Most of you are probably aware of the placental issue we discovered at my last ultrasound--and the update with more information regarding the "aged placenta.” I was more relaxed after learning it wasn’t much to worry about right now, but of course it was still on my mind. My doctor told me to call anytime the baby was moving less than 10x/hour OR less than “normal.”
Sunday afternoon: running errands with DH and I had to stop every few minutes to rest/breathe/relax. It was a dizzy feeling I guess.. light-headed. I grabbed a bottle of water off the shelf and chugged it, thinking I was just dehydrated. When we got home I realized I hadn’t felt the baby move much all day so I chugged 3 glasses of water, ate some food, and laid on my side. It took at least 20 minutes before I felt anything at all.
Monday: I work at an office, sitting at a desk most of the day. The baby usually kicks the whole time, but today he wasn’t. There were a few movements, but they were very soft… not like normal. I probably wouldn’t have done anything about it, but my MIL suggested I call the doctor (thank you!) – better safe than sorry.
I went to the clinic at 2:30 on Monday and they sent me straight to a Non Stress Test to monitor the baby’s heart and my contractions. After 30 minutes of this, the doctor came in and said the baby was just fine, but that I was having contractions every 6 minutes. She took a sample for a Fetal Fibronectin (FFN) test and sent me to the hospital where they can get the results much faster.
I picked up DH on the way and by the time they had me hooked to monitors at the hospital, contractions were 3 – 5
minutes apart.
We waited for 2 hours for the test results.… negative!! That means there is only like a 2% chance I’ll go into labor in the next 2 weeks. (A twitter friend, however, did tell me that she had two friends who tested negative and BOTH went into labor within 1 week).
The nurse said the contractions could have been brought on by stress and dehydration so they put me on a fluid IV. We sat there for another hour or two, waiting for the IV bag to empty. Around 8:20pm the nurse came in and said I was still having some contractions so the doctor wanted me to get the 3 shot series of Terbutaline.
I asked what it would do and she said “stop the contractions.” I suppose that answer is okay for some, but I wanted to know HOW. It relaxes smooth muscle (like the uterus)… but is also a form of adrenaline so she told me the side effects would be a jittery feeling.
The first shot hurt like hell (in my arm). I was almost immediately shaking and jumpy and short on breathe. It was not at all pleasant. After 20 minutes, she came in to give me the 2nd shot and I asked if all 3 shots were the exact same, she said “yes.” The contractions had stopped so I asked if I really needed all 3… as she said, “Yes, you do” she stuck the shot in my arm (ouch). I realize I probably would have agreed to all 3 and gotten them anyway, but I had questions. I wanted to know what was going on. Needless to say, I was a little irritated at this point, especially as she just stuck me without another word. I wanted to know effects on baby, etc (I mean, you go your entire pregnancy having to avoid drugs… everything you take, your baby takes. I didn’t even take the numbing shot for the IV needle. But as I said, I’m sure I would have ended up with all the shots anyway, I just wanted some questions answered.)
40 more minutes of shaking and rapid heart rate. The baby’s heart rate also increased by about 20% this whole time. From around 130 – 140 to around 170. Other side effect: massive headache.
Around 9:45pm the nurse came in and said during the 3 shots I only had one contraction so I could go home. She gave me directions to come back if consistent contractions started again, make an appointment with my doctor for this week (not wait until my next scheduled one, which is on Monday), and to be on bed rest.
I asked how long bed rest was needed and she shrugged and said “it’s not strict bed rest.” So I asked if I could return to work the next day… she said: “the doctor didn’t tell me any specific restrictions, so yea I guess you could.” Honestly, that didn’t help me much… so I should go home and sleep tonight and get up and go to work tomorrow? That’s my normal routine… that’s not “bed rest.” Anyway, I did take today off work and we’ll see how the next few days go.
I should also mention they checked my cervix. It’s “soft and open a fingertip,” which is more than it should be for being 33 weeks along.
DH and I left and had a bit of a walk through the hospital to get to our car. At the front door, he told me to wait while he got the car and I managed to yell for him right before he left. Other side effect: fainting, dizziness. He literally caught me and held me up for the next few minutes – things were going gray and my legs were so weak – I thought for sure I was going down. Thank goodness for DH!! Then I cried about it. Why didn’t they send me out in a wheelchair? I barely made it from our apartment parking lot to the elevator either.
As of this morning… I’m still having some contractions. I’m trying to time them, but the nurse said 4 within one hour is ok. They don’t seem to be getting closer together or stronger. I go to the doctor on Thursday afternoon.
QUESTIONS:
What can I do myself to prevent further dilation or labor??? I’m well aware that I need to rest and drink fluids. But are there things I should avoid?
At how many weeks along would you expect a “fingertip” dilation??
Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Had the FFN test? Or the terbutaline?
Am I going to have a Thanksgiving baby instead of a Christmas baby?! lol.
