On March 15th, I wenr to my Non Stress Test at the hospital to find out that my blood pressure was very high. After meeting with Dr. Riley (Dr. Alvey was on vacation) I was sent up to labor and delivery. We basically just hung out and waited until 8:00. At that time I was given a dose of medicine that was supposed to soften my cervix. At 11:00, I was given another dose, and then at 3:00 Pitocin was started. When Dr. Reid came in to check me at 5:30a.m., he told me that I had not progressed at all. My cervix was still very hard and very high. He also told me that he did not believe I would have progressed enough to deliver vaginally by 40 weeks. He said, not that they would even consider waiting until 40 weeks due to my Hypertension. He scheduled a C-section for 7:30 a.m. I was so scared, and became so hot and sweaty waiting for the surgery.
When it was time to go, my wonderful nurse came to get me and wheeled me down in a wheelchair. Josh was all suited up, and he was asked to wait outside the operating room. When we went in, the anestheseologist cleaned off my back and put shots in my spine to numb it. This was the worst part for me. I could feel the needle and it burned. It also felt like it took forever. I was just trying to stay calm. After the numbing, he began to insert the spinal, but I could feel it, so he had to add more of the numbing medicine. The next time he went to add the spinal, I didn't feel a thing. I began getting tingly from my toes to the bottom of my chest, and then I was completely numb. It happened so fast. They began cutting my incision, after pinching me to make sure I didn't feel anything, and then they let Josh come back in. I was so happy to see him! He tried to keep me calm, talking about the whole process of trying to conceive, pregnancy, and now the beautiful baby girl that we were just minutes away from meeting. It worked, I was calm and excited.
It didn't seem long at all, before they told us that we had a daughter and we heard her soft cries. They kept saying how quiet she was. Ocassionally we would hear a soft cry, but she really didn't make much noise. When we heard her though, Josh and I just looked at each other with tears in our eyes. It was definitely one of the best moments of my life so far. Josh got up to see Eden and he took pictures and brought them back to show me.
The nurses told us that they felt like she was having a little bit of difficulty breathing correctly. They decided to have her sent to the nursery just to be observed for a little while. I was a little foggy during this time, but I remember at one point being in the room and everyone else watching sweet Eden in the nursery. The nursery decided to send her to the NICU.
The NICU Dr came and talked to us and told us that she appears to possibly have fluid in her lungs. The doctor did not seem to concerned, but he is going to order a chest X-ray and some labs just to make sure that nothing more severe is wrong. He really doesn't anticipate that there is, so we are praying. I hope that she gets to come out of the NICU tomorrow.
Regardless, today has been one of the best days of my entire life. I love my daughter so much, and I couldnt have asked for a more perfect birthday for her.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
35 weeks 6 days
I went to my doctor's appointment yesterday, surprised to find out that my blood pressure was rather high. 156/88, I believe. I was surprised, because I have still been monitoring it at home, and it has been pretty low. Nothing like 156/88. Of course, since things had looked so good, I had just had an appointment last week AND Bethel Manor is currently undergoing their annual state survey, I told Josh that I would be fine to go to my appointment alone so that he could stay at work. My doctor told me she was concerned about the high blood pressure and she also told me that Eden's heart rate was abnormally high. That scared me. She scheduled an ultrasound and then sent orders for me to head to labor and delivery for another 24 hour observation/ urine test to check for protein that could be a sign of preeclampsia. I called Josh and he headed to the hospital. He made it before the ultrasound, which I was happy about.
In the ultrasound, everything looked great, and the heart rate had slowed down significantly. The ultrasound tech checked it three times, and the doctor was happy with all of heart rates. I really think that her heart rate spiked, because I was nervous/stressed about the high blood pressure. She is still growing well (She now weighs 5 lbs 13 oz), has plenty of fluid, and was practicing breathing. Everything with baby looked great. What a sigh of relief!
