Back with an update.
Mike, Bo, and I drove to Champaign this afternoon for a routine pre-natal appointment. Dr. F checked me and I was a 3. This is quite the increase from the 1 I was less than a week ago. They put me on the monitor and I was having contractions — fairly substantial ones (which of course I don’t feel and every nurse looks at me like I’m crazy…) — every 6 minutes. That is when Dr. F made the decision to go ahead and admit me.
Bo and Mike were at the park during my appointment so I called Mike and told him to take Bo home. There was no need for them to sit with me through all of the admitting process. So they drove home and Mike’s mom met them there. Sherri took Bo to their house and they are working out arrangements at least for the next few days for Bo’s care. I have to admit that my first concern was Bo as soon as they said I was admitted. This past weekend with the move was the longest I’ve been away from him — and it isn’t very long. I just hope he does okay and that I can do okay with being separated from him. He’s my little side-kick.
I also called my mom and she came up this evening with a friend. She originally wanted to sleep in the chair in my room but I managed to convince her that there is no need for that. I am okay and the contractions have slowed. She is worried, which I understand, but having her sleep in a chair in my room isn’t going to allow her to sleep and she needs her rest just as much as I do. Her friend helped her find a nearby hotel and she’ll be back in the morning.
Mike drove back this evening with a suitcase and my laptop. Thank goodness the hospital is part of the 21st century and has Wifi and it sure is nice to have pants to go with these lovely hospital gowns. He arrived about 8 and then had to turn around and drive back as he has to open the office in the morning. He’ll keep his phone on him and I’ll call him if anything looks dire. He’s about an hour and a half away.
As far as my overall state and condition, they did run a fetal fibronectin test today and it came back negative. Typically, this would be a very good thing — but they have had two negative fetal fibronectins that delivered within 24 hours in the last 2 days so they are slightly worried that they have a bad batch of tests. Usually, with that test a negative would be a very positive sign that labor is not imminent but we are being extra cautious, just in case.
Therefore, I’m officially admitted and settling in. Dr. F decided not to do the mag at this point (woohoo!) but they did increase my precardia dosage and every time I have more than 6 contractions in a 20 minute period I receive another dose. So far, it seems to be controlling the contractions fairly well. There are a lot less and they are a lot shorter than they were this afternoon.
I have an IV line (in my right wrist — which makes doing anything and everything very awkward!) and they are running fluids as well as antibiotics through the line. I had my first steroid shot this afternoon to help the girls’ lungs develop – I’ll receive a second dose tomorrow.
Dr. F did a quick ultrasound and both babies are still head down. I am allowed to unhook myself from the monitors to go to the bathroom and other than that it is just a wait and see protocol. Dr. F said if we can get the contractions under control with the oral medication they will allow me to go home (most likely on bedrest, but maybe not…) sometime this weekend. At this point, it truly is just wait and see and hope that the contractions can be controlled and that I am not continuing to dilate.
I can’t say that I’m surprised that I was admitted. Honestly, I’ve been waiting for this to happen. In my mind this entire pregnancy has been a matter of “when” not “if” — especially after I was contracting and slightly dilated at 26 weeks. I’ve tried to brace myself for this and the possibility of a NICU stay for the girls. Lots of people have thought I was crazy to drive so far for OB appointments — but this is definitely the best place to be if the girls decide to make an early debut.
I’m proud of the girls for not allowing this to happen any sooner. At least our things are in our new house (but definitely not all organized or put away) and they are at 30 weeks which gives them a very good chance to be okay, even if they arrive. There are tons of logistical issues I am worried about — Bo’s care, Mike and his work, Mom, the old house, the new house, my new job, etc. that will be impacted by all of this, but I know that I have to do what is best for these little ones — no matter what the cost — at this point.
All of your Twitter and Facebook messages, emails, texts, etc. are very appreciated. I will do my best to keep everyone as up to date as possible through the blog and status updates.
I'm glad there's talk of you going home this weekend. Even if you're on bedrest, that's better than the girls being born at 30 weeks. Take care of yourself, and let as many people who offer help you. I will keep you and the babies in my thoughts and prayers!
Well Jamie, I imagine your daughters are telling you okay Mommy time to really relax and enjoy it, we are almost here and relaxing won't be something you can do too easily. SO I say ditto!
Too bad I can't pamper you too much. I think we will head north soon to check it out!
Love you!
ML
Hoping and praying that those little ones decide to stay put…the longer, the better.
I was on bedrest at home with my twins as soon as I finished teaching the school year. Around 24ish weeks, made it all the way to 37weeks 5 days, so there is still that possibility, and I truly hope that is the case for you as well.
Thinking of you and sending positive thoughts and prayers your way. Hope everything continues to go smoothly and you are headed home this weekend.
I sure hope that you can get a few more weeks out of this pregnancy.
I'm sending all sorts of positive thoughts your way.
Jamie- I am sorry all this is going on, but your positive thinking about being past the 30-week mark is the right way to look at it. Sounds like they are doing a great job of slowing things down. Every day will heklp at this point. Thanks god you are done moving and (somewhat) settled in close to the hospital. Keep us posted!
Glad to hear that things are looking better this morning. IF they send you home–Bed rest means BED REST–Mike can take care of himself, the houses will wait and Bo can still be by your side while you are resting on the couch. You need to be more concerned about the girls at this point.
Sending good thoughts your way and many prayers
I've been following your blog since your first IVF tries..I was doing IVF at the same time. (I have a 26 month old little boy, and we are finished!) Sending good thoughts your way…hope you can keep them "cooking" a few more weeks!
Molly
There goes The Igloo this weekend!
) In all seriousness, I hope it all goes well for you!
Thinking of you, hon.
xxx
Hope everything goes well…and you are sooooo organized, even with IVs! Take care and thinking good thoughts for you and the family! – mary
Hope all goes well–keeping you and girls in my thoughts!