Do you see a resemblance? All we need are some garden tools!
Wow, it’s been an eventful week. I’m 36 weeks (9 months) pregnant and boy, are things moving right along!
I went in Monday to by OB for my weekly appointment, expecting more of the same: waiting, weighing, blood pressure, measurements, and “see you next week!” Um… not so much. My blood pressure was sky high and there was protein in my urine (signs of preeclampsia). I was seen immediately by the doctor, who checked me (I’m 2 cm dilated) and decided to send me to Labor & Delivery for monitoring. I believe the exact words out of the mid-wife’s mouth was “you might have a baby today!” I think I made it out of the doctor’s office before I started crying.
I actually feel very foolish, because there were several signs of preeclampsia over the weekend. On Friday, my mom and I were at Wal-Mart, and I decided to use one of their machines to check my blood pressure, which was 192/130. I was sure that the machine was malfunctioning, so I just ignored it. I also had a wicked headache, and on Saturday my vision was blurred (which I blamed on needing new contacts). Genius, Andrea.
Once I got to L&D, they did blood pressure checks every 10 minutes and a non-stress test to monitor Cooper’s heart rate. He was fine… I was not. My blood pressure was 180/120 at the highest point, probably because I was scared out of my mind. After about an hour, another doctor from the practice came into to tell me she was admitting me for 24 hour observation. I’d receive regular blood pressure checks and do a 24 hour urine collection (which is what it sounds like… every pee is emptied into a big jug, and they test it for creatine and protein at the end of the 24 hours).
The hospital stay was no fun, but my blood pressure did eventually come down into the 155/100 range. The 24 hour urine test showed extremely high levels of protein and creatine, so I was ordered home on bed rest. I saw yet another doctor (there are 5 in my OB practice) who said that she did not expect me to make it past 38 weeks, and at this point, they were simply shooting for me to make it one more week (to 37 weeks).
I went back for another appointment today, and my BP and protein levels are still elevated. I’ve been scheduled for an induction for next Thursday (1/14/10) but there is still the possibility they will need to induce before then due to my preeclampsia or perhaps he will come on his own. Of course, the hope is that he would come on his own, but I don’t think that will happen.
I really don’t know what to think. The past week has been a roller coaster of emotions and at this point I just am happy to have something semi-settled so I can plan. All I want is for my baby to be healthy and I’m trying to quiet all my expectations about how I wanted my birth experience to be because his health and my health trumps what I thought I wanted to happen, you know? Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I would appreciate it!
A few questions:
- Any advice from those who had been induced? (No horror stories, please – I’m scared enough)
- Anything I should or shouldn’t pack for the hospital?
29 comments:
You and the baby are in my thoughts and prayers! I had an elected c-section, which went well...I just regret not trying to have vaginal delivery. Don't forget bedroom slippers! I was all worried about looking cute...but that will be the last thing on your mind! Ha!
Induced with the first 2- honestly, it wasn't that bad. The pitocin makes your labor pains come on like CRAZY, but once you get the epi (which I HIGHLY recommend), the pain goes away. First baby was a 12 hour labor with 1-2 hours of pushing (but she was 9lbs 9oz) and 2nd was 2 hours with 2 pushes. Everyone will have a different story to tell you!!! Just know that it is all in God'shands- he will take care of you & sweet little Cooper- I have been praying for you!
As for what to take to the hospital- for him, just a going home outfit- the hospital gives you SO MUCH STUFF (diapers, circumscion cleaning stuff, umbilical cord cleaning stuff, formula, blankets, stuff for your recovery). Each time I brought a fully packed diaper bag and each time I didn't touch it- it was just more stuff to carry home that I didn't need. I would bring a nice nightgown for you to wear. Hospital gowns are uncomfortable and if you have visitors, you will feel more comfortable. Motherhood maternity had a nice selection. Have Jason go get you something nice!
Take care my sweet friend!
~Becca
Oh Andrea, I'm so sorry you're going through this. I know everything will turn out perfect. I can't wait to see little Cooper in your arms.
I know exactly how you feel right now, girly. I dealt with the whole preeclampsia/bedrest/high blood pressure/pee collection thing for the last two months of my pregnancy. Thankfully, Dallas and I were both fine at the end of it all, but it was definitely scary.
