Day 62: Last Day of Bed Rest!

My last day on bed rest

If all goes well, I will be officially released from bed rest tomorrow afternoon, so today should be my last day of bed rest.  I go in for an ultrasound and if everything looks good, my doctor will tell me that I no longer have to be horizontal 24/7!  So far, I'm not feeling any real labor symptoms and feel like we're in for the long haul (March 17th is my official due date), but anything could happen once they take me off of Progestrone (Prometrium) and Nifedipine (Procardia) which have worked to keep my cervix from shortening and my contractions from progressing.  I'm looking forward to an ultrasound to check Baby Boy who seems to be moving less and less as the conditions in my bicornuate uterus get more cramped.  I just want to make sure everything looks good with Baby Boy and am excited that today was my last day of bed rest. 

We actually had family visit this weekend and Great Grandpa brought a train for B.  I went to Church with extended family for an hour today and then we had dinner together, so I was up and around for a little while throughout the day.  But I figure since everything is quiet and this baby should be good for at least another week (hopefully), doing a little more on my last day of bed rest is acceptable.  As long as I don't go into labor tonight, right?  Haha.

Day 61: Bed Rest Survival Tips

Me on one of my last days of bed rest!   (Hopefully, I still have to wait for the doctor's OK on Monday afternoon).

In honor of my second to last day of bed rest, I figured I'd share how I've made it through these last two months of laying down for the sake of Baby Boy.  Bed rest sounds like a dream to some people:  a hiatus from dishes, childcare, work, and other responsibilities.  But with it comes emotional turmoil, isolation, physical discomfort, restlessness, and family stressors.  I learned that firsthand as I went from an independent, productive, mobile member of society to the exact opposite.  Bed rest was difficult, but I can honestly say that it works.  There's no way Baby and I would have made it this far without it.  My contractions which increase with activity would not have been kept at bay without bed rest intervention, and without "pelvic rest," my cervix would have been too short (effaced) to continue to carry this baby.  As I look at it, I bought this baby 61 NICU-free days with bed rest, and I did it by doing the following (in no particular order):

1. I knew I was not alone.  800,000 women are put on bed rest each year according to the US Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, so I knew I was in good company.  I also had a support system in my friends and family.  My husband, J, has been especially great and so has my mother-in-law.  These two wonderful people took on the responsibilities I could no longer perform and J was good at reminding me why I was doing this.  Friends and family members brought in meals, visited, sent cards or emails, called, did laundry, helped with chores, and cared for B.  I also had an online support system.  Facebook brought friends and family a little closer and blogs and Sidelines.org. got me in contact with fellow bed-resting mamas.  All of these associations kept me clued into the world and not throw a daily pity party.
2. I knew bed rest was temporary.  My first days of bed rest seemed to last "forever," but I had to remember that while the days are long, bed rest wasn't a permanent thing.  Focusing on making it through a day at a time and marking the days and weeks off on my calendar helped.  Now that I'm close to being able to get up and around the last two months don't seem as long, and I know once this baby comes and I'm sleep-deprived I'll probably be wishing for a day of bed rest.
3. I kept a routine.  I woke up and ate at the same time every day.  I also had meals with my family so I was not so isolated (even if that meant me with a tray and them at the table).  I took a daily bath or shower and got dressed every day, even if it was just in new pajamas.  Once I was far enough along in my pregnancy where I could stand longer to get ready for the day, I found I felt so much better when I got dressed in real clothes and I wasn't lying around in my pjs all day, feeling like a "sickie".    Whether I was scheduling movie time, time for social media, or housekeeping items (like bill paying), I tried to structure my day so I didn't feel so dull.  I also didn't let day and night turn into one long blur.  In the morning, I had J open the curtains and kept busy all day so I was less likely to nap all day and lie awake all night.  Another thing I loved was having a mattress in the front room so I could be in there with my family during the day and then go to my bed at night.  It helped to separate my days and nights and made sleep come easier too.
4. I let people help.  I can't say I ever stopped feeling guilty for not being able to help B and for over-burdening J, but I did let go of the guilt of leaving dirty dishes and laundry for someone else to do.  I realized things weren't going to be done my way and let things go.  I had others vacuum, take B to and from school, watch B, shop, and do other things for me.  I also had meals brought in and even lived with my in-laws for two weeks when J was overwhelmed with state boards and taking on my responsibilities.  It was hard, but letting go and allowing people to serve me was really the only way I was able to do this.
5. We found a "bed rest normal."  When Mom is on bed rest, life is not normal for anyone, especially your child(ren) and husband who also have emotional reactions to the changes bed rest brings.  I learned to replace our old routines with new ones.  For example, instead of picking B up from school, I read with and spent time with him directly after school.  I did my shopping online, spent time with J and B doing things we could do while I was laying down, and made lists to help J and others keep our house running.  I also had to remember that not everything was going to be perfect.  I had to let go of the fact that J didn't use coupons, that B slept in my bed for his comfort and my ease on J's work nights, that B threw some fits, that the bathroom wasn't cleaned "my" way, etc.  
6. I celebrated the milestones.  Sometimes just getting through a day of bed rest is an achievement, so on those days, I allowed myself a daily treat (like a bubble bath, a bowl of ice cream, or back rub from my husband).  But usually, I just celebrated my weekly developmental periods (like 28 or 32 weeks) by rewarding myself with something significant like a pedicure or takeout from a favorite restaurant.   My doctor also allowed me a standing photo each week, starting at 30 weeks, and that helped me celebrate the important milestones.  Rewards were very motivating and kept me optimistic. 
7. I kept busy.  Not all my time was productive, but I did keep busy reading, blogging, watching LOTS of movies and TV shows (like Top Chef),  playing word games, and doing Sudoku puzzles.  Thanks to the tablet computer I was able to borrow from my father-in-law, I caught up on the last two and a half years of General Conference, did our taxes, and edited family photos.  I also tried my hand at crocheting for the first time, shopped online, and did other things to help prepare for Baby's arrival.  Even if there was no one around to high five when I got the high score on Bejeweled, I kept my mind and hands occupied while laying down and that helped keep me sane.
8. I kept things handy.  Bed rest results in a loss of control, and I hated to be dependent on others for EVERYTHING and to keep having them fetch things for me.  So I put a basket by my bed full of the stuff I need on a daily basis (a pad of paper, a nail file, puzzles, games, my phone, thank you notes, reading material, the portable DVD player, etc.).  I also had a bedside cooler for when nobody was around.  A tray for meals, a clipboard, and this computer tablet were also keys to my successful stint on bed rest.
9. I did gentle bed rest exercises as my doctor permitted.  Bed rest leaves muscles feeling fatigued and laying down 24/7 gets uncomfortable.  I exercised as much as permitted to help maintain my muscular strength and circulation.  I did leg slides, hip flexers, abdominal breathing, arm stretches, and ankle circles.  Just moving my arms and legs kept me invigorated and gave me a pick-me-up every few hours. 
10. I resisted feeling as though I was doing "nothing." I revised my notion of productivity after the first few days.  I realized having a movie marathon or playing Bookworm for an hour was acceptable for my situation and kept reminding myself that I am making a baby, and needed to rest.  Remembering this allowed me to stay positive.  As I said, I gave my baby 61 NICU-free days because of bed rest, and that is definitely an accomplishment, not a "nothing."  

