"IT'S NOT THE LENGTH OF THE GESTATION, IT'S THE EXTENT OF THE ATTACHMENT."


Wednesday, August 3, 2011

At Home, Still On Bedrest

Well I'm home!


I still have to stay on bedrest, but I can do it from the comfort of my own bed and couch versus being in the hospital. And I've done this before when I was pregnant with Jack. At least I know what to expect. The nurses at the hospital were truly wonderful and caring, but it's hard being strapped to a monitor 18 hours a day and trying to rest all while they're coming in every 2 hours to take my blood pressure and temperature.


So far I've completed 3 24-hour urine tests. They've all come back the same, with my levels being in the 500's. The range is from 300 (pre-eclamptic) to 5000 (severe). My levels are still pretty low and they haven't increased over the past week and that is why I got to go home. That and because my blood pressure was regulated and normal as long as I was doing absolutely nothing. When I first got there, Friday afternoon, they were checking my BP every 27 minutes, then it was every 2 hours. Just getting up to go to the bathroom or showering made my BP rise, so I have been given strict orders to do absolutely nothing.

That is hard for me. I'm a somewhat lazy person by nature, but I like the freedom of doing what I want when I want and I just can't right now. It's not like I'm wanting to go shopping or partying or painting the nursery, I just want to sweep the kitchen floor and blow dry my hair while standing up without feeling overwhelmed. I want to make breakfast, not give orders from the couch on how to preheat the pan without overbrowning the butter. Ya know? It's only been a few days and I know I'll be okay. It's just frustrating because I feel like I've done my very best to have a safe and full term pregnancy and every little thing that can happen has, whether it be bleeding at 6 weeks, a wonky 1st screen and trisomy scare, or needing additional testing for gestational diabetes to this. I swear I didn't do anything different or wrong, it just happens and it's stressful.


I know I'm so lucky to be where I am in this pregnancy and I know that things could be so much worse. So I don't want it to seem like I'm complaining about the little things. I just worry about my little man and hope he's okay. And I know that even if he is born early and has to go stay in the NICU, that that will be the best and safest place for him out of the womb. And I've accepted that my belly may eventually not be the safest place for him to be either, even though that's a difficult one to comprehend. I just want him to stay in there a little longer and continue to grow.

I'm 33 weeks today and went to the doctor yesterday for another checkup. My weight is back down to where it was last week, minus a couple pounds. My BP was slightly elevated but that was after walking from the car to the exam room and it wasn't any higher than last week. The protein levels in my urine have stayed the same, which baffles my doctor. She says that they almost always increase from day to day and mine haven't. I'll have to do a 24-hour urine collection again on Thursday to take back on Friday for analysis. I'll also have to see the doctor twice weekly, rather than just once a week. So from now on until I deliver, I'll be going to the doctor on Tuesday and Fridays. And I'll be getting u/s with each visit to make sure that the little guy is still growing and that his blood flow is as it should be.


As of yesterday, he was just perfect. We were also able to see his face a little more clearly because it seems he always has his hands over his face. He clearly has my nose and lips :-)





I'll keep up all updated as I know something more. My doctor thinks I'll still deliver early, but perhaps we'll make it past the 34 week mark. Which is a good thing, because that's only one week away! I'm not quite ready for him to make his appearance yet. I'd be thrilled to make it to 36 weeks. Cross your fingers for me!


And as always, thank youfor being here for me. I appreciate your comments, emails, prayers and concern. They mean so much to me and help me get through another day.


~Monica

20 comments:

Brandy said...

So glad you're at home now and that things are stable. It would be hard to have to be immobile like that but it's for a great reason. I very much hope everything stays just as stable for a few more weeks!! :-)

Anonymous said...

Happy to hear you are home. I would imagine bed rest is not easy. I would be like you. Just seeing something across the room that isn't 'right' would make me want to get up. Keep your eye on the precious prize when you think you need to get up! Your getting so close now and he will be here soon. Take care of yourself:)
Katie
my3sons

Suzanne & Andrew Dupuis said...

So glad you are home! I checked in daily to see if there was an update. I was starting to wonder if you had your little guy... glad he is still where he needs to be for a little while longer :) Thinking about you! I hope you don't get too stir crazy! bedrest must be HARD!

Healthy and Homemade said...

Too bad you're going stir crazy! I hope you get to rest up before the baby comes, because then we all know you won't be getting much rest =P

So happy you've made it to 33 weeks, that's a huge deal!! Hooray for a healthy baby =)

Jen said...

I am so glad to hear things are stable enough for you to be at home. When I was pregnant with my older son I was on bedrest for high blood pressure from 34 to 38 weeks. My little guy came out beautiful and perfect just like your little guy will. Hang in there and remember you are a wonderful mommy!!

Rachel said...

How did I miss you were in the hospital! I'm so glad you are at home and being monitored. 33 weeks is awesome! If he is born now his NICU stay would likely be short. I can't wait to see his pictures.

Virginia said...

Home is so much better than the hospital, but bed rest would not be fun. But you are almost there!! Little man will be here soon and there are many of us out here excited to meet him.

Catch up on blogs, play games online, do some reading....and nap! You're gonna need that sleep later on when he's keeping you up all night. :-)

meemawfish said...

This is great news and I can't wait to meet the mister. I know how hard bed rest is but the most important thing is your health and the mister's health. I will continue to pray for you and Mister.

xoxo
Meemaw

Mrs. A said...

I am so happy to hear that you are home! I am so behind on my blog reading, I had no idea! And I'm really behind on my words with friends playing! Just hand in there, I know it is rough but I know you can do it...blood preasure is such a tricky thing!

Anna said...

Hi Monica,

So sorry I was away from computer so had no idea all that had transpired.
I'm just so happy and grateful that you are back home and resting.

You've come a long way, and I am praying each and every day for you and baby H. I pray you go to at least 36 weeks. Still, I'm happy you're at 33 and counting.

I'm also praying your protein level continues to remain low and even fall.

Just keep your sweet A. nearby to keep your BP down.
Stay well rested, and think of it as the last 3 or so weeks you'll have to actually rest and do nothing.

Many blessings, favor, health, prosperity, protection for you and baby H.
God Bless,
Anna

Selba said...

Good to know that you are already back home, Monica. Crossing my fingers that everything will be the best for your baby and you. *hugs*

Anonymous said...

33 weeks is great and you are still counting. Just take it one day at a time. God bless you.

Hennifer said...

Glad to hear such good news. I will hope we don't meet your little one before the end of the month!

I wish I was closer and I'd come visit. Hang in there!

Marie W said...

Glad everything is stable. Sending good thoughts your way and sending up prayers for a lot more weeks.

Kristi said...

It was so great to visit with you! I can't wait to meet your little man.

froggy mommy said...

So glad that you are home. I am thinking good thoughts for you and baby!

cybil said...

Hi Monica,
Thanks so much for giving me your blog address!
It's so wonderful to see your journey.
I'm very happy for you and your husband!!
Sibylle

Anna said...

Hi Monica,

Another week has passed by - Thank God! Hope you and baby are doing great.
Praying everyday for you both.

Best wishes,
Anna

Teena in Toronto said...

Take it easy and take care!

Happy blogoversary :)

AbsoluteMommy said...

Thinking of you and praying!!! Glad you got to go home and be comfortable. I'll be thinking about you. Best wishes.
Megan