Pregnancy, for me, has turned out to be one big curve ball.
My first trimester was one that would be considered easy. Minimal morning sickness. Test results all clear. A steadily, happily growing belly. Pregnant and recently pregnant friends who spent many months hovered over toilets would tell me how lucky I was to have no major issues. I guess I’d hit the pregnancy jackpot, I thought. Since they say your first trimester is often the worst, I figured the next several months would be a cinch.
In my second trimester, some issues came up. I was told I was very anemic and had to take iron pills each day. That’s why I’ve been so tired. Fine, okay. Then, as I mentioned in my last post, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. It was somewhat of a shocker, and I cried when I got the results. But I quickly got a lot of support and, with Matt’s help, changed my diet dramatically (no more delicious carbs—sob!). I’ve been pricking my finger daily to test my blood sugar levels and so far, all is good.
Then two days ago, I went in for a routine check-up. I had no real issues to report, but at the end of my appointment, my doctor asked me if I was experiencing any pain. I mentioned that I had some pelvic soreness when I walked, and simply attributed it to round ligament pain, a normal and common condition (thanks Dr. Google). She decided to check me to see if I was dialated.
Right away, she declared, “Your cervix is short.” Um, okay. I had to look at the illustration on the wall to remind myself where the heck my cervix is. (Oh, how I should have paid more attention in biology class.) She performed an ultrasound to confirm it. My cervix is short (between 1.3 to 1.7 centimeters when the norm is 3+), which is a major concern as cervices generally shorten during the labor process. Ummmmmmmm, what??
I am about 33 weeks pregnant and as much as I can’t wait to see this sweet being, I am NOT ready to give birth. But the doctor immediately sent me to the labor & delivery ward. Throughout my pregnancy, she has seemed very chill (in a good, anxiety-calming way), but this was the first time there was a sense of urgency. “You should call your husband,” she said. “You need to go over there now.”
Matt rushed down and I was admitted to the hospital, where they asked scary questions like, “What’s your religion?” (in hospital speak, that’s scary) and “Who can make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so?” I was hooked up to a bunch of monitors and we watched the baby’s heart rate closely. She was kicking and flipping away.
It turns out I’ve been having lots of contractions, one every five minutes or so, but I can’t even feel them. They gave me a shot to make them stop. I was tested to see if I was in preterm labor, which, thankfully, I was not. I was sent home but had to come back the next day to get a steroid shot to help strengthen the baby’s lungs just in case she comes out soon.
I am now on bed rest basically until the end of my pregnancy. I am typing this post on my phone while laying sideways with my giant body pillow. Fun times. My doctor keeps stressing that this next week is crucial. I guess 34 weeks is a big milestone for the baby’s development, and we need to hit that mark.
I feel scared and incredibly crummy that I can’t work or tackle my massive baby-prep checklist, but obviously, my number one goal is to keep this baby cooking. Grow, baby! I’ve realized how monumental every week is, every day and hour is, and I cherish each little kick that reassures me she’s okay.
We’ll probably be in and out of the hospital for more monitoring, checking for contractions and things, which hopefully sounds worse than it is. I’m glad the doctors are being extra cautious, and I must say, Matt and I are handling it all pretty well. “Baby, this is your daddy,” he’d say into my belly. “STAY IN THERE. THAT’S AN ORDER!”
Anyway, that’s where we’re at now. Any thoughts or prayers would be appreciated.
Well wishes for you, Matt, and your little one… stay in there until you’re fully cooked, baby!
Oh, Michelle, I got a little teary reading this because, as a new mother myself, I understand how scary this might be right now, and because it’s so obvious how much love you and Matt already have for your baby. It sounds like you are in good hands and I’m happy to read that you are resting. I will pray, pray, pray for all three of you; first, to reach that 34 week goal; second, for a safe and easy labor; third, for a healthy mommy and baby! What a treasure you are about to receive! And if he or she does come early, remember to have faith in the doctors – we are blessed to live in this day and age where medical technology is what it is. You two will be just fine, I know it.
Sending lots of love your way.
PPL!
Grow, baby, grow! You’re grounded in mommy’s belly until further notice. Sending positive vibes your way. <3
Michelle,
Prayers and good vibes all around. You don’t seem stressed which is good, don’t start, that might just set things off (preterm labor) that you don’t want to happen. Just think of it as the rest before she comes out. Rest is what you’re going to be wishing for for the next couple years.
Those questions that they ask you are routine for everyone, but understandably it seems scarier in that situation.
This will all be a memory in a couple years. A good way to guilt trip her when she’s older into doing things when she isn’t behaving.
Hi Mish and Matt! I’m thinking of you guys. <3 Hugs!
Oooh, Michelle! What a big change in what seemed like a normal pregnancy! I can’t even imagine…
I hope she holds out until she’s full-term and you don’t have to do NICU time and breastfeeding is a breeze and EVERYTHING IS PERFECT. (And if it’s not, I know people who can help.)
You are going to be a wonderful mom no matter what happens and how early your little peanut is born. You are doing everything you can for her and she is so lucky to have you guys as parents. <3
thinking of you guys and praying for all three of you!! xoxo
Ooohhh, I’m sending you tons of positive and happy thoughts right now! :) I’m sure everything will be okay. And STAY IN HER BELLY, baby!
ah michelle! im so sorry for this turn of events. =/ I can only imagine how tough it is. I’ll definitely keep you three in my prayers, especially the little one =) try to stay positive! =) although a slightly different situation, i know my sister was on bed rest early on so if you have any questions let me know! think of this time as your time– to rest and just relax=) its you and your baby’s time.
