I'm currently at 30 weeks 3days and on bed rest because of preterm labor. I was 3 cm on monday and I have to take procardia pills to "keep me from contracting" every six hours. The baby is doing good and in fact weighed 3 lbs 11oz on wednesday. The problem I'm having is the fact that I just don't feel good. I still feel the contractions (mild) and I've had a little spotting here and there that goes away. I woke up from a nap feeling like it was 100 degrees in my house, but air was on 71. I haven't really been up to eating. I tried eating a sandwich, grits, veggies during the day but never ate more than a few bites. I'm more so irratated than anything because i was in the hospital for a week, got steroid shots (for her lungs), been on and off magnesium sulfate and IVs and that really sucked. Now I dunno because I really would rather not go through it again but would it be better for the baby if I did?
Every moment that baby gets a chance to mature inside of you, the better the outcome will be. Yes, for you it 'sucks' right now but it might long term 'suck' for the baby if he/she isn't allowed their gestational time. Stay strong and do what is best for the baby.
Okay, here's the deal. You are sitting in bed and alone. You are bored and tired. You need your husband to get you a fan, a computer with some great movies loaded onto it, a refirgerator with some snacks in it you know that you will eat, some gossip mags because there has got to be someone out there that has something going on that will make you laugh and feel better. Have your husband get some flowers for the room. Have your friends visit and give you a mani/pedi. Get happy, you are having a baby and this is the one time that you get to take advantage of all the bed rest, cause you wont get it after the baby comes and you will long for the days when you can lie in bed and sleep in. Let someone pamper you for now and make sure that you have everything you need at your fingertips. It sucks I know but the end result will be worth it. Take care beautiful mom.
Keep you eye on the prize and do whatever you can to keep that baby inside as long as possible. I'm kind of unclear as to what the question is...not go to the hospital? If you are feeling poorly, I think you need to discuss with your doc to make the safest decision.
If the question is - is it better for you to go through it again to keep your baby inside you for one more day or even one more hour, the answer is yes! My baby was born at 32 weeks and was only in the hospital for 18 days - but some babies don't make it at 32 weeks even, the fact that i had the steroid shots even 4 hours earlier helped some. When a baby is premature, every second extra inside you adds to her viability and reduced problems down the road. Talk to you doctor to see what you can do to be more comfortable, but this is a war you are fighting against time, the longer you fight the better for your baby.
If you are still feeling the contractions regularly, I would recommend calling your doctor. You don't want to take any risks, even if it means being admitted back into the hospital. I understand your frustration! I was on bedrest for 3 months with my first baby and also spent 3 weeks in the hospital. It is really stressful and discouraging but is totally worth it! I look at my son now and am so grateful that I took all the precautions and carried him to full-term. Remember that this is only temporary and soon you will be holding that precious baby in your arms! I'm praying that you have peace during this hard time!
You can do it! When I was in the hospital one of the nurses offered (threatened ;) to take me to the NICU to help me comprehend what I was doing for my child's future by staying pregnant as long as possible. She was very frank with me not only in regards to imediate medical issues requiring time spent in the NICU but lifelong challenges, disabilities my child could have to endure. I am not a big fan of using fear to influence someone, however as I rock my healthy baby to sleep right now I am so very very glad that nurse took the time to impart her perspective to me. There were times I thought bed rest would never ever end. But it has been six months now. This too shall pass. Good luck.
I was on bedrest with my 1st son for the last two months of my pregnancy. I know how difficult it must be. I wasn't able to take procardia or any other medication (other health issues) except for Indocin. However, Indocin can't be taken past 28-30wks gestation so that last month was horrid for me. I felt horrible, and so wanted to just be done with that pregnancy.
I had 2 very good friends who had their babies at 32 weeks. They gave me much encouragement, and often reminded me the treatment, IV's, medication, not to mention not bringing your baby home with you, & the constant visits to the NICU would be far worse than just hanging in there a few more weeks. They said this part was devastating for them.
My son was born at 37 weeks still had to spend a week in the NICU and let me tell you I was crushed at not being able to take him home right away. It was so weird to go home empty handed. I was just blessed with only a few days of not having him with me. I couldn't imagine 6+ more weeks.
Hang in there Mama, you are doing a great job! As others have already said, its definitely worth a visit back to the hospital to do it all over again, I assure you you won't regret. Until then outside support is imperative, reach out people really do want to help, just not sure how :)
GL and congratulation you are almost there...BTW my docs lifted my full time bedrest at 34 weeks so at the very least try to hang in there for another month :)
The best advice I got was to get a calendar and cross each day off...only concentrate on each day. Don't get hung up on how many more days you have to stay on bedrest, just each that you completed one more day for you little guy :)
You may not feel well because of side effects from the meds. Also make sure your blood pressure is ok. Take a prenatal yoga class to relax your mind and body. You need to get some good endorphins to your brain and your baby's brain. You are going through trauma which you do not want to pass to your baby. Babies who have been through prenatal and birth trauma develop huge allergies, sensory problems and are at high risk of developmental delays. Please relax and do deep breathing, mediatation and if you can't afford a class, look online to educate yourself on how to give your body endorphins. It makes a very big difference in the outcome of things. Good luck to you.
....not sure exactly what you're asking. You would rather not take the meds because they make you feel bad but you wonder if it would be better for the baby if you take the meds? You're taking the meds to keep your baby alive inside of you for as long as possible. I'd say that is very good for the baby. The medications make you sick, I understand that, and you probably feel miserable...but you have to think about the well being of your baby and this is what is best for your baby. Hang in there. Your doctor is helping you do what is best for your baby.
