Friday, July 25, 2008

Well, I'll be damned...

My paranoia turned out to actually be useful.

Had somewhat painful contractions this morning. They, however, slowed to occasional before my scheduled ultrasound. Which went great-- lots of movement, great measurements. So great in fact that I didn't even ask about in-hospital monitoring-- it felt entirely unnecessary. Dr. Best did check the cervix, which was fingertip dilated and 50% effaced, or not much change since the last check, and pronounced me able to go back to the shore. But I was sleepy, and so I went home for a nap first.

One nap, return of much more frequent contractions, and my appraisal of not enough movement later my paranoia had me calling the hospital to come back in. Had a bunch of contractions on the way, and then they slowed down when I was actually hooked up to the monitors. The baby was sort of quiet at first, but then demonstrated the required number of accelerations. I was starting to figure out how long the drive back to the shore would take, whether I was still likely to hit traffic, and what my chances were at the leftover BBQ once I got myself over there.

And then the contractions returned, and I agreed to a cervix check that I refused earlier, when there weren't any. And that check had me clocking in at 1-2cm. And just like that, everything changed.

So I have been admitted, got my first shot of steroids and my first dose of IV antibiotics, followed by the first shot of heparin, am sporting a lovely pair of compression stockings, and am about a quarter way through my loading bag of mag. Which is making me predictably hot and rather uncoordinated with the typing. So this post is taking a while.

A neonatalogist and an anesthesiologist have been by. At this gestational age (33w5d) the prognosis is pretty good even if he came tonight, and only gets better if we can hold the fort for the 48 hours required to complete the steroid protocol. The nurse says she has seen a lot of people hold out longer even after the mag is removed, due to its magical juju of relaxing the hell out of you. I believe that to be a term of art.

One of our friends who was at the shore with us drove JD to the hospital. Monkey stayed, and is excited to get to hang with friends sans parents and that her little brother may actually be born soon. I am not thinking very far ahead, but I am daring to hope for 48 hours, and maybe even beyond. The heart rate monitor is thumping very reassuringly over my right ear. There is also a baby warmer in this room. There wasn't one in the room where A was born.

Magnesium is gaining on me, so I'd better hit publish. I am still somewhat shocked that me being the Protector seems to have come in handy. I had honestly thought that whatever the outcome, it would be in no way affected by my actions, regardless of how desperately vigilant I'd been. Maybe it's the stopped clock, twice a day thing.

27 comments:

Mrs. Spit said...

Mummy intuition - it's a good thing. Sorry you are having such a rough time on the mag. It does get better. Honest.

Praying for 48 hours.

luna said...

you are still the best keeper, julia, though I'm glad you have some protectors surrounding you. good thing you didn't head right back to the beach, I'd hate to think of you sitting in weekend traffic during contractions. brilliant, you are. now I'm wishing for that little guy to stay put for as long as possible.

Betty M said...

Hoping for 48 hours and hopefully more. Glad you are in an entirely Dementor free place.

Julie said...

My dear, my dear, WELL DONE.

You are, of course, the best possible baby warmer, but it's so nice to know there's a backup nearby. And that you are in good hands. Because with you, your baby always has been.

G in Berlin said...

Thinking good thoughts your way.

Cat, Galloping said...

I am so, so happy for you that you are nearing... I was going to write "the end", but I really mean "the beginning." Non-stop monitoring from here on out! Yay!

Amelie said...

You're a wonderful protector. I'm hoping for 48h and more, and that both of you remain well.

Sara said...

Oiy, thank goodness for paranoia, in this case. I hope for 48 hours, and even longer if possible.

I'll be thinking of you non-stop, until the next report.

Much love to you.

S said...

WOW.

I will be thinking about you. Please update when you can.

xo

Aurelia said...

Thank Goodness you have been watching! So, my question is, what with the mag and the compression stockings, how is your BP doing? Is it a little bit under control now? Was it wildly bad or is this just in case?

As for being a little early, he sounds like he is in good hands. Almost 34 weeks is pretty darn big if it has to be. Am sending you very very big hugs!!

Busted said...

Hooray for paranoia - you are such a great mother. I'll be keeping you all in my thoughts and hoping for at least 48 hours.

S. said...

With you, Julia. With you.

Caro said...

Wow. I'll be thinking of you and hoping he waits at least 48 hours.

Meghan said...

Always good to trust your gut. I'll be thinking of you all the next 48 hours or so!

Anonymous said...

I hope he will wait for the next 48 hours and maybe even a little longer. I will be thinking of you.

JW Moxie said...

Who said clockwatching and obsessive vigilance weren't good things? You're not the sole protector anymore, and though things are tense, I hope that there is some degree of relief in knowing that you're not on your own anymore. Now I'll be obsessively checking my reader for updates.

k@lakly said...

That inner voice is never wrong, glad you were listening when it needed to be heard.
I hope the extra support and protection have given you the comfort you need and that the mag buys you the 48+ the little guy needs to get nice and healthy before making a much welcomed entrance into mommy's embrace.
Sending hope, strength and lots of support:)
xxoo

CLC said...

omg, omg, omg! I am holding my breath for you. Please let the next 48 hours fly. I am glad you are in the safe place. I am praying for you.

Sue said...

So glad you trusted your instincts. Hoping for 48 hours and again, and again. With constant monitoring, it's so good to hear that the protector is getting the support she needs.

Waiting for the next report, and hoping the mag is not too bad.

Thinking of you!

niobe said...

Omigosh. Sorry, but after reading your post, I'm having trouble forming actual sentences.

Please, please let us know what's going on.....

Unknown said...

I'm with Niobe.
I too can't seem to put my thoughts into coherent sentences....

All I can say is YES, vigilant mommy protector! I also am in full agreement with luna's comment, you are still the best keeper.

update us when you can. we are here waiting patiently.....=)

xo-erin

loribeth said...

Here's to paranoia -- sometimes it indeed pays off! And here's to 48 hours (hopefully longer). Hang in there!!

kate said...

I am thinking of you & the little one....and hoping he waits out the 48 hours at least!

Kathleen said...

Thinking of you

Magpie said...

thinking good strong healthy thoughts for you and the boychild. keep us posted, as you can.

ZM said...

let's hear it for protective paranoia! We'll be checking in - tell Monkey that we're around if she needs a playdate.

Jenny F. Scientist said...

Crossing fingers that everything goes as well as possible for you.