| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 20.1 | Some things to do | WATNEY::RYER | Jane Ryer, Colorado Springs TBU | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:28 | 34 |
| Hang in there - we're all pulling for you!
Some suggestions on how to pass the time:
1. Do you do any sort of needlework, like counted cross-stitch, crewel
embroidery, or smocking? If so, see if you can work out a "legal"
position to lie that lets you use your hands to sew. I had
a friend who had surgery on a pinched nerve who was confined
to bed for several weeks, and it's amazing how much cross-stiching
she got done in that time.
2. Write a "letter" to your unborn child, expressing how you feel about
having him and what your hopes and dreams for him are.
3. Are you a crossword puzzle fan? Get your husband to buy you a book
of really hard ones.
4. Go ahead and address and stamp the envelopes for your baby announcements.
5. Write letters to all your out-of-town friends - you may not have time
to do it for a while after the baby is born.
6. (This is sort of far-fetched, but if you're really desparate for
interesting things to do . . . ) Start making out your Christmas
gift list, and look through catalogs (Sears, Penney's, L.L. Bean, etc.)
to find appropriate gifts for each person. You don't have to place
the orders until fall, but this might save you some time then, when
the baby will be here and you won't have a lot of time to spend
searching for the "perfect" gift for each person.
Hope some of these suggestions help you pass the time.
Jane
|
| 20.2 | Success Stories | CANVAS::SAUTA | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:28 | 31 |
| Hi Jodi,
I have one friend who went through this several years ago with her
first. She went into labor and delivered her baby 8 weeks early
since her labor was too advanced to be stopped by the time she realized
she actually was in labor. The baby was in intensive care for a week,
and is now an extremely attractive and big 4 year old. She had the
same problem with her second and he was born 4 weeks early, even with
the cerclage and medication. He didn't spend any time in intensive
care and was just a little smaller than your average neonate.
Another good friend, who just had her baby a week ago, had a condition
known as placenta previa. After a scary bleeding episode (in a
grocery store!), she was put on the same medication as you have
and confined to a left-sided prone position for the remainder of
her pregnancy (6 weeks). Her baby was born 1 week early after she
had been taken off the medication the previous week. Again, her
baby is just fine, cute as a button.
I asked both friends what they would recommend to pass the time
and they came up with pretty much the same suggestions as the previous
note. They also added that it helped to have visitors and a couple
of friends that they could call whenever they felt
chatty/depressed/lonely. If it would help to talk to one of these
women, send me mail and I'll send along names and phone numbers.
Take care of yourself, we'll be thinking of you.
Lynne
|
| 20.3 | Hang in there! | SCENIC::JANEB | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 22 |
| My husbands sort-of-cousin, Shirley, was in bed like you are (no
sitting up, etc.) with the same kind of condition, for MOST of her
first pregnancy. Her son, Sean, is now 15 years old. Later she
had another boy, also a healthy big kid now.
Shirley did alot of needlework, and had time to order kits from
catalogs, get them, and complete them. Since you have access to
a phone, you could order things that would arrive soon, and have
the fun of getting lots of packages and mail!
Ordering Christmas presents is a great idea - as long as your credit
cards can take all this!
Use this file (and other notes files) all you can. It's been a
little slow here lately, maybe you can throw out some very
controversial topics and lie back and watch the sparks fly!
Best wishes,
Jane B
|
| 20.4 | Update... | USIV03::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 26 |
| I want to thank everyone so far who has wished me well and given
me ideas for the long road ahead. Unfortunately it may not be as
long as everyone had hoped. Last Friday/Saturday I started to contract
again and ended up in the hospital. By the time I got to the hospital
things had pretty much calmed down and no real damage was done but
the doctor tripled my medication and sent me home saying the next
time it happened, I would spend the remainder of my pregnancy in
the hospital.
Well, early this morning (starting at 2am PST) I started to contract
so hard that it woke me up. I put on my home monitor and am just
waiting 'til I write this note before I call in for the results.
It doesn't look like the medication is doing a whole lot of good
although I haven't maxed out the allowable dosage yet. If I go
into the hospital I will get an IV drip 'round the clock.
If you don't hear from me in the next couple of days, you know the
results weren't good.
Thank you, Carol, Jane R., Lynne S., Lynn R. and Jane B. for all
your thoughts!
Jodi
|
| 20.5 | a success story | CHOVAX::GILSON | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 12 |
| Hi Jodi,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Even if you end up in the
hospital for the remainder of your pregnancy you can still have
a fine, healthy baby. My sister-in-law went through a similar
experience with her son. From week 18 to 27 she was at home in
bed and then went to the hospital for another month. Chris was
born at week 31, small but fine. We are all pulling for both of
you.
Peg
|
| 20.6 | hang in there | WEBSTR::RANDALL | I'm no lady | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 32 |
| Hi Jodi --
I hope they bring your Rainbow to the hospital so you can catch
up with all your well-wishers.
My sister-in-law, too, went through most of her second pregnancy
fighting the same problem you are having. She was rushed to the
hospital at least three times that I can recall (twice with her
4-year-old daughter in tow). They were successful in a surgical
procedure that essentially stapled the cervix shut, but toward the end
the contractions were so strong they ripped the staple loose.
The baby was born some early but essentially happy, and despite
the doctor's concers, my sister-in-law doesn't appear to have any
permanent complications from the medication.
One thing my sister-in-law did to fill the hours was play a huge game
of remodeling the house. She got friends to bring her house-decorating
magazines, books from the library, and such, and spent a lot of time
fantasizing about the ideal house, or how she could remodel the kitchen
if she had all the money in the world. She never had any serious
intention of doing anything about it, but it was fun for her. You might
be able to do the same thing with fashion (what would you wear if YOU
were the Princess of Wales?) or gardening, or computers (the perfect,
ultimate, information center, with enough printers?), or a stable of
racing horses (anybody can buy Alysheba in their mind, right?) or most
anything that intrigues you.
My prayers are with you.
--bonnie
|
| 20.7 | All is well (for now) on the Western front | USIV03::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 60 |
| Well, I'm still at home after many anxious moments and lots of
monitoring. For the time being it looks like the answer to controlling
the contractions is to drink lots and lots of water. As insignificant
as that sounds, dehydration plays a big part in beginnibg labor.
Most of my problems seem to show up in the early morning hours
following several hours without fluids.
When I have monitored and the strip shows more than four contractions
in an hour (considered serious) the nurse tells me to drink four
glasses of water, wait 20 minutes, empty my bladder and re-monitor.
This process seems to reduce the contractions to 1 or 2 per hour.
I have been averageing 11-13 contractions per hour when I dehydrate.
I might add that yesterdays scare was magnified by the fact that
during last Saturdays hospital stay I was given Macrodantin (an
anti-biotic) to help control a minor urinary tract infection. I
am hyper sensitive to anti-biotics and by yesterday I was feeling
the effects. I was tired from being up all night with contractions
and had severe stomach and bowel disturbances from the Macrodantin.
The doctor discontinued the Macrodantin and I feel years younger
already! :^)
I think the question that haunts me the most these days is the viability
of little Michael. I have read (sometimes I think I read too much)
that approximately 1 out of 50 miscarriages (i.e. pre-term labor)
in the last half of pregnancy are caused by a problem with the fetus.
If that's the case, should I let the doctors continue to prescribe
labor inhibiting medication? Is it setting us up for a lot of grief
later on? I had an Amnio at 17 weeks and have had two very normal
ultrasounds and the doctor assures me everything looks fine but
she also added that no test is totally accurate so there is always
a risk. The only reason I keep dwelling on this fear is because
I (and the doctor) don't know why I continue to labor. Dehydration
may be the only reason, time will tell. Whew! it sure helped to get
that off my chest!
When you wonderful NOTERS tell me that you or someone you know has
gone through the same experience, what does that mean? Does it
mean that you were almost fully effaced or you kept contracting
or that you had to spend weeks on end in bed? I'm just curios how
common my particular situation really is. I don't mean to make
anyones shared stories insignificant in any way they have ALL helped
me immensely!!!
For the time being (until I can convince myself to try needlecraft)
I have been filling the empty hours with reading, learning Japanese,
catching up on bills and much past due expense vouchers (yuk!) and
eating. I like the ideas about catalogue shopping and am collecting
catalogues now. Actual 'pen in hand' writing is a little difficult
most of the time because the Terbutalines major side effects are
shaky hands and rapid heart/pulse rate.
Well, I've rambled on long enough for one day. Keep those NOTES
coming, they really have helped. And thank you also to the people
who have sent me personal VAX mail. You're all great!
Jodi (and Michael)
Irvine, California
|
| 20.8 | PRE-TERM LABOR | OASS::IDATTAGUPTA | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 57 |
|
Hi Jodi,
I goods to hear that you are back at home and that the
problem is still under control.
I read your note the other day and know exactly how you
feel because I too had a similar experience recently though not as
complex as yours. Trust and have faith in GOD and everything will be
fine.
I was at home the day after Christmas last year and
was taking calls from the house to help out when I started
having the contractions. Thinking it to be something I ate
and not having had contractions ever before (this is my first
and the only one) I let it ride until late at night at 11.40 p.m.
I would take it no more. So we called the Doctor and was asked to
check in immediately and from then on it was a nightmare for a
a couple of weeks until we adjusted to the situation.
I have a wonderful husband who was extremely supportive,
and who hid his own fears and anxiety about the situation. After
being diagnosed as being in pre-term labor I was ordered complete
bed rest like you and it was awful at first, I too felt depressed
and the only thing that kept me going was the faith and belief
that my baby would be fine and healthy.
The folks at work were great, I would talk with them often
(they were as concerned and shocked as I was as my pregnancy
was moving along just fine ... the docs still have no explanation
for this ). Anyway I was in bed for 4 1/2 months and had medication
around the clock BUT IT WAS WORTH EVERY MINUTE OF THE PAIN BECAUSE
TODAY I HAVE A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY, HAPPY MAMA'S BOY NAMED RAVI
DATTAGUPTA, BORN 9TH MARCH 1987 WEIGHING 6lbs AND 8 ozs AND TODAY
WEIGHS 13lbs.
I do not see any of the side effects of the stuff I took
(at least not yet) he was born with a ton of hair on his head,
he has been very, very alert from the first day, at less than 3
month's he started cooing and blowing bubbles ! If you talk to him
he answers back and you could 'talk' to him constantly in fact he
wants somebody around him every waking moment, he has also started
responding to his name and I could go on and on .....
I have long since forgotten the pain and discomfort I went thru
and you will too in time. I know it hard for you not to worry and its
hard to pass time just being in bed. I passed the time talking to
my friends and reading, knitting, working on the crossword daily and
watching Perry Mason without fail every day. My husband would come
home for lunch every day so I had something to look forward to each
day to break the monotony, also my neighbors would drop by and we
would sit and gossip (a great way to pass time )
I hope this note helps in some way , if you would like to
talk sometimes give me a call at DTN 435-5473 or sent me mail.
Keep the faith,
Indra Dattagupta
|
| 20.9 | answer to your question | DEBIT::RANDALL | I'm no lady | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 25 |
| Hi Jodi --
In answer to your question, my sister-in-law was almost completely
effaced at about the fifth month, as I recall, and was starting
to dilate. She spent most of four months in bed taking medication
against the contractions. She had to have antibiotics several times.
I can understand your fear about something being wrong with the baby.
But while it may be true that 1 out of 50 such babies have a problem,
that means that 49 out of 50 babies involved in pre-term labor are
normal.
My sister-in-law (Lynn, so I don't have to type so much later on!) said
her doctor told her that they never find a cause for the majority of
instances of pre-term labor. He blamed Lynn's problems on the fact
that her mother had taken DES when she was carrying Lynn. He said that
many DES women have small, abnormally shaped uteruses. My doctor
didn't think this was likely, but you might want to explore the
possibility with your doctor.
I can answer your questions in more detail through MAIL if you would
like.
--bonnie
|
| 20.10 | Week by Week | QUOKKA::SNYDER | Wherever you go, there you are | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 30 |
|
The evening before you entered the base note, I got a call
from my brother in Boulder (I am in Colorado Springs) telling
me that his S.O. (Barbara) had gone into pre-term labor that
day, at 31 weeks. We had been planning a visit to Boulder
on Saturday and Marc was calling us to have us prepare our
kids (6 and 4) for the visit since the four-year-old loves
to jump all over Barbara.
I showed her your note. Her reaction (she is a maternity nurse)
was suprise at the low dosage of the medication, suggesting
that it probably wouldn't be long before it was increased.
She said, however, that this is something she sees all the
time, having been a maternity nurse for the last six years.
Naturally, she was bummed out at it having happened to her,
but mostly because of it being a drag to be confined to bed
for so long. She said, however, that in the vast majority
of cases, it amounts to a major nuisance until birth but after
that all is as if it had never happened.
She did mention that there is a support group for women in
pre-term labor. It is called Week by Week. She knows of the
one in Denver but doesn't know if there are chapters elsewhere.
She says that they are an excellent source of information.
If you like, I can get the Denver address/telephone and post
it here or mail it to you.
Sid
|
| 20.11 | Best news I've heard yet! | USIV03::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 41 |
| RE: .12
Bonnie,
Thanks for the details of Lynn's situation, sounds exactly like
mine. Was it during the hottest summer on record like mine will
no doubt be? :^)
I also wanted to thank you for bringing to light the correct way
to interpret the risk factor of 1 out of 50. Nobody has ever accused
me of being a math whiz but I am truly embarrassed to admit that
I took it mean 50%! I was in the doctors office waiting to be told
I was experiencing pre-term labor when I read it. I wasn't of sound
mind, I'm sure. Now that I think back on the wording in the book
it was a little confusing as well. It stated that approximately
80% of all miscarriages in the first trimester where caused by an
incompetent embryo and that 1 out 50 miscarriages in the last half
of pregnancies were caused by fetus incompatibility. So I can see
now where I was confused. By you interpreting it for me, (since
I still didn't see my error while typing) my mind rests much easier.
Thanks.
---------
I had good monitor readings today which is especially good news
since I managed to miss my 1am medication and woke up a half hour
after my 4am meds. The 'handy dandy' Radio Shack LCD Pill Box
Countdown Timer I use to remind me to medicate accidently got reset
to 0 and didn't go off. Sleeping with it tucked under my pillow
probably had something to do with it. I would highly recommend
this little gadget if you ever need 'round the clock medications.
As the pamphlet says, it can also be used as a kitchen timer or
parking meter reminder. It's small (2"x3.5"x.5"), hold pills
(or coins), and somewhat attractive. The cost is $14.95.
Everyone have a good 4th of July. I'll miss not being able to go
see the fancy fireworks show this year but hopefully we will have
them in September instead!!!
Jodi and Michael
|
| 20.12 | | USIV03::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 23 |
| Sid...
You must have posted your reply while I was working on mine
(it takes a long time to type while laying on ones side).
Anyways, I wanted to let you know that I just finished making
arrangements for my husband to attend a Pre-Term Labor and Delivery
class at the hospital and during my conversation with the hospital
nurse she mentioned a support group offered by the hospital for
just my situation.
Our hospital, St. Joseph of Orange, is an excellent institution
which you may remember as the hospital where the Frustaci 7 were
born. In fact I was there at the same time and delivered my
little girl (now 2) 12 hours before. The Frustaci story was so sad.
Anyways, if I'm not happy with the hospital support group, I'll
drop you a line. (tell Barbara that I am now on 5mg. every 3 hrs)
Thanks,
Jodi
|
| 20.13 | Water,water,everywhere! | USIV03::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 31 |
| I'm still home and very happy with the way the 'water treatment'
has been going. There must really be something to the dehydration
theory.
Last Friday mornings monitor reading was pretty pitiful, so I drank
lots of water and re-monitored. While I was re-monitoring my doctor
called and I told her about the mornings contractions (12). She
said she was getting ready to leave on a weeks vacation and with
a score like that she wanted me in the hospital at least 'til she
got back but she perferred I stay in for about 4 weeks. I told
her that the monitor company had suggested the 'water treatment'
and it seemed to work when I used it. I begged her to wait for
my second monitor reading before she made her decision, which she
did. I had zero contractions the second time around! Needless
to say she agreed to let me stay home but said she would check in
with me every two days while on vacation. She told me the best
Neonatologist in Orange County would be on call for me if anything
happened during her absence.
Of course the thought of being put in the hospital for 1-4 weeks
(or more) is not very appealing in the least. I would surely miss
my 'noting' friends! I think your support and well wishes are what
have gotten me this far. It would be so easy to give up and let
the medical world take over. An IV here, a bedpan there, no timer
to set every three hours...
Will keep you posted and as 'Bartlett and James' would say...
"Thank you for your support."
Jodi and baby-to-be, Michael
|
| 20.14 | Increasing fluids at night | HUMAN::BURROWS | Selma Burrows | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 10 |
| When I was pregnant and was having a hard time getting enough
fluids I found that by putting an 8oz. glass in the bathroom
and drinking a full glass every time I was in there (especially
at night) improved the fluid balance. This was to supplement,
not replace, a general increase in fluid intake. This might
help you at night.
SelmaB
|
| 20.15 | | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 31 |
| RE: .18
The way I am working it right now is as requested by the monitor
company...I drink 1 quart of water before I monitor in the morning.
2 quarts of water during the day. 1 quart of water before retiring
at night and 1 8oz. glass of water with each pill I take thoughout
the night/early morning hours. This adds up to over a gallon of
water a day. And this is being done by an individual who hates
water. Southern Calif. water being what it is (yuck!) all I will
drink is bottled water. Actually I have pretty much gotten used
to drinking the water, it's the two trips an hour to the bathroom
that are getting a little old. But since I'm not allowed out of
bed for any other reason, I guess you could look at it as the high-
light of my day. :^)
I have been having some problems in the evening lately that can't
be attributed to dehydration. I suspect the doctor will up my
medication soon. Each time the medication is increased there is
about a five day adjustment period. I get headaches, nightsweats,
increased pulse/heart rate and shaky hands and voice. The shakiness
comes and goes for the course of the medication but is at its worse
the first five days.
I'll keep you all posted.
Jodi-
Jodi-
|
| 20.16 | Still hangin' in there... | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 55 |
| RE:.20
Well, thanks for asking...
So far this week I have had exceptionally good monitor readings.
I saw the nurse practioner last Friday as the doctor was still on
vacation and all my (and Michaels) vitals were good. Because of
the medication my pulse is generally around 110-116 and the baby's
heart rate is between 150 and 170. I'm pretty used to the Terbuteline
high and they say that the baby really doesn't suffer.