When I went upstairs to labor and delivery, they began monitoring my blood pressures, as well as Eden's heart rate, and contractions. My blood pressures stayed pretty high, until I laid on my left side. Then they began to lower. I got blood drawn, which all came back normal. Josh went home and got me clothes, toiletries, dinner, etc. He also stayed the night with me on the terribly uncomfortable couch. I am so thankful for him. We played cards and watched NCIS. It was a good distraction.
Now it's just the waiting game until 2:30 when they will collect my twenty four hour urine sample to take to the labs. My doctor is out today, because she was on call last night, so the doctor filling in for her just came in and talked with me. She told me that she expects the urine sample to come back either normal or only slightly abnormal since all of my labs looked so good. She said if it is normal, I will be sent home for bed rest and my doctor will decide what to do about induction. If it is slightly abnormal, she said that I would be sent home for bed rest and we would schedule an induction. She said if it was more than a little abnormal, we would discuss that when the results came back. Looks like bed rest is definitely in my future. We will find out soon enough though.
Thanks for your continued prayers. God has been faithful so far, and I know he will continue to watch over this pregnancy.
In the ultrasound, everything looked great, and the heart rate had slowed down significantly. The ultrasound tech checked it three times, and the doctor was happy with all of heart rates. I really think that her heart rate spiked, because I was nervous/stressed about the high blood pressure. She is still growing well (She now weighs 5 lbs 13 oz), has plenty of fluid, and was practicing breathing. Everything with baby looked great. What a sigh of relief!
When I went upstairs to labor and delivery, they began monitoring my blood pressures, as well as Eden's heart rate, and contractions. My blood pressures stayed pretty high, until I laid on my left side. Then they began to lower. I got blood drawn, which all came back normal. Josh went home and got me clothes, toiletries, dinner, etc. He also stayed the night with me on the terribly uncomfortable couch. I am so thankful for him. We played cards and watched NCIS. It was a good distraction.
Now it's just the waiting game until 2:30 when they will collect my twenty four hour urine sample to take to the labs. My doctor is out today, because she was on call last night, so the doctor filling in for her just came in and talked with me. She told me that she expects the urine sample to come back either normal or only slightly abnormal since all of my labs looked so good. She said if it is normal, I will be sent home for bed rest and my doctor will decide what to do about induction. If it is slightly abnormal, she said that I would be sent home for bed rest and we would schedule an induction. She said if it was more than a little abnormal, we would discuss that when the results came back. Looks like bed rest is definitely in my future. We will find out soon enough though.
Thanks for your continued prayers. God has been faithful so far, and I know he will continue to watch over this pregnancy.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
On cookies, hunger, anxiety, and sleep.
Today is a gloomy day. Rainy. Cold. Blugh. As for me, I am still cuddled up in bed with my puppy and our brand new laptop. I have my 35 week appointment today, but everything has been good as far as blood pressure goes, baby has been active, and I feel good overall, so I really don't expect any surprises. I cannot believe that Miss Eden Ansley will be here in 5 weeks (or less) (ok..or maybe a little more,) but time is ticking, and this is definitely becoming more real. Earlier in my pregnancy my doctor had said that she would induce me at 37 weeks regardless of how my blood pressure was at that time, because she said that it being high early on was an indicator that something was not normal about my pregnancy. However, my blood pressure has been wonderful for so long, that I really don't see this happening, so I am not counting on meeting our little angel in two weeks, and I know it really is best for her to stay in as long as possible. Did I mention that I praise God daily for this, because my bp going low and staying low definitely is unexpected, even by my dr.
On food...I have been ravenous lately, and I feel that I need to document this, so that I can look back and laugh later on when I am no longer pregnant. Last night was the worse, I was so hungry, and every time I ate something, I felt just as hungry. I had two no bake cookies, then a piece of 2% Colby jack string cheese, then a piece of swiss cheese, then a cup of fat free tapioca (I don't even really like tapioca), before feeling full. I hate going to bed hungry.