I was induced only one day before my due date. I begged and pleaded for them to do it sooner, but the doctors said that as long as my baby girl was okay they didn't want to do anything. Apparently I was high risk for having a c-section (which was exactly what ended up happening) but they were trying to avoid that if possible.
My advice (and I'll try not to let this comment get crazy out of control long) is:
1. Get your epidural early -- because the pitocin brings really strong contractions really fast, and if you wait to get the epi, you may not be able to relax like you need to for that to go smoothly.
2. Tell all of your family/friends ahead of time that you don't want ANY food or drinks in your room. You won't be able to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before so you'll probably be hungry, and that coupled with all of the other stuff you'll be dealing with will not be made any better by someone bringing in a cup of coffee for you to smell. Believe me!
3. Try to get rest the day before, but don't stress if you can't sleep because you'll be high on adrenaline during labor anyway.
Okay I'll stop there with the advice and move on to what to pack:
The hospital will have EVERYTHING you need for the baby, so don't worry about packing tons of diapers, wipes, grooming items, etc. Do bring a couple of little night gowns for Cooper and any special outfits and blankets you'll want for pictures. You probably aren't going to want to change his clothes too many times, though. It's a lot of work :)
For yourself, go to Target and buy travel size of all the little toiletry items, and pick ones that smell really good because you're going to LOVE your first shower after labor. I know I really enjoyed blow drying my hair and doing a little bit of my makeup to help me feel human again once I was allowed out of bed. If you're planning to nurse, try to find some nursing pj's. People (nurses, family and friends) will be going in and out of your room so you'll want something that you can wear and nurse but still be discrete. It's hard to be discrete in a hospital gown because you almost have to take it off to nurse. Also bring extra socks and slippers because your hormones are going to go CRAZY and you'll probably feel really cold the first night you try to sleep.
Okay, stopping now :)
Hope this helps!
We'll be praying thinking of you! I'm expecting my own little bundle- I'm sure everything will be alright!
I just realized this was in my google reader! That is a wild week! Bless your heart!
I have had lots of friends induced and don't have any horror stories! I can not believe its almost time for Cooper to be here! SO fun!
I hope you twitter alot over the next 10 days so we can stay posted!!
I was induced b/c my water broke at 36 weeks. Surprise! We were packing to go the beach when it happened, of all things.
I didn't have a hospital bag packed or anything, lol. Do NOT stress. Just be sure you have a sweet little outfit to bring baby Cooper home in, and you're set! The hospital will have diapers, and they loaded us up with goodies enough to last us a few days post bringing Noah home.
He was in the NICU b/c he was technically a preemie, but NICU nurses are ANGELS from heaven, and if by chance Coop ends up there, he'll be well taken care of, and you'll be blessed to have a mommy bootcamp of sorts. I literally do not know what I'd have done without a weeks worth of instruction and love from the NICU nurses in CT, haha!
You'll be great Andrea! Just trust your instincts!! You know best. You're in my prayers!
XO
Becca
oh it sounds scary. I would be a wreck. Stay calm. I'm sure you're trying. I hope everything goes well for you and you can manage to keep your blood pressure low. Good luck ...cheers to a healthy and happy baby and an easy delivery for you :)
You poor thing! I would have cried too.
It's all going to be ok. You're ready for Cooper to come. Relax, try to get some rest, and hopefully Cooper will be here soon. :-)
I can't wait to see him!
Don't bring too much. Maybe some technology, and a change of clothes the hospital pretty much provides it all. Plus if you bring too much you probably wont have time to use it and its just extra stuff lying around. Good luck, and I couldn't be happier for you! Its an experience you wont ever forget!!
So sorry you are going through this! My SIL was induced and she said it really wasn't too bad...she did recommend the epi though, which I also got. Hope you can just relax as much as possible!
