This week's update - week 38

Just got back from the doctor again. She checked me and while everything else might be all systems go (the baby has dropped low, etc), my cervix is just not dialating yet. If she were to induce me now it would likely not "take" and I would end up with a c-section. And, because my condition is not "critical" right now, she feels like that could be a lot for me to go through. 

That being said, I am retaining a ton of water and am really swollen. So, she wants to keep a close eye on me to make sure that the preeclampsia symptoms don't take a turn for the worse. Next doctor appt is Tuesday, and then another one again on Friday. If higher protein levels show up or if my blood pressure changes, she will induce me regardless. So, all in all, we're close--just not sure how close yet. Doctor still thinks another week. Stay tuned!

Back from the doctor

Back from the doctor for my 37 week appointment, and it went pretty good. The doctor checked me and is expecting that I might actually go 2 more weeks! I'm not dilated yet (although I have been having quite a few trial contractions). She suggested that she would induce me in week 39--two weeks from now--unless my preeclampsia gets worse between now and then. But, things have not gotten worse since my last appointment, so baby can keep on going for now. 

Back to bed rest for now. This is the longest waiting game I have every played!!!!

Latest update!

Just got back from the doctor. It went as well as it could have (unless she somehow would have said, we were wrong, you don't have preeclampsia! ha). My blood pressure had not increased, baby's amniotic fluid levels were good, and even though protein levels were still there, they were not in the danger zone. The goal is for us to stay this course (I can't get "better" so it's about not getting worse). We even got another sneak peak at baby (which Scott loved of course!).

So, my doctor is allowing me to very minimal activity--which means I can get up and make myself some easy food, etc. But, I am still instructed to take it super duper easy and keep bed resting with feet up as much as physically possible. She gave me a list of something like 7 warning signs that I have to keep an eye out for (headaches, throwing up, etc), but otherwise I just need to continue to take it easy. The doctor is confident that I will make it to the 37 week mark (which is a week and a half away). And, if I make it to then the baby will be 7.5 lbs.

I felt great that things haven't gotten any worse in the past few days. So, back to bed for me for now, but I can get up for a few more reasons other than just going to the bathroom. Yay for small victories!!!

Still stuck in bed

Had another doctor appointment today. My blood pressure was a little high and baby's heartbeat was a bit high too. So, back to bed for me. Looks like that is where I will be spending all my time until the little one arrives. My next doctor's appointment is this Friday, and I will be starting to have two appointments a week so that my doctor can monitor me and baby.

My mom came down to stay with me this week which is nice! Oh, and Willie and Sydney think that they are on bed rest too. Well, at least Sydney does--she doesn't leave my side all day.

Stuck in bed.

I had a doctor's appt yesterday and was sent to bed rest immediately following it. She said, "only get up to go to the bathroom!" The doctor diagnosed me as being pre-preeclampsia (you can research it here: http://www.babycenter.com/0_preeclampsia_257.bc).

My blood pressure isn't high yet, but I have other early signs (pain in my abdomen, major swelling in my hands and feet, I had put on 8lbs of water weight in a week and a half, etc.). I have another doctor's appt on Tuesday to run more tests, blood work, etc. and to see if bed rest has made any changes to my overall condition. Fingers crossed that things look better so I am not stuck in bed for the next few weeks! My doctor's primary concern is getting me to 37 weeks (which thankfully is just two more weeks).

I'll update more when I know more on Tuesday. In the meantime, send me your ideas on what to do when stuck in bed!

8 1/2 month belly shot

I have officially entered hugedom. I feel like all that you can see when you look at me is this gigantic belly! In the past week I have had two complete strangers literally say, "Wow. When are you due?" I think they thought I was due to give birth right that second. And, I am definitely feeling pregnant these days. World's smallest bladder, swollen hands and feet, pain in the hips and pelvic bone, not getting any sleep, extreme exhaustion....ah, the joys of pregnancy. Not much longer though--we can't wait till she gets here!