Friday, October 31, 2014

Medical leave, Bed rest, and Induction

Things have progressed quickly, in all the wrong ways. On Monday, my diastolic blood pressure was over 100 and my doctor decided to place me on anti-hypertensive medications. The protein in my urine had increased significantly by my appointment on Tuesday, at which point he said I needed to begin my medical leave and spend the majority my day in bed, laying on my left side. I was given orders for a 24-hour urine collection and he began talking about inducing me early. I had still not dilated at all, was having only minor irregular contractions, and she had not yet dropped.

On bed rest, my blood pressure stabilized for a day or so, but has been creeping back up. My 24-hour urine test came back significantly elevated. Another non-stress test on Thursday was generally normal, but took a while because she was sluggish. At this point, despite being a little early and showing no clear signs of labor, he decided it was best we cut our losses and scheduled me for an induction. I am scheduled to arrive at the hospital tonight at midnight.

I can't help but draw the parallels between how this pregnancy began and how it will likely end. Scheduled. Not-spontaneous. With my body not cooperating.

My doctor warned us to brace for a long labor since we are starting from square one. He discussed the slightly increased complications of poor lung development given that we haven't made it completely to term and the higher complication of possible cesarean delivery if my body continues to be non-cooperative. Aside from these risks, I am hopeful that we will be welcoming a healthy baby girl into this world in the next 24-36 hours. There is a sense of calmness and separateness as we each make final preparations before heading to the hospital. Here we go...

5 comments:

  1. Keeping you in my thoughts and sending birthy vibes your way for a safe labor and delivery. Soon you will meet your daughter!

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  2. Thinking of you and your whole family. Sending positive thoughts your way as you welcome this little one.

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  3. sending you all my thoughts. hoping the last bit of the way isn't too arduous and looking forward to your next post in which your daughter will be safely here!

    Mo

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  4. I am hoping all went well and you are holding your girl as I type. xoxoxo

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  5. I'm glad your doctor was on top of this and hope that all went well with the birth.

    Davidah

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