In fact I have been told that stress such as preterm labor, medication
such as Terbuteline and breaking of the waters can/will excelerate
the manufacturing of Surfactants which helps mature the lungs.
The most common cause of distress or death in preterm babies is
Hyaline Membrane Disease which basically means the surfactant in
the lung lining is deficient. If it looks like labor is not going
to be easily controlled, an amnio is done to see what the surfactant
levels are and if they are sufficient labor will be allowed to
procede without further delay. Hopefully I won't have to deal with
that situation.
I feel real positive right now because of my good readings but the
nurse did mention the doctor will probably make a decision in the
next week or so about how to handle the next four to six weeks.
Because a 24 week old fetus is not really considered viable it's
pretty much a wait and see type situation. But now that I am
approaching 30 weeks (can you believe it?) the doctor would like
to take more cautious measures. At this point she would like to
have Non-stress tests (NSTs) done at least twice a week. That means
I either get out of bed and go to the hospital or I just resign
myself to a hospital bed for the next four weeks or so. I'll know
more this Thursday when I see the doctor.
NSTs are done to monitor the effects of contractions on the baby.
So far we have only been monitoring my contractions. A healthy
baby should react to a contraction by showing an increase in heart
rate. It's not a good sign if the heart beat stays the same or
goes down during a contraction. I suspect if Michael is anything
like my first child, he is strong as an Ox.
My first, a girl (Amber) was born 3.5 weeks early, fought every
contraction with gusto and came into this world at 8.5lbs! She
just turned two and is still going strong. I might add that she
has been extremely understanding (insightful) and helpful during
this whole ordeal, as has my husband. Amber is, I believe very
mature for someone who just past their second birthday. I consider
myself very lucky.
Well that should do it for now, hope you enjoyed your OB lessons
and didn't get too bored while I rambled on. Had my hairdresser
come to the house today and I feel especially good!
Jodi (please note my new node name NEWPRT::Newell)
|
| 20.17 | How are you? | GIGI::TRACY | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 27 |
| Jodi--
I just read this whole note since you first had a problem. You
must be going crazy by now, but it sounds like everything will be
fine. It also sounds like your family is wonderfully supportive.
I want to second the suggestion made in an early response to keep
a diary during this period. Even if you start it now, I think you
and Michael will really treasure it later on. I started when I
was pregnant (a normal pregnancy) and wrote it in the form of letters
addressed, at that point, to "Baby." It turned out that my daughter
had to stay in the hospital for a while and I continued the diary
through that period. It helped me to feel close to her when I couldn't
be and I've enjoyed going back to it sometimes. I also suspect
that sometime in the future when she's driving me crazy, it will
help put things in perspective. And, finally, I think it will be
a wonderful present for her someday. If writing is too hard, keep
it online. Then you print out a hard copy later.
Also, you could always update us the Iran-contra hearings!
Anyway, it's been almost a week since you updated us. Let us know
how you're doing.
Tracy Warren
|
| 20.18 | UPDATE TIME | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 56 |
| Well, I'm still here and things look OK for the time being. I say
that with a bit of hesitation because just when things are looking
good, I have another bad night (monitor reading). I went seven
days without any problems, then *boom* last Friday night I had problems
for about eight hours. Everything had settled down by morning but
it sure is nerve-racking to have these things happen.
As .22 mentioned I do have a wonderfully supportive family (husband
and child) but I would also like to mention my co-workers who have
been just GREAT throughout this whole ordeal. They offer to bring
me lunch, they run errands for me, make book selections for me and
basically take care of my needs. Even my boss who is not married
and has no kids, has taken time out of his busy schedule to send
cards and phone me. If you knew him you'd understand my shock!
Monday was my birthday and I have to admit it was probably one of
the nicest celebrations I've ever had. A group of co-workers came
by with lunch, flowers, cards and (my favorite) Baskin-Robins Peanut
Butter and Chocolate ice cream. I was in heaven!
After my last short hospital visit the doctor advised me to keep
my visitors to a minimum so I really hadn't seen too many of my
office mates for a while. They complain when they can't bring me
lunch and visit but rules is rules. After all the excitement of
Monday and a little left over on Tuesday, I started having trouble
again last night so I will continue to take the doctors advice and
go back to reading and noting.
I don't watch any TV (well maybe a little Oprah or Donahue) so I
you'll have to get your Iran-Contra updates somewhere else. I have
read ten novels and about fifteen Reader's Digest cover to cover.
And I follow about twenty NOTE conferences. And of course I eat...
alot.
Surprisingly I haven't gained much weight. Just 22 pounds at 31
weeks. Not too bad considering I don't get any exercise. I suspect
the side effects of the medication help keep my metabolism going
at break-neck speed and burn more calories than usual. Hum, maybe
I'll continue to take it AFTER the baby. :^)
I want to apologize to those who have sent me personal mail and have
not received a personal reply. When I switched to my new node (NEWPoRT)
I lost my VAXmail priviledges and am now struggling to learn ALL-IN-1.
I have about 7,000 blocks of stuff I need to transfer from my old
account and I have to learn a whole new mail/editing system as well.
I'm a die-hard VAXmail fan and I don't like this new system at all!
I hear we will be losing $-sign prompt next, so bye-bye NOTES.
Luckily I have some friends with some pull so I probably won't lose
notes for awhile.
I'm going to sign off for now but I'll try to update a little more
often. Next time I'll talk a more about my home monitor system.
Bye, bye...
Jodi + Michael
|
| 20.19 | Don't need $ ? | NISYSE::STPIERRE | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 9 |
| Just wanted to let you know....
While I was in MKO, I had All-in-one, and did not have the $ prompt.
However, I was still able to acces all the same file as if I had
the $. i.e. VTX, Notes, DTR etc. So, don't panic yet, you probably
will still be able to use notes.
Debbie
|
| 20.20 | Home Monitoring | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 87 |
| Sorry it has taken me so long to update...been busy, busy, busy!
I saw the doctor today and everything looks just fine. She wants
me to have an ultrasound done, I suppose to check on position, confirm
due date and do cervical studies. I am also scheduled to have weekly
NST's (non-stress tests) at the hospital and...I am doing so well
that I'm allowed to see her at the office every week from now on.
What a thrill to be able to get out of the house twice a week!!!
This has been a very exciting week. Early tuesday morning the monitor
company called and asked if I would mind doing an interview with the
Orange County Register. The newspaper wanted to do an article on home
monitoring. They asked the monitor company, Tokos if they could talk
to one of their patients and I was the patient they chose. Anyway,
I was interviewed and photographed and now we are just waiting for it
to be published.
Last week Tokos asked if I would mind talking with a writer who
is doing an article for Good Housekeeping concerning home monitoring.
I haven't heard from him yet so we'll see. And then...today while
talking to my doctor, she asked if I would consider teaming up with
her and an ex-newscaster turned writer to do a book on preterm labor,
the physical and psychological effects of spending weeks on end
in bed, etc., etc. I am not a writer by any means but working with
people in the that profession really excites me.
Last update I said I would talk a little about home monitoring so
here we go...
Tokos Medical Corp. is the company that offers the TERM GUARD system
of home monitoring. They have been in business for four years and
have approx. 70 centers throughout the U.S. plus one center that
just opened in Paris, France.
They told me that 1 out of 7 pregnant women were at risk for preterm
labor and there are about 250,000 such cases per year. In the last
two years Tokos has monitored 10,000 women taking 80% to term.
The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The monitor itself consists of two parts, the sensor and the recorder.
Twice a day (evening and morning for one hour) the sensor is placed on
the abdomen just below the navel and to the right. It is secured with
an elastic belt. The sensor has a curly cord that connects to the
recorder which is about the size of a walkman. The recorder is
connected to a charger which is plugged into an AC wall outlet. The
monitor is portable so you can walk around while you monitor if thats
not a problem with your doctor.
Sometime after your morning monitor, your Tokos nurse will call for
a reading. You then place the end of the phone that you speak into
directly onto the recorder and press a SEND button. It takes about
six minutes to send two hours worth of monitoring and another minute
or two for the nurse to read the strip. At that point the nurse
will tell you how many contractions you had the previous night and
that morning. If the reading looks bad they will have you remonitor
after you have had a couple of glasses of water. If you think you
are having problems lets say at 2am, you monitor for one hour and
call in for a reading. It's very handy and very reassuring to have
this service available night and day and I'm sure saves a lot of
un-necessary trips to the hospital.
I've been extremely pleased with Tokos. Their nurses are all very
supportive, positive and pleasant and are always there if you need
to talk. They all have labor and delivey background.
The cost of $75 a day may make some of you want to gag but when you
compare it to daily hospital rates or intensive care for a premature
baby, its nothing. Any medical insurance that offers Durable Medical
Equipment Coverage will pick up the cost (John Hancock does :^).
I took the liberty of finding out what the Tokos phone number is
in the Boston area in case someone you know is at risk.
Tokos Boston (617) 535-7901
Also here are a couple of other numbers that may come in handy:
1-800-24-TOKOS (outside Calif.)
1-800-25-TOKOS (inside Calif.)
I hope this info helps someone, sometime in the future.
I'm kind of running out of steam for today but if anyone would like
me to list the warning signs of preterm labor as stated in the Tokos
literature let me know and I would be happy to oblige.
Jodi and Michael (age 32 weeks b.b.)
|
| 20.21 | | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 16 |
| RE: .26
Thanks for the encouragement!
-----------------------------
Tomorrow I go in for my first non-stress test.
The ultrasound follows about an hour later (just enough time to
drink the half gallon of water required for the the test :^( ).
I'll let you know how things go.
Bye,
Jodi and Michael
|
| 20.22 | Update | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 30 |
| The non-stress test went great. Michael is strong and responded
perfectly during the test.
The ultrasound showed that besides being strong, he is also big.
At 33 weeks he sized up to a 35 week old fetus. When I saw the
doctor the next day she measured me (the uterus) at 34 weeks so
we know for sure he is growing.
The same thing happened with my first child. She measured so big
that the doctor said she would be 11 pounds at 40 weeks which
explains why I had her at 36.5 weeks! 8.5 pounds is a lot for a
baby born almost a month early!
The newspaper article finally came out but the writer took some
journalistic license and misquoted me a couple of times. Also the
monitor itself is portable so she took that to mean that I too
am allowed to move around. She mentioned three times that I roamed
around the house while I monitored...I wish! The article itself
was quite impressive (if you didn't know the truth). It took up
almost the entire front page and part of page 2 of the business
section including a picture of me laying in bed with the monitor
strapped to my fat belly.
Well that's all for now.
Only three more weeks before I'm taken off the medicine, can you
believe it?
Jodi-
|
| 20.23 | | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Does the noise in my head bother u? | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 24 |
| RE: .29
Thanks Sue...I get big tears in my eyes every time I get a reply
or personal mail message. I have received mail from all over,
including Valbonne, France! It's amazing how many people read
notes and how many care. Really amazing.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Tomorrow I go in for my second NST and then I have to drop by the
doctors office to pick up a bottle of glucose. Because Michael
is so big the doctor wants me to take a glucose tolerance test to
rule out a form of diabetis that sometimes rears its ugly head in
late pregnancy.
I've asked my doctor if I can spend the last few days of my medication
doing some long overdue, much needed shopping. She said she didn't
see any problem with that. Watch out charge cards!
More later...
Jodi and Michael
|
| 20.24 | Another Update... | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Aug.31st, the beginning of the end | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 59 |
| Well, not much change around here except for last Sunday when I
had major 'boomers' (as the nurse practitioner calls them).
It was a typical Sunday, the one day a week when I get outside and
socialize with neighbors. The day went quite well, I just chatted
with neighbors and watched my little girl swim in her pool. But
about 5 p.m. after I went back into the house, I started feeling
real achey. I took a shower and went to bed.
I monitored as usual at 7:30 p.m. for one hour and during that time I
realized that I was having real, honest to goodness labor *pains*. I
had to do the breathing exercises I had learned during my last pregnancy.
Of course my OB had just left town for a week so I did everything
in my power to relax and slow down the contractions. I called the
monitor company and they told me my contractions were 3 minutes
apart. That was not very reassuring. The doctor on call had me
hydrate and remonitor. The count went down significantly so he
just said to rest, supplement my medication if neccesary and call
if I had any more problems. I didn't. I think it had something
to do with the 'harmonic convergence'. :^)
On August 31st I will be taken off the medication (see personal_name).
Michael will most likely arrive the first week of September. I
can't believe it is getting so close the the 'big day'. If anyone
would have told me 11 weeks ago that time was going to go by so fast,
I wouldn't have believed them (I think some tried). I want to
experience one 'normal' week before the baby arrives but I'll settle
for two or three days.
I had my Glucose Tolerance test done last week and it came out a
little on the high side. That is to be expected when you're on
Terbuteline but just to be on the safe side the doctor wants me
to take a 3 hour/fasting Glucose test at the hospital. It's set
up for next Wednesday after my NST.
All of my NSTs so far have been just fine. I would like to add to the
NST info I gave you a few weeks back. The test, which is basically
another kind of monitor device, monitors the babys' heart rate and
the mothers' uterine activity. I had said in a previous note that it
shows how the baby's heart reacted after a contraction. This is
true but it also should show the babys' heart rate after each time he
moves. The mother is given a hand held device to push each time there
is movement, giving the nurse a better idea what's going on. I feel
better now knowing you have all the details.
I'm going to use another note to list the warning signs of preterm
labor and who is at risk.
See you in the next note...
Jodi and Michael
|
| 20.25 | | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Aug.31st, the beginning of the end | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 94 |
|
The following was taken with permission from a booklet called:
* WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PRETERM LABOR *
by Tokos Medical Corporation.
WHO IS AT RISK for PRETERM BIRTH?...
These conditions may be associated with an increased
likelihood of preterm labor.
1. Previous preterm labor or delivery
2. Preterm labor in current pregnancy
3. Abnormally shaped uterus: DES daughter, uterine surgery
4. Two or more second trimester abortions or miscarriages
5. Incompetent cervix, cone biopsy, large fibroid
6. Current pregnancy with twins, triplets, etc.
7. Severe kidney and urinary tract infections
8. Cervical dialation or effacement before 36 weeks
9. Excessive uterine activity before 36 weeks
10. Bleeding: placenta previa: too much amniotic fluid
11. Ages less than 18 or greater than 35: unusual phyical
or mental stress.
SIGNS and SYMPTOMS of PRETERM LABOR...
1. Uterine Contractions: the tightening of the muscle within the
uterus. Using your fingertips to feel the uterus, you should
be able to indent your uterus when it is relaxed. During a
contraction you can feel the uterus tighten and become hard.
Contractions occur normally throughout pregnancy. They are
usually painless and can occur at any time. Certain activities,
such as changing your position or having a full bladder, may
cause you to have a contraction. The type of contraction you
will have with preterm labor will also be painless, but there
is often a pattern to the tightenings. The uterus will feel
hard over the entire surface and this tightening may occur
every 15 minutes or closer. Each contraction may last from
20 seconds up to 1.5 to 2 minutes.
**********************************
* *
* REMEMBER: *
* Preterm labor contractions are *
* often painless occuring every *
* 15 minutes or more often. *
* *
**********************************
The following signs may also occur normally in your pregnancy,
but if you feel these signs, you should check for contractions.
2. MENSTRUAL-LIKE CRAMPS...these are felt low in the abdomen,
just above the pubic bone. The cramping may be rhythmic,
feeling like waves or fluttering. You may also feel constant
cramping.
3. LOWER, DULL BACKACHE...this backache is located mainly in the
lower back and may radiate to the sides or the front. It may
be rhythmic or constant, and often not relieved by change of
position.
4. PELVIC PRESSURE...you may feel pressure or a fullness in the
pelvic area, in your back or your thighs.
5. INTESTINAL CRAMPS...these may occur in the presence or absence
of diarrhea.
6. INCREASE or CHANGE in VAGINAL DISCHARGE...the amount may be
more than that which is normal for you. The consistency may
change to mucousy or watery. The color may become pink or
brown-tinged.
7. A GENERAL FEELING THAT SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT...even without
a specific cause.
WHAT IS NORMAL?...
1. Contractions occuring 3 or less per hour
2. Backache as your baby grows and causes your posture to change
3. Pressure as your gowing baby presses on your pubic bone and
your legs
4. Pulling and stretching of muscles that may cause localized
pain
----------------------------------
| REMEMBER: |
| It is important to know what |
| is normal for you. Then you |
| will know how to identify what |
| is not normal. |
----------------------------------
|
| 20.26 | On the way to the hospital!!! | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Aug.31st, the beginning of the end | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 19 |
| Well folks, looks like this is it...
I just got back from the my weekly doctors appointment and things
don't look so hot. Seems I have toxemia.
I'm on my way to the hospital (St. Joseph's in Orange, Calif.).
The doctor is going to induce labor tonight so I suspect we will
have a little baby by this evening or sometime tomorrow.
I haven't been feeling all that well this week so I guess you could
say I'm ready. But just like I began this ordeal 12 weeks ago,
I am also scared. That's natural though.
I'll let you know as soon as I get home how things went.
Jodi and soon-to-be on the outside, Michael :^)
|
| 20.27 | He's here... | NEWPRT::NEWELL | On the outside looking in... | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:29 | 85 |
| ...and he's beautiful!
*************** A N N O U N C I N G **************
* *
* >->>>> Michael Taylor Newell <<<<-< *
* *
* Born: August 28th 1987 (by request) *
* Time: 12:18 a.m. *
* Weight: 7 pounds, 11 ounces *
* Length: 20 inches *
* *
****************************************************
I arrived at the hospital last Thursday night around 7 p.m.
Of course I hadn't packed yet (bad luck) so it took awhile to
get my act together. I also had to cancel a hair appointment
I had set up for Saturday, wait for my husband to get home etc.
At 8 p.m. the doctor (not my doctor, but her associate) broke
the 'bag of waters' and said she would wait a couple of hours
to see if I was making any progress. Ten minutes later I was
making progress!
Months ago my doctor asked when I was going to have this baby.
I had successfully predicted the due date of our first child and
she wanted to make sure I didn't set my (unofficial) due date to
early. In jest I told her Aug. 20th sounded good but she felt
that was a little too early so we agreed that Aug. 28th was a nice
date. Mind you this was all in fun, I wasn't supposed to have
Michael until late Sept.
Anyways, when I realized that by 9 p.m. I was in pretty hard labor
I reminded my doctors' associate that I wanted an Aug. 28th baby and
she agreed to do her best to accomodate me. Three and half hours
after my water was broke Michael was ready to make his entrance.