I just saw your blog on another blog I read. I thought I would give you one tip I discovered. I had originally thought my water broke so I went to get checked. Well, my water hadn't broken but I had the same situation (elevated BP plus I had been having protein in my urine) My advice is before you go in to be induced, make sure you eat :) I went in at 8 in the morning, had lunch @ 12 and than they started me on petocin at 3 and I didn't have her til 9 the next morning. I would ask your doctor what to expect and what you can or can't consume, cause I know I was STARVING and ice chips really aren't that satisfying ;)
Hang in there Andrea! Sounds like exactly what happened to me. I made it 3 days on bedrest and had to take my blood pressure three times a day. I ended up having my baby 5 1/2 weeks early, but she came out not even needing extra oxygen or anything. She did end up having pretty bad jaundice and had to be under the lights for a few days, but everything was great.
Thinking about you from Utah!
XOXO
Jen
One thing that I was grateful I had packed in my hospital bag was chapstick. I cannot stand to have chapped lips.
http://www.eyeballgirl.com
i had preeclampsia w my oldest which turned into eclampsia during labor...i ended up having an emergency c-section. what i can say is that you are VERY lucky to have a doctor who's monitoring you. my doctor was a retired navy doctor who never told me i had preeclampsia. i found out at my last dr. visit when they gave me my medical records for the hospital and i looked at it. i didn't sue, but i should have. things did come out fine though...my son is now 22. :0)
my two daughters are vbacs who were both induced. i had relatively short labors once the pitocin kicked in: 8 and around 4 or 5hrs. those were pretty smooth going, too.
i do have to say is you might want to plan for a c-section. no woman ever wants to plan for that, but gotta be prepared for the possibility especially if you have preeclampsia.
you, your husband, and baby are all in my thoughts. i know everything will be fine :0)
Hey girl. I'm excited for you that Cooper will be here soon!! I'll be praying for y'all. Don't forget stuff for Jason (PJs, etc.). You don't want him leaving you to go home because he forgot something. Put the car seat in the car and remember the camera. :)
Hey girlie :) I was supposed to be induced January 5th with our little boy, but at 1:45 AM on December 21st my water broke in the middle of the night. I was SO scared. I had started a hospital bag, but wasn't completely packed. I just grabbed what I could & we went to the hospital. I didn't even have any contractions until about an hour and a half after my water broke. I was in labor for about 14 hours & I ended up having to have a c-section b/c our little man's heartrate kept dropping & my pelvis was WAY to narrow & he wasn't fitting through. I got my epidural (which I highly recommend!) & everything was roses after that. They gave me mine pretty early on & labor was NOT bad at all. Don't worry, I'm sure you will do great. The c-section really wasn't that bad either. The worst thing about it is the recovery the 1st week after you have it. That is pretty rough, but you will feel better day by day. Don't stress yourself out to much. I just had the mentality of "I'm going to do what I have to do to have a healthy baby". He is almost 3 weeks now & we are all doing great :)
The hospital gives you a lot of stuff you need. I would recommend taking your make-up, a camera, a gown, robe, slippers, an outfit you want the baby to be brought home in (washed), extra diapers & wipes, etc. If you have to stay a few extra days, you might need shampoo & conditioner. I had family that came in town that brought things I needed as I was needing them. OH, and your carseat to bring him home in ;)
I'm praying for you & I hope that helps!
<3 Bon
Oh, I was going to say too...I found a good nightgown at Wal-Mart. I swear I looked everywhere for a good nightie (motherhood maternity, Dillards, JC Penney, Target) & I think Wal-Mart has the best ones! Just take a light, cotton nightgown that buttons down a little in the front if you plan to nurse :)
Good luck with everything, Andrea! Before you know it you will be on the other side of this holding a sweet baby boy in your arms. :)
I'll keep you in my thoughts! Bring thick warm socks and a comfy pillow from home.
{{{{Andrea}}}} We're all in your corner, cheering you on!
I don't know what your pain management plans are, but I would absolutely encourage the epidural, especially with a Pitocin induction. I went natural with Mikayla, had an epidural with Madison and I cannot believe the difference in my labor experience. With Madison, I was able to enjoy it! Okay, so I didn't get the epi till I was 10 cm, but still! It made that last hour HEAVEN.
Justine :o )
I haven't had any kids and don't plan on having any so I don't have any advice for you except to be sure and get that epidural!
I'm sure everything will be just fine but I will keep you in my prayers. I know this is a scary time and I'd want people to pray for me too if I were in your situation.