Woo, I’m so sorry to hear this! Sending you lots of positive vibes over the pond to encourage baby Woo to stay in there and keep cooking. xoxo
Scary stuff, but I have a great wave of faith that you and the nipper are going to be just fine. Sending good thoughts, prayers, and happy to sacrifice a chicken if you think it will help. xo
Send positive thoughts and prayers y’all way. I was born 3 months early and came out just fine so I have all the hope in the world that your baby is going to be okay.
Sending so much love and LOTS of prayers your way that sweet baby girl stays put for at least 2 more weeks <3 I can imagine how anxious you must be, it's scary to face unexpected hurdles but I have no doubts you will be amazing every step of the way. You and Matt are two of my very favorite internet people (I know, "internet people", what the heck lol!) every time I think of you guys I smile, this baby is coming into such an awesome & sweet family :)
Try to put your mind at ease, I wish I could come help tackle your to-do list but I'm betting/hoping you've got some amazing friends and family who will love to help you with that!
Listen to your daddy and stay put baby woo! :)
xo
Oh Michelle – hang in there! I can imagine how scary this all must be, but I’m so glad you are getting the care and support you need. I’d there’s anything I can do, just let me know.
Sending you and Matt positive thoughts from AZ. Hang in there!
Sending you lots of love and positive thoughts for a safe and healthy delivery! It’s good Matt is starting to discipline the baby early! :)
XOXO
I heard that moms who have preterm scares like this take care of themselves so well that most go on to have full term healthy babies. I wish the best for you and Matt and the baby! Take care!
I came to the site via a friend’s post on Facebook. This happened in both of my pregnancies (spoiler: one was born at 39 weeks, one at 41, both healthy and happy). I spent 4.5 months on bed rest with my first pregnancy due mostly to the short cervix. Similar short cervix was detected in the second pregnancy, though that time they did a battery of tests and decided against bed rest given the previous history of getting to term. It’s good that you are being cautious and resting, but the lack of pre-term labor is a major relief. It turns out that a number of women have cervixes which shorten prematurely, but they do not go into labor early. So all of this to say: don’t fret, or at least, fret as little as possible! I counted up nervously from 25 weeks the first time in particular. In the end, they had to induce the little guy out of there ;) Good luck, all the best, Lauren
Oh Mich, definitely praying for you.
Life definitely throws us curveballs sometimes. I’ll be praying for you, Matt and the baby and that you will have peace and that the rest of the pregnancy will go smoothly.
You can do this! <3 you muchos
we have a cousin who did go to preterm labor at 30 weeks and our niece decided to wait a week and a half after she got the OK to get off of bed rest ;) (I think that was 36weeks). relax and get a DS (that’s what she did) and lots of netflix.
Thank you all SO much for the kind comments. Really, truly appreciate the support.
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Thinking of you Michelle and praying that your baby STAYS PUT as you say. At least until it’s a healthy time for her to come out! Sorry that you’ve had to go through some crummy things.
As for the questions about what’s your religion and who would you like to make medical decisions in case you are unable to do so…well those are standard questions they ask EVERYONE (no matter how major or minor their health circumstances are) that’s admitted into the hospital. (I’m an RN by the way – and I always wanted to reassure patients that those questions were standard and not an indication of some pending doom!)
Well wishes sent your way for the remainder of your pregnancy!
Michelle – I had similar pain during my pregnancy and although not on official bedrest, we ended up having a C-section 4 days before her due date. If she wasn’t breech, I think we would have needed to send an eviction notice ;-) You’re going to be great, your baby girl will be gorgeous and healthy … treat this like a mini-vacation. After birth, you will never have the time to lay around again and read/watch mindless television, magazine etc .. at this point, treat yourself with a special ice cream treat or something despite gestational diabetes (which i also had). night before surgery, I had a scoop of ice cream and noodles – YUMMY
Hi Michelle,
I don’t know you, but I’m a pal of Matt’s from high school and I’ve been following your blog since I found out you’re pregnant (i’ve been enjoying the informative threads) :-) . I’m a few weeks behind you (30 wks, 2 days) and I just had to chime in to comment today. I’m hoping the best for you and the little sprout and I have a feeling everything will turn out fine. I went through a similar waiting period between weeks 24-28 weeks because my doc heard a fetal arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) and we were so so worrie– we had to go in to see a pediatric cardiologist, get extra ultrasounds, etc, etc. It TRULY SUCKED! But everything seemed to resolve at around 28 wks and we were able to breathe a sigh of relief–which I truly believe you and Matt will be able to do when the baby is born happy and healthy and into your loving family! :-) I’ll be thinking of you guys.
PS I’m also a family doc. and have delivered over 100 babies in my training–I’ve seen lots of short cervix cases like yourself, and I’ve NEVER seen one be born premature (probably bc if they catch them, you get put on bedrest and get monitoring!). And most premature babies born at your stage become completely healthy. It’s wonderful they caught this now so that you can just rest and hang out and enjoy the last months . The waiting sucks, I know, but to think 20+ years ago we didn’t even have these ultrasound detection methods and couldn’t even find these kind of issues!
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I wish I have a baby too..