First, thanks to all of you who have commented and emailed in recent weeks. I don't have to tell you how much it means to have that support from some of my favorite people.
To recap events since we last spoke, we had the perinatologist/maternal-fetal medicine specialist appointment last week. The good news is that the fancy ultrasound revealed Baby No Name to be wriggling away and in apparently fine health. We had the u/s at 22w3d and he measured an average of 23w2d--so the high BP hasn't caused any intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) so far. IUGR is one of the main risks to the baby from my BP so they will be keeping a close eye on him by repeating the u/s every few weeks. It was such a tremendous relief to hear him described as "vigorous." Even more than hearing the heartbeat for the very first time. Little stinker seems to be a fighter. And, as of last week's Jug O' Pee protein test, I am still dodging pre-eclampsia. Hallelujah!
The bad news is--surprise!--my BP. We have tweaked the meds twice since I updated last and nothing seems to hold it down for more than a few days. This situation is driving me mad, as I just can't fathom why modern medicine can't get a handle on it. I have just finished my fourth week of bedrest with medication six times a day and I'm still spiking into the 170s/90s, with consistent pressures greater than 150/85. It makes me shudder to think what would happen if I was working?
Oh, and as of Friday's hospital visit, I have been diagnosed with something called "irritable uterus." Apparently, hypertension increases the risk of pre-term labor and, if I understood the nurse correctly, IU is some variety of pre-term labor. In any case, I have been having 5-8 contractions an hour, but they are not changing my cervix. They are tolerable as long as I don't move around much. So I'm on strict bedrest until told otherwise by the OB. I really have no idea what this new development means to the overall picture.
This is probably all way too much information, but I am not sure what pieces to leave out? Things have gotten a bit complicated and interconnected here in Mudland. I would like to put together a post about the emotional/homefront aspect of all of this, but that will have to wait. Headed back to the couch, with gratitude again for the lovely internets.
24 weeks on Monday.
To recap events since we last spoke, we had the perinatologist/maternal-fetal medicine specialist appointment last week. The good news is that the fancy ultrasound revealed Baby No Name to be wriggling away and in apparently fine health. We had the u/s at 22w3d and he measured an average of 23w2d--so the high BP hasn't caused any intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) so far. IUGR is one of the main risks to the baby from my BP so they will be keeping a close eye on him by repeating the u/s every few weeks. It was such a tremendous relief to hear him described as "vigorous." Even more than hearing the heartbeat for the very first time. Little stinker seems to be a fighter. And, as of last week's Jug O' Pee protein test, I am still dodging pre-eclampsia. Hallelujah!
The bad news is--surprise!--my BP. We have tweaked the meds twice since I updated last and nothing seems to hold it down for more than a few days. This situation is driving me mad, as I just can't fathom why modern medicine can't get a handle on it. I have just finished my fourth week of bedrest with medication six times a day and I'm still spiking into the 170s/90s, with consistent pressures greater than 150/85. It makes me shudder to think what would happen if I was working?
Oh, and as of Friday's hospital visit, I have been diagnosed with something called "irritable uterus." Apparently, hypertension increases the risk of pre-term labor and, if I understood the nurse correctly, IU is some variety of pre-term labor. In any case, I have been having 5-8 contractions an hour, but they are not changing my cervix. They are tolerable as long as I don't move around much. So I'm on strict bedrest until told otherwise by the OB. I really have no idea what this new development means to the overall picture.
This is probably all way too much information, but I am not sure what pieces to leave out? Things have gotten a bit complicated and interconnected here in Mudland. I would like to put together a post about the emotional/homefront aspect of all of this, but that will have to wait. Headed back to the couch, with gratitude again for the lovely internets.
24 weeks on Monday.
8 comments:
So sorry about your BP. How annoying. I know bedrest must be very, very boring.
One of my best friends also had BP problems and contractions throughout her pregnancy (starting around week 20). They delivered her daughter 4 weeks early by C-section when my friend finally started to develop pre-eclampsia. The baby is 2 months old and doing well, mom is doing better too. But the bedrest, etc, was no picnic. Hang in ther.e
Thinking of you and the wee man. As always.
Thinking of you and hoping your uterus gets a big dose of calm sometime soon. Until then, stay on that couch!
Glad to hear bnn is seemingly unaffected and doing well, but the couch, ah the couch... it's tough. I look forward to reading the next installment.
So sorry that you are going through this--but you are inching every closer to viablity, and I'm crossing everything crossable right now for you.
This is probably assvice, but I'm wondering if you have ever tried meditation--you can do it laying down in any position (you don't have to do the whole cross legged thing at all) and it has been shown to have dramatic impact on stress and blood pressure. At the very least, practicing it wouldn't have any ill effects and might help your stress level. You don't need to follow any set "routine"--just lay quite and focus on your breath--you can get more complicated later if you so choose.
Irritable uterus, high bp?!?! When will you catch a break. I really hope it's soon. You deserve some drama-free pregnancy time. I'm glad to hear you're still dodging the pre-eclampsia bullet and that the baby is growing well.
I am so sorry to hear after all you went through to get to this pregnancy that you are having all these medical problems now with it. I am glad to hear that you are at the 24 week mark (CONGRATULATIONS!!!) and I hope your body lets up a little so you can let your "bnn" make it to fullterm without any more drama!!! From Tara
Thanks for the update, I had been wondering how you were doing. Hope things stay level and the bedrest doesn't drive you bonkers. Glad to hear the baby is vigorous! Please, keep us posted if you can, we're thinking of you and hoping for the best.
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