginning to feel pressure.  I had been on my feet much too much the week before, celebrating my boys’ birthday and all the festivities that went along with that, and knew I needed a break.  But all I wanted was to get the ok to go on vacation!

Luckily I did, and we went, and we had a great time.  We relaxed by the pool and the beach and I kept my feet up for most of the week.  I remained hydrated and did as little walking as possible in the heat.  When I felt I had enough, I went up to our suite and me and the boys went to sleep while my husband and daughter kept busy with miniature golf or fireworks on the beach.  I am no longer feeling the pressure and the contractions are back to being much less intense.  We just got back home and I will be 31 weeks pregnant tomorrow.  My goal is my C-Section due date which is still 6 weeks away.  So the countdown is on.  And I know each day that this baby stays tucked inside is a world of difference for him.  I managed to remain pregnant with my boys until 36 weeks, so I know I can do it with this little guy.  It just won’t be easy with me being Mommy to the twins and my older daughter… but we’ll give it the best try we can!

I go back to the doctor this Thursday for another check and for some tests.  There is a test called the fetal fibronectin which the OB will do, and it is fairly successful in determining if my body is gearing up for labor within the next two weeks.  If so, I will be given steroid shots to help the baby develop his lungs in preparation for the early delivery.  I probably would also be put on complete bed rest to help keep the pregnancy going. 

I am NOT going to have to go through all that.  I am certain that we can do this and we will do this.  I may be complaining in a few weeks that I am tired of being pregnant already, but you know what?  I’ll get over it!  Wish me luck!

Jennifer
Mom to Juliana (7), Louis (1) and Anthony (1)
Expecting #4 in September!
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