Thursday, June 5, 2008
26 Weeks: Preterm Labor
On Monday afternoon, I started having what I thought were Braxton Hicks (practice contractions), but they seemed to be happening more than usual. They continued through the night, and I started to have this overall sick feeling. Tuesday came, and I couldn't eat, didn't want to get up, and just felt worse and worse. I started feeling sick to my stomach, my lower back hurt, and the contractions were feeling stronger. I really really did not want to go in to get checked because I was sure they would tell me it was a false alarm- and I was so scared because it was just way way to early (I've since learned that my old OB (I switched) may not have been correct saying the baby would live at 25 weeks)... Anyway, my doula Tracy, my mom, and my doctor's office all told me to go to labor and delivery, and I'm so glad I did. Michael was out of town, so I drove myself to the hospital. Within minutes of being hooked up to the monitors, the nurse told me that I was having real contractions. They monitored me for a couple hours, and then my new OB came to run some tests and examine me. I was soon given an injection of terbutaline which is used to stop labor. It's an awful drug- it made me very shaky, my heart race, etc... but the monitor showed that it did stop the contractions, thank God. It was such a frightening experience- I'm just so glad I went in when I did (before any bleeding or water breakage, etc). Unfortunately, now I am on bedrest. Look at my discharge instructions for preterm labor (how do people with kids do this?)... I'm very lucky to have Edilia, but I have so much I need to do to get ready still- and it's really hard not to be up with Sophie & Olllie. And I'm just so worried this will happen again, but I'm really trying hard not to worry...
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Shana,
I am so sorry you are on bedrest, but SO glad you were able to get the contractions stopped. I had a good friend that was on bedrest all last summer. At the time, she had two girls, both aged 2 (one bio and one China girl). She was able to make it through (she went on bedrest in early June and had the baby (a strapping, healthy baby boy!!) in mid-September, his original due date...much the same as you!! I marveled at her ability to have the grace to accept help. That is the hardest thing, I would think...and not being able to take care of her girls the way she would have liked. It's so tough...but (as I am sure you know) so worth it in the end. If you think you would like to talk to her, I could give her your information. I am sure you have tons of support, but sometimes it is nice to talk to someone who has very successfully gone through what you are going through.
I will be praying for all of you.
(oh...and thanks so much for taking part in my baby name poll! No final choices yet...only more options. I have a naming addiction apparently!! :-))
Rest up and let that little Kitten bake more. I am glad to hear that they were able to stop the preterm labor.
Thinking positive thoughts for you and your family. I know it's hard, but try to stay calm. Also don't ever feel like going to labor and delivery is a waste of time. I went several times for no reason during the last 10 weeks of my pregnancy. But, you never know... Especially since, like you, this was my first pregnancy. In my opinion you know your body and this pregnancy and if something doesn't "feel" right, you should get it checked out.
Shana,
Just rest and take care of yourself and the kitten. This also happened to me with my first son. I know what you mean about how the drug makes you feel...awful. Please take care of yourself and know that you are surrounded with prayers! Have Sophie and Ollie cuddle up with you for their naps!!
Shana, my prayers will be with you. I can only imagine the stress and worry this causes. Know that you're surrounded in prayer and that God's watching out for you. He will provide the help to accomplish all that needs to be done. He will also provide everything else, be it time with Sophie and Ollie or with Michael. I'll be praying. Keep us updated as you can!
Praying for rest, health, and peace for you. Hang in there and take care of yourself and the baby...
How scary ((hug)).
I'm sending major industrial strength stay put baby vibes your way.
Robin from Israel
Hello, long time lurker, while researching adopting. I am so glad that you went to hosp. I know that right now is really scary! I wanted to send you some positive vibes. My sister n law was a high risk pregnancy and was on bed rest the last 3 months of her Pregnancy. My nephew was born 6 weeks premature, but he just celebrated his 1st birthday, and is healthy as a horse. Hang in there!
I'm glad you went to the hospital. Please take care of yourself. I'm sure there's a lot that you want to do, but you need your rest. Keep us updated.
Hi Shana-
About 11 years ago I was working as a nanny and worked for a family with a 14 month old son. The wife was pregnant with #2 and on bedrest for for preterm labor almost her entire pregnancy. Their 14 month old, Jesse, had been born at 28 weeks, and her doctors put her on bedrest early to try and keep such a premature birth from happening a second time. I know, because I we talked about it a lot, that it's hard to have someone else caring for your child(ren) and doing everything with them that you want to be doing, but in the grand scheme of things it's such a short time out of their lives and such an important thing for the Kitten's development. Before you know it you'll be back up and around with the three of them. (and while every case is different, Jesse shows few to no ill effects from his early birth, and baby sister was born 1 day before her due date, thanks to the bedrest)
You're an amazing woman Shana, and a great mom. You can do this too.
