The finish line's in sight
At last week's OB appointment, I discovered that I am about 1 cm dilated and WeeBey's head is right there, ready to bust out. I could have told you that, based on the events of the previous few days, which included massive amounts of pressure and more than a few rounds of contractions.
But to actually hear that I was about 1 cm -- with my cerclage in place -- was more than a little scary. Sure, women who are having their third babies walk around dilated much earlier than first-timers, but when you have a stitch holding you closed, you don't really want to hear that your cervix is still trying valiantly to do the old open sesame.
Then we discussed the cerclage removal, scheduled for this coming Friday. I will be 36 weeks 3 days pregnant at that point and while babies born at this point are fine, especially those who have improved their batting average by 100 points thanks to steroid shots, I really don't want a 36-weeker. Studies show breastfeeding is harder at 36 weeks and while that might be the least of my worries, to me, it's a huge factor. Breastfeeding is my thing. I do it well. And to have problems with feeding the baby with two other kids to focus on, well, it's not something I want to deal with.
So I asked if we might be able to delay the removal to the next week, at the 37-week mark. Nope. Not an option. My OB is concerned these contractions and pressure will only continue and the danger of tearing through the stitch while in labor would be greater. And if there's one thing you probably don't want to experience, it's your cervix being shredded like a topping for tacos.
She seems to think I might dilate further immediately upon removing the stitch. In the past, I have always had my cerclage removed in the labor and delivery triage department and once it's out, they monitor me for an hour and send me home. (I say this like I am Michelle Duggar and have birthed 18 kids. I should punch myself.) Of course I dilate somewhat -- we're messing with my cervix at 36 weeks. You start doing that and you're going to cause contractions and dilation. But my OB said if I dilate to 2-3 cm, then they'll keep me for a few hours, just in case. I could tell by the look on her face that she seems to think that will be the case. I refuse to believe that and am plugging my ears with my fingers saying, "Lalalalala I can't heeeaaarrrrrrr yoooouuuuuuuuuu." Mature.
My OB also said if I am dilated any further at my regular appointment this Wednesday, she won't even wait until Friday to take the stitch out, it will come out right then and there. To ensure that doesn't happen, mostly because Josh will be out of town on business until Wednesday night, I have been lying around on the couch doing as little as possible. When Josh is home, he handles the kid duty and I lie around timing contractions and taking Procardia if they get too close together. Emmie is with Grandma for the next two days since Josh is out of town, so I am taking it easy. That means I am lying on the couch reading and screwing around online. It's hard work, people, hard work.
The prevailing theory seems to be -- BIG SHOCKER -- I am not going to make it to my Dec. 15 due date. That's a giant duh, considering this is my third baby and I have never made it to my due date before. I am of the mind I will make it to December. Scratch that, I am determined to make it to December by sheer force of will. If I have to lie around with my legs tied closed, I will do it. Josh's work project ends Nov. 30 and I don't want him working when the new baby arrives. We're having a houseful of people for Thanksgiving, and I would like to enjoy my turkey and pie without having to catch any stray amniotic fluid in the gravy boat. And how cool would it be to make it to my induction date of Dec. 7? We could totally name the baby Pearl!
In preparation for Baby Watch 2009 to begin this Friday, I have a million things to attend to this week, including a girls night dinner, book club, a pre-baby bikini wax, parent-teacher conferences and the organization of the last year of family photos stored online. These are critical to my sanity and well-being and the baby can not come until they are complete. I think we're safe, but you never know with these crazy kids.
But to actually hear that I was about 1 cm -- with my cerclage in place -- was more than a little scary. Sure, women who are having their third babies walk around dilated much earlier than first-timers, but when you have a stitch holding you closed, you don't really want to hear that your cervix is still trying valiantly to do the old open sesame.
Then we discussed the cerclage removal, scheduled for this coming Friday. I will be 36 weeks 3 days pregnant at that point and while babies born at this point are fine, especially those who have improved their batting average by 100 points thanks to steroid shots, I really don't want a 36-weeker. Studies show breastfeeding is harder at 36 weeks and while that might be the least of my worries, to me, it's a huge factor. Breastfeeding is my thing. I do it well. And to have problems with feeding the baby with two other kids to focus on, well, it's not something I want to deal with.
So I asked if we might be able to delay the removal to the next week, at the 37-week mark. Nope. Not an option. My OB is concerned these contractions and pressure will only continue and the danger of tearing through the stitch while in labor would be greater. And if there's one thing you probably don't want to experience, it's your cervix being shredded like a topping for tacos.
