Days 1-7: Bed Rest Week 1 (27 Weeks)

It was one week ago that I received the disappointing news:  I was sentenced to bed rest at 27 weeks pregnant with our second child, another boy.  I received this verdict because I am guilty of cervical insufficency (also known as cervical incompetence) and being in possession of an extremely irritable bicornuate uterus that contracts too early.  Thankfully I can serve my sentence at home and not at a local correctional facility ie. the hospital. 

Because I experienced similar issues with our first child, B, who was born at 35 weeks, doctors have been measuring my cervix since I  was 16 weeks along with this baby.  They put me on the hormone Progesterone to keep my cervix from shortening (effacing) and dilating  too early like it did before .  As of 24 weeks, my cervical length was within average range, and it was deemed that a cervical stitch (cerclage) shouldn't be used in my case because I have early contractions.  The possibility of uterine rupture is their main concern.  At that point, I was released from the care of the perinatologist (high-risk pregnancy specialist) to go back to my OB for full-care, because the specialist thought I was in good shape. 

But about two and a half weeks ago (25 1/2 weeks, about the same time my husband, J, broke his scapula, hip, and several ribs in a snowboarding accident), I started having contractions.   My cervix also measured far shorter than it should at this stage,  just like during my first pregnancy.  Last week (27 weeks), I went to the doctor who prescribed bed rest after further cervical effacement and a positive fetal Fibronectin test which tests for preterm labor.  Their hope is that laying down 24/7 will keep the pressure of my growing uterus off my cervix and keep it from further effacement and any dilation because it's way too early for this baby to come.  I also got steroid shots last week to help develop the baby's lungs this week in case of a pre-term birth. 

Interestingly enough, I went into labor at 27 weeks with our first born five and a half years ago and was put on modified bed rest with him.  It seems that as soon as my babies get around the 2 pound mark, my cervix has a hard time handling it without causing contractions and pre-term dilation.  I held out until 35 weeks with B, so I can hold out again, and hopefully for longer this time.

Last week, I started taking medicine to stop the contractions, I stopped doing housework and cooking, and I stayed in bed or on the couch as much as possible.  But I have to admit I was up and around way more than I should have been.  I helped our son get meals and picked him up from kindergarten, I took J to doctor's appointments for his broken bones since he couldn't drive himself, I washed dishes, and I wrapped presents.  I also drove a scooter around at the store to stock up on what we needed while B and J (who was pushing with the arm that isn't in a sling) followed me with the cart.

I guess one might say that last week, I more so took it easy or did modified bed rest as opposed to the prescribed strict bed rest.  But this afternoon after further cervical change, my doctor said she'd bring me into the hospital, away from my family, if I didn't comply with her bed rest rules  -- laying horizontal 24 hours a day, only sitting up for meals and getting up to go to the bathroom.  Being active puts too much strain on my cervix, and the bottom line is this baby needs more time, and I can get that only through strict bed rest and no activity.  J feels validated because he's been telling me all week to stop doing the things I've been doing.  The doctor scared me by talking about the realities of a baby born this early. So I've been laying on my back or side for the last few hours, and I have to admit, I already want to get up, but I know I need to stay down for the sake of this baby.  Above is a photo of me and B from week one of "bed rest."  I just have to keep telling myself that bedrest will be worth it in the end.