Please take good care of yourself. My best friend was on bed rest for 4 months with a 3 & 5 year old. It is really hard even when you have help. I went and stay for 2 of those months, and I was just in awe of how she restrained herself to laying in bed....on her side no less for that period of time. I can barely stand 24 hours in bed even if I am sick.
She had Meggie just shy of 31 weeks, and she was in the NICU for 5 weeks....but with her first b-day on Sat. you would never know it. She is doing great, and has had no difficulties.
So just get some books, your laptop(there are some chat groups for women that are on bedrest) watch a lot of bad TV, address all of your announcement cards, order your thank you notes, and learn to smile when someone says how much they would love to JUST lay in bed and do nothing!!!
Take care, and sending you lots of good and positive thoughts!!
Oh, I had a feeling something was up. Hang in there. You can do it. At least there is a wonderful gift in the end of all of this. One day at a time. ( I say the same of this wait). I am thinking of you! Love and hugs, Dale
Please try not to worry too much. Enjoy the rest if you can. Once this baby is born you will be so very busy with three! I've never been in your shoes so I have no real words of advice, but know that so many people are praying for you and this baby...and that in itself is mighty powerful.
Hugs and blessings,
Debra
Mama to 2 precious souls born in China
The best you can do is try not to worry (impossible I know). They were able to stop the labor and while bed rest isn't what you expected lots of women experience this with healthy babies at the end.
You can always shop online for whatever else you may need and I am sure your family and friends can help with the rest. The most important thing is making sure this sweet baby stays put :)
I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks.
Andrea :)
Shana, Mary and I will be thinking of you. I'll keep you in my prayers. It must be so hard not to be able to take care of Sophie and Ollie. I don't have any advice as I've never been through something like this but like someone previously said, I'm sure this time will end up being just a little blip when you look back on it and it will all be worth it once you have your beautiful daughter. Big hugs! (and watch some gloriously bad TV!!)
-Amy and Mary
Oh noooo.... I am glad you have someone to help with the kids... now just get some rest. Oh, and tell Michael he can't leave town any more.. lol :) Hang in there Shana. :)
Shana,
I am so sorry this happened. The exact same thing happened to me with Will and I was on complete bedrest and breathine. It was so hard. Just try to remember that it is temporary and it is for the good of the kitten. I will try to call you as soon as I can...summer break. It is super hard to get on the phone:)
Love,
Kim
Hey girl -
Sonme thoughts. Are you taking Brethine by mouth now? If so you may want to ask your MD for something to help you sleep at night. That stuff will give you the shakes and keep you up. There are other things too that more and more MDs are using, like Procardia.
Depending on how long you are going to be on bedrest, I'd ask for a PT consult. Have someone come to the house and show you what you can and can't do for strengthening, stretching, etc. You'd be amazed at how quickly muscles and your indurance can deteriorate when on bedrest.
We tell people that one day inside is the same as three days outside. Keep that in mind as you wait.
Did they do something called a Fetal Fibronectin? That can give you reassurance if it's negative.
Blessings as you rest and wait
Amy
Hey Shana - how scary for you. And bedrest SUCKS!! I was on complete bedrest with my son from 19 weeks until about 32 weeks, then I was able to get up some and was up full time at 36 weeks. However I did not have any other children - I cannot imagine already having kids and then being stuck on bedrest. I will pray for your health as well as that of the kitten. And I will also pray for your peace of mind - I know what a scary time this can be. Hang in there.
I know the "no nipple stimulation" is going to be hard. I'm sure that's all you think about with 2 small children and being on bedrest. ;-)
I'll call you this weekend to check on you.
I am so sorry! I was on bedrest for preterm labor with my son at 31 weeks. At 36 I was taken off since he was big enough and there weren't worries about him coming early any more. Then at 41 1/2 weeks I had to be induced!!! So took all the stay in there energy very seriously! I was also on the same medication as you. I know it makes you feel so awful! The good thing for me though was that after a few days I felt the effects less and less. And then after a week or so of pretty much no contractions and 2 non-stress tests that showed AJ was doing fine I only had to take the medication if I had more then 6 contractions in an hour. And that was only once or twice. I hope it will be that way for you too.
My advice for getting through the time is seasons of T shows on DVD! They were great! Just be sure not to go with something like 24 though. I was watching that before my preterm labor started I thought it would be too intense and not the best choice of some one needing to stop contractions! And you can always learn to knit or crochet if you don't know how. Crocheted baby afghans were my favorite with AJ and there are lots of easy free patterns online.
