baby coming this week

3litttlebirds · October 2012

I am currently 33 wk 2 days pregnant. I have been in and out of the hospital since 26 weeks with pre-term contractions. Yesterday (Sunday) my water broke. I have already gotten the steroid shots at 26 weeks. I was on Procardia to decrease contractions, but since my water broke they have taken me off the meds. I am now on antibiotics to prevent infection and the plan is to stay on those for 7 days, if I make it that long. They are hoping I can make it as close to 34 weeks as possible, which would be this Saturday, but they will not be trying to stop labor any longer if it happens before then. If labor hasn't started on it's own by 34 weeks, they will induce me. Currently having contractions more frequently, but nothing painful or regular. Last night when they checked, I was 1cm dilated and 50% effaced.

On the one hand, I feel relieved at knowing there is an end point to all this, as it's been a very complicated pregnancy with lots of bleeding, PTL, and bed rest. Although, I feel guilty for thinking that I will be relieved for the pregnancy part to be over because, of course, I'd rather baby stay in as long as possible so he can be as healthy as possible. On the other hand, knowing this is going to happen within the week is scaring the crap out of me. I am not ready for and am very scared about delivery. Also scared about my health and the baby's health, of course.

Any advice for how to make it through this week knowing labor/delivery is impending?

Any advice for parenting during those first few weeks in the NICU, until I hopefully get a feel for things?

Will try to keep you ladies updated as I am able. Not getting online to post too often at the moment, but can read everything on my phone.

alphaphi98 · October 2012

My water broke unexpectedly when I was 32 weeks. I had te easiest pregnancy and didn't see it coming at all. I went to the hospital and was put on bed rest to keep baby in me as long as possible. The goal was 3 more weeks. They gave me the steroid shots for bay's lungs, antibiotic, and meds to stop my preterm labor. I only lasted 2 days on headrest and my baby girl just wanted out. I'm so glad thy gave me the steroid shots because they made a big difference. My baby came out crying immediately after a short and natural birth. She was 32 weeks and weighed 3 lbs 9 oz. She has no breathing problems, doesn't need to be in an incubator and is feeding off of my breast milk that I pump. She is now 2 weeks old and is doing really well, gaining weight everyday. Once she learns how to eat better, he'll come home soon like in 1-2 weeks.

Don't worry so much! Everything will be fine. The nurses and drs in the NICU are great and will take good care of your baby. Babies born after 32 weeks do really well! I wish you the best. Keep us posted.

Kadyra · October 2012

I saw what your friend posted on our bmb and on hr. TP's to you!

I totally understand the wanting it all to be done and then feeling guilty because you're early. There's only so much stress and drama you can take, ya know?

Ds2 came suddenly after so much time spent on bedrest. I'm not sure how I'd have felt with a date in mind to deliver. Although we were told 36 weeks so I guess we were awaiting that. The waiting sucks. It's like, what do you do while waiting for your preemie?

Have you seen your NICU? Talked to the LC? These are things I did while on hospital bedrest. You may not be able to tour your NICU now, given your condition. But knowing a little of what to expect helped me. I devised s pumping schedule, which I've stuck to in spite of horrible nipple pain. We're working on that! I looked at a ton of preemie resource websites. March of dimes, pictures of hope, my state's EI program, kellymom, nurture place for clothing, um... Stuff like that.

Since I'm a new NICU mom, I am in the learning phase. PT and OT came today. I had no idea they had that! I ask probably way too many questions of my nurse. About kangaroo, wearing clothes, how we could approve the photographer to come in, non nutritive BFing, the monitors, his IV fluids and TPN, how his feeds were being planned, etc. all but one of our nurses have been great and have been great educators as well.

I doubt there's anything that will completely take your mind off things. But learning as much as I could about the journey to come has helped me.

PhillyGal34 · October 2012

There isn't a lot you can do but "don't worry bout a thing.... Every lil thing gonna be alright" ( not making light, we just talked about how that song helped me through my week in the hospital and e's premature birth) but really, worrying wont help either of you. Of course you will worry but know that you have done an awesome job so far and that the drs and nurses will do everything they can to get him home as soon as possible.

I agree with trying to get a tour of the nicu but worry that it may upset you and cause you to start labor. Definitely ask if a nicu dr and nurse can come talk to you about what to expect at birth and after. Be prepared that you may not be able to hold him immediately after birth if nicu has to take him. Also there is likely a limit on who can go see him in the nicu. You may want to discuss that with SO to avoid issues when people want to see the baby and you haven't made the VIP list yet.

if there is anything at home that you need done ask other people. They want to help but don't know how. Give them marching orders and they will do it.

Try to get some sleep at home after the baby is born. People will say "at least you can get some sleep" and if you are like me it will cut like a knife because you would give up all the sleep to have him home. But you do need sleep and you can always call the nicu in the middle of the night if you need to. The nicu is emotionally and physically thing. You and your son need you to be rested and healthy. If you are run down you risk getting a cold... No one wants that.

Be prepared for people o say things that hurt and to be very sensitive about them. People just don't know what to say to preemie moms. I got "well now you can work on the nursery while he's in nicu" like they were a babysitter. Or at least you didn't have to be 9 months pregnant in August. Like I'd rather spend my summer in the nicu. Most of it comes from people just not knowing.

If you have other pregnant friends be prepared because you may be jealous/ hurt by things they say. Watching all my friends have babies and go home with them two days later really hurt. I'd never wish this on anyone but I was extremely jealous of their normal pregnancies at first... Ok still am. I have a baby shower coming up and I'm even nervous about that.

And again, take care of yourself. Your son is going to need a strong and healthy mom to be by his side.

Keep us updated and best of luck! T & P's!

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