Yes, bed rest! On Monday, October 20th, I went into preterm labor. Well, I really started on Sunday the 19th. My thoughts were that I was just experiencing her pressing on my nerves or my bladder. I've had these sensations before and I just had a doctor's appointment and asked him what that was. The reason why I brought it up is because every appointment he asks if I am experiencing cramping or bleeding because I have Placenta Previa (a condition where in my case, the baby's placenta is covering my cervix. So if I were to go into labor the placenta could pull away and cause hemorrhaging). So he just said it was probably her positioning herself or sitting on my bladder.
Well on Sunday, the 19th, I thought just that. But this time it felt like menstrual cramps. Every time I would feel a tightening in my uterus/stomach region there was pain accompanying it. We had just finished taking our childbirth classes the week before, so I remembered some of the breathing techniques and I breathed right through the pain. We had been looking at houses for most of the day and we were out of town. After eating at In N Out, we decided to go watch a movie. While we were watching the movie, Adam looked at me several times and asked if I wanted to leave (only because I would start rubbing my stomach and breathing in a manner that was different) and I said, no I'll be fine.
The movie ended and by then I was like, we need to go home. On our way home, in his car, not the most comfortable for my pregnant body, we stopped to get something to eat. I only ate my chips and half of sandwich. By the time, we did get home, I thought, oh I just need to go poop. Well, I went to the bathroom and just peed. So I finally got ready for bed thinking that by the morning this should pass. It was just a long weekend and I was on my feet a lot, so I just need to sleep, right? I woke up several times that night, breathing away the pain. I also Googled a few topics to include Placenta Previa does it hurt?, Placenta Previa, the risks, Contractions and Placenta Previa. By the time I was finished reading, I knew I either needed to try to go to work, stay home and wait until my doctor's office opens or go straight to the E.R. It was 5:30 am. I wanted my husband to get a little bit more rest like until 6 am. And as I sat there, I thought maybe I shouldn't, maybe I'm crazy, I think I'm feeling better. But by 5:45 am, I woke him up and I was like, we need to go to the ER. I felt like crying because I had the thought that maybe I was just crazy. BUT I didn't want to take any chances. So I headed upstairs to take a quick shower and after writing a short note to my parents (where I'm staying in transition to moving into our new house), we left for the ER.
Adam dropped me off at the ER. The nurses were spectacular from the beginning. After, I told her what was going on, she asked how many weeks I was (32) and she said, "Oh no, you don't need to be here! We are taking you to Labor and Delivery." I had a quick moment of "Oh my gosh! Am I having a baby today? I'm not ready!" Adam made it to the E.R. before they transported me to Labor and Delivery. They called ahead so that the nurses there would be ready. They got me there and put me in a LD room. I sat on a bed and waited for the nurse. When she did come in, she had me put on a hospital gown.
They finally hooked me up to a fetal monitor and a monitor to check on my contractions. They were like, "yep, you are having contractions!" Never really experiencing contractions except if I remember right, when I was miscarrying, then I was like, "oh that's what they were!" So they poked me a couple of times to find a good vein to pump in some medication aka Magnesium Sulfate. Finally!!
Trying to keep my hand still because the Mag burns!
I think I finally get to eat something after just having broth, a popsicle and frozen gelatin.
My sweet mother and dad (not pictured) came to pray and visit with me and Adam.
After 2 bags of Mag, some random pill and a steroid shot, the contractions slowed way down, if not stopped and they transported me out of Labor and Delivery to the Family Unit, where Adam had a bed to sleep in and where I had a way more comfortable bed to sleep in. This was our first experience to be in the Family Unit, which we toured just a week before. Sorry, I only have videos and no pictures. The nurses were spectacular and my stay there was top notch.
The first night, my nurse had me on a fetal monitor and contraction monitor. So each time I had to go to the bathroom (because not only did I have Mag and a saline solution running through my veins but I was encouraged to keep drinking a lot of fluids, I had to go alot) I would ring for the nurse to help me. Eventually, the second day there they were like, "this is what you can do to unplug the machine to go to the bathroom, of course with the help of your husband or another helper in the room".
Each time they checked me, urine output was good, the baby's heartbeat was good and momma was good. They were surprised that I was doing so well on the Magnesium. They said usually women are loopy and out of it, throwing up and walk unstable. It was nothing but the grace of God that I didn't negatively react. The only thing that bothered me about the Mag was that it burned at first but once they slowed down the dosage the pain and irritation was MUCH more bearable. My nurse at the time told me that if it did burn to let her know and she would up the saline solution output. She also gave me my second steroid shot for the baby's lungs just in case it was her time to make an apperance to the world. And it wasn't until later that I noticed that my skin reacted nicely to whatever they gave me. I thought it was the Mag but a friend told me it was the steroid shots. I have eczema.
The second day there cousin Alicia came to visit along with a surprise visit from my Auntie Alice! She brought me books and crossword like books to keep me occupied. They also brought me colorful jewelry to wear. They know I "love" different accessories!
My mother stayed with me the second night. I had to say goodbye to my husband because he had to get back to work. But I was left in the very capable hands of my nurses and my mother!
The third day, some of my lovely co-workers who I call friends, came in for a visit also. It was so nice to see them! They were making their hospital rounds. I found out that another co-worker/friend of mine had to go back to the hospital because of complications. They were angels. My cousin Alicia also came back that morning to hang out with me while mom was gone for an appointment.
My doctor happened to be the on call for that day and he walked into my room smiling and calling me a troublemaker. He told me that I was going to be released that day and sent home on bed rest/limited activity. So I looked at him and was like, "does that mean I'm going back to work?" He looked at me like, "Really? You are asking me that?" "No you are not!" To which I replied, "YIPEE!" More on that later.
So here I am at my parents lovely home resting before baby comes. I am in the very loving and capable hands of my parents while my husband works to provide for our little family. I love them and am so grateful for them. And I love my husband so much!
So without further ado, here are some pictures that were taken by my friend Lisa from Lisa Miller Photography. These were taken a couple of weeks before contractions started and before I got too big to be comfortable with taking pictures. I am so grateful that everything just fell into place. Thank the Lord!
Happy 3rd year Anniversary! It's funny we are welcoming a third to the mix :)
God gave us this little one. For this child we have prayed! #rainbowbaby
I love laughing with him!
On the Island, where Adam and I first met! It's so funny that we didn't know, but God did.
In December, we are looking forward to meeting our Sadie Rose! Mommy and Daddy love you already!