Being a half hour short of my projected due date I asked the doctor
to take her time getting me to the delivery room. At midnight I
was wheeled into delivery. I was very alert and aware of everything
around me (much different from my last birthing experience).
At 12:15 a.m. we were ready to go.
Three months, three and half hours of labor and three pushes later
Michael Taylor Newell arrived!
Michael came out yellin' and screamin' and scored an 8 and a 9 on
his Apgar. About an hour later he started to show a little respiritory
distress but it only lasted long enough to get our pediatrician out of
bed and down to the hospital.
I went to recovery where the only distress I experienced was from
the medication I had been put on for my toxemia. I was having some
nasty side-effects from the medication until I was taken off of
it at 8 p.m. Friday night. By Saturday morning I was feeling good
enough to go home. Michael was only 36 hours old when he left the
hospital! Pretty amazing.
Now that we are home, I'm having a bit of trouble adjusting to the
fact that I don't have to get up every three hours for medication
(Michael has been sleeping 4-5 hours between feedings), I don't
*have* to drink four quarts of water a day (unless I want to) and
I can go out and get the mail myself without feeling guilty!
Oh well, so much for my summer vacation. :^)
I want to thank all of you once again for your tremendous support
and well wishes when I was in such need. It was a summer I shall
not soon forget but all summers must end and luckily this one had
a happy ending...
Thank you,
the Newell family
P.S. if any of you are going to the next DECUS in Anaheim, CA,
drop by for a visit and meet Michael personally.
Send mail (NEWPRT::Newell) or
give me a call at (714) 857-9048.
|
| 20.28 | Book Recommendation...a *must* read! | NEWPRT::NEWELL | On the outside looking in... | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 49 |
| RE: .47
Congratulations to you and your family, Lois.
RE: Preterm Labor...
For most of the weeks I was confined to bed I tried to get my hands
on a book that the monitor company recommended. It is available
through the March of Dimes but they couldn't seem to get copies
of it so after weeks and weeks of waiting and looking the MoD called
to tell me they located a copy at a local Doubleday bookstore.
Even though Michael was already three weeks old and my *ordeal*
was over I felt I had to read this book, so I went to Doubleday and
picked up their last copy of *The Premature Labor Handbook*.
Excellent book! I highly recommend reading it if you are faced
with long term confinement for preterm labor, know or need to take
care of someone in this condition or just want to be informed.
This book covers:
* The medical aspects
* The stresses of premature labor
* Relationships
* Help for the family
* Maximizing time and space
* The hospital experience
* Preterm delivery and the premature baby
* Childbirth preparation and premature labor
* Nutrition and exercise
* Embracing the challenge
I wish I had been able to get my hands on this book during my
confinement. It is well written, talks about things I thought
only *I* was experiencing and gives you new skills to deal
with the stresses of preterm labor (such as visualization).
**************************************************************
THE PREMATURE LABOR HANDBOOK
Successfully Sustaining Your High-Risk Pregnancy
by Patricia Anne Robertson, M.D. & Peggy Henning Berlin,
Available from Doubleday books
ISBN: 0-385-19923-6 or
ISBN: 0-385-19924-4 (paperback)
**************************************************************
Happy reading,
Jodi-
|
| 20.29 | Progress Report | NEWPRT::NEWELL | On the outside looking in... | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 28 |
| Now that Michael is a month old and I have gained some of my
sanity and strength back, I thought I'd let you know how he's doing.
He's got to be the most mellow kid in town. I figure after three
months on Terbutaline, he's ready for a rest. When he's hungry
he just starts moving his arms and legs, whirling them 'round and
'round until he gets someones attention. The only time he cries
is when he has a gas bubble and that's easy to take care of.
The only medical type problem we've had with him was jaundice.
He still looked pretty yellow at three weeks so the pediatrician
asked me to stop nursing him for 48 hours at which time I promptly
came down with a case of Mastitis (breast infection with 103.2 fever).
But that's another story...
His color is very good now, the gobs of brown hair he was born with
is thinning out and his arms and skinny legs are getting chunky. He's
a picture of health and oh, so good!
At one month he hasn't crossed any major milestones besides opening
his eyes more than once a day. He's just a sleepy boy and I should
take advantage of it while it lasts. :^)
Take care and if anyone out there needs to talk about preterm labor
any time in the future, please don't hesitate to write or call.
Jodi-
|
| 20.30 | *** Season's Greetings *** | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Jodi Newell, SWS Mktg, Irvine, CA | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 21 |
| I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone again for all the support
and well wishes you extended to me and my family during our very
trying summer. You helped make this a very special Christmas and
I will be forever grateful.
Michael is almost four months old (can you believe it?) and weighs
16.5 pounds! His brown hair is turning kinda red and I think his blue
eyes may turn green (just in time for Christmas). :^) I wish I
could send a picture of him out to all of you, he's just beautiful!
I'm back at work now and it feels great! The only problem is I
haven't had a full nights sleep in seven months and it's starting
to take its toll on me. Maybe next year we can convince him to
sleep more than five hours at a stretch.
My wish for everyone is to have a Merry Christmas, a Happy Healthy
Family and a Happy New Year.
Jodi-
|
| 20.31 | Another Story | CLT::TAYLOR | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 276 |
|
Last summer when Jodi was handling her preterm labor I checked out this
topic every day hoping she would let us know how she was doing. I
really looked forward to reading about her as I know lots of people
did.
Jodi's information in this file proved to be invaluable to me in so
many ways. First of all, I have a friend who is confined to bedrest for
her entire pregnancy. (She had invitro done and is expecting twins in
July - very risky.) So, I sent this topic to my friend hoping
it would be an inspiration to her and that it would give her some ideas
on how to pass the time while in bed.
Little did I know only a few days after I mailed this topic to my
friend I would find myself in the hospital at 24 weeks pregnant
fighting contractions. My friend received the notes file the day I went
into the hospital. As I told my friend my situation from my hospital
bed, she would tell me: "That's the medication Jodi took," or
"Jodi had a urinary tract infection also."
Jodi's story was such a comfort to me during those first few weeks.
Preterm labor is a lonely, scary situation. I found it is very
difficult to get information on this topic when you need it most and I
was glad to have this notes file. So, I have decided to tell my story
too. My story is different enough from Jodi's to be worth telling, and
just as Jodi helped me I'd like to help out the next person who might
go through this.
So, here's my story (so far):
At my 24 week visit I mentioned to my doctor that I thought my
Braxton-Hicks contractions were occurring quite often. He examined my
belly while I was having a contraction, and told me if I had more
than 12 an hour, drink a glass of wine and relax. If they didn't stop,
I should call him. While driving home, I timed the contractions. Sure
enough, they were 5 minutes apart lasting 30-45 seconds. I got home and
had a glass of wine. They seemed to subside.
The next morning they came back again. I called the doctor's office and
they told me to come in. They put me on the monitor, and yes, I was
having a contraction every 5 minutes. They tried to give me a
non-stress test, but the baby was just too small. He kept moving away
from the monitor. (See note .21 and .31 for an explanation of the
non-stress test.) The doctor was concerned. She told me she was going to
examine me, and if they couldn't stop the labor or if my water had
broken, I would have to go to a Boston hospital having an Intensive
Care Nursery. (Nashua Memorial hospital cannot handle a 2 pound
preemie.)
The doctor examined me and told me I was 1 cm dilated, 0% effaced.
The 1 cm dilation was on the external os, and the internal os was
completely closed. She explained that 1 cm was perfectly normal for a
second-time mother. Then she took 3 slides of vaginal fluid to
determine if my water had broken. All negative, thank God.
She then sent me over to the hospital because they wanted to continue
to monitor me and the baby for a while and couldn't have me use the
only monitor they had in the office. The hospital nurse took a blood
sample (CBC) and a urine sample, and then gave me a shot of Terbutaline
to stop the contractions. They found a urinary tract infection (UTI)
which can irritate the uterus and cause contractions. They gave me an
antibiotic (Ampicillin), a few pills of Terbutaline (2.5 mg), and sent
me home. (By the way, I felt no symptoms of the UTI. I've had plenty of
them in the past, so I know what they usually feel like.)
The next morning I noticed the contractions were back at 5 minutes
apart. I called the doctor's office and the nurse told me it
would take a day or two for the antibiotic to take affect. She told
me to rest. That afternoon (Christmas Eve) the contractions got to 2
minutes apart. I called the doctor and he sent me right to the
hospital.
The nurses were expecting me, and immediately put me in bed, put me on
the monitor and gave me a shot of Terbutaline. They gave me 3 shots at
20 minutes apart. The Terbutaline is awful. It made my heart beat very
fast (I averaged 110), gave me the shakes, headaches and nasal
congestion. The nurses watched me very carefully. They took my pulse
and blood pressure constantly. I watched the monitor constantly to
make sure the baby's heartbeat didn't go above 170. He usually stayed
at about 160-170.
The contractions stopped-but not for long. Soon I was having
"break-through" contractions. It looked like I was Boston-bound. The
doctor came in, examined me and found I was still only 1 cm
dilated, 0% effaced. So, instead of sending me to Boston, they put me
on an IV drip of Yutopar and told me I would be in the hospital for a
few days.
It was a great Christmas, let me tell you! I had 13 people at my house
for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 10 of them were overnight guests.
I had relatives from Arizona, New Orleans, North Carolina and
Massachusetts all at my house! I conducted the meals and festivities
from my hospital bed. Everyone was great. Apparently they all chipped
in, and almost all the food was served. When they couldn't find
something, they improvised. In some ways it was kind of humorous. Then,
on December 26-29th all my relatives (18) went to an inn in Vermont. (I
organized that trip last summer.) My husband, my son, and my mother
stayed behind.
Anyway, I did fairly well on the Yutopar. They took me off it at
4pm Christmas Day and said I had to continue to do well for
48 hours after being off the Yutopar before they would let me go
home.
That evening my family came by to bring me presents and to let me see
my son (2 years old). They stayed for only 15 minutes, but about an
hour after they left the contractions were 5 minutes apart. The whole
scenario started again. I got the 3 shots of Terbutaline and the threat
about going to Boston. But, once again an exam revealed that I was
still only 1 cm dilated. The medical staff was baffled. I stayed in
Nashua.
By this time the antibiotic had plenty of time to clear up the
infection. They rechecked me and found that the infection was gone, so
now my diagnosis was "Irritable uterus" - in other words, like Jodi,
there was no definite explanation for the contractions.
I have not been diagnosed as having preterm labor because there has
been no change to my cervix. Usually the contractions only need to be
10-15 minutes apart (or less) on a regular basis to change the cervix.
So, I may just have very frequent and uncomfortable Braxton-Hicks
contractions. The difference between Braxton-Hicks contractions and
those of premature labor is that the Braxton-Hicks do not alter the
cervix. I am at risk of preterm labor however because of a previous
preterm delivery (at 35 1/2 weeks). It's so nerve wracking because
there is so much they just don't know. (I have since learned that
approximately 6-8% of all pregnant women develop the condition of
preterm or premature labor. In most cases, a specific cause cannot be
found.)
I stayed in the hospital 2 more days with the same scenario both days.
Since I still didn't dilate, my doctor decided to let me go home. They
told me to expect to be in and out of the hospital for the remainder of
the pregnancy. I was ordered to be on complete bedrest, and had to take
the Terbutaline (2.5 mg) every 4 hours, or sooner if needed. ( I even
had to set an alarm at night.) The most important thing about taking
the Terbutaline was to take my pulse first. If my pulse was over 120, I
couldn't take a pill. I'll type up my instructions and put them in this
notes file.
Christmas week was very nerve-wracking. Almost every evening the
contractions would start. I'd take an extra pill, then have a glass of
wine. Several evenings I would think about calling the doctor. New
Year's Eve was the worst. The contractions got bad but I just didn't
want to go through all the hassle of finding someone to take care of my
son, go to the hospital and then find that I was only 1 cm dilated
again. Finally they stopped, and I went to sleep.
I called the company that gave Jodi her home monitor (Tokos, see note
125.25). They were very nice, supportive and informative. They told me
that the service had to be prescribed by my doctor and that I should
ask him about it. I called his office. He was out so I talked to the
nurse. She was a labor-delivery nurse for 9 years. She convinced me
that I didn't need a home monitor because I could feel my contractions very well.
She felt it was best for me to listen to my body and if anything
changed I could call any time day or night. I wish I had something that
could tell me if the contractions were doing anything!
The Monday after the holidays I went back to the doctor again for a
checkup. Still no dilation. So, he told me I could go back to work and
resume my normal activities. I was to continue to take the Terbutaline.
So, I went into the office. I couldn't concentrate on work and count
contractions at the same time. I was a nervous wreck constantly toying
with the idea of laying down on my office floor. I finally left early
and went home to bed. The next day I didn't get into the office till
late after waiting for the contractions to subside. Then after lunch
when the contractions got to 5 minutes apart again I went to Health
Services to lie down.
Everyone I talked to was shocked that I went back to work. By this time
I had lots of information on preterm labor. I was in touch with a local
support group, my nurse at the hospital gave me her home phone number
(she had been through this herself), I had the book that Jodi
recommended in note .49, and was communicating over the net with Jodi.
I was so scared and confused because every story I heard was how the
woman was to do NOTHING but bedrest, and here I was going to work!
I didn't know what to do. I called the nurse that I had at the
hospital. She felt that I should call my doctor and tell him about
my 2 days at work. I called him and told him that I had contractions
in the office. He took me out of work immediately.
It's now been over 4 weeks since this all started. I can't believe how
time has flown by. I'm delighted that I've made it this far. I still
get the contractions all the time. Mine usually get bad in the evening,
after I've eaten, when I have a full bladder, or after **any**
activity. I tried the water treatment that worked for Jodi, and it
doesn't work for me. "Every pregnancy is different." The only thing
that really works for me is bedrest.
I went to the doctor's yesterday and got a great report. I'm now at 28
weeks. I got the results back from the O'Sullivan (sugar) test. My
count was only 126, which is excellent. I was a bit worried because
I've learned that the Terbutaline can increase the sugar count and
possibly cause maternal diabetes.
The baby seems to be doing well also. As usual, the doctor is
amazed at how big he is. He guesses that the baby is about 3 pounds
right now.
My doctor will be taking me off the medication in mid March (36 weeks).
He says I may deliver immediately, or I may go on and on and reach my
due date (mid April). He says there is no way of telling what will
happen.
I told the doctor how I don't think the medication works for me and the
only thing that will stop them is for me to lie on my side, alone, in
my own bed. Drinking wine works, but I'm not comfortable with that
idea. Even lying on the couch won't stop the contractions. If the TV is
on, or if anyone is in the room with me, the contractions continue.
He explained to me that the medication will not stop the contractions
entirely, but will help prevent the contractions from making me dilate.
I asked him what would happen if I ignored the contractions since so
far they haven't done anything. (I'd LOVE to go out for a while, but
I'm afraid to be too far from my bed!) He said that we will never be
sure, but most likely if I ignored the contractions, I would go into
true labor.
I also need to keep the contractions under control to prevent them from
breaking my water. It is possible that I had contractions like these
when I was pregnant with my son, and it was a hard contraction that
broke my water at 35 1/2 weeks. If my water breaks they will make me
deliver immediately.
So, for now it seems that I'm doing very well. I've adjusted to the
medication. My pulse is still at 90 bpm, but I no longer have the
shakes.
I'm getting a bit tired of the horizontal position, but believe it or
not, I'm not bored. I'm not watching much TV as I thought I would,
instead I'm getting through a stack of magazines that have been piling
up for months. I'm also able to spend a lot more "quality" time with my
son because instead of making dinner and doing other chores when he
gets home from the sitter's, I read him books, sing songs, and
generally have a great time with him. My husband is the one that is
probably suffering the most. He's become the Mr. Mom. Maybe this is a
blessing in disguise? I've learned to lower my standards, and we've
learned to hire the neighborhood teenagers to do chores for us. It's
been a real experience.
My doctor told me yesterday that a salesperson from TOKOS (the
monitoring company that Jodi used) has contacted him. He brought up the
subject at the Nashua area OB conference. He said it was discussed at
length and the general opinion was "no". They feel that the monitor
would drive the mother and the doctors crazy. However, this salesperson is
going to come to their next meeting to give a talk. We'll see what
happens!
One more thing I'd like to mention - GUILT. People (non-medical,
well-meaning friends) told me that I brought this on myself because I
was so busy working, taking care of my family, doing projects and
preparing for Christmas. I've been reassured by the nurses in the
hospital and the doctor that there is no way a woman can put herself
into labor unless there is something already making her susceptible to
it. Women try everything (riding over railroad tracks, exercising,
etc.) to put themselves in labor, but if they're not ready, they're not
ready. I accepted this until they told me I had to be on bedrest. This
seemed like a contradiction to me. They explained that I now have a
condition (irritable uterus) that must be treated, and it is not
something I brought on myself.
So that's my story so far. Now that I've written it all out I find
that it has helped me to sort out all the events. This is such an
overwhelming experience! I'll write in again when I have some more
news to tell.
Gale
PS. In keeping with Jodi's tradition, I guess I should sign:
Gale (and Kevin, due April 17)
|
| 20.32 | Hospital instructions | CLT::TAYLOR | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 88 |
| The following is the instruction sheet I received from the hospital.
Please note that my personal instructions varied a bit from this sheet.
For example, I must take the medication every 4 hours or less depending
on when the contractions start.
-Gale
Nashua Memorial Hospital
Premature Labor Discharge Instruction Sheet
It is important to remember that the use of Terbutaline must be
accompanied by bedrest, as prescribed by your physician. You will
"break through" the drug (begin to contract) unless you seriously
curtail your activity. Although it is difficult, most of your day
should be spent on a chair, sofa, or bed, with your body positioned
on your left or right side, to reduce uterine irritability.
Your physician has prescribed Terbutaline for you to take at home
to prevent premature labor. The instructions that follow will help
you to take this medication correctly.
1. Take your medication every ____ hours as prescribed by your
doctor. It is very important that you take your medication on time
so you will need to set your alarm clock. Your scheduled times are:
2. Take your pulse before taking the medication as you have been
taught by your nurse. Never use your thumb to take your pulse - Use
your first 2 fingers, taking your pulse either on your wrist or
neck. When your pulse is less than 120 beats a minute, you can take
the medication. If your pulse is higher than 115, don't take the
medicine, instead wait 30 minutes and take your pulse again. If your
pulse is still higher than 115 wait 30 minutes and again take your
pulse. Do not take your medication if your pulse is higher than 115
a minute. If after an hour your pulse is still higher than 115, call
your doctor for further instructions.