I know that everything will be just for for both of you. I just know it will.
-Jen-
Oh Shana, please rest easy. Take care of yourself and I'm sure you will be back to normal soon. I will be praying for you and a safe healthy pregnancy and a safe healthy delivery.
I know it must be hard not to be able to care for Sophie and Ollie, but thank goodnes you have help. Many good wishes being sent your way.
Stacy J.
Praying for you... My very very experienced NICU nurse-friend told me, when I was preggo, that 24 weeks is the safe-point for pre-term delivery. Your baby is on God's hands. He knows what He is doing. I'm praying for you and your little kitten, Shana!!!
Hola Shana, no pienses que es poco habitual tener contracciones tan pronto en un embarazo. Cuando estaba embarazada de mi tercera hija "lucia", tenía fecha prevista de parto a finales de diciembre y en septiembre (justo el día de los horribles atentados) tuve que acudir al hospital para que me me monitorizaran y pararan las contracciones, en España nos ponen una medicación que se llama Prepart y que dá como bien dices una taquicardia y un malestar enorme, pero las contracciones se pasaron. Yo guardé reposo durante unas semanas y luego retomé mi vida normal con un poco más de tranquilida. Continué teniendo contracciones hasta el 10 de noviembre en el que se me rompió la bolsa y mi hija tuvo que nacer por cesarea. El parto fué muy bien y la niña pasó dos dias en la incubadora sin ningún problema. Estate tranquila, merece la pena estar relajada, piensa que cada día que pasa es un´día más para tu bebe y en tu tripa es el mejor sitio en el que puede estar. Yo también tenía dos hijos mas pequeños que Sophie Lu y Ollie y se me hacía imposible pensar en hacer reposo, pero luego encuentras ayuda a tu alrededor y verás como tu hija nace sana y fuerte. Lo importante es parar las contracciones lo antes posible, ten fé, ponte en manos de tus médicos y relajate. Todo va a salir fenomenal. Ya lo verás. Almudena
Shana,
I am so sorry that you have to be on bedrest now. I do want you to know, however, that I have a very close friend whose baby was born at 23 weeks, and he is a healthy toddler now. So, try not to worry!
Love in Christ,
Kristina in GA
Ahh, Steph- you crack me up! You are too funny- yeah, I laughed at that one too!
Yes, please call me! I'm bored, and it's hard to use the laptop in bed w/ my big belly!
Love, Shana :)
Shana,
How scary that must have been for you. I will keep you and your family in my prayers!
I spent two months on bed rest during my pregnancy. It is not fun or easy.
Try to keep a variety of activities in your life. Switch things up as much as possible.
TV
Magazines
Crosswords or Word Searches
Talk to friends on phone
Surf the net, if you can. (Try a tray table for breakfast in bed. It is awkward, but helps pass time.) Try shopping for the kitten online. Find those matching dresses for the girls!
Read a book
Make something for the baby.
Make lists. (I must have made a thousand lists while on bedrest.)
Take pictures of Sophie and Ollie playing around you.
Have someone come in a give you a manicure in bed. (Some people will even do a modified pedi. for people on bedrest, too.)
Watch DVD's (The entire season of a show idea is great! If it is a good show you may get hooked and it could help pass a few days rather easily.
As silly as this may sound, a friend of mine actually played DVD games with her family while on bedrest. I am talking about the games that ask questions and show clips with questions.
Order items needed for the kitten from catalogs and such.
Have Michael pick you up a few new pairs of pjs. Not wearing the same thing all the time helped me.
I also still got dressed many days when I got up to go to the bathroom in the morning. It made me feel better being dressed.
I have many more ideas... but you get the gist.
You and your family are in my thoughts.
Oh my goodness! I was on bed rest for 6 months. I know exactly how frustrating it can be! My thoughts and prayers are with you! It can be so frustrating to be on bed rest.
XOXOX
Shana...I'm so glad you went to L&D! Keeping you in my prayers.
Hi Shana-
I love your blog, I've never commented before but I too had preterm labor at 26 weeks with my older daughter(I have a younger daughter from China). I was in and out of the hospital because I wasn't a very good bedrest patient at home. I'd get up and down all day.
My daughter was born at 32 weeks and was perfect. No issues at all, except she was a little bit underweight so she had to be in the NICU for 2 weeks until she got up to 5 pounds. She is now in the top of her class and healthy as a horse.
Some things that helped me stay sane-
I had a calendar by the side of my bed and I would cross off the days one by one(actually I would make half the x at about 1pm and the other half before bed.) Each day I made it through my baby was a little bit healthier. I loved looking at all the x'd out days.