About those cookies...At 35 weeks pregnant, and like I said, ravenous, cookies are not a good item to have anywhere in the house. However, Josh decided to bake Snickerdoodles and no bakes to take to work, and then he decided to leave the no bakes at home. These are probably the best no-bakes I have ever had, might I add! How sweet, huh? Not so much! It is a constant temptation and a constant battle between," I know I don't need it", and "I really do need another." It's bad. I recently started documenting my nutrition and fitness on MyFitnessPal again, because I realized that although I was trying to eat nutritiously, I was still probably taking in many more calories than I actually needed. I have also begun doing 40 minutes on the arc trainer at the gym daily. My weight gain has slowed down significantly, and I am feeling much better about myself.
On sleeping...I really haven't been sleeping well lately, and I think this is due to anxiety. I am anxious about so many things. I know that some of them are irrational, however, I just can't help it! I know my time at home has been a blessing, because I have been able to spend more time focusing on what God's word says about anxiety, worry, fear, etc. This time in the morning has been awesome non-rushed time spent journaling, in the word, reading my devotional, and in prayer. However the 10+ hours a day I spend at home, also gives me a lot of time to think about and dwell on things. My mind goes to some pretty unpleasant places. Lately, I have not been able to sleep, not only due to anxiety, but also due to not being able to get comfortable. The time after 6am when Josh is gone to work is wonderful, because I stretch out with all the pillows, and have the whole bed to myself. Throughout the night though, it is just hard to get comfortable. I think it could be much worse though.
Well, I think that's all for today . . . I am going to force myself out of this oh-so-comfy bed, make a chai tea latte, and some oatmeal with berries, and have my quiet time. Then it's off to the gym. I have a pretty busy day today!
On food...I have been ravenous lately, and I feel that I need to document this, so that I can look back and laugh later on when I am no longer pregnant. Last night was the worse, I was so hungry, and every time I ate something, I felt just as hungry. I had two no bake cookies, then a piece of 2% Colby jack string cheese, then a piece of swiss cheese, then a cup of fat free tapioca (I don't even really like tapioca), before feeling full. I hate going to bed hungry.
About those cookies...At 35 weeks pregnant, and like I said, ravenous, cookies are not a good item to have anywhere in the house. However, Josh decided to bake Snickerdoodles and no bakes to take to work, and then he decided to leave the no bakes at home. These are probably the best no-bakes I have ever had, might I add! How sweet, huh? Not so much! It is a constant temptation and a constant battle between," I know I don't need it", and "I really do need another." It's bad. I recently started documenting my nutrition and fitness on MyFitnessPal again, because I realized that although I was trying to eat nutritiously, I was still probably taking in many more calories than I actually needed. I have also begun doing 40 minutes on the arc trainer at the gym daily. My weight gain has slowed down significantly, and I am feeling much better about myself.
On sleeping...I really haven't been sleeping well lately, and I think this is due to anxiety. I am anxious about so many things. I know that some of them are irrational, however, I just can't help it! I know my time at home has been a blessing, because I have been able to spend more time focusing on what God's word says about anxiety, worry, fear, etc. This time in the morning has been awesome non-rushed time spent journaling, in the word, reading my devotional, and in prayer. However the 10+ hours a day I spend at home, also gives me a lot of time to think about and dwell on things. My mind goes to some pretty unpleasant places. Lately, I have not been able to sleep, not only due to anxiety, but also due to not being able to get comfortable. The time after 6am when Josh is gone to work is wonderful, because I stretch out with all the pillows, and have the whole bed to myself. Throughout the night though, it is just hard to get comfortable. I think it could be much worse though.
Well, I think that's all for today . . . I am going to force myself out of this oh-so-comfy bed, make a chai tea latte, and some oatmeal with berries, and have my quiet time. Then it's off to the gym. I have a pretty busy day today!
