So this is actually Theresa's story as well as Baby Girl's. I went in for my routine visit with my midwife at 10 a.m. on July 31st. I'd been feeling nauseous for a couple days. Sunday night my entire back hurt so badly, my muscles felt like they were burning. I managed to get some sleep.
Yesterday (Monday) wasn't as bad. I took a long bath. I did 5 loads of laundry, emptied and refilled the dishwasher, packed my suitcase for the hospital (praise God!!), and packed Baby Girl's bag.
I awoke Tuesday morning at 3:45 a.m. and couldn't return to sleep until about 6:15 a.m. due to cervical and pelvic pain. I was have menstrual-like cramps, so I was glad to be going to my midwife! I filled her in on the information. She offered to check my cervix. Thinking I was probably just overreacting, I agreed as I wanted peace of mind that it was all ok and I was being paranoid. Well, it turns out I was worried for good reason. My cervix was dilated to a 4 or 5, and the bag of waters was protruding, albeit they hadn't ruptured....another MAJOR blessing from God! So I was told I would NOT be returning home until Baby Girl makes her grand debut.
After many visits from extraordinary doctors (a neonatologist and two OB/GYNs) here's the current plan and update:
First of all, regarding our AMAZING Baby Girl: she is happy, moving like crazy, resting periodically, has a strong heartbeat, and has shown no sign of distress! If that isn't God's grace and mercy, folks, I don't know what is! The fluid and placenta are all looking good, and contractions have reduced drastically!
After a second cervical exam, the pressure had reduced greatly. My cervix is only dilated at 4 cm. The bag of waters receded back up into a safer position, so they're not protruding the way they were before. And Baby Girl is hanging out higher in the uterus, which has also reduced cervical and pelvic pressure. Baby Girl's breech position is working in our favor as I don't have the pressure I would have if she was head down. So I'm giving thanks to God for the breech position!
Because of the way things are going, so long as things don't progress, it's very possible I can continue with the pregnancy for another week... maybe 2 weeks... maybe even until August 30th!
On Thursday I will be 35 weeks along. If labor persists in any way (increased frequency and/or intensity of contractions OR dilation progresses at all), they will have to deliver Baby Girl, and she will immediately go to the NICU. She could be there anywhere from 5 days to 3 weeks. If, however, we can make it to 36 weeks, which is August 9th, she will not need to go to the NICU.
So for now, our prayer request is that we make it to August 9th! Anything beyond that is an extra blessing.
So I'm on bed rest until the arrival of our little Pooh bear! And I'm bored as all get out! Visitors are more than welcome to stop by-- even if it's 5 minutes to say hi. It's probably a good thing I'm stuck in the hospital as I would probably misbehave if I was home!
I will update more tomorrow, so be sure to check out the journal entry for updates. For now, we're grateful for the Daily Bread God had provided us with: Baby and I are healthy; I have someone to cover worship on Sunday (I was going on leave right after that anyway); we live in one of the most loving and caring communities, whose residents have become dear family and friends to us; and God has provided His faithfulness to us once again. Thank you for your prayers and support... I'm left humbled and speechless once again!