3. You must adjust the times that you take your medication if you
have had to wait because of your pulse being too fast. The
medication must be taken only at the hours apart ordered - no
earlier or later; Example: If medication is ordered every 6 hours
and you are on 12 noon, 6 pm, 12 midnight and 6 am schedule and you
have to wait 1/2 hour because of a high pulse, you must change your
times to 12:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 12:30 am, 6:30 am.
4. Eat a banana or orange every day.
5. Call your doctor is you experience any of the following:
A. Difficulty breathing - shortness of breath
B. Chest pain
C. Uterine cramping or contractions.
1. Contractions that occur six times or more per hour (may
be painless). How to feel for contractions -
Lying down place your fingers on top of your womb (uterus).
With a contraction the uterus gets hard and then will soften.
If your uterus is getting hard then soft - time them and
try to decide how strong they are. (To judge how strong
a contraction is - feel the contraction - then your cheek,
nose or forehead. If it feels like your cheek, the contraction
is mild; your nose, moderate; forehead, strong.
2. Menstrual like cramps - either constant or come and
go - felt above your pubic bone.
3. Low dull back ache - either a constant ache or one that
comes and goes.
4. Pressure - feels like the baby is pushing down or feels
heavy.
5. Abdominal cramping - with or without diarrhea.
D. Vaginal bleeding or increase in discharge.
E. Rupture of membranes - you bag of water breaks.
6. Keep your appointment with your doctor for prenatal care and
follow his instructions.
7. Call you doctor if you have any questions or problems.
|
| 20.33 | dehydration | CLT::TAYLOR | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 39 |
| I came down with the flu last night. (My son had it on Tuesday night,
so I suppose I caught it from him.) At 1:30 AM I decided to call the
doctor. He told me to go to the hospital for an IV drip. He didn't want
me to get dehydrated.
I'm so glad I called the doctor when I did. By the time I had the IV
inserted and got the shots of Terbutaline to stop the contractions,
they were 2 minutes apart. I learned that there is a lot of truth to
water theory Jodi describes in 125.10.
My doctor prescribed "St. Margaret's Protocol" for me. I learned that
this is the name for the procedure I've been through several times
before, that is, 3 shots of Terbutaline 20 minutes apart, then every 2
hours thereafter.
The contractions finally calmed down after the third shot, but I was
shaking like crazy. I thought my body had adjusted to Terbutaline by
now, but I guess those shots are a lot more powerful than the pills I
take.
The doctor that examined me (not my regular doctor) told me I was 1 cm
dilated, 50% effaced. Since I was told in all exams before this that I
was 0% effaced, I got very upset. He (and then the nurse afterwards)
explained that there isn't much difference between 0 and 50% effacement,
and that it's all a matter of interpretation by the examiner. I've
since looked at my PRETERM LABOR HANDBOOK. The book pretty much says
the same thing. (See the next note)
I came home this morning. All is well now but I miss Danny. He's
spending the night at his sitter's because my husband has the flu now
and is too sick to care for him.
Since so many people have asked me about effacement, I decided to copy
some information out of the PRETERM LABOR HANDBOOK and put it in the
next note.
Gale (29 weeks)
|
| 20.34 | Dilation and Effacement | CLT::TAYLOR | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 46 |
| The following was taken without permission from the Preterm Labor
Handbook:
...The cervix in a nonpregnant state is approximately four centimeters
long (1 inch=2.5 cm). This length is measured from the internal os
(opening) to the external os. ...Once the uterus contains a pregnancy,
the cervix softens, but should not significantly thin out (efface) or
dilate until the last month of pregnancy.
Five different parameters are used in evaluating the cervix in
pregnancy: dilation, effacement, texture, angle, and the position of
the fetus in the relationship to the pelvis and cervix.
The dilation of the cervix is the most obvious change during preterm
labor. A cervix that is three to four centimeters open instead of
tightly closed at seven months of pregnancy often indicates that
delivery is imminent. Premature rupture of the amniotic sac (membranes)
surrounding the fetus may also easily occur once the cervix is
prematurely dilated, which can also represent imminent delivery. Once a
significant amount of cervical dilation has occurred, preterm labor is
much more difficult to treat than if only cervical effacement has
occurred.
Cervical effacement, or thinning out and shortening of the cervix,
usually takes place before dilation of the cervix. The effacement can
occur in varying degrees. A cervix in pregnancy that is not thinned out
at all is about three to four cm long, and is termed 0 percent effaced.
A cervix that is completely thinned out in pregnancy is termed 100
percent effaced. The next step (since there is no more cervix to
efface) would be dilation. Between these two extremes of effacement,
there are other possibilities. Most of them are described in percent of
effacement in degrees of ten, e.g. 50 percent effaced, 80 percent
effaced, and so forth. ...
Different practitioners may interpret each cervical parameter
differently; two practitioners examining the same cervix may differ as
to how much cervical effacement has occurred. However, this difference
is usually not great. Often it is important to have only one or two
practitioners follow a pregnant patient in preterm labor until the
cervix stabilizes, so that the estimation of the cervical parameters is
as close as possible....
With appropriate treatment, the cervix can re-form to a certain extent
(e.g., improvement from 70 percent effaced to 50 percent effaced after
a week of treatment).
|
| 20.35 | Update | CLT::TAYLOR | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 58 |
| I thought I should add a little update here. I didn't realize that
people were waiting to hear more, but in the last few days I've
received several mail messages and a few very concerned phone calls.
I'm at 33 weeks now and definitely out of the danger zone. Even as of 2
weeks ago if the baby was born he would have had a 90% chance of
survival (unlike the 50% he had when this all started at Christmas
time.) He'd still need a level three nursery, so he'd have to go to
Boston, but with today's technology, he'd probably do very well.
I'll come off the Terbutaline between 36 and 37 weeks (about March 20). The
doctor says staying on much longer than that makes the risks of the medication
outweigh the benefits. So, I may deliver right away, or I may go on right to my
due date. You never know with these things. There was a woman in my childbirth
refresher class that was on the Terbutaline. They took her off it at 38 weeks
and she delivered 2 weeks later - in other words, she was almost late!
Even though I have this good news I've had a tough time emotionally.
I'm not exactly sure what it is. It could be that I've been in the
house for so long, or it could be that I've had a very bad cold for
almost 3 weeks now. I had a really bad sore throat that went on and on.
It wasn't strep, so my doctor put me on Amoxicillin (capsules, not the
bubble gum stuff our kids get). Even though I've been assured that all
these drugs won't harm the baby, I still worry. I still have a bit of a
sore throat and cough, but the worst of the cold is over. At this point
I can't tell if some of my discomfort is cold related or pregnancy
related! I guess it doesn't really matter.
I went out to dinner last Saturday for the first time since before
XMAS. I had a great time, but sometimes I think going out makes me feel
more depressed. I can't understand it. Must be hormones. It was weird
to be out. Half way through dinner the contractions started. I took a
pill and waited. Luckily they subsided. At this point I shouldn't
worry, but I do. I'm slowly doing more and more as the weeks go by. My
doctor has even given me the go ahead to go to Boston tomorrow night to
see Les Miserables. (I've had the tickets since June!) He's going I to
check me out tomorrow morning, but he sees no reason why I can't go.
It'll be weird to be out for so long and so far away!
Right now I just try to picture what it will be like when I really do
go into labor. I have visions of not making it to the hospital
because I waited too long. I'm so used to having contractions less than
5 minutes apart, that most of the time now I just ignore them. It will
be interesting to see what happens.
This weekend my husband and I are going to start to get things ready
for Kevin's arrival. We finally feel comfortable enough to make
preparations. I think it will be fun. We didn't get a chance to do it
when Danny was born cause he was 5 weeks early and caught us by
surprise.
Well, time to lay down. Sounds rough, huh?
If I have any more news, I'll write again. Thanks everyone for your
concern. It means a LOT to me!
Gale
|
| 20.36 | Another Pre-Term Labor Success Story! | EDSVAX::POND | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 9 |
| Gale Toale Taylor, the author of .57, gave birth to Kevin O'Donnell
Taylor on the Ides of March (Tuesday, 3/15/88) at about 8:00 PM.
The actual labor was very easy, as labors go. Kevin weighed in at
6lbs. 7ozs. Estimated gestational time was about 35 weeks. Both are
doing famously and should be going home this morning (Th 3/17).
|
| 20.37 | Happy 1st Birthday, Big Boy!!! | NEWPRT::NEWELL | Recovering Perfectionist | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 15 |
| RE: .0, etc...
Michael Taylor celebrated his first birthday last Sunday (the 28th).
I can't believe that not only has a year gone by, but the three
months in bed is just a memory. I have to read this note from time
to time just to remind myself that it really did happen.
Michael is a big healthy boy, weighing in at 25 pounds. He walked
all the way across the room on his birthday but still prefers to
crawl around like a crab, arms and feet extended.
Just thought you might like an update...
Jodi-
|
| 20.38 | Happy 2nd Birthday, Michael! | MORO::NEWELL_JO | Replies, they don't come easy | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 32 |
| I'd like to add an update to this note at least once a year,
for two reasons:
1. To let everyone who supported me during a very
difficult time, know how Michael is doing. And...
2. To reopen this note so those of you who are pregnant
might know the early warning signs of pre-term labor.
I was lucky, my pre-term labor was caught early. With
the proper medical intervention and complete bedrest
most problem pregnancies have a happy ending.
For more information on the warning signs of
Pre-Term Labor, see reply .33 of this topic.
Now for the update on Michael...
--------------------------------
He turned TWO today (for those of you who were there,
yes, it's been two years)!
He's 33 inches tall, weighs 30 pounds, and is solid as a rock.
We're all doing fine.
Jodi-
|
| 20.39 | And how was your weekend? | JAIMES::BARRL | Rainbow Connection | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 37 |
| I went into pre-term labor over the weekend. It started Friday night
on my way home from work. It was about 6:00 and I had to stop at the
pharmacy. During my ride from work to the pharmacy I experienced what
I thought to be severe gas pain. I reached the pharmacy and as soon as
I got out of the car, I doubled over in pain. I made it home and about
an hour later, the pain was gone. It came and went throughout the
evening (sort of felt like cramping). I really wasn't too worried
about it (I thought I was having more severe Braxton-Hicks). Saturday
morning I woke up feeling fine and then about two hours later it
started again. I was now a little more concerned. Being the type that
hates to call the doctor unless I'm certain something is wrong (I know,
I should call the doctor whenever in doubt), I called my mother and
told her that I was in pain and scared. Of course her first question
was, "Did you call the Doctor?" I told her I hadn't and she said, "I'm
hanging up now, I'll expect you to call me back in a few minutes and
let me know what the doctor had to say". I called the doctor and she
told me to get to the hospital immediately. Well when I got there they
hooked me up to a fetal-heart monitor. My contractions were 5 - 7
minutes apart and quite strong (although I didn't feel them, just a
constant dull pain). The doctor came in and did an internal and said
that I was 1/4 cm dialated, but nothing exciting was happening. About
1 hr. later the nurse came in with a glucose I.V. She said it would
help slow down the contractions. They wanted to slow them down because
I wasn't dialating and because of the fact that I still have about 5
weeks to go and the baby is just not ready to be born. Well after
being on the I.V. for about 1 1/2 hrs. the doctor came in again. She
said that the contractions had slowed down to 10 - 12 minutes apart and
then she did another internal and I was not dialated at all. She then
said I could go home but if the pain started again to come back. I
asked her about work and she said that as long as I was sitting at a
desk and not running around or doing any heavy lifting, I was better of
here than at home (because I would do things like getting the nursery
done if I were at home). Well, I'm here at work. I feel fine. The
pain is gone. Let's just hope we can stick this out for at least a
couple more weeks. :-)
Lori B.
|
| 20.40 | | LARVAE::WATSON_C | Blooming...marvellously!! | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 14 |
|
Lori, you mean to say you spent the weekend at the hospital and then
came into work on Monday??
You are a crazy lady!!!
We're thinking of you!! All the best for when it finally happens.....
it's sure getting scary, isn't it!
Hugs
Chris :-)
|
| 20.41 | Don't worry, I'm o.k. | JAIMES::BARRL | Frankly Scallop, I don't give a clam! | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 9 |
| re: .71
No Chris, I only was there for 3 hours on Saturday. I'm fine now. I
just came back from my bi-weekly non-stress/ultrasound and there was no
sign of contractions other than Braxton-Hicks. The doctor says it's
perfectly o.k. for me to be at work. If she said "no", I'd be home.
I'll keep everyone posted though.
Lori B.
|
| 20.42 | Pre-term labor is not fun! | ENOVAX::MAZELLA | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 29 |
| Lori,
I know what a scary feeling pre-term labor is...the Friday before
Memorial day weekend I woke up and had some spotting. I had a
backache on and off all week long, but thought the baby was sitting
differently and Thurs. night I had some mild cramping. The spotting
suprised me - something new, but I didn't think too much of it and
figured I'd call my doctor from work later in the day. Well, when I
did, I ended up in the covering doctor's office (mine was on vacation),
and from there a quick trip home and then to the hopital. I was (and
am) 80% effaced, although not dilated.
All afternoon and evening I was monitored, poked at (blood and culture
work), had my first Ultrasound, etc. then told about C-sections after
they saw three contractions one on top of another and the baby's heart
rate dropped. To make a long story short, I was there until Tuesday
and now I'm out on complete bedrest until the baby is born (july 31st
due date). I'm on Tibutaline to stop the contractions and once a week
when I go to the doctor's I also get a shot of Celestone to help
develop the baby's lungs.
What a scare we had! I can now understand a lot more about hard
pregnancies and I really feel for those who have them. I feel so
lucky that mine has gone well, and even now, at least I know that my
baby is ok and growing.
I wish you all the best!!! Hang in there!
Anne
|
| 20.43 | pre-term labor success story! | LAURA1::HORVAT | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 21 |
|
Hi!
I really feel for those of you who are going through pre-term labor - believe
me I know how it is! I just want to tell you to relax and keep thinking happy,
positive thoughts. My son Christopher was born at 36 weeks and is now almost
9 months old, perfectly normal, happy and adorable.
I went on bedrest at 28 weeks and was put on Terbutaline then, too. At 33
weeks I went into labor, similar to Lori's experience (lots of contractions
that registered high on the monitor - but I was not too uncomfortable). The
Dr's stopped that labor and I was sent home after 3 days in the hospital, at
35 weeks I was in again for a few hours - it stopped on its own. Each time
I was given huge amounts of fluid by IV, since early labor can be triggered
by being dehydrated.
At 36 weeks I asked to be taken off the Terbutaline - I felt that it would
take a while for the medication to leave my system and I wanted to be "clean"
for the birth. Well, less than 24 hours later Chris was born, weighing 6lbs 8oz
and perfectly normal. We both went home on schedule. I know that I was really
frightened those last 2 months of my pregnancy but I just kept thinking that
"..in x weeks we'll have our baby.", and somehow the time passed by. Just
keep thinking positively and drink LOTS of water!
Laura
|
| 20.44 | I guess I was lucky! | DPEFIN::MACARTHUR | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 20 |
| Wow, reading through this notes file, I realize how lucky I was.
Derek was due on June 27, a year ago today, but during my doctor
visit on May 4 he said I was already 2 cm dilated, about 50% effaced,
and that the baby was already in position! Talk about being in
shock! I wasn't quite ready to be a mommy yet! I was done with work,
and put on bedrest for a couple of weeks. The ultrasound and
non-stress tests were all fine. The funny thing is, I never felt a lot
of contractions - just a few braxton-hicks. They said that sometimes
they are small and you don't feel them. I didn't have to be put on any
medication - once I was on bedrest things slowed down. I went to the
doctor every week, and things went great. On June 23 I went into labor
(didn't even realize it at first - the contractions were very mild!),
and at 12:09 a.m. on June 24 Derek was born - a very healthy 7.8 pound,
20" long baby. Looking back on it now, I realize I should have been
more scared than I was, but maybe it was a blessing in disguise that I
wasn't. I can hardly believe he's already a year old! Things just
keep getting greater every day - children are such a miracle! I wish
everyone out there luck with their pregnancies, and my thoughts and
prayers are with all of you!
|
| 20.45 | | SALEM::SILVERIA | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 11 |
| re: .75
It is interesting how doctors react differently to pregnancies.
I was also 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced 8 weeks before my due date,
(and the baby was in position) but my doctor was not concerned.
I did not have any further tests.
I continued to work until my last scheduled day (April 1st) and my
water broke the following day and I had Jake May 2nd. He was two
weeks "early" but 7lbs 10oz and very healthy.
|
| 20.46 | | AIMHI::MAZIALNIK | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 7 |
| .76 - I was thinking the same thing. At 35 weeks I was 1 cm and
30% and the doctor thought I might go a week early but had no
concerns. I felt no contractions/braxton hicks until several
hours before Eric was born. Eric was 6 days late.
Donna
|
| 20.47 | or maybe medical practice has changed since then | TLE::RANDALL | living on another planet | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 13 |
| re: .75, .76
I was also about 10% effaced and a little dilated -- don't
remember exactly how much because it was 16+ years ago -- at least
a month before the due date. My doctor wasn't concerned either.
He said that it's common to have some degree of pre-labor
preparation for the birth, and that alone wasn't enough grounds to
worry. If I started having other symptoms, like cramping or
backache, I would have to start total bedrest (I don't think they
had tetrabutaline yet), but in the absence of other symptoms it
wasn't a problem by itself.
--bonnie
|
| 20.48 | And now, a comic side to premature labor 'always pack the sense of humor | EISMER::REIDY | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 119 |
| To give a post-premature birth laugh, let me tell my story.
It sure is heartening to hear all this. When I had Mike at 32 weeks, I was
given Terbuteline also, hydrated, and given adreniline )for the lungs). To
this day my backside still hurts when I think of those shots. Mike is now a
lively and gorgeous 3.5yr old, who is also very smart (a little too smart some
times)
As I lot of you were stating, I too could not believe I was in labor! After
two days of 'gas cramps', my spouse finally made me call the doctor Thursday
night.
According to him (hubby) "gas pains don't make you cry". We were so sure that
the doctor was going to send us home laughing that I didn't even bring ANY
clothes - just the sweats I had on. When I spoke to the docotor, he was all
calm and cool, "why don't you come on in, and we can check you out, and that
way we will all feel better". Imagine my surprise when we arrive at the
Emergency Room (it was now about 10pm), walk in, and have them look at me and
say "Oh, Mrs Reidy - Labor & Delivery is all ready for you, would you like a
wheelchair" - Talk about being prepared!
