Since I've known I was pregnant with twins, I've prepared myself for as much as I can--both the good and the bad. Because while I want to believe that I'll have an uneventful pregnancy and our twins will be born 36-38 weeks with no complications and that they won't have to stay in the NICU, I'm fully aware that things can go wrong overnight.
I've had other people tell me "Puff, think positive! It's all going to be just fine!" These are probably the same people who told me my eggs are going to be great because I look so young and am healthy. Good God were they ever wrong.
So yeah, I do think positive, but I'm also realistic. I don't think there's anything wrong with being prepared for whatever might come your way--not just the good stuff.
I don't want to assume that I'm going to have a vaginal birth only to have an emergency C-section and be scared to death because I never read that chapter because it wasn't going to happen to me.
But sometimes, no matter how prepared you think you are--life throws you off balance. That's what happened to me at my appointment on Wednesday.
During the ultrasound the tech discovered that my cervix--in two short weeks--had gone from a mighty 4.0 to a 2.7. They don't start to 'worry' until it's under 2.5, but mine had changed enough for them to worry just a little bit.
They ordered an fFN test on me immediately. fFN is formally called fetal fibronectin. This is a protein produced by pregnant woman. The test is a collection of cervical or vaginal fluid sample taken between weeks 24 and 34 and is used to evaluate the risk of preterm labor. fFN is normally not detectable during these weeks so if the test comes back positive it is an indication of possible preterm delivery within the next TWO WEEKS.
Don't get too scared because thank GOD my test came back negative. That means I will not be having the babies--yet.
However, when I asked my OB when she sees me giving birth (thinking that she'd say something like 36-38 weeks) she didn't bat an eye and calmly said, "I think you will make it until at least 32 weeks.
GULP.
That's it? She acted like that was great, but I nearly shit myself.
As all of my other signs are just fine (weight gain, no protein in urine, blood pressure, babies measuring fine and great heartbeats, etc, etc) she said at this point there is absolutely no reason to worry.
I don't have any true 'restrictions' other than no more long walks (maybe all that walking hasn't been the best idea?) and taking it easy as much as possible and staying very well hydrated.
I can still do my daily errands as long as they are close by (so subjective to someone who walks for miles) and I can't carry anything over 10 lbs (was already following this). I can still go swimming (which will replace the walking) for some exercise as that takes all of the pressure off my cervix and is good for me (a bright light)!
That's where we are. I'll be monitored weekly now to make sure my cervix isn't shortening. If it is...then we'll go from there.
If I have to go on bed rest, well, so be it. It is scary, but I'm trying my best to just relax, let Chicken take over and take care of myself and the babies.
At least our La.zyBoy rocker/recliner/glider finally arrived (after ordering it almost 10 weeks ago) and let me just say it is the best thing EVER. I am going to be living in this chair from here on out. I'm in it right now! This chair and the Ug.gs are the best things purchased the entire pregnancy!!
16 comments:
I was one of those people who didnt read the c section portion of the book because I didnt think I needed it. How quickly things changed, I had a breech baby, insulin dependent Gestational diabetes and a C section at 38 weeks. I also have one perfect little almost 10 month old! hugs
How scary. Put your feet up and think postitive thoughts. I will be sending all my no nicu vibes your way! I went into the hospital the day before the birth class on c-sections. The good news is you don't have to do the c-section so it doesn't matter all that much if you:). You can never be prepared for the NICU but if you know you are going to deliver early you might want a tour of the NICU. We saw tours go through all the time and I wish we could have had one but I was too sick for that. The prospect of having a preemie is scary but you would be amazed at what can be done for even the littlest preemies. While it is scary at first those tiny babies get bigger. My 2 lb 5 oz 30 weeker is sleeping next to me weighing 12 lb 2 oz and is a happy wonderful girl. I hope you make it as close to term as you can. If you have any questions about preemies or the nicu feel free to email me genierster@gmail.com
I'm glad that your ffn test came back negative, but that must have been scary. Thinking good long cervix thoughts for you and the kiddos. May they well exceed the "at least 32 weeks" mark!
Yikes! I would have freaked out too but that's great news about the reassuring test results, and all other signs being so positive.
We got a lazyboy style rocker/recliner too and I love, love, LOOOOVE it! :-)
I'm right there with you on the hoping for the best and knowing it may not work that way - so I try to look at every possibility and see what it might entail. I personally think it's the best approach - not that I'm biased or anything. ;-)
But even so, that had to have been scary, and I'm so glad the ffn test came back negative. Fingers crossed your cervix cooperates and you don't have to go on full bed rest.
I'm right there with you on the being prepared and realistic plan! It makes sense. I have no clue what this whole cervical length thing is - I didn't know ones cervix was long! But I am glad everything else seems to be fine. I hope you continue to recline in your fabulous Uggs and stop all the running around. The swimming sounds restful and contemplative ( or will you be doing Olympic sprint
laps? !! Lol!)
32 weeks sounds so soon but it's great that you asked the doc so you are both on the same page.
Good luck keeping those babes in your tummy for a good long while:)
You must have been so worried with that test! I'm glad it came back with good results. This pregnancy thing can sure mess with your head. Wishing you a completely uneventful rest of your pregnancy.
Wow. Scary week! I'm glad the ffn was negative. And even though your OB said "32 weeks" that doesn't mean a thing. You can easily still be that full-term 38 weeker popping out two full-sized babies that don't go to the NICU. That said, I'm sure it is a delicate balance between preparing for all scenarios and continuing to hope for the best.
You are doing great! Glad the rocker arrived and extra glad you aren't trying to MOVE right now! :)
Hugs and love.
How scary! I'm so happy the test came back negative. You have given these babies such a healthy start that I'm sure they will quickly recover from an early birth. I hope they won't need to though. People keep thinking I'm crazy when I say that we need to plan for ours to come as early as March or April... Kick those feet up, girl, and take it easy. Thinking near full term baby thoughts for you.
Ps. The party was moved to the 14th (Monday) and I'm too travelled out to make it. So bummed I won't get to see you before the babes arrive. If you go, would you mind telling my wife how important a lazyboy is. So far, she's not buying my arguement that a pregant girl NEEDS one... xo
Scary! Glad your test results were good and that your rocker arrived and that you are taking it easy. Are you guys all nested and ready? Sounds like things are going to go quickly from here!
That's so scary. I'm really glad you and the babies are doing ok. It sounds like a difficult balance between being prepared for things to go wrong and relaxing and trusting that things will be ok. I think you do a good job of striking this balance - I've always admired your positive attitude even in the face of struggle.
That IS scary. Glad to hear that things are fine for now. Take care of yourself!
Great news on the test results but I agree with being proactive. More swimming, less walking. More reading and more meditating. Fingers crossed for longer than 32 weeks.
you scared me at first, but im glad the test came back negative. still, im sure the thought of earlier delivery than expected is on your mind. im sure both babies will be totally perfect, and maybe you'll still make it to 36 weeks. i'll be sending you "stay put until 36 weeks, babies" vibes! i would definitely ease up on the working out, keep your dogs up!
UGGS and a lazy boy!?! Puffer pregnancy heaven! I know its hard but grab a book and plant your ass in that chair as often as you can. I think it is important to be well informed and prepared for things to go off course but no matter what comes your way, I know you will do a great job and make the decisions you need to to keep you and those babes healthy.
I am really glad everything is ok and I'm sending you wishes for a big long thick cervix!
In my experience, doctors try to be on the conservative side when they make statements like that. If she said you'll make it to at least 32 weeks, then I'm sure you'll make it to 36 weeks no problem. What a relief to hear that the test came back negative!
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