Complications

This past week has been a bit stressful due to some pregnancy complications.

Since I had a preemie last time, I am treated as high risk and everyone at my OB-GYN knows my first name. I go in at least once a week (a few times it has been twice a week). I started getting once a week progesterone shots at 16 weeks and will continue to get them through 36 weeks (assuming I can stay pregnant that long).

Starting three weeks ago I’m on an alternating week schedule of getting a fetal fibronectin test one week then a cervical length check ultrasound the next. The fetal fibronectin test helps tell if you are going to go into labor within two weeks. The cervical length ultrasound will track cervical length. Shortening of the cervical length usually means impending labor.

Last week at my 26 week appointment, I found out I had both a bacterial infection and a positive fetal fibronectin.

Boy did that lead to a stressful week.

Having a preemie at 33 weeks (like Elizabeth) is very different from a preemie at 26-28 weeks. We were awesome NICU parents, but we had a best case preemie with no lasting problems caused by her premature birth. That would be near impossible to say about a preemie born this early (though I do know from my NICU experience that there are lots of happy success stories).

I started taking antibiotics for the infection and cut out bending and lifting. I rested as much as I could (with a three year old running around). My wonderful mom and husband keep the house clean and in working order even while both of them were coming down with Elizabeth’s cold. My wonderful friends have been volunteering to help in any way.

I couldn’t tell if the discomfort and pains I was feeling were related to the infection, general pregnancy growing pains, or pre-term labor (or a combination of these things). It was really hard to be calm and assume the best.

Luckily, my cervical length check was great this week. My stress level plummeted. My symptoms cleared up just as I finished the antibiotic and my doctor confirmed the infection was gone.

I made it to my 27 week appointment and got another progesterone shot. We are all optimism and joy now.

My doctor and I have developed the mantra of “36 weeks” as our goal (which would be Thanksgiving Day). That means nine weeks to go. I’m really hoping for 37 weeks or more so we aren’t on the holiday, but I don’t want to ask for too much.

Hopefully now that I am not paralyzed with fear, I will be back to blogging. Sorry for the absence and hope my explanation doesn’t include too much information.

~Krista