Sunday, February 24, 2013
31 weeks
Tomorrow I will go for my 31 week appointment, but things overall have been going well. Blood pressure has been low, as of this week. Last week, it was elevated, and I went to triage for some testing, just to be safe, but everything came back normal, so I was able to come home after a few hours, and didn't have to stay for a 24 hour observation. I am thankful that blood pressure is doing so much better.
I have been able to get a lot of crafty projects and organizing done around the house.
Just getting lots of things done before our little girl gets here.
I have been able to get a lot of crafty projects and organizing done around the house.
Just getting lots of things done before our little girl gets here.
34 weeks 3 days Update
Since my last post was on January 7th, I am long overdue for an update, and a lot has been going on since then. I honestly cannot believe how fast the time has passed! In that post, I was beginning to find peace about having to stay at home, and was starting to get some things done around the house to keep myself busy. I was 27 weeks at that time, and my blood pressure had become somewhat lower and more stable. I am currently 34 weeks, and am thrilled to say that my blood pressure has been low since my last post (except for one spike that sent me to St. Mary's for an observation, but it actually lowered while I was there, everything else looked great, and I was able to go home a few hours later.) My mom delievered me at 33 weeks. I am thankful to have made it past that mark with no signs of Preclampsia. All the glory goes to God and to the many prayers that have been lifted up for this. I am so thankful!
I have come to enjoy my time at home (most of the time.) I still miss my class and hate not being there with them, but I definitely see that God had a plan for my time at home, and I am thankful that I have had it. It's hard to believe that in 39 days (or less) our baby girl will be here! It's becoming even more real.
In the last few weeks, I have finished the nursery. Josh is still working on a shelf to put under the window. I can't wait to see it complete. We have had three baby showers so far and have gotten lots of wonderful things for Eden and for the nursery. I have also gotten lots of cleaning around the house and tried many new recipes.
Now we are just counting down the days and waiting anxiously for Eden's arrival.
I have come to enjoy my time at home (most of the time.) I still miss my class and hate not being there with them, but I definitely see that God had a plan for my time at home, and I am thankful that I have had it. It's hard to believe that in 39 days (or less) our baby girl will be here! It's becoming even more real.
In the last few weeks, I have finished the nursery. Josh is still working on a shelf to put under the window. I can't wait to see it complete. We have had three baby showers so far and have gotten lots of wonderful things for Eden and for the nursery. I have also gotten lots of cleaning around the house and tried many new recipes.
Now we are just counting down the days and waiting anxiously for Eden's arrival.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Today I am thankful for my time spent at home to get some rest. Yes, I said it, I am thankful to be off from work (today anyway) so that I could rest. I needed to catch up after the weekend: dinner with friends at Bonefish and games at our house, lunch with my mom, church, and the bridal show. Probably a little busier than I should have been, but my blood pressure stayed low overall (Thankful for that!), and Sunday night was spent on the couch in my pjs and fuzzy socks..
Today, I stayed in bed past eight, (except for the times I had to get up to go to the bathroom and get a snack!) This never happens, which was exciting. Around six Riley even ran and jumped onto the bed about five times, but I stayed in bed! I knew I needed it.
It was nice staying in my pjs this morning, taking my time making/eating breakfast and having my quiet time. (God is still working on me---teaching me to be content, have peace, not to worry, etc...). I am feeling a difference, but it's taking time, and will continue to take more, I'm sure. It felt nice to not be rushed.
I organized the hall closet and the drawers in my bathroom, and also put another small dent in the nursery closet. That one is still going to take some work! I also went for a slow walk (don't worry, my doctor okayed this). Then a friend came over and we lounged around. She showed me some more about "Swagbucks" and we baked/decorated cookies.
It's been a good day and a nice start to my week.
Today, I stayed in bed past eight, (except for the times I had to get up to go to the bathroom and get a snack!) This never happens, which was exciting. Around six Riley even ran and jumped onto the bed about five times, but I stayed in bed! I knew I needed it.