The phone! Never have my friendships been healthier as when I was on bedrest. I was too stressed out to really concentrate on reading or even TV, so my friends and family got a lot of calls.
Visualization. Picturing my uterus as calm and stable.
Water. It was amazing when I was in the hospital I'd be always hooked up to a monitor and could actually see the contractions ease up when I drank water.
Also-I was given weekly shots to help develop her lungs in the case that she was, in fact, early. I'm convinced that these were one of the reasons my daughter's outcome was so good.
I work as a writer on a medical show and today we had a panel of pediatric surgeons talk about their work. Anyway, one of them said that he recently met a kid, now 10 years old, doing great in school, etc, who had been born at 23 weeks. The only leftover issue from his rough start was really thick glasses.
Good luck.
Joan
I know you are scared to death right now. I have been there. With both my pregnancies I started preterm labor at 5 months. I was in and out of the hospital for rest of the 9 months. Both my boys were healthy at birth though and that was all that mattered in the end.
I wish you the best.
I'm so sorry, friend! Just do what you need to do for you and your little one.
Keep us posted!
:-)
Yikes, Shana! I'm sorry you have to go through all of this, but I know your little one will be healthy and strong! We'll be thinking of you! Casey
Hi Shana,
you dont know me, but i found your blog though a good friend of mine's blog, April Reed here in Nashville,TN. I was reading your entry today and it hit home for me. I am 28 weeks pregnant today and i had the exact same prodecure as you did this afternoon. my doctor found that i have a short cervix when i was 19 weeks pregnant. for the last two months i have been going in for an ultrasound every week to get my cervix length checked. well today i went in and they showed that my cervix length was shorter and i was having small contractions, but i was not feeling them. so i was hooked up to the monitor for 3 hours and was given the therbotal (sp) to stop the contractions. i am also on strick bedrest, but i do not have any other chidren. i was given the pill form to stop contractions. we are just taking it week by week. we are due on aug28, but i hope we make it that long. we are having a boy. i just wanted to let you know you are not the only one out there with this issue and worrying everyday. good luck and i hope all goes well. we have a baby website www.babysites.com/sites/onetimebaby
tiffany from nashville, tn
Oh Shana I will be praying that this summer flies by quickly for you. I know that bedrest is no fun so I hope you come across many online clearance sales and can stay calm and entertained while the kitten awaits her debut:)
Hang in there...
Shana:
I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this. I am sure that it is very scary for you but take heart. I have known several people including my sister who have gone through this and on the same drug. All the children were born healthy and my nephew is now almost 14 years old and is an amazing young man! My sis went into preterm labor even earlier than 26 weeks.
Sending you lots of positive energy for a wonderful outcome.
Huge hugs,
Lori
Here is something you and Sophie can do together while you are in bed....Webkinz!!
First of all, Michael has to go and buy her one at any Hallmark or Limited Too store (as well as many other stores.)
You can help her set up her pet's room and learn about the Webkinz World together. Then when you are bored, you can play endless hours of games in the arcade and earn her lots of kinzcash to buy even more stuff for Sophie's pet's room. My daughter who is going to be four next month loves, loves, loves to play on Webkinz world. One word of caution though - it is very addicting!!
If you have any questions or want to try it out, email me and I will set you up.
Gina
Oh my... I hate watching T.V. Thus, bedrest would be literal torture for me. I am sad that you have to endure this scare. I am praying that you will feel better, and that your worries will ease. Maybe you could take one photo a day from your vantage point...
So sorry to hear of this scare! :( Remember that God is watching over you and Kitten, and all will happen in His time.
Shana,
Rest up but I'll put a pray in with the big guy for ya's!!!!
Bobbie
I can only imagine how hard this is for you...but you know the kids will be well cared for!!! Stay in bed and make sure you've got the TV and your laptop!!! You'll be fine!!! Thinking about ya!
Shana
My thoughts are with you. I too was on bedrest starting at 12 weeks and stayed on it until I delivered at 32 weeks. I was never a TV watcher so at the beginning it was so hard! I was bored beyond belief! Target.com sells a table that is like a bedside table in the hospital that can make being on the computer easier. Also there is a support group for bedrest moms I think it was called sideliners.org or .com something like that. They were a lot of help just talking to others that were going through the same thing I was.
The turbutaline is a NASTY shot! Though totally worth it! I remember when they first gave it to me they never told me that I was going to feel the way I did and I was scared out of my mind! I now have happy healty 3 year olds. So it was totally worth it. I was only on bedrest because I had twin to twin tranfusion syndrome. I had bleeding from 12-19 weeks and Palmer was not growing at the same rate that Jack was.
And try not to worry about the things that have not been done yet. What is really important is growing in your belly. And you are doing a great job.
