A Little Extra Care, A Little Extra Prayer

A few weeks ago I started having some contractions. As a muscle, the uterus will contract, but this early on, I really should not be feeling it. So, after some observation at my doctor's office and the hospital, I am not the proud new owner (renter, really) of a home monitor and a terbutaline pump.

I wear the monitor strap (or baby belt as Mike calls it) around my belly two times a day for an hour for regular readings, or any additional time that I think I might be having contractions. It is then plugged in to the base and I send the data over the phone line just like a fax. A nurse then calls me back with my results. A normal range of contractions within an hour is 0-3, which is the most that I have ever had on a regular reading. Only once have I had to do an additional monitoring, where I had 10 contractions within the hour. It was very scary, and I was certain that I was in labor. Thank goodness I had a doctor's appointment already scheduled for that afternoon and when I monitored again after an extra dose of medicine, I had only three contractions.

And here is where the terbutaline pump comes in. It goes into my leg, sort of like an IV, but it doesn't have to be in a vein. The tube from my leg is hooked up to the pump so I get a continuous flow of medicine throughout the day. And in cases where I have a lot of contractions, I can give myself a little extra dose. I wear the pump in a little pouch that attached to my shorts by a clip, although is comes close to resembling a fanny pack. Not the pregnancy look I was going for, but as you know, I will do anything to get Gracie Girl here!

Since the day of 10 contractions, I have found that I do a lot better when I am off my feet. I am very blessed to have such a wonderful boss who wants Gracie here just as much as we do. He has agreed to let me work from home as much as possible, and I try to go into the office a couple of hours a week. I have set up a home office of sorts in my living room, complete with laptop, printer and baskets under my coffee table for my project files. I think it is working out well so far - I just hope my boss agrees!

Besides the contractions, I am doing very well. The last look at my cervix was at 23 weeks, and it was just as long as ever. We won't be looking at it weekly anymore, as it is no longer a good indicator of preterm labor. Instead, I go in every two weeks for a fetal fibronectin test. It is a hormone test, like a pap smear, that can tell if you are getting ready to give birth. If the result is negative, there is 99% chance that you will not deliver in the next two weeks. And the good news is - the last two tests I have had have been negative!

Overall, I feel pretty good about everything. The monitor and pump have put me at ease about the contractions, although it is a bit concerning considering my history. On our last visit, Dr. B did show us a chart that gave us a little extra reassurance. Based on my present condition, there is a 93% chance that I will make it to 37 weeks, which is full term. Pretty good stats, I would say, considering the next obstacle that we will be facing.

If you remember from last summer, Mike will be spending three weeks in Connecticut for his master's program. And that time is now upon us, as he will be leaving this Sunday. I am very anxious to be apart, as he is the one who keeps me positive and calm about everything. I will be staying with my parents, who run an excellent B&B, but it's not quite the same. Although it does seem that my mom has come up with countless projects for us to do around my house to get ready for Gracie's arrival, so perhaps the time will go by fast. And Tracy and Baby Libby will also be coming for a visit. Unlike the rest of our pregnancy, I sure hope these next three weeks will just fly by!

A little extra prayer for Mike and me while we are apart, and of course for Gracie Beth not to make her entrance into the world yet, would be deeply appreciated.