This is the story of my third
pregnancy. The first trimester seemed
to go well, but things began to change
as I entered the 2nd trimester.
Around 14-16 weeks I started to have
occasional spotting. I called the MD
and the nurse said if there was no
cramping that I shouldn't worry. I
kept working and taking care of my
other children and just watched it
closely. It started to increase so I
called back and that nurse said to
come in immediatley. Ultrasound
showed no placental problem and no
reason for bleeding. I was put on
limited activities but the bleeding
continued. When I was 17.4 weeks I
had major bleeding and passed a large
clot. I was hospitalized for 4 days
and bedrested for 2 weeks until the
bleeding stopped. I had hoped that
things were going to get better.
When I was 20.4 weeks pregnant I felt
a huge gush. I had a gross rupture of
my membranes and lost all of my
amniotic fluid. I was admitted to the
hospital and put on antibiotics and IV
fluids. The MD suggested that he
induce to deliver, but I told him no.
I could feel our son moving around and
I felt that I would wait and see what
would happen to the pregnancy without
interventions. From that moment on I
was on strict bedrest in the
hospital.
I continued to leaked everyday,
sometimes large amounts. Ultrasounds
never showed adequate fluid, but
somehow our baby continued to grow and
thrive.
After a long 13 week hospitalization I
went into labor on my own and
delivered our son. He was 4lb 6oz and
born at 33.4 weeks gestation. He
spent a month in the hospital. His
condition was critical at first due to
an infection, but he quickly
rebounded. He is developing normally
for his adjusted age, and we expect
him to do well.
The hospital stay was long, but from
the beginning I said that I could not
live with myself if I ended the
pregnancy on my own. I am a nurse and
I know the MD. I think that is why he
agreed to let me continue the
pregnancy. I know it is not an option
for some people.
I hope this story gives hope to those
of you on bedrest right now. Keep the
faith, and know that you are doing the
best you can for your child. That is
all you can do. Bedrest is an
exercise of faith and patience - I
hope that all you waiting have plenty
of both. Best wishes.
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