And don't forget to drink LOTS of water!!!!!
I will keep you in the thoughts and prayers.
Shannon
Mommy to Jack and Palmer 3 years old
So thankful they were able to stop the labor! Lots of prayers for both of you!
Shana,
I have been praying for you daily! I clicked on today to read this and I freaked! I am so glad that you did get to the hospital when you did! As hard as it is to be on bed rest, the "kitten" needs you to be be strong and healthy! I will be praying that GOD will lay his hands on you and protect you and your precious baby girl. Hang in there Shana! Lots of thoughts and prayers going out your way!
Kim
Shana,
I am sorry you are on bedrest, but so glad you went to the hospital when you did. When I was on "modified bedrest" it was suggested that I have a basket with any activities I wanted to do, books, tv remote, crosswords, etc., and then have a cooler by the bed or couch or where ever I was going to stay for the day with snacks, drinks, etc. I picked the living room and my then 3 year old just played on the floor, climbed up next to me for snuggles, etc. and it all worked out. No, it is not fun, but for the sake of your baby you somehow make things work. Thankfully you do have some help. That is a blessing. Just take it easy and take it one day at a time, and before you know it you will have a beautiful baby girl in your arms.
Also, I think with modern technology, if your baby were to be born now she would have a very good chance of living. Don't fret about that. Stress just makes the pregnancy harder on the body.
For now the contractions have stopped and if you do EXACTLY what they tell you, you will be fine!
Lots of hugs.
Shana,
My name is Staci and I am a friend of Kim's. I wish I had some great advice to offer. I sat here for ten minutes trying to think of something really wonderful to say but nothing great came to me. I do want to you to know that you and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. Let Kim know if there is anything that would really help to keep your spirits up and I will make sure it gets to you. With love, Staci
I hope you will feel better soon.I will pray for you.
Just 3 months...hang in there!!!:)
I'm so sorry to hear about your pre-term labor, but it's wonderful that you have a lot of people around you to help with Sophie and Oliver.
Did they do a fetal fibronactin test at the hospital? A negative result on that is good news and should help put your mind at ease. I had that test at 24 weeks and was very happy to get a negative.
I hope the kitten stays put for at least few more weeks. The longer the better!
Stay down Shana and think outside the box with the how to live in bed!
It's hard but I will tell you that living in NICU for 3 months with a preemie is harder! My daughter had "preterm" labor at 26 weeks, went to the hospital to check it out also. They checked her said she was fine and sent her home. She stood up and her water broke.
They gave her the shots but she delivered the the next day. My granddaughter was 2 pounds and it was a very hard experience.
She is now 6 years old and a perfect picture of health and very smart. However, that was a very hard 3 months for my daughter to live in the NICU.
STAY DOWN!
I've been following your blog for a long time (I'm the one who asked how you pronounce you name last week!!)
I'm 34 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child. At 28 weeks I was in your situation- I was admitted to the hospital, monitored, given the shot of terbutaline, and sent home. Because my cervix was closed and the fetal fibronectin (labor predictor) test was negative, I wasn't put on bedrest. I have continued to have contractions, many times a day (sometimes several an hour) since then, but thankfully I've made it to 34 weeks and hope to go until at least 37. I'm wondering- did you have the fetal fibronectin test??? I know there are a lot of false-positives with it, but doctors still do use it.
Hang in there- just remember that you could still have a healthy, full-term baby. I know it's hard not to worry......I've spent the past several weeks on "pins and needles", thankful for each day that passes with this baby INSIDE!
Keep us posted.
Megan in MN.
I'm so sorry to hear you're on bedrest, but very glad that you got in to be checked when you did! I went into pre-term labor with my little guy at 26 weeks, and I know it's not fun! I had very similar instructions - and was home alone with a three year old all day! But it was all worth it, I made it to a week before my due-date (they let me off bed-rest two weeks before due-date, and I went another week before I went inot labor!). I had a big, healthy baby boy who just turned seven last week! Just keep picturing that healthy, happy baby and it will make it all a little easier! My prayers are with you!
Shana,
Just want you to know you have been placed on SEVERAL prayer lists! The same God that placed sweet Sophie Lu and adorable Ollie in your life, will take care of this little angel baby and keep you both safe and heathy:)
keep us posted:)
Julia:)
Stay in bed!!! It IS SO hard. I tripped over the dog and went into preterm labor, with my now 5 yr old. I was on bedrest then got put in the hospital for round the clock meds to stop the contractions. I did that for 9 weeks....stay in bed. Bedrest at home is better than in the hospital.
Hugs!!!
You will be ok and just let everyone take care of YOU now!!!
