Pregnancy update

It seems that we've hit a few road bumps in the pregnancy lately. My weekly visits have turned into bi-weekly. My back started hurting at 16 weeks or so, then the GI upset began a few days later. This alarmed me of course, because I had the same symptoms when pregnant with Coy. Since we had no dignosis for Coy's early arrival, any and all symptoms I experience are taken seriously.

A few days ago, i started having random braxton hicks contractions. I was started on oral terbutaline and ordered to bedrest. Thank goodness for our amazing family that have been taking wonderful care of Coy! We are so blessed to be so loved and cared for. One of the toughest things in this is not being able to care for my little man. I still get to snuggle with him as much as possible and he even gave me a kiss yesterday! So sweet!

Despite rest, terbutaline, and lots of fluid, the contactions have continued to be worrisome. I was told to expect some uterine irritation due to the fact that my uterus already has a large incision in it. Today, my doctor thought my cervix felt "soft & short". Not words I was wanting to hear. He sent me for a cervical length ultrasound and the results were better than expected! My cervix is greater than 3 cm (I don't remember the exact number) but the ultrasound tech told me it was good. What a relief to hear that!

The game plan now is to get a home contraction monitor, continue the progesterone injections weekly, oral terbutaline q6h, magnesium every 4 hours, and complete bed rest except for bathroom privileges. At this point in the game, if anything takes a turn for the worst, it's still considered a "miscarriage". Terrible, I know, because our baby girl is fully formed, kicking, and filping all the time. If things continue this way, I will most likely be hospitalized from week 20 on. And, honestly, that would be a relief for me. I'd much rather be monitored super close, then be at home and have 30 minute drive to the hospital. Of course, I would miss Chris & Coy terribly, but know they'd visit often.

My doctor looked at me today and said "don't worry, we're gonna get you to 28 weeks.". I told him to not say that unless he really felt that way, which he reassured me he really did. Of course our goal is at least 36 weeks, and I'm not giving up on that. I will do whatever it takes to avoid the NICU again, but the rest is in God's hands. He has given me a peace and that is all I'm clinging to now. I'll be sure to update more often because I really hate that people worry about me.

Some scriptures I've been praying over this pregnancy are: Psalm 91:10-12, Isaiah 44:2, 1 Samuel 1:27, Ephesians 4:27, 1 Peter 5:7, Isaiah 41:11, and Psalm 112:7. If you'd be willing, please pray these scriptures for me! We are so appreciative!