Day 60: A Valentine's Day on Bed Rest

We had a fun Valentine's Day even with me being on bed rest.  B woke up to the gifts J set out for him last night (Superhero washcloths, gum, and fruit snacks) and B gave us the Valentines he made for us.  J and I spent time talking, shopping for a few things on our baby registry, and working on the computer together this morning.  J also got us takeout for lunch, and then we went to B's school for his Valentine's Day party.  I know I already had my field trip this week, but since I didn't have my field trip last week, I figured a half an hour sitting in a chair after literally being dropped off in front of the classroom would be worth it for B's sake.  We had a nice Valentine's dinner of pizza and had cupcakes for dessert.  It was a nice Valentine's Day and me laying in bed was hardly a factor.  Being up and around more today and spending time with my family has me even more excited to have my bed rest sentence lifted on Monday.       

 

Day 59: Just Waiting, Sweetheart

Now that I'm 35 1/2 weeks, this pregnancy has become a waiting game, which is fine with me.  I have a very occasional contraction, but things are pretty quiet these days.  I was too impatient with my discomfort and contractions when pregnant with B and that's why the doctor broke my water at 35 weeks, which is still a little too early (though I'm grateful he got that far).  I'm willing to be patient for the sake of Baby Boy, and am pushing closer and closer to term, which is great.  I'm so glad we got past the scary times of 26 and 28 and even 30 weeks.  I can tell Baby Boy is cramped in my little bicornuate uterus, so we'll see how long we go when I'm taken off of medication and bed rest on Monday.  Bed rest has been a rollercoaster of praying, hoping, and waiting, but it's been worth it as I come upon 36 weeks.

Day 58: 35 Week Pregnancy Survey

How far along:  35 weeks and 2 days
Weight gain: 1 pound this week, measuring 34 1/2 weeks (likely because I'm carrying so low)
How big is baby:  Baby Boy is hopefully over 5 pounds  
Move­ment:  Now that he has a lot less room, Baby seems to be moving around a little less, but he's still moving.  He's especially active around noon, night, and early morning.  J thinks it's weird when he sees the baby roll around in my stomach and has asked "How can you stand it?"  I just answer "Because there's a growing baby inside there, and I'm still pregnant."
Mater­nity clothes:  Still in maternity clothes, and growing out of some of them.
Stretch marks: My doctor noticed one lengthwise across my stomach. Too bad cocoa butter and Mederma don't seem to work for me.
Belly But­ton (in or out?): On its way out (Ew!)