Anyway, of course I resisted the wheelchair, after all, this was probably just
a little embarassing case of gas. We get upstairs, and the nurses have me lay
down and get comfortable. As I am laying down, and continueing to have gas
cramps, the nurse looks at me and says "You're in LABOR"
"NO WAY! Birthing class doesn't start till TUESDAY!"
"sorry, but you are"
They proceeded to Hydrate me (anyone else have that lovely feeling!) Talk about
needing to go pee-pee!! The exame also showed me to be 100% effaced and 4 cm. I
guess I was in labor. All I can remember through the whole string of days was
total incredulation that I could be in labor. I was not ready! They kept me
overniight with constant monitoring, and Dr. Z came in in the morning. My
contractions (I still have a hard time calling them that - especially after a
full term baby second time around) had not lessened enough, and he wanted to
send me to Boston. Not to get me a bed, mind you, but to ensure that the baby
had a bed in the best Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Already the kid is
taking over things! After a VERY intersting ambulance ride into Boston
(I HATE catheters!), including sirens on Storrow Drive: there was a
little bit of traffic on Storrow Drive, so the driver asked the nurse
accompanying me if he should be the siren on to get there faster. The nurse,
emphatically responded "You bet, I don't want to deliver this baby!"
Once we got to Brigham and Women's, I felt like I was on an assembly line.Talk
about a MAD house. And becuase I was a transfer, I just got who was ever on
duty. No get me wrong, they were very nice, but I didn't exactly get the
personal attention that your own physician gets. There was never a real
concern about the baby's pre-birth health. They stuck me in a closet over
in labor and delivery. No kidding. This room with my bed and a fetal monitor
barely had a room for a rocking chair for my husband. AND they almost wouldn't
let my mother in the room at the same time that my husband was in there. They
wouldn't even put a cot in the room for my hustband to sleep on Friday night.
THere was NOT enough room.
Meanwhile, by Saturday night,
I am laying in bed, with my belly exposed wearing a monitor belt, and
my mystery book propped up on the belt. Hey, I was just getting to the who
donnit part. Contractions were NOT going to interrupt this! Asd the
contractions got closer (according to the monitor - I was too engrossed in my
book), a decision was being pondered - do we do an amnio or not, to see how far
the baby has developed.
OB's decision was going to be based on an ultrasound, so down we go for the
'test' - didn't have to drink any water for this test! As she did the test,
we figureed what the hell - things were close enough, what's the sex? As we
asked, the technician started to laugh. As new parents, we did not see the
humor in the qeustion. Than she said, see that little 'blip' on the screen,
near the top, waving.......It's a boy! Boy, did we laugh. Especially as she
gave us a copy of that picture. I still treasure that, and will use it when
Mike is 6'4" and giving me a hard time, I will ask him which girlfriend he would
like me to show his 'baby' pictures to.
Anyway, I digress.. After the ultrasound technician was done, the OB came in,
examined me, and said "You're 9 cm, no real need to do am amnio, 'casue you are
going into delivery"
Back up to my closet for the epidural prep. When the anestehnllll(sp) asked
if I wanted one, the OB said "YES". Apparently, she didn't want any possibly
avoided pressure on the baby. The poor anesthegiolost (SP), I screamed my
head off when he put the spinal needle in. He was amazed. As he commented,
"Most women are grateful for the epidural at this point!" My comment was,
"I have been poked and proded for THREE days - you can damn well be thtat I will
let you know when it hurts"!
After all that, I got wheeled into delivery, and they atarted to wait. At one
point I told the OB I was having a contraction. At that she looked up at me
and said "How do you know you're having a contraction, you have an epidural "
Dumb me answers "Oh, easy, I feel the pressure on my bladder"
"Oh, " replies the doc "we can take care of that!" Talk about embarassing!
Then they re telling me to breath, and I am trying to tell them that breathing
classes don't begin for another three days, so there better be a little more
intensive coaching if they want me to breath 'right'.
Finally, Mike made an appearance. All 3 lbs 5 1/2 ounces of him. Compared to
Matty, it was liking spitting out a pea. The Neo-natal people were right there
throughout the whole thing, and immediately took Mike over to the inclubater for
an exam. Inital action was to put an oxygen mask on, when he proceeded to
kick off. A VERY good sign. They even let me hold him on my gurney as they
wheeled us both over tot he NICU. Later, we even saw the initial report which
indicated that at first they thought there was excessive skin near the groin
area, and then a correction that it was actually just a 'good-sized' penis.
Of course, that had us laughing!
As it turned out, Mike was small - but otherwise a very healthy premature baby.
I guess the main thing is - even if you do have a little gas, don't be afraid
to see the doctor. Maybe If I had gone on Wednesday, they might have been able
to stop it. Hindsight being 20/20, I would not have minded two months of bed
rest.
But, if it does happen, bring a sense of humor with you - it's bound to come
in useful!
Minda
aka the storyteller
|
| 20.49 | Question on internals | ISE004::MATTIA | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 10 |
| Regarding some of these replies. My OB only does internals up to I
think 15 weeks then not again until 38 and then 40 weeks. If some of
you were not having any symptoms why did the OB do an internal so soon?
ie. 32 or so weeks.
I was under the impression that Dr's didn't like to routiney do
internals because it could get labor going??
Donna
|
| 20.50 | one of many practices that has changed | TLE::RANDALL | living on another planet | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 4 |
| In 1973, when I was pregnant, a doctor who didn't do internals at
every checkup was considered negligent.
--bonnie
|
| 20.51 | | FDCV07::HSCOTT | Lynn Hanley-Scott | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:30 | 5 |
| And Bonnie, it's probably considered unsafe now if they DO do
internals, since the intention is to avoid introducing any potential
bacteria!
|
| 20.52 | The only way to tell | ICS::GLOBALDIST | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:31 | 9 |
| As far as internals go, I went into pre-term labor at 19 weeks with my
first pregnancy and I had an internal every week up to the 36th week
when I delivered. I am now 24 weeks pregnant and see my doctor every
two weeks which again means an internal. The only way the doctor can
see how much you have effaced or dilated is to examine you internally.
This way they can determine if terbutline or bed rest is needed.
Stacey
|
| 20.53 | | MORO::NEWELL_JO | Jodi Newell - Irvine, Calif. | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:31 | 16 |
| My OB was *very* careful not to disturb anything when she did internals
during my preterm episode. She never really did check, with her finger
width, the actual extent of my dialation. But she could safely figure
out how effaced I was by feeling around the cervix.
To give you an idea how effaced I was...upon her initial diagnosis
of preterm labor, while doing an internal, she told me the baby was
breech. She then asked me if I wanted to know the sex of the baby.
She could definately feel that it was a boy. :^)
Labor was started 6 weeks early with my first prenancy by a doctor
who was a little too rough with the internal she gave. That convinced
me I didn't want her for my second pregnancy.
Jodi-
|
| 20.54 | ex | AIMHI::MAZIALNIK | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:31 | 5 |
| I always heard labor would start when it was ready to start.
Can an internal really start it?
Donna
|
| 20.55 | | CSC32::WILCOX | Back in the High Life, Again | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:31 | 10 |
| <<< Note 20.85 by AIMHI::MAZIALNIK >>>
-< ex >-
>> I always heard labor would start when it was ready to start.
>> Can an internal really start it?
Well, that can, so can drugs, so can breaking the water artificially,
so can intercourse (It's one of the hormones in the semen) and so
can certain supossitories.
|
| 20.56 | I believe in the "when your ready" | GLASS::DIAZ | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:31 | 7 |
| I tend to believe that labor will start when it is ready to start. When
I was overdue and 1 cm dilated, my doctor tried to "stretch" my cervix
in the hope it would bring on labor. So I think if I had been closer to
delivering it might have worked, hard to say. I did go into labor the
day after an internal where she tried to stretch my cervix and
according to the doctor's due date I was three weeks overdue, but they
wrote down her gestational age as 41 weeks when she was born.
|
| 20.57 | | MORO::NEWELL_JO | Jodi Newell - Irvine, Calif. | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:31 | 20 |
| There aren't any hard and fast rules here. Women go into preterm
labor for many reasons, most of which are never figured out. With
what I know about preterm labor, I can probably guess that I
experienced problems most likely because of a mild urinary track
infection and/or dehydration. I had gone to the beach the day before
my symptoms occured and took only one can of Coke for three people.
I was dehydrated when I got home. I felt a little achey that night,
timed contractions the next.
My OB mentioned that when the body experiences dehydration, it begins
to produce Pitocin, the hormone that tells the uterus to contract.
So it's not really a matter of going into labor when it's the right
time...it's a matter of going into labor when your body gets certain
signals from the brain. Dehydration can start it, something in sperm
has been shown to cause Pitocin production, I've even heard some
spices, commonly found in pizza have been known to begin labor but I
suspect that could be an old wives tale.
Jodi-
|
| 20.58 | A vote FOR Brigham & Women's | ABACUS::RADWIN | I think, fer sure | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:31 | 104 |
|
Everyone's experience is unique. Noter .79 had a frustrating time, it
sounds like at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Very recently, my wife,
baby and I had a very different experience -- in fact, we feel incredible
fortunate that Laurie had been transferred there.
Just about two weeks ago, at about the 30th week of her pregnancy,
Laurie was diagnosed as having pre-eclampsia -- hypertension, protein in
her urine, and a lot of edema. (Less than a week earlier her blood
pressure and urine had been fine, and she had only mild edema)
As a result of the pre-eclampsia, her doctor put Laurie on an
immediate at-home, bed rest regime. The doctor wanted her
to come back in later that week for another series of tests to see how
her pre-eclampsia was proceeding and if she need to be admitted to the
hospital until she delivered. In the meantime, he told us to
watch out for a complete of symptoms.
Well, 36 hours later, Laurie woke up because of a headache and nausea
-- the two symptoms we were warned about. We called into her Dr. and
were told to come in post-haste.
So, at about 2 am, June 28th, we were at Beth Israel Hospital in
Boston. After various tests, and a couple of hours waiting for the
results, we were informed that -- to our total shock -- Laurie's
pre-eclampsia had gotten significantly worse and that she would likely
have to be delivery shortly.
Also, because of our baby's age, Laurie was to be transferred over to
Brigham and Women's Hospital. Unlike BI, BWH's NICU has the capability
to put infants on ventilators, which is a common need for 30 week old
babies.
So, we were transferred over to BWH, where Laurie was admitted as
a patient of the High Risk Pregnancy Service. She no longer had a
private Dr. overseeing her care, which may have been part of the
problem that noter .79 experienced; however, Laurie was under the care
of a team experienced and expert in dealing with her kind of situation;
they were great.
The doctors and nurses worked with us over the next 18 hours to try to
determine what would be best for Laurie and our baby. The answers
weren't always clear -- e.g., test results showed both that our baby's
lungs were relatively premature even for a 30 year old and that our baby
might be having difficulty in the womb.
The team kept us informed throughout of the test results,
their implications and the options available. They were mindful of the
stress we were under as well as the medical issues at stake. They
discussed with us -- in fact, they arranged to have neonatologists discuss
with us the risks and prognosis for babies like ours, etc.
Eventually the BWH team and my wife and I determined that the best course
would be to deliver our baby. Laurie and I asked to see the attending
Dr. who supervised the team for one last time. She and I and a nurse
were alone in Laurie's waiting his arrival. Laurie then went into a
seizure. As I later learned, this meant that her pre-eclampsia had now
turned into full blown eclampsia, and without immediate attention
she could go from the seizure, to a coma and, probably, die.
Fortunately, the team was in back in her room in seconds,
simultaneously treating her seizure and rushing into the delivery
operating room. [Delivery of the baby is ultimately the only "cure" for
pre-eclampsia and eclampsia].
I can't really calculate how long it was from the time Laurie seized to
the time she was in the operating room. Two minutes, maybe .... five
minutes, at most. Within fifteen minutes after she went in, nurses
came out to tell me that our baby had been delivered and was doing
well. And over the next the hour drs and nurses periodically would
update me on Laurie. Once I knew that Laurie was safe, I let a nurse
take me to view our beautiful, tiny (2.5 lbs) baby girl. Later,
Laurie was brought into a private recovery room, in which a second cot
had been placed for me.
In the end, Laurie came through ordeal and the surgery fine, and our
little Emily (born at 12:19 am. 7/29/90) is doing well too. She's off
the ventilator and breathing room air, which are the kind of victories
(I'm learning) that the parents of premies treasure.
A final note, Laurie is herself an experienced nurse (adult cardiac
patients) and a nursing instructor. In the past, she hadn't
thought too well of Brigham and Women's Hospital. Now, she and I feel
incredibly grateful both that Laurie was treated at BWH and that
our Emily is in their NICU; the NICU team, particularly the nursing
staff, is outstanding in their dedication, experience and expertise.
Gene
|
| 20.59 | Please don''t take it wrong.. | EISMER::REIDY | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:31 | 33 |
| Gene -
Congratulations! Emily is in the absolute BEST hands. Please don't get me
wrong. I entered my note to add a little comical releif regarding prematurity.
While B&W may not have been the best experience for me, it was incredible for
Mike. Also, I think a lot of my feelings were 'cuase my case was rather boring.
There was never any real critical concern for the baby - other than longevity
in the womb, or for me. I was basically a rather boring premature labor !
I tend to, even then, look at the whole sequence of events with a comical note.
I was lucky, I could. Remember too, we are talking about THREE years ago!
It sounds like you Laura and Emily have gone through a rather traumatic time.
Please, take advantage of the NICU's staff. They are tremendous. And when they
say you can come in any time - they mean it! I would wake up at 2:30am, think
about Mike, and call. Without fail, his primary nurse would immediately talk
to me, tell me what he was doing, how he was doing, and promise to tell him
I loved him as soon as he woke up! I can't not say enough GREAT things about
that staff. We also, very often, started our visits at 10pm - after Hubby got
home from work ('cause I couldn't drive in to Boston yet).
Best of luck with Emily. The NICU has a great library of Premie books, and
there are Premie clothes to be found, if you look. Raschels (in Westboro)
usually has a respectable selection. I'd offer ours, but they all are
predominantly BLUE!. Also, I would strongly suggest one of those little
padded inserts for the car infant seat for when Emily comes home. You would
be amazed how little 5 pounds looks in an infant seat!.
Best of luck and CONGRATULATIONS
Minda
(PS Was emily's birthdate really 7-29-90???)
|
| 20.60 | Still helpful 3 years later! | FDCV07::TAHERI | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:31 | 18 |
| I recently found this notesfile and have been reading through this note
during lunch. Although it is now almost 3 years since Michael was born
(Jodi, I am looking forward to the 3 year update in a few more days!),
it was still so exciting to me to read about the success stories -
Michael, Kevin, Emily and Richard (it's like watching a sad movie with
a happy ending - I felt that lump in my throat reading those final
birth announcement notes)! My daughter is now 8 months old, and I guess I
was so fortunate that our only dilemma was that Lauren was breech and had
to be born C-section. I think this note must be so helpful to those
expectant Moms and Dads experiencing any type of pre-term labor....I think
it's great that each of you took the time and had the courage to write
about your experiences, and include excerpts from literature when you
thought it might help someone else!
Congratulations on all those successful births - and to all you Moms
and Dads who sacrificed and worked so hard for those little miracles!
Diana
|
| 20.61 | Three years Post Partum... | MORO::NEWELL_JO | Jodi Newell - Irvine, Calif. | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:31 | 45 |
| RE: .92
>Although it is now almost 3 years since Michael was born
>(Jodi, I am looking forward to the 3 year update in a few more days!),
My, my, my...these three years have _really_ flown by fast!
I've been trying to get an update in here for...let's see...
exactly a month!
We took the train from Orange County (CA) to San Diego on
the day before Michael's birthday and went directly to the
San Diego Zoo. The next day, his birthday, we spent about
ten hours at Sea World...what a blast!!!
Michael is doing great. No ill effects from all the hours/
weeks/months of preterm medication, except possibly his
propensity for waking up every three hours at night...he's not
the greatest sleeper. He manages to sneak into our bedroom
every single night. We find him asleep on the floor with
only his bear-bear to keep him warm.
We started him at Montessori last June because he seemed a
little slow in his social and language skills. He sure had
us fooled! He's a firecracker. He can socialize with the
best of them and understands everything but "no". :^) He
absolutely adores one of his teachers, Miss Stephanie. She's
going to get a copy of this entire note to show her why he
is so special to us.
I remember thinking, three summers ago as I lay on my left
side, that nothing, absolutely nothing good could or would
ever come from my ordeal...I was wrong. I have developed a
compassion for 'people in need' I never knew I had. The
friends I made from that summer, I will always cherish and
the women that have contacted me with their own preterm
problems and questions have all helped me in ways they will
never know. I have talked to about a half a dozen women in
this file that all experienced some kind of preterm difficult-
ies. I have also received a half a dozen beautiful birth
announcements. Makes me proud. Makes me feel like I have
a purpose.
Thanks,
Jodi-
|
| 20.62 | sore back | MRTOAD::STINSON | "Linda Saisi Stinson...DTN 296-5796" | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:31 | 7 |
| Hopefully I can get this in before this version of the file closes. How
do people on bed-rest avoid backache? Cindy has a constant sore back from
I suppose lying in an uncomfortable position. I got one of those lower back
supports, and she is being very creative with pillow props, but still gets
the soreness. Standing and walking helps, but she is not doing too much of
that until we get the doctors go ahead.
Linda
|
| 20.63 | ah yes | SUPER::WTHOMAS | | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:31 | 51 |
|
I have lots of experience with bed rest backache but most it it is
following surgery so it may not apply in your case.
First of all, make sure that you have a firm mattress (If yours is
soft you can put a board under the mattress to make it firmer - I sleep
on a platform bed which solves that problem). Second, I use something
called egg crate foam and it has helped my back, my hips, and my legs
tremendously, it alleviates specific pressure points.
You probably know about putting pillows under your knees so that
your back is slightly relaxed, everyone says to do it, but it never
really seemed to help me.
While I was pregnant, I could not sleep on my back and had to sleep
on my left side, supported by pillows (I found that a large king size
pillow was the best in front, because I could "hug" it - they sell
maternity pillows that are essentially just that - king size pillows).
Now that I am not pregnant, I tend (because of continued back pain
not related to pregnancy) to sleep *flat* on my back, every other
position causes pain. Only trouble with sleeping flat on your back is
that you tend to snore but a quick poke in the ribs solves that problem
;-)
Even if someone is confined to bed, they can still do gentle
stretches. Go to the bookstore and get a good book on backs, it will
have stretches that can be done even in bed (of course clear all of
this with your physician first).