All I want to do is finish unpacking and decorating our new apartment! Blahhhhhhhh!!! But I have a new list of things to do (or for DH to do):
*pack our hospital bag
*write our birth plan
*finish reading my Bradley Method (husband-coached childbirth) book
*install the car seat
*set up the crib and dresser
Any other MUST-DO’S, as I feel we may be short on time?
***In addition to our great families, I MUST thank these wonderful people on twitter who helped answer questions, keep me sane and sent hugs my way. I truly and greatly appreciate it!***
ValerieGail, ToniCarrigan, kristinebrite, futuremama, JenRat84, PregnancyMyths, citythreads, kris10chumley, heartsandhandss, JMBorchardt, TheChattyMomma, JourneySeek, Momto3blessings, GR8MIDWIFE, smilyg, nbjenni, 5kidsfornow, thedoodlemaiers, beyondalice, omgmummy, babyplanning, KeepEmCookin, mommyisrocknrol, kelalea, essembee, JJGhatt, ingridjohnsen, norsk348
What can I do myself to prevent further dilation or labor??? I’m well aware that I need to rest and drink fluids. But are there things I should avoid?
– Sex is a big one. Sperm is full of prostaglandins which relax and dilate the cervix. It would probably be okay to have sex, but it can cause labor and dilation if you body is already starting to dilate. Rest and drinking fluids is a big one, but other than bed rest and such there isn’t much you can do. If you are dilating, just take it easy and hopefully it stops.
At how many weeks along would you expect a “fingertip” dilation??
–This is different for everyone, but most people are about 36 — 41 weeks before “fingertip” dilation. It means you are about 1cm or less, but it also means your cervix is effacing or getting thinner so the fingertip can be inserted into the cervix. Some people can be like this the entire pregnancy without a problem. The big problem is if it dilates or effaces more than this.
Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Had the FFN test? Or the terbutaline?
–I haven’t had the fFN test, but I have had terbutaline. I had to have it for a procedure they did when I was about 37 weeks. I gave me panic attacks, the shakes, I was dizzy and couldn’t walk. It was not fun. They didn’t ever tell me the risks to the baby either or exactly what was happening besides they had to ‘relax my uterus’, so other than that I wish I could tell you more.
But, if they put you on bed rest, at least for me it was this way, I had to stay down all the time. No work, and couldn’t get up except to go to the bathroom. It wouldn’t really be bed rest otherwise.
The car seat is the biggest thing. You cannot leave the hospital with the baby unless you have the car seat installed. My FIL set up our crib after I had the baby but was still in the hospital, so that *can* be put off, if you want it to. The birth plan and everything is a big deal, especially with how you were treated yesterday. (Here is a shameless plug) I would also hire a doula, someone that can support you and your DH during labor and prepare you for everything with it before labor. They can explain everything about the procedures the doctors suggest and things that can help make your labor amazing and exactly what you would like it to be, whether you go into labor tomorrow or at 42 weeks.
I so hope you get some answers to your questions at your next appointment, and if you need any other questions answered that you think of, it never hurts to ask us on twitter
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Baby Dickey Reply:
November 6th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Thanks so much!! If anyone else is wondering – the doctor also told me to avoid lifting anything. Even grocery bags. I’m basically on a 5 lb. lifting limit, lol.
I’ll write an update about my follow up dr appt and wait he said re: bed rest, etc. Thanks so much for all your help here and on twitter… you’ve been a life saver!
I’ll look into a doula… I like the idea, but guess I never looked into it because I thought we wouldn’t want to pay/couldn’t afford something like that. But sounds like it might just be worth that!
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Well — I am at 28 weeks and my first so I have never been where you are… but I am thinking of you!
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I’m so glad to hear that things are okay! But how scary. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers over these next several weeks. Keep us updated!
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OMG that’s so freaking scary!! I can’t believe they didn’t give you a wheelchair!! I’ve been praying for you girl! Praying for you and baby and hubby! I can’t imagine being in all of those predicaments. I’d say having the carseat ready and your birth plan and hospital bag packed are most important… I’ve never done it before so I’m not sure but I know carseat is BIG.. a crib would be stressful to put up later but if you’re stressed out before or in a rush you could always have baby sleep with you at first. Hubby could always put it up
Praying he stays in a little longer than you think right now!
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Find a Doula. Essential equipment for providing a knowledgable and calm interface with the hospital staff. The Doula is trained to give you both support, keep you focused and calm, and ask gentle questions of the hospital staff like, “Is there any reason why we can’t wait to do whatever, so we can give mom a chance to catch up?” We had a Doula with our last child and it made a HUGE difference to have this personal influence.
first you talk on the phone with Doula, then meet and determine you like her/him.
Glad you’re doing better.
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Baby Dickey Reply:
November 6th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
That does sound like it would be extremely helpful! Thanks much for the advice and concern
Any suggestions for a doula in Rockford? Or where to look?
