21 Weeks

In the past six weeks, I have seen my doctor seven times, the nurse practitioner twice, the specialist once, and we have even made one trip to the hospital. I have had eight sonograms, been given five prescriptions for four different infections, had three shots, and more instruments that I care to count have been shoved up my who-ha. Through all our visits, Dr. B has seen me cry once, smile just twice, and the remainder of the time, I look like I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown.


So, what does all of this mean?


Mike has diagnosed me as crazy. Now don't be too hard on him; I fully agree with his assessment. I have become a crazy pregnant woman.


But in the opinion of medical experts, I am fine. Even better than fine, actually. The doctors all say that I look great.


My cervix has stayed very, very consistent through every visit. It is measuring just as long as I first posted back in March, and even better, it has stayed closed. When we met with the specialist we discussed putting a stitch in my cervix to give it some extra reinforcement. It was a very stressful decision for me because a) my doctors would not give me a clear recommendation on whether to do it or not and b) I didn't want to make the wrong decision, or a decision I might regret. After a couple of weeks of mulling, obsessing and praying, Mike and I opted not to do the procedure. Since I really didn't need it at this time, the risks were outweighing the benefits of having it done. Once the decision was made, I felt so peaceful about it, so I know that it was the right way to go.


But because of my history, we aren't doing nothing. The specialist did recommend weekly progesterone shots, which research has shown to have a high rate in preventing preterm labor. I have a nurse that comes every Friday to either my house or office to give me the shots. When my package of medicine first arrived, I was a bit freaked out (like that's a surprise). Inside were some very large needles and an epi pen. What kind of medicine was this that I needed an epi pen for? And where were these shots going to go? It hurts like the dickens and my bum is sore for days afterward, but all in all, not too bad. If it gets my baby girl here on time, it is totally worth it!


And you are probably wondering about the little hospital trip? In hindsight, not a big deal. In the moment, very urgent indeed! Who knew that a urinary tract infection could cause such severe cramping? Five hours later we were back home, safe and sound. I cringed a little at the bill we just received in the mail, but really, you can't put a price on peace of mind.


We don't get to see Gracie every time we go to the doctor, but from the looks that we have had, she seems to be doing just great. She is approaching 1 lbs. and is measuring right on track! In all areas but one, that is. According to the sonogram tech, "She has really large feet!" Not quite sure what that means, but we'll take it!


I cannot tell you what your prayers and support mean to Mike and me. Please continue to lift Gracie up to the Lord, that she will grow healthy and strong and be born full term! And peace for this crazy mama wouldn't hurt either!