Wed­ding Rings (on or off): Still on
How I’m feeling:  I am physically uncomfortable, but I am glad and somewhat surprised to still be pregnant, considering how worried my doctors and I were just two months ago when I first experienced complications and preterm labor.  I'm feeling optimistic that this Baby will go as long as necessary, and that bed rest will be over in four and a half days.
Symptoms:  My cervix is still about 1 1/2 centimeters (it's on the shorter side, but it's staying stable) and I'm only dilated to about a one.  Lots of women walk around that way for weeks, so I'm not giving up yet.  I'm having occasional contractions (Braxton Hicks as well as real ones), and I'm getting more uncomfortable, but I'm willing to hang in there as long as Baby is.  
Sleep:  Sleep is getting more and more difficult, and I'm trying not to take Ambien all the time, but I often do just so I can actually get some rest.
Cravings:  Mexican food, but it gives me heartburn
Food Aversions:  Nothing, really
What I Miss:  The usual:  sleeping comfortably, shopping, going out, being able to get on the floor to play with Bryson, being social, going to Church, cooking, cleaning, etc.
Hardships this week:  Having some friends and family members go through some difficult times this week, and feeling their suffering.

Highlights this week:  My wheelchair field trip to lunch, a movie, and the store was a lot of fun. 

What I'm looking forward to:  Being off of bed rest in less than a week and having a healthy baby any time now. 

Day 57: The Simple Things

I made it further in this pregnancy than my last.  B was born at exactly 35 weeks, and today I'm 35 weeks and one day!  I also have less than a week of bed rest left (5 1/2 days to be exact)!  My doctor told me at today's appointment that my cervix is still stable and I'm still only dilated to a one.  She concedes that my contractions are getting more intense, but it should still take awhile for them to progress far enough to put me into actual labor (she is waiting to see if they kick into high gear once I get off Progesterone, Procardia, and bed rest next week.  So Baby and I are still going strong and we're getting closer and closer to full-term and getting off of bed rest.  Bed rest has not been easy, but it's working, and it has helped me really enjoy the simple things, like eating a meal lovingly prepared for me and watching B make Valentines for his class.  Enjoy photos of my simple pleasure from today: 

 

Day 56: We Made It To 35 Weeks

 

Thanks to faith, medicine, hospital intervention at 26 and 28 weeks, and A LOT of prayer (ours and others'), I am 35 weeks pregnant.  If I make it past 10:40 tonight (and I have NO notions that I won't), I will have carried this baby longer than I carried B who was born at exactly 35 weeks.  I am only dilated to a one at this point and contractions are occasional and irregular, so we're still going strong.  I will be taken off of bed rest and all my medications in seven days!  I can't wait.  My contractions could very well go crazy once medicine and bed rest are taken out of the equation, but then again, maybe I'll go full term.  We shall see, and I'll keep you updated.

I also finally got my field trip in that I didn't get last week.  J and I went to lunch and then I rode around Target in a scooter (Jarom was horrified at my lack of scooter-driving skills and had to help me back up and maneuver down the aisles a few times so I didn't knock anything over).  We got our blue bath tub and a few clothes.  Our Pack N' Play is apparently on back order, so hopefully it will get here in time for us to bring Baby home.  I had fun going on a date with J and am so glad to be 35 weeks along, as I am confident Baby would be fine if born anytime from here on out.  I know we made it this long on faith and prayers, so thank you for sending yours!  Now we'll see if we can make it full-term!

Some of our loot:  the Superhero onesies have capes on the back . . so cute!

 

Highlights of Week Thirty-Five (33 week fetal age):

• Baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long (hopefully . . . we’re all short over here, and B was only 17 inches long at this point).  Just because he’s not doing somersaults, doesn’t mean he’s not still kicking and rolling.  I often see/feel a bum, elbow, foot, or hand protruding from my belly.
• He tips the scales at about 5 pounds, 4 ounces or more, about the size of a honeydew melon.
• Baby is head down in pelvis to prepare for delivery.
• Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks (hopefully) putting on weight.   Baby will put on about half a pound a week from here on out.  
• Baby Boy's body is growing rounder due to developing fat layers.  He still probably doesn't have enough fat deposits beneath his skin to keep warm outside the womb, but fat stores are accumulating in the legs and arms. These layers of fat will help him regulate his body temperature after birth.
• Although Baby's central nervous system is still maturing, his lungs are nearly fully developed (boys' lungs do generally take longer to develop than girls' lungs, however).
• His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. 
• Baby's reflexes are coordinated.  He can turn his head, grasp firmly, and respond to sounds, light and touch. 
• Eyes opened when awake and closed when sleeping.
• Baby is sporting full-length fingernails and toenails.
• Lanugo, the baby fuzz that protects baby's skin in utero is starting to disappear. The cheese-like coating on baby's skin, vernix caseosa, is getting thicker to keep Baby moisturized for the big day.
• Hair continuing to grow on head. 
• By end of week, Baby will start to develop daily activity cycles.
• Brain development continues to advance quickly.
• Baby’s digestive system is putting on its finishing touches in preparation to take baby’s first meal in a few weeks’ time.