Banned to the hospital

Well, at Monday's doctor appointment, Kim and I went in thinking we'd be out in a few minutes. After passing the non-stress test, we had the blood pressure checked... again, was high. So, the other doctor I was seeing that day, banned me to the hospital for observation. We immediately went there, despite my wishes, and got admitted. I survived the IV and had to have a 24-hour urine test... fun times. They also checked my blood for protein levels that would show signs of preeclampsia.

Thankfully, 1.5 days later, I got released. My doctor was on call this morning and explained that I was as borderline as possible to having to be induced early and stay until we had Gage. Praise God, I passed again!

So, the game plan is the following: Non-stress test on Saturday, January 2 at the hospital... like we did last week. I'm really hoping to pass, because if I don't we'll be admitted again, and I'll likely have him this weekend. The other doctor is on call, so I pray she passes me, so my doc can do the delivery. If I pass, we go in on Monday, January 4 for a regular doc appointment and have the same test/blood pressure taken. If things are crazy high, he'll induce me right away. If not, we'll schedule my induction for later in the week when I'm 37 weeks (full term). It will likely be on January 7. I'll update this with the specifics once I know more.

Please pray we pass on Saturday by having a good blood pressure. If we make it to Sunday, we'll be in the clear to get delivered by my doc, which is what we both REALLY want. Plus, it'd mean Gage was able to cook a little longer.

We are so excited to meet him and have a game plan. So, he'll likely be here in one week. I can't wait to hold him in my arms!

Passed

We're thrilled Gage passed his test yesterday and my blood pressure was miraculously down! Yeah! Got to go home... back to bed rest and hoping he doesn't grace us with his presence for a while... another appointment tomorrow to see.

Thanks for the prayers!

35 weeks; Merry Christmas Eve!

35 week photo - December 24, 2009 (Looking a little more plump and tired!)

Well, life on bed rest has been quite boring, but the first four weeks have gone much faster than thought. My mom drops in and helps me at least once a week, and my fabulous coworkers stop by weekly for lunch and socializing. Kim's been SUPERMAN with keeping up on all the laundry, dinner, cleaning, etc. He's been unbelievable, as I knew he would.

For the past four weeks, I have a doctor's appointment twice weekly and a nonstress test. This is just where they place the contraction and heartbeat belts on your stomach and watch his movement and how it cooresponds to his heart rate. Gage will be moving around like CRAZY, and once they put the monitors on me, he completely stops and moves so far back that they have to have a nurse hold them or wait forever for him to cooperate. So, we think he's going to be quite stubborn. On December 21, we almost didn't pass. Gage just didn't cooperate at all! :) Almost got sent to the hospital, but he finally passed after an hour and a half (usually takes 10-15 minutes).

I've started having a few Braxton Hicks contractions the past few days and am extremely uncomfortable, but that all comes with the territory. And, I welcome it! My blood pressure has been great one day and awful the next. It's just really sensitive, so the bed rest is still a must.

This morning, Kim and I went in for our 35-week appointment at 10a.m. and left shocked. My blood pressure was the highest it's ever been, even though it was normal on Monday. That, coupled with my confessions of nauseauness, blurred vision and headaches I've had the past three days made the doctor really think things through. Long story very short... my blood work came back good, so I still don't have toxemia. However, since it's so sensitive and given the fact that my body is starting to 'get ready for labor' (I'll spare you the details), my doc said we need to prepare ourself for anything. I have to go and get another non-stress test on Saturday in the labor and delivery area of the hospital. If I pass, I'll leave, and we just wait around like normal for Gage's arrival. If we don't pass the test, or if my blood pressure is again high, I'll be admitted for observation. Not sure if that means I won't leave until we have him or not.

With things 'working' and my blood pressure, we may not. I'm freaking out at the fact my son may come 4-5 weeks early, but I'm also trying to chill out and realize that it could be a while longer. Regardless, we're a little shocked. I'm personally nervous for Gage's health and development, but I know he will be fine.

Just hoping to enjoy Christmas tomorrow and learn to deal with what's dealt on Saturday... more news to come. We'd appreciate the prayers! Thanks!

32 weeks brings me a shock

On Monday, November 29, 2009, I go to the doctor for a normal check-up and realize my blood pressure had majorly gone up to 146/90... that's very high for me. So, I got the shocking blow that I'd be put on bed rest until Gage arrives... approximately eight weeks. For someone who can't slow down, let alone stop, I was a crying mess. Had about three hours to go back to work and tell them my news. I hated breaking the news as I love my coworkers and job, but it's what's best for Gage and me, so that's what needed to be done.

I've had some great friends offer up meals, movies, books, etc. to get me through the time. I know it'll be fine, but I'm having a hard time seeing Kim do EVERYTHING around the house. He doesn't mind, but it's hard for me to see him cook, clean, do laundry, get me things, try to have a normal night, work, etc. He's SUPERMAN!

I pray for patience and for my sweet Gage to continue to grow and stay in there until at least January 1. Why January 1? Well, it's a mental milestone for me to look forward to and also, that'll make him 36+ weeks so I know he'll be fine if he makes his appearance slightly early.