I used to have back pain so bad that I could not sit down and had
to either stand or lie down (try standing all day when you are in a
full length leg cast with crutches). There were many days that I didn't
think I could go on. Back pain is just no fun.
The things that helped me the most, besides pain counseling (take
what you want..) was learning yoga and becoming centered within my
body. There were also lots of herbs that helped the backpain (and some
I even took through my pregnancy with the knowledge of the midwife). In
my desperate days, I did just about everything to combat the pain.
How you treat the backpain is dependent on how much the pain
interferes with your lifestyle.
Good luck, if it's any consolation, at least Cindy has a
sympathetic ear out here.
Wendy
|
| 20.64 | The towel trick... | NEWPRT::NEWELL_JO | Jodi Newell - Irvine, California | Thu Apr 09 1992 14:31 | 22 |
| Linda RE: bedrest and backpain...
My lower back bothered me quite a bit during both of my pregnancies.
I found a little trick that really helped and cost nothing.
I rolled one or two bath towels up, starting at the end (ie. not the
sides) and secured it with rubber bands. I then took this roll and
slept, sat, drove, watched TV, etc. with it between my lower back and
bed or chair. The relief was immediate.
It even came in handy when I was waiting for a sonogram and the bottom
of the paper cup that I had filled and refilled with water, gave way.
Of course, when I splashed and then gasped "Oh no, my water!", the
whole place went crazy until I realized they thought I meant my "bag
of water". I quickly unrolled my towel and mopped up the mess. :^)
Hope this helps.
Jodi-
P.S. I've already asked for this note to be copied
over to the new Parenting version.
|
| 20.65 | pass time suggestions while waiting..... | AKOCOA::TRIPP | | Wed Jul 29 1992 15:47 | 19 |
| Two women in our facility, and one of them right within our group have
gone into preterm labor this week. One of those situations where "no,
I couldn't be..." The hospital was able to stop it only to have it
begin again a day later, so it's bedrest and hope she can hold on for
four more weeks.
We, as a group would like to do something for her. First to let her
know we're thinking of her, and give her support, and second any
suggestions for "activities for bedrest" would be appreciated.
To those of you who have been restricted to bed with preterm labor,
what did you do to pass those long hours and day, especially feeling
like you've been confined to "solitary". This woman has a real high
energy level, and staying put for any length of time is just going to
drive her up a wall. If you're suggesting reading material, how about
some specific titles. I think she like those "juicy romance" novels.
Lyn
|
| 20.66 | Laughter can be the best medicine... | GOZOLI::BERTINO | Reality is messy...Do I look like the maid? | Thu Jul 30 1992 12:26 | 11 |
| Lyn,
A few years ago my sister had back surgery and was laid up for
several weeks. I printed out the Dave Barry notes file for
her and that seemed to keep her spirits up. Although early
on she had to keep putting it down because she would get to
laughing too hard!
Or how about something like "What to expect in the First Year"?
W-
|
| 20.67 | it's a girl, 8 weeks early | AKOCOA::TRIPP | | Thu Jul 30 1992 18:07 | 5 |
| It's a healty girl!!
See the birth/adoption note...
Lyn
|
| 20.68 | for later readers who worry about this | BROKE::NIKIN::BOURQUARD | Deb | Fri Jan 15 1993 16:56 | 26 |
| I remember reading all the pre-term labor notes during my pregnancy, and I
hope this note might help ease some future reader's mind.
I was considered at risk for pre-term labor because my sister had delivered
my nephew 8 weeks early for no known reason. That is, she prematurely
ruptured her membranes, but nobody knew why. So my doctors started checking
for cervical changes very early. At 27 weeks, the baby was at 0 station
("dropped") and my cervix was 75% effaced. This usually happens around
37 weeks or perhaps after you begin labor. The doctor gave me a book
on detecting pre-term labor and a lot of reassurance and I was checked bi-weekly
until around 36 weeks. At each checkup, I would progress a little further.
80% effaced and +1 station;
80% effaced, +1 station, "a fingertip's dilated";
80% effaced, +2 station, 1 cm dilated
At my last checkup, I was 4 cm dilated!
Several of my friends commented that I was further along than they were
when they were admitted to the hospital. I was positive that I was going to
deliver before my due date, if only by a week or two. In a way I was right --
I delivered one day before my due date. Actually, had my labor taken only an
hour longer, I would have been right on my due date.
|
| 20.69 | Preterm Labor Again??? | SWAM1::HERRERA_LI | | Wed Jan 20 1993 15:36 | 22 |
| Hi,
I'm wondering if anyone has experience with pre-term labor in
subsequent pregnancies. I went into pre-term labor with my son at
28 weeks, was put on bedrest and the "water" method, and delivered
Alex at 36 1/2 weeks. He was VERY fine (thank God), 7 lbs. 6 oz,
and 21 1/2". He needed no special care and we took him home with
us after 2 days in the hospital.
Now we are considering giving Alex a little brother or sister, and
I'm wondering if the pre-term labor will be worse this time. I was
lucky that I avoided medication with Alex--what are the side effects
should it be necessary this time?
If anyone has any experience, I'd be grateful to hear it.
Thanks a million!
Linette (aka -lh)
p.s. I've read all of note 20, so no need to point me there.
|
| 20.70 | See Note 20 | AIMHI::OBRIEN_J | Yabba Dabba DOO | Wed Jan 20 1993 15:45 | 1 |
|
|
| 20.71 | | SUPER::WTHOMAS | | Wed Jan 20 1993 16:05 | 9 |
|
I was only on the pre-term medication for 48 hours and thank God I
didn't have to be on it any longer. (as long as I take it easy and also
drink lots of water). I had a horrible reaction to the medication
(shaking, feeling terrible) and could not imagine being on it for weeks
at a time. I know women who have taken it for longer and apparently you
get used to taking it, but no thanks, not as long as I can avoid it.
Wendy
|
| 20.72 | maybe, maybe not... | NEWPRT::NEWELL_JO | Latine loqui coactus sum | Wed Jan 20 1993 16:55 | 31 |
| Linette,
I'm the original author of note 20. The preterm pregnancy that
I chronicled there was my second. With my first pregnancy I
went into preterm conditions much later, at 32 weeks. I was on
mild bedrest and no medications. My feeling at the time was that
my preterm condition was caused by a rough internal exam the day
before. I will probably never know.
I was not expecting any problems with my second pregnancy and was
feeling great the days prior to my initial symptoms. Dehydration
was most likely the major cause. I had been feeling so good that
I was zooming all over the place, business trips, trips to the
beach with my family, not getting enough sleep, etc, that I simply
forgot to take care of myself.
I was as shocked as anyone to discover that I was experiencing
contractions and preterm labor.
After all the trouble I had with the second pregnancy, I was told
I probably wouldn't ever be able to carry to term...large babies,
a possible "incompetent cervix", and other things the doctor couldn't
put a finger on led to this conclusion. I was fine with that, and
my husband had a vasectomy to assure we wouldn't have to deal with
another high-risk pregnancy.
Your mileage may vary...:^)
Jodi-
|
| 20.73 | I'm taking my chances! | STUDIO::POIRIER | | Thu Jan 21 1993 08:02 | 14 |
| I also went into preterm labor (26 weeks)-- which was too advanced to
stop. No reason was ever found why it happened; cervix was fine less
than 24 hrs prior to delievery.
I am expecting my 2nd now and my current doctor has given my a 1 in 5
chance that it will happen again. Of course I will be watched much
more closely. I have a friend who successfully carried to term after
preterm labor at 28 weeks, and eventual delivery at 32 weeks so I do
have hope that we will get further this time.
Count me in as another who needs to hear as many positive experiences
with this as possible.
Beth
|
| 20.74 | Thanks to the meds... | SALEM::PACH | | Thu Jan 21 1993 09:20 | 20 |
| I went into labor in March of '91 at 30 weeks. I was hospitalized for 6 days
getting intervenous pitosin (sp?) and magnesium oxide. I was told I could go
home when I could take these meds orally.
I was immediately taken out of work and under "house arrest", no stairs, no
driving, no walking, etc. for the next 2 months. The doctor tried to wean me
from the magnesium oxide, but every time I stopped taking it, I went into labor
again. He decided it was best if I kept taking both meds until week 38, with
a warning that when I stopped the medication, labor could soon follow.
Well, it did. I took my last pill at 11:30 Thursday night and at ll:15 Friday
night my water broke. My healthy 7 lb. 7 oz. son was born at 11:45 a.m. on
Saturday morning.
So neither he nor I had any bad reaction to the medication. The doctor did warn
me though that IF I decide to have another, it's quite possible the same thing
could happen.
Good luck,
Diane
|
| 20.75 | Full term birth after having a premmie | UTOPIA::CHADSEY | | Fri Jan 22 1993 07:20 | 8 |
| I had my 4th child at 23 weeks. No reason was ever determined why I
had her so early. My 5th child was born at 36 1/2 weeks probally as a
result of getting so large (9 lbs. 9 oz) and the gestational diabeties
that I developed in that pregnancy. I was really nervous when I got
around 23 weeks with him. All was well.... no problems at all.
susan
|
| 20.76 | how is an incompetent cervix diagnosed? | SALES::LTRIPP | | Thu Feb 18 1993 14:01 | 15 |
| As an EMT I've had a few maternity calls. One I remember vividly was
arriving at a home to find the wife of a friend (another town worker)
had for the most part already miscarried at home. We did transport
her, her OB met us at the hospital they admitted her did a D&C the next
morning and released her home. This was so early they never determined
what the sex was. It was determined that the miscarriage was due to an
incompetent cervix. I am curious after reading some of these replies,
how would an incompetent cervix be determined *after* a miscarriage?
The encouraging news of this is that a year later she went on to deliver
healthy TWINS a year later. The doctor put a "stitch" in the cervix
until a few weeks before. She already had a healty daughter that had
been delviered 3 years before at term.
Lyn
|
| 20.77 | | CSC32::M_EVANS | hate is STILL not a family value | Thu Feb 18 1993 16:13 | 9 |
| Lyn,
I believe that they look for cervical tears or other old scarring to
determine an incompetant cervix.
There are varying degrees, but usually the "purse string" method will
hold the cervix together, and is removed shortly before the due date.
Meg
|
| 20.78 | Mosly done by history? | TLE::JBISHOP | | Thu Feb 18 1993 16:35 | 12 |
| There's also the hystero-alpingogram (spelling only an approximation),
where radio-opaque fluid is injected into the uterus while the doctor
watches via X-rays. If the fluid runs out as fast as it comes in,
you've got a cervix that won't close.
There are two (at least) kinds of stiches: the McDonough or "purse
string" and the Schoradkar (spelling again my guess). The former
is easier to put in (can be done in the office on a local), the
latter requires surgury, but will hold better in extreme cases, such
as my wife's, when the McDonough wouldn't hold.
-John Bishop
|
| 20.79 | | NOTIME::SACKS | Gerald Sacks ZKO2-3/N30 DTN:381-2085 | Thu Feb 18 1993 16:49 | 2 |
| Very good, John. You were only off by one letter. It's hysterosalpingogram,
aka HSG.
|
| 20.80 | my experience - positive outcome | NOVA::LERNER | Cyndi Bliss NUO1-1/B09 264-0583 | Tue Mar 30 1993 12:11 | 43 |
| Gee, I wish I had known about this conference a year ago.....
I had preterm labor with my daughter (who turns 1 on easter) from
somewhere around 26 or 27 weeks. Since at that time I hadn't effaced
much, they let me do "couch rest" instead of strict bed rest (I could
sit up, and even work from home, but I couldn't walk around, or drive
(except to the dr. office). I was put on terbutaline, and told to
drink a gallon of water a day. I can't remember how many separate
times I ended up on the hospital because even with the terbutaline
after a while I'd start getting 3-5 minute apart contractions. Each
time they'd up the dosage, and I'd get them to let me go back home.
When they first started, I wasn't sure what was going on, so I started
poring over my husband's medical books (He was finishing up a residency
in internal medicine at the time, but he had an ob/gyn text from
medical school). It didn't have a lot to say about preterm labor, but
it did have a section saying that if the patient had braxton hicks
contractions before 28 weeks, you needed to make sure that it wasn't
preterm labor. That's the point at which I called the doctor. I was
then berated (in a nice way) for not calling when they had started
three days earlier in the middle of the night.
I survived by having a thoughtful group who basically moved my office
home. The first two weeks were murder, since I had nothing to do
(although I did get to watch most of the winter olymics that were
broadcast on cbs). I also read several books in those weeks (something
I hadn't done in a while for lack of free time).
Despite all the problems, my daughter was born a perfectly respectable
6 lbs 7 oz at 37 weeks. One of the positive things of my previous
hospital visits was that by the time I was in for Ariel's birth, I knew
the hopsital's routine inside out, and that helped the labor, since the
environment I was in wasn't totally new.
For anyone who's in the same situation as I was, I'll be happy to talk
with you. I'm at nova::lerner, dtn 264-0583
btw, one thing that also helped was that I knew that one of the
obstetricians in the group had been through it herself with her
daughter, so to a certain extent, she knew first hand some of what I
was going through.
Cyndi Bliss
|
| 20.81 | WHAT DO THE CONTRACTIONS FEEL LIKE? | CSOA1::KOBILARCSIK | | Thu Apr 22 1993 12:00 | 26 |
| re: .80 and anyone else;
I'm 18 weeks pregnant and 2 days ago woke up in the middle of the night
with bad cramping. It seemed to be very low and even into my legs and
back. I called the doctor after a few hours of it and he told me to
come in. He did an internal and all was OK (no dilation). They did
culture for UTI and it came back negative.
My question is: What exactly do these pre-term contractions feel like?
Is a constant cramping a sign of pre-term? I am no stranger to cramps
(every month) and when my last pregnancy ended at 20 weeks (not because
of pre-term labor), I did have contractions when I delivered him but I
don't really remember them too much since I was pretty drugged up.
The thing that freaked me about this time was that they were so low in
the groin area. All day after that, I had period-like cramping and and
then on and off yesterday. Doctor told me to go home and rest and I
did for last two days but I'm back at work today and have had some
cramping. I don't know what braxton-hicks feel like but it seems my
whole uterus hardens sometimes.
I had cramps my whole first trimester and lots of ligament stretching.
I may just have cramps the whole pregnancy without it meaning much, but
I wish I knew what contractions really felt like!
Loreen
|
| 20.82 | be careful | STUDIO::POIRIER | | Thu Apr 22 1993 12:23 | 12 |
|
Loreen,
My pre-term labor went undiagnosed until it was too late. Your symtoms
sound similar to mine: backache, cramps etc. I was not dialated
when examined less than 20 hours before I delivered. My advice to you
is to stay in close contact with your doctor's office, and demand
monitoring daily or whatever would put you at ease. I personally would
not be at work, but that's me...I'm expecting my second and would not
risk another pre-term birth for anything.
beth
|
| 20.83 | Try to find "A Parent's Guide to Pre-Term Labor" | BROKE::NIKIN::BOURQUARD | Deb | Thu Apr 22 1993 13:14 | 23 |
| or some title like that (sorry!). My doctors loaned me this book because
they considered me at risk for pre-term labor. I believe pre-term contractions
are often (but not always!) completely painless. If your whole uterus becomes
firm, consider it a contraction. If you feel a contraction, lie on your left
side and simply monitor what's going on with your uterus (assuming you're at
home or in a place where you can do this). If you have 4 of these
contractions within an hour, go to the hospital. Do not assume it's just
Braxton-Hicks. It's far, far better to err by checking out something that
isn't pre-term labor, than to deliver your baby too early.
This is what I remember from the book. It had 3 parts. The first described
who's at risk for pre-term labor, the second described in great detail how
to monitor yourself for pre-term labor and the steps that can be taken
to prevent pre-term delivery, the 3rd described various problems a preemie
might have.
The book may have been titled something closer to "A Parent's Guide to Avoiding
Pre-term Delivery".
I hope this doesn't sound like I'm trying to scare you -- I'm just trying to
repeat the advice given me, as best I remember it. Good luck!!
- Deb
|
| 20.84 | | MARX::FLEURY | | Thu Apr 22 1993 13:30 | 14 |
| re .81
> I don't know what braxton-hicks feel like but it seems my
> whole uterus hardens sometimes.
That's what Braxton-Hicks contractions feel like. Of course that's also what
real contractions feel like. One difference between Braxton-Hicks and true
labor contractions is that true contractions are generally at very regular
intervals (every n minutes), whereas Braxton-Hicks will be very irregular.
Did your doctor have anything to say about your cramps? From your description
of them (bad cramping... all day long...) it would probably be a good idea to
get your doctor's advice regarding work.
|
| 20.85 | my contractions felt like gas pains | MEMIT::GIUNTA | | Thu Apr 22 1993 14:30 | 17 |
| When I went into pre-term labor at 28 weeks, first my water broke, and
then I had what I described to my husband as gas pains. I didn't put
it all together til I was having the third 'gas pain' and noticed they
were all 10 minutes apart. And yet by the time we got to the hospital
an hour later, even though I was in labor and had ruptured 1 membrane,
I had not dilated at all. They were able to control my contractions
for 2 more days before I delivered, so there are things they can
do if you go into pre-term labor, but the alternatives and success
really diminish once the membrane ruptures.
If I were you, I'd keep asking the doctor questions especially around
the possible risk of having pre-term labor and delivery. There are
things that can be done to monitor you and keep you from delivering
too early, but if you do go into labor and rupture that membrane,
there's only so much they can do before delivery takes place.
Cathy
|
| 20.86 | See replies .25 and .28 | NEWPRT::NEWELL_JO | Jodi Newell-Southern California | Thu Apr 22 1993 15:22 | 42 |
| Loreen,
I am the author of the base note and have been through
preterm labor, complete bedrest, anxiety attacks, drug
side-effects, pre-eclampsia and premature birth.
Read reply .25 for a list of signs and symptoms. Reply
.28 for a valuable book recommendation. I can't say
enough good things about this book. It's just a shame
I didn't (couldn't) find it until after my son was born.
Call around to book stores, maybe try ordering it, I've
listed all the info you need.
My initial preterm labor pains were relatively mild.
I felt very tired and had mild lower back discomfort.
By the time I was seen by my doctor (two days later)
I was effaced 80-90% and was dialated to 2cm. I had
just completed my fifth month.
Whatever you do, please make certain you drink *LOTS*
of water. This will keep any preterm labor contractions
at bay until your doctor can see you. If you read other
replies in this string, you'll notice water mentioned
many times. Dehydration can and will start labor. It
triggers the oxytocin (Pitocin) in the brain to begin
labor. The day before my preterm began, I had gone to the
beach with my husband and daughter. Because of oversight
on my part, the three of us had to share one soft drink
the whole day. I really felt this was what put me into
preterm status. Of course hindsight is always 20/20 but
you want to feel that you have some understanding what
went wrong.
