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Multiples
twins born at 36 wks
FFN question and bed rest (long)
Yesterday at L&D, my cervix was 'thin' and dilated to one, and baby A's head is super low. I'm delivering at a teaching hospital and was slightly annoyed that I had FOUR different people internally check me (the first two residents could not find my cervix at all b/c it was pushed slightly to the side from the baby's head --I'm sure it was a great learning experience for them, but seriously!)
The contractions were coming stronger then ever (ouch) and pretty regularly, but as soon as they let me lay down on my side and started an IV of fluids, things calmed down to my "normal" baseline BH. So no meds for me! ETA: I've been ordered on bed rest until I see my doc again on Tuesday afternoon, at which point she'll check me again.
Here's where I need some clarity in my thinking/logic: the FFN came back negative. So my thought process is "well then, I should be able to resume life as normal, contractions or not, since I know these babies will keep cooking for at least another two weeks, and I'll just deal with the annoying contrax." Can somebody enlighten me as to why this is not good thinking? Obviously something I'll be discussing w/my OB, but the doc at L&D seemed pretty convinced I'll be on BR from here on out. I'm okay with that, but then I think - well wait, what's the risk, if labor isn't around the corner?
And yes, I'm trying to justify reasons why I can still run to Target, grocery shop, clean, nest, etc.
twins born at 36 wks
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Re: FFN question and bed rest (long)
Because no test is 100% accurate. And suppose your running around ended up causing preterm labor? That test is out of date as soon as an hour after you take it. Its looking for the presence of a particular protein that wasn't there the moment you took the test. Doesn't mean it isn't going to show up as soon as you run to Target...which then resets the clock to 0 and you'll have no idea.
I had preemies at 30 weeks. Don't screw around. If they say bed rest, do it.
And FYI, I had dilation and BH and a negative FFN test. I was still hospitalized for two weeks out of precaution and when I was sent home STILL stayed in bed. And they still came at 30 weeks....even with a negative FFN.
Ditto pp. A negative fFn is pretty accurate, but not 100%. It also doesn't mean that you wouldn't treat the symptoms of preterm labor, just to be on the safe side.
I always had negative fFns, but I was in and out of the hospital (and on Procardia and then terb pump) from 28-32 weeks, and then in the hospital on mag from 32-34 weeks.
Also, regarding how many people checked you...I would talk to your OB about it. It's one thing if they just can't find your cervix, because that's concerning (since one reason you might not be able to find it is if you're fully dilated/effaced.)
But you don't want them to "stir things up" by checking you too frequently/roughly and cause increased uterine irritability, either.
I'm glad things turned out OK and that the babies are cooking a little longer!
Thank you ladies. I know my thinking is derailed, and need to hear that.
Yuppers...sounds like no more trips to the store. DH will have to fulfill that duty.
I am still amused when my DH returns from the store...he makes interesting choices. I've been dealing with that since 23 weeks. I guess it has taught me to make detailed lists for him of what I need, which is a good thing to learn. Now when the babies are here, he is already used to being my delivery boy!
I agree with PP about having your cervix checked so much; it's not necessary. Yes it's July and brand new interns are learning. But you don't want multiple pepps mucking around down there and stirring up hormones. A transvaginal ultrasound for cervical length is an objective measure and I would push for that before they keep poking around to perform a digital exam (which is a subjective measure and less accurate). They might still want to perform a speculum exam to rule out rupture and take swabs etc but there is no need for mutliple SVEs (sterile vaginal exams).
Hang in there! The negative fFN is a great sign but not 100%. You want those babies to hang in there as long as possible and you can do it. We're all here for ya.
Anytime I got the urge to cheat I would think about how dumb/awful I would feel if something happened.
A negative ffn is not a get out of bed free card- so stay on bedrest and pray like hell to keep cooking those babies- it's so worth it in the end.
I'm sure there are others but both Becca and I were on bedrest and kept blogs, mine is in my siggy and hers it The Bedrest Chronicles if you need some inspiration!
I'm so glad to see you post Mag. I was worried about you!!!! You sound just like I would but, take it easy. Use the computer to fulfill your shopping whims!
Again, I'm glad everything is okay for right now but, take it easy and please keep us updated on you and the babies!!!!
Thanks for all the feedback and support. As the day has passed, my butt and couch have made peace with one another and I'm trying to let go of my stubborn thoughts . . .
I also created an excel spreadsheet of things I can do to occupy myself from the couch, and I'm feeling much more positive looking at all the things I can shop for --- er, I mean, accomplish.