The past two months have been tumultuous to say the least. My last post was pretty much my last day at work. Since then I've been on bed rest. Lovely, mind numbing bed rest. While I love thinking about Harper all day long, it's the worrying that gets me. We found out back in December that my cervix was shortening and for no apparent reason. Usually this happens to a woman if she's had any kind of procedures done to her cervix. I have not. So, for a couple of weeks I was monitored, usually in Labor and Delivery. After my second trip there they decided it was best that I go on bed rest to keep as much pressure off my cervix as possible; especially since Harper was so low. For about a month I was going in every week to have my cervix measured and each week it got a little smaller. I also began funneling, which is when your cervix starts to open up. Not a good thing when your baby's lungs aren't fully developed (among other frightening things!) I was given steroid shots to help mature her lungs in case she decided to make her appearance into this world. My doctor stopped measure my cervix a couple of weeks ago. Now I'm effacing (meaning my cervix is thinning out in preparation for labor) (I'm about 80% effaced) and I'm dilated about 2 cm. I haven't been having real contractions, just the Braxton Hicks ones. I get a lot of tightening and pressure, along with menstrual like cramps (eek!) pretty much EVERY. DAY. It's just something I have to live with until I deliver. Our goal since we found out my cervix was shortening was to make it to 32 weeks. Thankfully we've made it to that goal. Now we're shooting for 34! I have honestly been pretty scared that she was going to come really early. The thought of her being in the NICU for weeks or months made my stomach turn. I've read so many heart-wrenching stories of parents who have had to endure that. Thankfully, somehow, Harper has managed to stay put. According to pregnology.com:
"
By week 32, your baby weighs nearly 4 pounds! The crown-to-rump length of your baby is approximately 11.7 inches and the total length is about 18.9 inches...This week your baby's movements will peak. You should continue to monitor the fetal movements daily and address any concerns with your caregiver. The wrinkles in your baby's face are disappearing and fat is still being deposited throughout the baby's body...As a preparation for breastfeeding, your baby has learned to root for the breast. The baby will turn its head if touched on the cheek and open its mouth if the bottom lip is tickled. By this time the baby can also suck and swallow in a coordinated way."
She's getting fatter and learning how to swallow, which is very important in case she comes early! I LOVE.LOVE.LOVE. this little baby SO MUCH already. I absolutely CANNOT wait to finally hold her. But these last few weeks are very critical, even if she can survive on the outside. Two more weeks til our next goal. Maybe she'll surprise us all and I'll go full-term!
Mommy and Daddy love you so very much baby girl!
My 31 week belly shot. Unfortunately, yes, those are stretch marks. It's okay if they gross you out. I don't like them either.
My 31 week belly shot. Unfortunately, yes, those are stretch marks. It's okay if they gross you out. I don't like them either.
1 comment:
i had an incompetent cervix and was put on bedrest too! mine showed up at 29 weeks i think and i was on bedrest for a month and had to quit working. after a month it got better and i just went back three days a week until i delivered at almost 39 weeks! im curious when you delivered harper. maybe if i keep browsing around your blog i'll find out...they kept telling us too that they expected him to be here really early but i never got those shots.
Post a Comment