And speaking of 'what went wrong'...preterm labor causes
are often (more often than not) difficult to determine.
There are so many variables. Just take care of yourself.
Drink plenty of water. Rest. See your doctor.
If you'd like to chat, give me a call at DTN 535-4444
or (714) 261-4444 or send mail to NEWPRT::Newell_Jo.
Jodi-
|
| 20.87 | took your advice | CLO::KOBILARCSIK | | Fri Apr 23 1993 12:35 | 37 |
|
Thanks to everyone for your responses!
I did end up going home early yesterday and planned on calling the
doctor but fell asleep and slept till 6:00pm then went to bed again at
10:00 and had no trouble sleeping till 8:00 this morning. I haven't
done that since my 12th week.
I did call the doctor this morning and was told to go to bed, monitor
"things" and drink as much water as I could. I was also told to
continue taking the antibiotic for the UTI even though the culture came
back negative - JIC it was too early to detect. And he had given me
Paragoric on Tues. Anyone ever take that? It is the most disgusting
tasting liguid in the world. I only took it twice since then because
yesterday morning it made me throw up (I'm still a little queasy in the
a.m. hours). I was told today to take it any way I could get it down.
I guess it relaxes muscles.
BTW - I did read through this whole note and consider the info very
valuable and all of you very brave! I really can't imagine spending
the summer in bed, but of course will do WHATEVER is necessary. I'm
just still wondering if I'm over reacting because I'm so paranoid with
this pregnancy. I admit I've been stressed but I think I've had a
pretty good handle on the stress considering what this pregnancy means
to me after losing my son a year and a half ago. Then I start to
worry if the stress is causing this... It's a vicious circle in my
head.
Meanwhile, I feel guilty about work. I have a deadline May 1st that
I'm in danger of not meeting because of missed days this week and if I
miss more next week... I know this is way more important but I hate
letting people (co-workers) down.
well, enough venting, back to bed - bathroom first.
Loreen
|
| 20.88 | forgot to add | CLO::KOBILARCSIK | | Fri Apr 23 1993 12:44 | 8 |
| I forgot to mention that I'm supposed to call my doctor every couple
hours to let him know what's happening with me. I've only had three
'contrations' - painless, since I've been up this morning. I'm still
having some mild cramps though.
I guess it's hour by hour for now...
Loreen
|
| 20.89 | on leave?: | KAOFS::M_BARNEY | Formerly Ms.Fett | Fri Apr 23 1993 14:33 | 12 |
| It is possible, Loreen, to consider leave for your condition
(i.e. what we would get up here would be considered "short term
disability").
For the last two months of my pregnancy I was very stressed and asked
the doctor if I could be off work - she immediately and happily wrote
a letter for me to stop. This was just the right thing for me because
it stopped a lot of the stress and gave me enough rest, and I didn't
even have any physical complications.
How hard would this be for you, since you probably are considered
to have a high-risk pregnancy?
Monica
|
| 20.90 | STD - yes we have it | CLO::KOBILARCSIK | | Fri Apr 23 1993 16:13 | 40 |
|
Hi Monica, I thought a lot about STD during my first trimester, I
actually missed A LOT of work anyway because of bronchitis and just
throwing up all the time and extreme fatigue but never applied for the
STD.
I feel so much better now though that I really didn't think I needed it
anymore. I may change my mind if this stuff continues though. I am
considered high risk for a number of reasons, not only because of my
last pregnancy but I also have asthma and a thyroid disease called
Graves disease. The graves disease affects my eye more than my thyroid
though - that's been under control for years and isn't really much to
worry about, just watched and tested periodically. So if I do decide
on STD, I have plenty of reasons. But if the cramping stops and it
doesn't turn into pre-term labor, I think I would go crazy at home for
5 months. I could see considering it again later like you did, around
the last two months or so. That in fact, sounds very nice.
I've been drinking my water and resting and the cramps are just very
mild now. I've only had 2 painless braxton-hicks contractions since
11:00am. Things are looking better. I talked to my nurse and she said
to rest all w/e and I'm seeing my doc. again tues. unless things
get worse again and then I'll go in sooner.
I'm glad I fell him kicking so much, it relieves a lot of anxiety. I
just had an ultrasound last friday and everything looks perfect. It's
almost too good for me to believe. I was so relieved to after that, I
actually cried most of the day - all that pent up anxiety I guess, I'm
sure you can understand. I have a video tape of the ultrasound - I
don't know if you can have that done by you - but I watch it constantly
and always see something new that I hadn't noticed before and of
course, I cry happy tears every time I watch it. In fact, I need a
boost right now...
Thanks for you concern. I appreciate it!
Loreen
|
| 20.91 | things are quiet | CLO::KOBILARCSIK | | Tue Apr 27 1993 11:43 | 30 |
|
I'm back at work today for first time. I'm still on the paragoric. I
finally found someone else who took that while pregnant. It's
obviously not as strong as the drugs you talk about in here to stop
real pre-term labor. A friend of mine was in a car accident during her
8th month, flipper her car over. The hospital gave her paragoric
because she started to have a few contractions. They were minor and
stopped that same day and she went full term.
I'm going to see my doctor in an hour for 'let's make sure everything's
ok' check-up. My cramps have stopped and I just have occasional
ligment stretching pains. I think all w/e I probably had like 2-3
braxton hicks contractions.
Although constant cramping is certainly a reason to call the doctor,
etc. I just want to put in here that some women do have A LOT of
cramping and it's perfecting normal. It's not always sign of pre-term
labor. Even if it lasts for a couple of days. In the last week, I have
heard of two cousins that went through this too. They were both
over-due (one by 2 wks and induced).
Of course, it's always safer to err on the side of caution. Call the
doctor, lay down, drink the water... etc. But for my own sanity, I
need to stop worrying so much.
Thanks again for all your concern. Hopefully, I won't have anything
else to report in this note!
Hang in there Beth!
Loreen
|
| 20.92 | PLEASE report | KAOFS::M_BARNEY | Formerly Ms.Fett | Tue Apr 27 1993 11:50 | 5 |
| Loreen, I certainly DO hope you report here - we all want
to hear how things go for you!
Keep us updated!
Monica
|
| 20.93 | Same thing here | WHEEL::POMEROY | | Thu May 06 1993 15:13 | 32 |
| Loreen,
When is your due date? I believe you and I are due around the
same time. I'm due August 18th.
I have been placed on total bed rest. Two weeks ago, I had two
severe contractions in my office within 1/2 an hour of each other.
I came straight home and called the doc. They wanted me to stay
in bed until they stopped which was the next day.
When I was checked, I hadn't "dilated", but my cervix was open
a little. I have a weak cervix and did the same thing with my
daughter at 26 weeks, only this started at 24 weeks. I am
still on total bed rest. I no longer have any cramps as long
as I stay in bed. As soon as I get up to try to do anything,
by the end of the day, I'm having cramps again.
I certainly did NOT want to spend the summer in bed either, but
That's what it looks like!
Please, please, please, if you have cramping, do NOT stay at work!
I had only menstrual-like cramping with my daughter and they found
I was 2 cm dilated at 26 weeks. So don't assume that you're not
having contractions because they're just cramps.
This time, I actually had contractions! I'm not taking any changes.
At least I have a terminal set up in my bedroom, so I can stay
in touch with everyone.
Feel free to send me mail, if you need to talk more.
I wish us both lots of luck!
|
| 20.94 | Is a Circlage an option? | OBSESS::COUGHLIN | Kathy Coughlin-Horvath | Thu May 06 1993 16:46 | 9 |
| Re last few. - Kobilarcsik and Pomeroy. I'm 32 weeks pregnant and have had
cramping since the beginning. I cramp when I undergo ANY physical activity.
Because of that, as well as a suspected weakened cervix due to DES exposure,
the doctor put a stitch (circlage) in the cervix at 19 weeks. The stitch will
stay in til around 37 weeks. I have it checked every two weeks. I can work but
need to be off my feet as much as possible and can do no physical activity.
This system is working for me. Is a circlage an option for either of you?
Kathy
|
| 20.95 | | NEWPRT::NEWELL_JO | Don't wind your toys too tight | Thu May 06 1993 17:30 | 22 |
| A Cerclage was scheduled for me when, at 23� weeks, I was effaced
80-90% and was in preterm labor.
After a sonagram and pre-op work (IVs installed, etc.), I was told
I couldn't have a Cerclage. The doctor told me that generally one
can be done up to 24 weeks but my baby had one leg too close to the
cervix and he was very active. She said one move from the baby at
the time the suture (purse string) was being placed, and the water
was liable to break.
The thought of being so advanced in effacment and not being able to
have the Cerclage, left me with very helpless, vulnerable feelings.
If your baby is not large for it's gestational age (mine was) and
if the timing is right, your doctor will probably recommend the
Cerclage procedure. Most women who have been diagnosised with
Incompetent Cervix or who otherwise had early effacement in past
pregnancies will often undergo a Cerclage the first few weeks of
pregnancy or more often, before conception. The purse string suture
doesn't generally interfer with conception.
Jodi-
|
| 20.96 | Stay in bed | WHEEL::POMEROY | | Fri May 07 1993 10:03 | 14 |
| Kathy,
I am in my 26th week. My OB said if it gets "bad" enough, they
will stitch it. I think they're trying to avoid it and keeping
me off my feet seems to do the trick.
They didn't say anything about it having to be done by a certain
point. They did indicate that it's pretty painful and that I
wouldn't want to have one. I think they're right!
As much as I am bored, I prefer to keep things the way they are.
Peggy
|
| 20.97 | my update | CSOA1::KOBILARCSIK | | Fri May 07 1993 11:37 | 54 |
| Peggy,
Sorry to hear you're in bed! I was doing pretty good last week,
working and no cramping. Then last weekend I had severe menstrual like
cramping in the middle of my niece's first communion. I had to leave
and go straight home to take some Peragoric (are you on any
medication?) and drank loads of water and it went away.
I worked this week but just came in and sat at my desk and went home
and sat there. I walked last night and the whole time my stomache felt
hard but I can't tell if that's normal or not. It couldn't have been
one long 20 min. contraction. When I sat down, it felt normal. I'm
CONSTANTLY poking my tummy - it's getting close to being neurotic (sp?).
Then last night I received very bad news about my Aunt whom I'm very
close too, she's only 50 and we're more like best friends than aunt and
niece. Anyway, not to harp on that, but she's very sick and may not
live long. I'm having a very hard time dealing with this, I cried all
night and all this morning and yes had a few contractions. I took the
Peragoric for first time since last sunday and right now I'm fine, no
cramping. I'm going to my doctor again tues. and will have another
internal. So far, no dilation or effacement. I had a bad dream last
night that she died and I just totally lost it in the dream. I woke up
in a cold sweat and the baby was kicking all over the place. I calmed
myself down but I'm so afraid if something like that happens to her
that I won't be able to stay calm. I'm trying real hard not to be so
upset but this is like losing my mother. When I lost my first son,
Nicholas, she was there for me big time, she had suffered 4
miscarriages herself, one at 4.5 months. She's supposed to be here
to see this baby born and she's supposed to see him grow up and to see
her own grandchildren (she has one son)! This isn't supposed to happen
this way!
To top it off, my parents (my aunt is my dad's sister) are on a cruise
this week and they don't know about the turn for the worse that my Aunt
has taken. I am picking them up from the airport this sunday and I'm
going to have to be the one to tell them. I know I won't handle this
very well because I know it's going to kill my Dad. He practically
raised my aunt since he's 12 years older than her.
Sorry to diverge, but I feel a little better to talk about it. I don't
have my mom to talk to today but my sister and I talked a little last
night. My husband just held me and doesn't know what to say - what can
he say?
Hang in there Peggy! Where do you live? Send me your address, it's
always fun to get mail when you're couped up in the house!
Oh, I just turned 21 weeks today. I'm due Sept. 16th.
You're in my prayers, even though I'm rather upset with God right now!
Loreen
|
| 20.98 | More update | WHEEL::POMEROY | | Fri May 07 1993 12:10 | 34 |
| Loreen,
They put me on Uro-Mag, four times a day, no matter what. I
think it's funny. They want me to stay in bed, yet they give
me this medication that "may have laxative effect"! So far,
it hasn't done much. Last week, they checked my iron count
and was low, so now I'm taking iron pills as well. I guess that
counter-acts the Uro-Mag!
I know it's hard, but try to keep your chin up. I know what it's
like to be under that kind of stress. When I was pregnant with
my daughter, my father suffered a heart attack, due to some
rare infection in his lungs. He was "out of it" for a month!
He thought he was on a life-saving machine, when it was just
oxygen. He was writing us notes telling us to pull the plug.
They gave him his last rights 3 times! But he pulled through.
It was especially hard on me because I'm "daddy's little girl".
I kept thinking that I would lose the baby because I was so upset
but the doc reassured me that wouldn't happen.
Just remember to pay attention to what your body is telling you.
If you're having cramps, stay off your feet!
I try to do little things hoping that everything will be ok now
because in the morning, I feel great! But by the end of the day,
I start having cramps again.
Good luck!
Peggy
|
| 20.99 | Circlage | OBSESS::COUGHLIN | Kathy Coughlin-Horvath | Fri May 07 1993 13:16 | 14 |
|
About the pain associated with having a circlage. Mine was day surgery under
general anesthesic. Doctor performed procedure in the morning and I was then
kept on a fetal monitor for another 3-4 hours. Once they were sure I wouldn't
go into premature labor, I went home. I think I stayed off my feet another
day or two. I was definitely uncomfortable right after waking up from the
procedure but they gave me some pain reliever. I think I had bleeding for a few
days. I was so relieved to have this done I don't have "pain" memories. He said
taking it out will occur in his office.
I also don't think it has to be done at a certain time. Mine was performed
as soon as I received the amnio results.
Kathy
|
| 20.100 | limbo | CSOA1::KOBILARCSIK | | Wed May 12 1993 15:40 | 32 |
| I feel like I'm in limbo right now because my doctor hasn't made any
permit decision about whether I should work or not. I left work early
monday because of cramping and saw him tues. morning. I'm not
dialated or anything but he told me to stay home a few more days.
Well, I really don't think this cramping is going to go away. period.
So, either I work or I go on disability. I hate this one day at a time
BS.
MOnday morning I also broke out in a terrible case of hives up and down
the backs on my legs and arms. I've never had hives before and they
were murder for 2 days! I was supposed to take oral benadryl but the
package said don't take if you have asthma and I have asthma so I just
used the topical benadryl and today they're drying up. Don't know the
cause, could be stress, could be an allergic reaction to something.
My OB is also concerned about my coughing. I had a terrrible case of
asthmatic bronchitis starting in my 11th week and the cough lasted for
weeks. Now I cough mostly because of the asthma. It's not alot, but
any coughing is not good for the pregnancy and can end up weakening the
cervix. I see a pulmonary specialists who handles many pregnant women
(since asthma usually worsens while pregnant).
I'm still not at work today. It's sooooo hard not to do things when I
really feel pretty good, even with the cramping, I've gone through severe
cramping every month since I was 14 so I guess I'm used to it somewhat.
Peggy - I'll reply to you soon - hang in there! Are you allowed to sit
outside? Our weather has been beautiful here so that's one nice thing
about being home.
Loreen
|
| 20.101 | keep resting | WHEEL::POMEROY | | Thu May 13 1993 10:52 | 17 |
| Hi Loreen,
Sorry to hear you're still having cramping. I would discuss
it with my doc again and tell him your concerns. I can't
believe he hasn't put you on disability yet.
I'm supposed to be on Total bedrest, except for going to the
bathroom. I do get up and sit in the living room, so I can
at least watch tv. I have tried to start doing things again
and always end up in pain again. I go back to the doc on
Monday. He'll probably say I'm out till the baby comes!
Hopefully, he'll let me do limited activities.
Keep in touch,
Peggy
|
| 20.102 | UTI is positive | CSOA1::KOBILARCSIK | | Thu May 13 1993 15:25 | 25 |
|
I found out today that I do have a UTI infection. I tested negative
for one 2 weeks ago but maybe it was too early to detect then. I'm
actually pretty relieved because maybe the UTI is the cause of all the
cramping and lower back pain.
So, I'm on but yet another round of antibiotics! This is the 4th round
since I've been pregnant! Twice for the bronchitis and a third time 2
wks ago for UTI even though it came back negative, he had me take
macrodantin. Obviously it either didn't work or the infection set in
after I finished it. I can't help but worry what it's all doing to the
little one!
I'm not going back to work till the cramps and pain go away.
Hopefully, that will be in a few days.
I'm supposed to remain quiet over the w/e but we have tickets to
Phantom of the Opera here in Cleveland, we've had them for a year and
I'm not missing it. We're just going there and back so I'll be sitting
the whole time anyway.
Peggy - good luck on Monday, let us know what doc says.
Loreen
|
| 20.103 | Take it easy | WHEEL::POMEROY | | Fri May 14 1993 13:52 | 10 |
| Hi Loreen,
Do as the doc says and take it easy. Lay down as much
as you can. It's too bad you have another infection, but
hopefully this will be the last.
Good luck!
Peggy
|
| 20.104 | lay on left side | NEWPRT::NEWELL_JO | Don't wind your toys too tight | Fri May 14 1993 14:28 | 7 |
| Did the doctor say anything about laying on your left
side? A large (important for the baby) vein called
the Vena Cava runs down the right side of your spine.
If a lot of bedrest is indicated, laying on the left
side will help keep the blood flowing to the placenta.
Jodi-who_has_very_odd_stretchmarks_from_3_months_in_bed
|
| 20.105 | Just stay off feet | WHEEL::POMEROY | | Mon May 17 1993 10:07 | 12 |
| Jodi,
My doc didn't say anything about laying on my left side.
They just want me to stay off my feet. The weight of the
baby is too much for my weak cervix to handle, hence it
starts dilating early!
I go back this afternoon and will let you all know how
things are going. I'm just ending my 27th week!
Peggy
|
| 20.106 | I was also told to lay on my left side | MEMIT::GIUNTA | | Mon May 17 1993 11:35 | 12 |
| Peggy,
I second Jodi's advice about laying on the left side. I don't remember
the reasoning, but it is better for the baby and was one of the things
the hospital made me do when I had contractions. Ask your doctor about
the reason behind it, as it may be something you should be doing.