She seems to think I might dilate further immediately upon removing the stitch. In the past, I have always had my cerclage removed in the labor and delivery triage department and once it's out, they monitor me for an hour and send me home. (I say this like I am Michelle Duggar and have birthed 18 kids. I should punch myself.) Of course I dilate somewhat -- we're messing with my cervix at 36 weeks. You start doing that and you're going to cause contractions and dilation. But my OB said if I dilate to 2-3 cm, then they'll keep me for a few hours, just in case. I could tell by the look on her face that she seems to think that will be the case. I refuse to believe that and am plugging my ears with my fingers saying, "Lalalalala I can't heeeaaarrrrrrr yoooouuuuuuuuuu." Mature.
My OB also said if I am dilated any further at my regular appointment this Wednesday, she won't even wait until Friday to take the stitch out, it will come out right then and there. To ensure that doesn't happen, mostly because Josh will be out of town on business until Wednesday night, I have been lying around on the couch doing as little as possible. When Josh is home, he handles the kid duty and I lie around timing contractions and taking Procardia if they get too close together. Emmie is with Grandma for the next two days since Josh is out of town, so I am taking it easy. That means I am lying on the couch reading and screwing around online. It's hard work, people, hard work.
The prevailing theory seems to be -- BIG SHOCKER -- I am not going to make it to my Dec. 15 due date. That's a giant duh, considering this is my third baby and I have never made it to my due date before. I am of the mind I will make it to December. Scratch that, I am determined to make it to December by sheer force of will. If I have to lie around with my legs tied closed, I will do it. Josh's work project ends Nov. 30 and I don't want him working when the new baby arrives. We're having a houseful of people for Thanksgiving, and I would like to enjoy my turkey and pie without having to catch any stray amniotic fluid in the gravy boat. And how cool would it be to make it to my induction date of Dec. 7? We could totally name the baby Pearl!
In preparation for Baby Watch 2009 to begin this Friday, I have a million things to attend to this week, including a girls night dinner, book club, a pre-baby bikini wax, parent-teacher conferences and the organization of the last year of family photos stored online. These are critical to my sanity and well-being and the baby can not come until they are complete. I think we're safe, but you never know with these crazy kids.
Labels: Incompetent Cervix, Pregnancy
posted by Amy at
9:49 AM
11 Comments:
Good luck with the getting to December. My friend just delivered her second baby 6 weeks early. I think he came early because they had nothing spicing up their life between now and christmas.
I will have nightmares over this--cervix being shredded like a topping for tacos--for weeks to come.
Thanks.
Seriously though, good luck with everything and I hope the kiddo hangs in until Dec!
LMAO. You are hysterical. I'm slightly horrified by the thought of cervix rippage, though. You should probably do what the doctor says. In fact I'd probably be hanging upside down right now.
Holy shit you're funny when you're stressed. Amniotic fluid in the gravy boat? Pre-baby bikini wax? Gold.
Also, Harry was born at 36 weeks on the head, and he was a champion nurser from the first moment of his life until 16 months :)
I love that you are worried about organizing the photos - when I went in to labor with my son I sat at the computer organizing our photos rather than wake my husband up so early. Fortunately he heard me, noticed my contractions wer only 3 min apart, and told me we had to go to the hospital or I probably would have had the baby at home. whoops. Good luck!!
Pre-delivery wax? Heck yes. You rock. Also, my son was born at 33 weeks, with multiple congenital issues - he nursed very well. It's going to be okay.
Wow - goodluck keeping your legs crossed!
I have faith that you're the kind of person who when they set out to do something..they'll do it and do it right. So, based on that theory...it's only natural to believe that come hell or high water..that babe is staying in there..if only for the simple fact that you can't give up face and let the weebey win THIS early in the game :P
bikini wax, o-u-c-h!! Hope you accomplish your very important to do list.
I'll be putting "wait-till-December" vibes into the universe for Weebey to hear!! Thinking about you!! :)
Enjoy your last few moments of peace before the new babe arrives.
And peace being, well as much downtime/girl time as you can get with 2 kiddos AND a snarkydaddy.
Oh, as for your concern, I agree - let's pray that baby bakes as long as possible, but being it's your 3rd. BFing should come naturally... Your boobs are trained so well at this point, they can train your baby to suck if need be. :)
Good luck with making it to December. I'll keep my fingers crossed that all goes well at the doctor tomorrow and you don't have your stitches out until Friday.
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