The past 9 months have just flown by, haven't they? Yeah, prolly quicker for me than for you! LOL
Looking forward to seeing pix of Cooper in your next post!
Most people have mentioned most everything you should take but I have one piece of advice that was given to me about packing that was a GODSEND. Bring your own maxi pads. The ones they give you at the hospital are AWFUL. Always with the wings are the best and I'm told they don't stick to stitches should you have to have them (I'm hoping you don't, I didn't have to have stitches either of my three deliveries) so that's a bonus. Believe me, you'll be happy you took them.
Oh Andrea {{HUGS}} it will be okay. Reading your post brought me back to my 38 week appt w/ Noah. Everything was going fine until the moment the Dr told me that there had been no growth for 3 weeks and she thought it best to have me check into the hospital that night to be induced the next morning (okay, so it's not preeclampsia, but still a blow to the system). I made it out of the office, into the car and was on the phone with my husband when I finally broke down sobbing.
We checked in that night... I was like you 2cm dilated (50% effaced), so they gave me cervadil to soften the cervix and get it ready for the pitocin I was going to get the next day. I tossed and turned all night, worrying and because I was uncomfortable in a strange bed in a hospital. I had cramps, but nothing to call the nurses about. Around 4am I felt sick - Ray called the nurse for a bucket. It was time for them to take out the cervadil anyway (it's like a tampon they put in your cervix- lovely!) and they realized then that I was in full blown labor - 7 to 8 cm w/ a bulging bag. Long story short, I had Noah before the pitocin was even started and I did it without an epidural (8 hours of labor - and 10 minutes of pushing).
I didn't want to be induced, but if it was best for my child then that's what needed to happen. You can do it and it will be okay. If you go into labor before then, that's natures sign. If you have to be induced, then so be it. I don't know your choice in delivery (natural or medicated) but either way is okay and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
I would bring comfortable clothes for you, slippers and chap stick or lip gloss (your lips will get dry during labor and delivery - oh you may want mints or something to suck on too!). As for Cooper, bring his going home outfit and don't forget the car seat! You will get so much for him in the hospital and can take almost all of it home with you (like diapers, wipes, Vaseline etc). And remember if you forget anything at home, Jason can always go and get it for you. I know Ray liked to go home to shower and check on the dogs before heading right back to the hospital. Oh and if it makes you feel any better - I hadn't packed my bag and had 30 minutes to do so before heading to the hospital. Talk about prepared!
I'll be praying for you, Jason and Cooper!!
Hey Andrea!
I'm thinking about you! At least you know that by this time next week you'll have your baby in your arms. You don't have to play the waiting game until week 42 :-). I was only 1 cm when I was induced so you're already better off than I was! Aaron and I laughed when we unpacked the hospital bag after we got home. I had hardly used any of it and I had brought some weird stuff. Judging by the contents I thought I'd be lounging around the hospital in my silk robe listening to relaxing music, reading books, knitting and eating cookies... Girl, I did none of those things! Bring your camera and buy some cheap slippers that you can throw away when you leave the hospital - don't want to bring those hospital germs home with you! I don't know how it is over there, but we didn't need anything for the baby other than the going home outfit. Hope you're doing alright at on bed rest. Enjoy your last days of relaxation :-)
Good luck! I've never been induced, but I've had a baby vaginally and by c-section and either is as bad as the horror stories.
Don't worry too much. You'll both be fine.
I was induced with both of my girls and everything went fine just long hours of labor. But that was over 20 years ago. When you are holding your little bundle of joy in your arms all of this becomes a vague memory. Sending hugs and prayers your way!!
I have no advice since I have no experience, but I wish you all the very best. Cannot wait to see pics!
Oh Andrea...I was induced with Cassie (my first) because I had pre-eclampsia. My BP was very high and they put me on bed rest..when that didn't work, I had to be admitted...on a Thursday, and they induced me on the following Monday. It was the greatest...but I'm glad they took her early...just didn't want anything happening to her. She was fine and weighed in at 6 lbs, 11 oz. Now she's 21 and just had her first baby...wow..how time flies!
Hugz,
Michele
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