Praying for you and your sweet girl! ;)
I will keep you in my prayers, Shana. Get some good books to read. It is going to be difficult to stay put. I would have a hard time.
Know good thoughts are headed your way.
Kelly in NC
Shana I am sorry. Please rest and relax. I am glad they were able to stop the contractions. I am glad you have help. Take it easy and think good thoughts.
{{Hugs}}
Shana,
It's easy for me to say because I am not the one having the pre-term labor, however I wanted to encourage you NOT to worry. My best friend is a L&D nurse and she sees this ALL THE TIME! Your labor is going to be very successful! Please do your best to follow the instructions given to you though. Sophie Lu and Ollie will thank you later when you and the baby are BOTH healthy and happy.
I am so sorry you are on bedrest but relieved to here that they were able to stop the contractions.
I'm sending good thoughts and prayers your way. Hang in there! My last little guy was born 6 weeks early and he was 6 lbs 5 ounces : ) You are going to be just fine : )
I am so sorry you are having to go through this. I know this has not been and easy pregnancy for you.
I am very, very glad to hear that your switched obstetricians. I didn't mention it in my other posts, but I wanted to suggest it.
I will be praying for you and your little "kitten within" that she stay "within" until she's finished growing into a full term baby.
Meanwhile, more than every I suggest Elizabeth Noble's book Essential Exercises for the Childbearing Year. She's done extensive research on prenatal bedrest. I also strongly recommend you be prescribed physical therapy by a physical therapist whose specialty is prenatal bedrest moms (they make housecalls) so that your body will stay strong and healthy while confined.
I so wanted to say something about the breast stimulation but did not know how it would come across so THANKS STEPH as she said what I was thinking:)
Take care of yourself and STAY in bed.
Saying lots of prayers for you.
Hi Shana,
I just read that your little beauty is due on September 8th. I was born on September 8th, 47 years ago, and the young girl that gave birth to me could not keep me. She made an adoption plan for me and I have been blessed with a wonderful, wonderful family and an incredible life (just like Sophie Lu and Ollie). I grew up to get married to my amazing husband and to go on and adopt our two gorgeous daughters! September 8th is a very lucky date in my life, and when I read your blog, I got chills and an incredible feeling that your new baby will be blessed with a wonderful life too.
Thinking of you, Susan
Shana, I wanted to comment about the suggestions of a physical therapist who specializes in prenatal bedrest. I think this is a wonderful idea. I did not have this when I was on bedrest, and when I was able to get up and about again I was very weak and tired very easily. Plus, this will be just one more visitor for you to help break up the boredom!!!
Shana, I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Please let others take care of you for a while. You are such a caring friend and to nurture others is just your nature, but right now you have got to take it easy. Everyone will survive fine... you rest!
hugs to you,
betsy
Shana,
I am so sorry to hear this. I had a very similar situation with my daughter at 27 weeks. I also had the terbutaline (and the same reaction) - two shots actually. I didn't end up delivering until 38 weeks and she is 100% healthy. Here's hoping the next 12-14 weeks are as easy as possible on you and all three kids! Bedrest is NOT easy but well worth the end result!
~Lynn/PA
Shana, I am so sorry you had to deal with that, it must have been so scary! But I am so happy you made it to the hospital on time, thank goodness for that.
My best friend was on bed rest at 24 weeks and she used an online support group for people who were also on bed rest.
Start watching all those soaps you never had time and/or desire to watch! I know if I was on bed rest my credit cards would be in trouble from on the online shopping I would be doing lol!
You and your family are in my thoughts :)
Shana hang in there. Preterm labor does have the benefit of helping your "kitten" develop faster. The doctors did not tell me this bit of information until after the delivery. The Neonate MD's said while it is not fun for mom it is natures of way of helping babies develop faster as a precaution to an early birth. 26 weeks is good and everyday you can make it past is better. I was on bedrest for 7 1/2 months. I started preterm labor and bleeding at 19 weeks and my yahoos were born early but very healthy at just barely 31 weeks and a tad over 3 pounds. They did great! I was the nervous wreck - but they were small but fine and the doctors told me the preterm labor had helped them.
So relax, and try to focus on keeping your baby relaxed and find some comfort in knowing that not all preterm bad can be bad...some can actully help...although it does not feel that way.
Dawn in Sac
Oh I'm sorry you are on bedrest!!! But it is better safe than sorry!! I am praying for you and the kitten and for Michael and the kids too!! I am glad all your family gave you the advice to go to the hospital!! The drugs they have now to stop labor are so good, and I'm glad it worked!
God bless and be with you and your kitten!
Debbie
Bless your heart, dear Shana.