It was nice staying in my pjs this morning, taking my time making/eating breakfast and having my quiet time. (God is still working on me---teaching me to be content, have peace, not to worry, etc...). I am feeling a difference, but it's taking time, and will continue to take more, I'm sure. It felt nice to not be rushed.
I organized the hall closet and the drawers in my bathroom, and also put another small dent in the nursery closet. That one is still going to take some work! I also went for a slow walk (don't worry, my doctor okayed this). Then a friend came over and we lounged around. She showed me some more about "Swagbucks" and we baked/decorated cookies.
It's been a good day and a nice start to my week.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Holidays/26 weeks
The holidays have been a much-needed distraction for me. Family time. Food. Indianapolis. Friends. Snow. Fuzzy socks. Movies. Reading. Starbucks. Husband time. Crafts. Ya, that about sums it up, and it has been nice. I think I will still have a hard time on January 2nd, when all of the Evans staff returns to school, and on January 3rd, when the kiddos come back, but each day I am able to be more content with my current circumstances. The holidays have definitely helped. Still looking forward to time with my very first best friend, making pizzas and going to orange leaf tomorrow, New Years Eve date with great friends, a nice dinner, and chocolate fondu, sister in law time for a couple of days, and craft time/ lunch date on Friday. I have so many things to be thnakful for, and I am reminding myself of that daily. Still having my daily quiet times too. I am reading Calm My Anxious Heart, as well as devotionals on my phone on the topics Fear, Anxiety, Contentment, and Peace. It is helping. Slowly but surely.
On Thursday, I had my 26 week appointment. My blood pressure was pretty high. 150something over 80something. Highest that it has been since my last appointment. I think it was nerves! Although, it stayed high for most of the following day, and is back to normal now. Could nerves related to the doctor's office really cause my blood pressure to spike and then stay high for that long?? At this appointment, the doctor told me that since there is something abnormal about my pregnancy, she will not allow me to carry past 37 weeks. If I have carried to 37 weeks, I will induced on that date. This puts us at or around March 14th for her arrival (instead of April 4th). I feel like she will be here before we know it, and there is still so much left to do. Good thing, I have 8 hour work days to get it all done. :) Since my due date was pushed up, and she could possibly come sooner, there is a very good chance that I'll be returning to school to finish up the end of the school year. Grandmas have agreed to stay with Miss Eden if this is the case, so that we do not have to start her in daycare until August, when I start a new school year.
That about sums up everything going on for me. Here is how you can pray for us now:
- pray that my blood pressure stays low and does not progress to Preclampsia
- pray that baby stays in until it is a healthy time for her to be born
- pray that I will trust in God, find peace and not be anxious.
Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays
On Thursday, I had my 26 week appointment. My blood pressure was pretty high. 150something over 80something. Highest that it has been since my last appointment. I think it was nerves! Although, it stayed high for most of the following day, and is back to normal now. Could nerves related to the doctor's office really cause my blood pressure to spike and then stay high for that long?? At this appointment, the doctor told me that since there is something abnormal about my pregnancy, she will not allow me to carry past 37 weeks. If I have carried to 37 weeks, I will induced on that date. This puts us at or around March 14th for her arrival (instead of April 4th). I feel like she will be here before we know it, and there is still so much left to do. Good thing, I have 8 hour work days to get it all done. :) Since my due date was pushed up, and she could possibly come sooner, there is a very good chance that I'll be returning to school to finish up the end of the school year. Grandmas have agreed to stay with Miss Eden if this is the case, so that we do not have to start her in daycare until August, when I start a new school year.
That about sums up everything going on for me. Here is how you can pray for us now:
- pray that my blood pressure stays low and does not progress to Preclampsia
- pray that baby stays in until it is a healthy time for her to be born
- pray that I will trust in God, find peace and not be anxious.
Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays
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