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Sorry to hear you are going through all of this. I am 32 weeks as of Sunday. When I was 27 weeks I had told my dr that I was feeling a whole lot of pressure. She decided to check me at that time and told me I was fingertip dialted. I asked her if I should be worried and she said possibly because I sholdn’t be dilating at all at this point and my body could just be tryng to go into preterm labor. I was put on bedrest for about a week and a half before returning to work.
Then 2 weeks ago I started having contractions again. I had about 8 in an hour while I was at work. I work at the hospital and my dr just told me to go up to labor and delivery. They ended up keeping me for 4 nights. I was given terbutaline injections which didn’t stop the cx’s and then I was put on magnesium sulfate and given steroid shots to help mature my babys lungs in case she came early. They were finally able to get the cx’s to slow down enough and I was discharged. I am now taking terbutaline pills every 4 hours although I still have cx’s since being out of the hospital. I am also on bedrest. I will more than likely continue the bedrest and pills until I reach 35 or 36 weeks. The doctor will be ok with me delivering anytime after that.
BTW, I also had the fetal fibronectin test and it came out negative. I just went for a follow up appointment this past friday (I have been going weekly since 27 weeks) and she said I was now 1 cm.
My suggestions would be to take it easy and not to hesitate to call if you have more than 4 cx’s in an hour.
You can read about my situation on my blog. I am a couple weeks behind in updating although I shoudn’t be because I have been on bedrest!
Take it easy!
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Baby Dickey Reply:
November 6th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Wow, we’re going through nearly the same thing!! I got caught up on your blog too… I am afraid of having to go back to the hospital and getting more Terbutaline or mag sulfate – and I don’t want it! That terbutaline was awful! I was having lots of contractions yesterday, but never called the dr – laid down and drank lots and eventually they slowed. Phew! But if that happens again, I’ll call for sure. I’m to go back to work on Monday after being on bedrest for a week and see how it goes. I’ll be sure to follow what’s going on at your blog too! Best of luck!!
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Early signs of labor — for example, increased pelvic pressure. In addition, some women feel discomfort when walking, because they think that a baby’s head is between their legs.
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OMGosh!! I had not read this post — I am sooo sorry! How are you? Are you all okay now? Thank goodness for your husband catching you — I cannot believe this!! Hang in there sweet
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We had Terbutalene last week — but just one shot was enough to stop things. Like you, the mrs and baby had racing hearts, then she started getting jittery and shaking. Not a fun drug!
The only essential thing on your list to do is the car seat — hospitals won’t let you leave without one. I’d prioritize a birth plan, because you need time to discuss it with your OB — not all hospitals can cater to everything on there, we had to make a few compromises and edits to get ours set.
Something often recommended is to make and freeze meals. You’re not going to be in much of a state to cook when you get home, and probably won’t for a few days or weeks. Frozen meals are quicker and easier than cooking from scratch!
Good luck
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Baby Dickey Reply:
November 6th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Thanks, Will — hope you and your wife are doing well now!! Freezing meals sounds like a great plan… if I had the energy to make a bunch? lol. So far we’ve bought frozen meals.… mmmm chicken pot pies! Haha. But we’re getting there.. slowly working on the to-do list! Thanks much and good luck to you too!
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What are your contractions like? Are they painless with tightening or painful? I was 1cm dilated, –2 station, and 50% effaced at 33.5 weeks and my doctor thought nothing of it. He basically just told me it was my body getting ready to have the baby. I’m sorry you had to endure all the shots and side effects with them: sounds scary!
If it makes you feel any better I’m 2 days short of 37 weeks now and my labor has progressed to 1.5 cm/70% effaced. I definitely get Braxton Hicks every single time I stand up and sometimes just from changing positions..which is why I’m wondering if the contractions they had monitored can be distinguished as actual ones or not. All that matters is that you and baby are safe and healthy. Chances are, even if your little one is born tomorrow, you’ll both be fine.
I’d stay off your feet as much as possible to prevent preterm labor. The gravity of baby’s head against your cervix causes you to dilate more easily. If you want to be really careful, you may want to go on complete pelvic rest.
Hope this helps!
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Baby Dickey Reply:
November 6th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
The contractions are painless for the most part with tightening… I believe they got worried because they were coming every 6 minutes.. and then every 3 – 5 minutes… and the fluid IV and lying down didn’t stop them. But the terbutaline did! It does make me feel better to hear all these stories of other women who had early contractions or were dilated early and still made it all the way and/or everything was fine. They did say the contractions were BH to start, but turned into “productive” ones, because I’m slightly dilated. And that if I hadn’t come in, I may have progressed into real labor. Definitely time to put my feet up!! And you too!!
Thanks so much for sharing your story and for the tips – it all helps tremendously!
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Awesome post this will help me!
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