I had pre-term labor with both my second and third pregnancies. I was on terbutaline as well, and I hated that feeling of having had 12+ cups of coffee.
Yet, knowing that it was keeping my sweet one where she/he belonged for a little longer helped ease the anxiety produced by the medicine.
Please try to follow the instructions given re: bedrest,even tho' I know how hard it is to do with two other children at. I did it for almost four weeks the first time with one other child to take care of, and almost 11 the second time around with two children -- one right about Ollie's age.
I am praying for you right now and especially praying that your friends and family will surround you right now with their support and help during this sometimes stir-crazy time of staying still.
Maybe you can use some of this forced stillness to write. I know you've written poetry before, and maybe this will give your creative juices a chance to blossom again.
Again, you can be assured of my prayers for you and this precious baby you carry. May the Lord guard your womb and allow your sweet girl to arrive at just the perfect time.
I know it's going to be okay. I had the same problem...pre-term labor for months and was given a lot of those shots (I know how horrible they make you feel!) BUT, the good side is that you caught it and even though it stinks to stay in bed all the time, it is well worth it! Get as many extra hands you can get and take care! I'll pray for you, the kitten and everyone.
Much love from Kentucky,
Crystal
I'm at 30wks now and have been on modified bedrest for the past 4. I just went in for a FFN and it came back positive, so now it's complete bedrest. I know how you feel. It's a chore and a half! Have you checked out JustMommies? It's a message board for mommies, mommies to be, and so on. They have high risk pregnancy areas, adoption areas, due date clubs (others who are pregnant the same month you are in), etc... It's fun every once in a while! I wish you luck as in a round about way, I'm taking the journey with you, just a few weeks ahead!
Praying for you. That bedrest order is a tough one...I was also on bedrest for a while with my second daughter. I spent hours reading to our oldest daughter and just made the best of it. Looked at old photos ... anything to pass the time. Take it easy and just let Sophie and Ollie play around you. I am so very thankful you have help.
Blessings to you all
Becky
Don't woory Shana..Now the only important is the sweet Kitten.
Now you have time to read, write....and remember that is importat that you let the others help you...( I know this is very very difficult).
A very big huge,
Belén from Spain.
I sure hope you and the baby are doing fine. Will be praying for the both of you.
Shana, I am praying the prayer you posted earlier in your pregnancy and am believing Our Father to honor this request and grant you the delivery of a healthy, happy Kitten.
Most loving mother of the Child Jesus, and my mother,
Listen to my humble prayer.
Your motherly heart knows my every wish, my every need.
To you only, His spotless Virgin Mother,
has your Divine Son given to understand the sentiments which fill my soul.
Yours was the sacred privilege of being the Mother of the Savior.
Intercede with him now, my loving Mother, that, in accordance with His will,
I may become the mother of other children of our heavenly Father.
This I ask, O Lady of La Leche, in the Name of your Divine Son,
My Lord and Redeemer.
Amen.
Love,
Amy B.
Mom to a NanChong girl
Shana how is bedrest going? A little worried. Hope everything is fine.
Hi Shana Sorry to hear about the bedrest, but i am sure you will do the right thing. SOunds like you are in good care. Sophie and little ollie I am sure will entertain you. I am glad you have help with them. Take care of yourself and little kitten. Jillxx
Wow what a post, how scary! We'll be thinking of you!!
Thank goodness you followed your instincts and were able to tame the contractions!
I went into pre-term labor at 24 weeks and was given terbuatline (you're right: awful drug!). That didn't work to stop the contractions, so I was put on a magnate sulfate drip (worse!) and stayed in the hospital 2 days.
The contractions finally stopped and I was sent home with a bottle of terbuatline pills and the same instructions as yours. I was on bedrest for 4 weeks, and was finally released from bedrest jail and those awful pills and had a totally normal pregnancy the rest of the time. I gave birth naturally one day after my due date!
Hang in there. It can really get you down sometimes. I experienced some depression and guilt for not being able to "help out". But lots of visits from friends and family support really made a world of difference. You seem like a very cherished person - you will get through it!
Patti
P.S. The "no sex" part was hard for me. I was very, uh, IN THE MOOD my entire pregnancy, and expressed my concern to my midwife about not being able to satisfy that. She said, "well, you can have sex, just no orgasms." AS IF.
Shana and Company,
Wowee...bedrest with Sophie Lu and Ollie !! Think of all the home movies you can make. You 'll be a true film maker by the time lil kitten arrives. You are truly one of the most creative folks I've never met !!
The good Lord will hold you close and comfort you, there is power in prayer, and there is alot of prayer for you and the family.
I'm not a dr. or a doula, but have 2 friends that had children 3 months and 6 weeks early. They are both, healthy, happy, active 4 year olds, almost 5 year olds now. It was rough for the first 3 months, and wah-lah, they are growing like weeds.
Can't wait to see what creative projects the bedrest brings out !! You always amaze us.
Blessings Shana, and family.
Love,
Gail
Oh Shana, I am so sorry. Of course prayers are being sent.
My sister was expecting twins and was on bedrest from her 5th month on. They were exactly 1 month early (not unusual for twins) weighing in at 6lbs 12oz and 6lbs 7oz. She did get shots to boost their lung capacity. Everyone went home together. They are now 21 :-)
I think the one poster who suggested PT is something to ask about with your dr. You need to keep muscle tone, but you don't want to risk your health and the kitten's.
Sending hugs and prayers.
Shaina,
I pray that all is well with you and your baby.
Elaine from MT
Shana,
I'm a long time reader of your blogs, but dont comment much. I'm also a member of TMH(an msn group) you were a member of for a while. BTW..we wish you'd come back:)
I just wanted to say I'm glad they stopped the contractions. I had a baby at 26 weeks and it's nothing you'd want to go thru--trust me. I cant wait to hear all about the Kitten's birth--but only when she's full term:)
Good Luck!!
Tara
I had to go on trebutaline (sp?) for my recent pregnancy. I had preterm labor from 28 weeks on. I went on bedrest at 35 weeks. It was really horrible. But, when the baby game, he came fast! I realized that while it was bad that I had been contracting for months, in the end it made my labor go very quick - as in 10 pushes and my own Oliver was out! I didn't even have time to get an epidural! While it was *painful*, my 10 minute labor was well worth all the preterm labor - just as long as my little one was safe. Anyway, I know your pain. Hang in there. :)
Shana, you don't know me, I read your blog, I just got my angel daughter home in March. I have two bio boys. My first son, I had the same thing happen, luckily I was further along, still you have to follow the bedrest rules. I did until the day I remembered I needed hydrogen proxide for the babies abiligal cord, and I decided a quick trip to Walgreen's would be okay...my water broke as soon as I got home. Please stay in bed as much as you possible can. Its tough, and it was my first, so having two babies who need you will be very difficult, hang tight. You have lots of prayers your way. She will be fine, you will be fine and these last months will pass. ~Melissa
Shana,
Hope all is well and Ollie and Sophie aren't jumping on you too much:) Take care of yourself and that little kitten.
Shana
Just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you. I hope you are feeling better and things are going a bit better for you this week. I know bedrest is not fun. Hang in there. You have lots of people praying for you.
Shannon
Mom to Jack and Palmer
So sorry to hear you are going through this, but rest assured (no pun intended) that you will be able to stop labour from coming with the bedrest.
When I was pregnant with my daughter (first successful pregnancy after 7 miscarriages) I went in to preterm labour at 29 weeks. They were able to stop the labour with Vasodilan, made me feel exactly how you describe with the Terbutaline and kept me in hospital for one week. I then spent the next 9 weeks in bed at home and delivered her on August 2, the night before her actual due date August 3! They kept me on the drug until I was 36 weeks along.
It was stressful, it was boring. I had to lie on my left side most of the time to allow the best flow to my heart. ( I haven't been able to break that habit even though now it's many years later!) I know this is different for you because you have your two beautiful children to care for but cuddling up to Mom in bed reading is a lovely way to pass the time!
Blondie
PS One of the funny perks of it all was the amount of beautiful flowers and gifts I received from all my favourite shops! I was such an avid shopper they missed me! :)
I hope you and the baby are doing okay. You're in my thoughts.
Oh Pea, Oh Pea,
Where can you be?
I miss you so
Since you had to go
As you rest in bed
I go out of my head
I want to call,
but I can't, at all!
I need you, though..
so, call me, ya know?
There is much to say
as you lounge through your day
as the drame of me
will be a diversion for thee!!
(whaddya want? I just got up!)
Love,
PeaII
Shana,
I had high risk pregnancies and my children were 22 months apart. I play bed basketball with them though. Put an empty basket at the end of your bed and sit at the head with the kids, take socks ( I used ones I had to mate anyway and we folded them into "balls") then shoot them into the basket. They don't really tire of it and it gives you time to have fun with very little movement! Also we had pick your favorite book time and while my nanny was with one child I could devote all my attention to the other reading their pick each day, then switch. My son was older and we would get alone time and the nanny would get a break in her day when my daughter went down for a nap each day. My son remembers that time, although my daughter doesn't really remember much! I hope this helps a little, I know how extremely frustrating bed rest can be! Chin up though, the end result is a beautiful beautiful gift!
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