And making 27 weeks is great! Every day the baby spends in utero is
that much better, so keep relaxing and staying off your feet. It can
only help your baby.
Cathy (mom to 28-week twins)
|
| 20.107 | Yes, left side | WHEEL::POMEROY | | Tue May 18 1993 13:26 | 34 |
| Hi all,
Well my appt didn't go as well as I expected. Actually, I
guess it did. I'm so confused!
He said nothing has changed and it's a good thing I'm off my
feet. I did get yelled at for doing too much this weekend.
I can get up, but for limited amount of time, like throw a
load of wash in and go back to bed until it's done!
He did say some pretty scary things though. Not that this is
happening, but he wants to do another ultrasound in 2 weeks
and make sure the baby is growing at the rate it should be.
He said sometimes contractions like I'm having can cause
IUGR (Intrauterine Growth Retardation), slows down the baby's
growth rate in utero and sometimes the baby is better off being
born. He said if I delivered at 32 weeks, the baby would probably
have to stay in the hospital for a couple weeks, but if I went
to 34 weeks, I could probably bring the baby home. He didn't
say this is what's happening, so far everything looks ok, but
it "might" be.
He also said the baby is currently breech and has 2-4 weeks to
turn around. God, I hope so! I don't know why, but I'm really
scared of having a c-section.
Anyway, I guess my hormones are getting to me today.
Yes, he did say for me to lay on my left side as much as I could
Thanks for all your help!
Peggy
|
| 20.108 | my C-section was a breeze | TNPUBS::STEINHART | Back in the high life again | Tue May 18 1993 14:11 | 17 |
| Dear Peg,
With all your concerns, please don't be afraid of a planned C-section.
I discussed this at greater length in the C-section note, but my
planned C-section went very smoothly with little pain or discomfort.
Zip, zip ;-) I think there's a big difference between a planned
C-section (no labor) and a C-section after hours of difficult labor.
You can get lots more info in the C-section note.
Just be glad that your baby will be at the viable stage. If you can
bring the baby home, great!
Hang in there,
Laura
|
| 20.109 | Hang in there! | SUMA::KUHN | | Tue May 18 1993 15:20 | 20 |
| Peggy,
Although a C-section isn't a great deal of fun, mine was not planned
for my son. The good thing about it was that my husband was there
with me and he took a lot of my fears away.
My son was born at about 32 weeks (water broke at 31 1/2 and then
an infection took in 3 days later). One thing that really helped me
was that the staff at the hospital, since I was on bedrest there after
my water broke, took my husband and I through the neonatal ICU.
If you doctor thinks that the baby may be taken early, see if he or
someone at the hospital can arrange for you to see it. Although it
can be frightening, we didn't look at it that way. It made us even
more sure that this little guy was going to be just fine.
He was born at 2 lbs, 5 oz. and is now a beautiful energetic
3 year old.
Good luck to you.
|
| 20.110 | learn as much as you can to help relieve some of your fears | MEMIT::GIUNTA | | Tue May 18 1993 15:58 | 35 |
| Please do take it easy, and don't do more than you are supposed to. Every
day the baby stays in utero is that much better for it. If the baby is
born early, it is possible that you will go home together, but that really
depends on how early. Usually, babies don't go home much at much less
than 35 weeks, and they tell you to plan on bringing the baby home at the
due date. That's fairly normal as the baby still needs that development
time.
And if you go through a NICU, be prepared for some serious high-tech
equipment and some very small babies. It may be frightening at first,
but it will help you to understand what treatment is available, and all
that they can do for premature babies. They may also give you a
laundry list of things that can be wrong at this gestational age. I found
that really scary, especially with delivery imminent. It didn't seem like
there could be anything right with the babies, but once you find out some
of the statistics and start to understand the risks and treatment, it is
much easier to handle.
I had my second twin by C-section, and as scared as I was, I didn't care
if they needed to put a zipper in to get that baby out and give him a
chance. Check out the note on C-sections and you will get more information.
I had the first twin naturally, so I even got to compare the delivery
methods and healing process. I didn't think they were that different.
It might also help you to talk to other mothers of premature babies. There
are a few of us in here, though I have noticed that most of the people
discussing pre-term labor were fortunate enough to go close to full-term.
That in itself may give you an idea of how many people go through this
and how few of those actually deliver early.
Take it easy, and take care of both you and your baby. Feel free to call
or send mail if you'd rather discuss some of these things off-line.
Cathy
|
| 20.111 | | NEWPRT::NEWELL_JO | Don't wind your toys too tight | Tue May 18 1993 18:38 | 18 |
| Peggy,
>He said sometimes contractions like I'm having can cause
>IUGR (Intrauterine Growth Retardation), slows down the baby's
>growth rate in utero and sometimes the baby is better off being
>born. He said if I delivered at 32 weeks, the baby would probably
Boy, I have a tough time understanding this statement. When I
went into labor at 23� weeks, I was told that preterm labor can
actually help speed up the production surfactants a necessary for
proper lung functions. Hyaline Membrane disease is a common
problem in premies, who do not always produce enough surfactants.
I have always been lead to believe that the longer a baby is
in utero, the better, unless there is a problem with the placenta
or mother.
Jodi-
|
| 20.112 | someone who understands confusion! | CSOA1::KOBILARCSIK | | Tue May 18 1993 20:33 | 47 |
|
Peggy,
I know how hard it is to try not to do too much - but hang in there and
remember whatever it is you want to get done CAN WAIT! This is what I
keep telling myself.
There was an article in our newspaper Sunday about women on bedrest
(what timing!) and it mentions an organization called Sidelines
National Support Network. It's a non-profit organization that "helps
women cope with the trauma of going through a pregnancy that may not
reach full term". It was organized a year ago by Candace Hurley of
Laguna Beach, Calif. (who went through bedrest). There are now 30
chapters throughout the country! There is one here in Cleveland. The
women who work for them are volunteers who go through a training period
and offer things from day-care and cleaning services to just someone to
listen! For the term of your pregnancy you're matched with a Sidelines
volunteer who has had similar difficulties. They talk to you by phone
or in person as needed and part of their role is to keep you from straying
from doctors orders!
The article only gave the address of the chapter near me, but if you
contact them, they could probably tell you if there's a chapter near
you. The address and phone is
Sidelines of Northest Ohio
Box 640
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44222 or call (216) 686-0084
What kind of contractions are you having? Are they painless Braxton
Hicks type or are they painful? Do you recognize them as contractions
or do you just have a lot of cramping?
My Aunt that was sick died this morning and I'm not taking it very
well. I spent the day at her house with my Uncle and cousin and
parents. I still can't believe she's gone and it's very hard to try
and remain calm.
I;m not sure the ampicillan I'm taking for the UTI is working. I
still get cramps periodically and today I seemed to have more braxton
hicks than usual. I know, I'm laying down for the rest of the night as
soon as I'm done typing this. Hope you are too!
Take Care
Loreen
|
| 20.113 | preterm for me produced a monster... | NEWPRT::NEWELL_JO | Don't wind your toys too tight | Tue May 18 1993 20:48 | 18 |
| By the way Peggy...I was in preterm labor with my son for 12 weeks
(I'm the originator of this note) and I gave birth a month early,
and he weighed 7 pound 11 ounces! So much for preterm labor causing
the fetus to grow to slowly. :^)
My daughter was 3� weeks early with two 2� weeks of mild preterm
labor (i.e. no bedrest, only off my feet for x-amount of hours/day),
and she was 8lbs 8oz.
I knew exactly when both kids were conceived, so based on that
knowledge and past pregnancy history, I would probably deliver
a 10+lb. baby if I ever went to term. I will never find that out
however, because two kids is plenty, thank_you_very_much.
The thought of a 10+lb. baby makes me crazy considering I'm
only 5'1" (in heels) :^)
Jodi-
|
| 20.114 | keep taking it easy | MEMIT::GIUNTA | | Wed May 19 1993 08:52 | 30 |
| Jodi,
I hadn't heard that per-term labor can increase the production of
surfactant, but that could be because my babies were so early that
they still needed that extra boost. And I was also told the same
as you that the longer the baby stays in utero the better the chances
that it will survive without long-term effects like lung problems.
And there are things that they do to help the baby when delivery is
imminent. In my case, since my water broke, they immediately started
me on a 2-day steroid shot program. That helps to mature the baby's
lungs, and made a significant different to Brad's survival. They
could have done additional steroids, but I had to go 7 days for the
next round of shots, and I delivered on the second day. And with babies
that early, they also had to give them lung surfactants because they
were too early to produce it themselves, so there are a lot of things
that can be done for real premature babies.
Having gone through the premature birth and subsequent problems with
my twins, all I can say is don't do ANYTHING you're not supposed to,
and if that means lying in bed all day while things pile up or you
have to wait til someone else gets to it, so be it. You want to avoid
a premature birth if you can, and some bedrest is a small thing
compared to the good it will do your baby if it prevents a premature
birth. And if you end up delivering early, you will feel as though
you did everything to give your baby a good start, and the doctors
will take over from there.
Keep us posted, and stay off your feet.
Cathy
|
| 20.115 | My experience with bedrest | WKEND::MACARTHUR | | Wed May 19 1993 09:44 | 23 |
| I know what it's like to be on bedrest too, and it drove me NUTS at
first. I was so busy at work and didn't realize the baby was in
position and I was dialating, and Derek wasn't due for another 2
months! Needless to say, I was pretty shocked when I went for my
regular appointment and the doctor told me that I was done work and on
bedrest. I just got a thrill when the mail came - especially if
the bank statement would come and I could balance my checkbook - it was
something to do! I'm a crafter, and at the time I was working on a big
cross-stich project for the baby, so I just mainly worked on that a
lot. My mom would come visit and bring movies from the video store, so
that also gave me something to do. It used to drive me nuts to see the
dust kitties on the floor, but there was nothing that I could do about
it, so I just tried to ignore them - but it wasn't easy. Luckily
everything worked out for me, I ended up having Derek 3 days before my
due date, but considering he almost came 2 months early, I think I did
pretty darn good! Trust me, take advantage of this time to read some
books you've always wanted to read, or some extra magazines, or watch
videos - because once the baby comes you won't have time for those
little luxuries for a while!
I wish you all the best of luck, and will say a prayer for you too!
Barbara
|
| 20.116 | Feeling much better today! | WHEEL::POMEROY | | Wed May 19 1993 10:14 | 33 |
| Hi everyone,
I feel much better today. The doctor was just telling me things
that "could" happen and I guess my hormones were acting up and it
all went to my head! I'm fine today.
We went on the tour of the Birthing Center last night and I asked
lots of questions about their facilities for premies. Basically,
the only time they send a baby to Boston is when it's so bad that
it needs a respirator. They also have an anestheselogist there
round the clock now, where they didn't in the past. I remember
requesting an epidural with my daughter around 3:30 p.m. and he
never showed up. I delivered her at 5:05 p.m. But it was brutal.
I talked to the nurses about premies and feel much better now.
I've also been talking to alot of women who have had c-sections
and I will try to learn as much as I can. I may not have to
have one. It depends on whether the baby turns around or not,
I guess.
I think on the one hand, the doc is worries about me delivering
early, but on the other hand, he's worried about me going to
full-term and delivering a hugh baby. My 1st was 8.14 and my
2nd was 9.2, I know he thinks this one will be big.
We also start our classes tonight! Oh boy, I know my husband,
he'll be the "class clown". Should be fun!
Thanks for all your replies. I will be taking it easy and will
keep everyone posted.
Peggy
|
| 20.117 | | GOOEY::ROLLMAN | | Thu May 20 1993 13:43 | 15 |
|
There's another note here somewhere on bed rest; the topic was actually
pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure.
I was on bed rest for 5 weeks with my first kid, for high blood pressure. I
replied to the topic on the tricks I used to stay sane and calm. Sure wish
I knew about the support group, because I remember wishing I knew more people
to call when I got lonely and discouraged. My long distance bill would have
been outrageous for the day the VCR broke.
In any case, it can be done. Elise is now a "perfect" 2-1/2 year old.
Pat
|
| 20.118 | TERBUTALINE | WHEEL::POMEROY | | Tue Jun 29 1993 10:24 | 19 |
| Can anyone give me some info on TERBUTALINE?
I had my checkup yesterday and he has now prescribed that,
in addition to the URO-MAG. I feel like a walking drug-store!
A couple weeks ago, I was 80% effaced and now I'm 1 CM dilated.
I still have 7 more weeks to go! So far I've only taken two
of these new pills and boy am I wired! I know it increases
blood pressure and a few other symptoms. I don't know if I
like being on this stuff.
The doc is still recommending induction around my due date. He
said the cervix is already ripe enough. My husband originally
didn't want to do this, until the doc suggested the friday before
my due date, which is Friday, the 13th! I said no to this date and
he said yes. What do you think? How many of us are superstitios?
Peggy
|
| 20.119 | like drinking a gallon of coffee | DELNI::GIUNTA | | Tue Jun 29 1993 10:51 | 11 |
| Tributalene (sp?) will make you very hyper -- sort of like drinking a gallon
of coffee. I was on it (first shots and then pills) for the 2 days from
when my water broke til the contractions broke through and they switched
me to pitocin to help induce the labor. It is supposed to control the
contractions to keep you from delivering too early. I didn't really get
that wired from it, but most people do, and the nurses kept telling me
that it would have that effect.
Good luck, and I hope it works so you can go the term.
Cathy
|
| 20.120 | Candace was there | KAOFS::M_BARNEY | Formerly Ms.Fett | Tue Jun 29 1993 11:44 | 8 |
| Candace Stewart a reader of this conference, had her first
child on "Good Friday" which happened to be on Friday the 13th.
Don't sweat it. Its just a date!
Good luck.....
Monica
|
| 20.121 | | SUPER::WTHOMAS | | Tue Jun 29 1993 12:09 | 13 |
|
I was on that drug for two days after I slipped on the ice and went
into premature labor with Griffin at 7 months.
Thankfully, when I was checked after two days the contractions had
stopped and I could discontinue the drug (but I had to carry it with me
in case the contractions started up again).
I say thankfully because I am one of those people that got horribly
wired from that drug, it made me feel very very ill and I wasn't
looking forward to feeling like that for the rest of the pregnancy.
Wendy
|
| 20.122 | Side effects will stop | WHEEL::POMEROY | | Tue Jun 29 1993 12:55 | 22 |
| Thanks for the responses.
I spoke to the Dr office because there were a few questions we
forgot to ask yesterday and besides, my dr mumbles.
The nurse said it take a day or two for the body to adjust to
it and then the jitters should stop. They want me to use
them on an "as needed" basis. If I notice contractions, I'm
supposed to take them.
I was also concerned about what effect it would have on the baby,
especially after the way I was feeling this morning! They said
there are no effects.
They do stop the medication after 37 weeks because after that
it doesn't matter if delivery happens.
As far as the 13th, I'm not really THAT concerned! :-)
Thanks again
|
| 20.123 | 33 weeks is great! hang in there | CSOA1::KOBILARCSIK | | Wed Jun 30 1993 21:04 | 17 |
| p,
glad to hear you're 33 weeks! Time seems to have gone by fast - I hope
it is for you too. I'm in my 29th week and still on STD. I'm still
not on total bedrest so I've been able to get quite a few things done.
My braxton-hicks contractions get quite frequent at times (timeable)
but always stop before anything happens.
It sounds like your body should adjust to the medication - I hope it
does! I'm not superstitious either - even though my grandmother was
extremely, my mom isn't and I guess her logical approach rubbed off on
me. Besides, if you believe in God, superstitions don't make much
sense!
Take care!
Loreen
|
| 20.124 | Glad you're ok too | WHEEL::POMEROY | | Thu Jul 01 1993 09:56 | 21 |
| Hi Loreen,
I was wondering how you were doing. I'm glad you've made it
to 29 weeks as well!
It's pretty scary when things start happening so early. The
best thing is to just take it easy.
We now have an Au Pair from Denmark. She came in Saturday.
She's a big help, especially now that school is out, she can
keep my other 2 busy.
I'm at the point now where I just want it to end. I want my
body back and my life. I'm tired of being confined!
It will soon be over for both of us, I'm sure with a happy
ending!
Take care,
Peggy
|
| 20.125 | terbutaline update 1993 | MSDOA::GUY | Do you really read this? | Tue Aug 10 1993 15:16 | 59 |
| ANOTHER HAPPRY ENDING STORY...
When I went for my fourth month checkup (nov 92) my doctor found that
I had an incompetant cervix. A few days later I had surgery and the
"cerclage" was in place. I was told not to be on my feet for more than
1-2 hours and I was placed on Short term disability since I work in
Logistics (lots of heavy lifting). From 4 months to 6 months was fine,
going to the doctor WEEKLY TIL DELIVERY. At a check up in the first
of January 93, I discussed having light contractions, and he checked me
and said indeed I was having them. They hooked me up to the non-stress
monitor and charted my contractions. From this visit on, I was on the
monitor every week. Also at this visit I was put on Terbutaline pill.
These pills lasted 1 week they upped the dosage thru the second week.
At the end of the second week, my doctor informed me that I was not
responding to the terbutaline pill and needed to be put on a
"Terbutaline Pump". This is a small pump, about the size of a beeper.
It is programmed to give you XX dose at XX hours. There is a syringe of
Terbutaline in the back of the pump(which you change when it is empty)
that is hooked to a small tube that is hooked to a catheter which is
inserted in your upper leg by a host needle. I changed this catheter
every 3-4 days & syringe as needed. At first, I was on a low dose, the
pump gave me a dose every 4 hours during the day and every 3 hours at
night. My dosage and frequency of dosage changed every three weeks.
The first change was to every three hours 24hours a day and a little
higher dose. And oh, yeah, the pump gives you a tiny little bit every 5
minutes. Back to the schedule, the next itme it was changed to every 3
hours during the day and every 2 hours at night and a higher dosage,
you see the pattern.... When I was 6 weeks from my due date of April
26, 93, I had to start taking Magnesium Chlorate which enhances the
Terbutaline. My doctor removed the cerclage on april 5th and I was
dialated to 1. He left the room and came back 15-20 minutes later
while I was still on the monitor and I was dilated to 2-1/2.
I was still on this medicine until April 7th 10pmish. I took out my
sweet-precious-catheter 8*) for the last time. I had contractions when
I got up on April the 9th. At this time I had been going two times a
week for the last two weeks for checkups. I had a checkup on April 9th
early afternoon and I was dialated to 3, 70% effaced and my doctor told
me I could choose to either go home and do some stuff or walk around
the mall, etc. or go and sit in the hospital. I elected to go home and
walk around the mall and called him at 4pm per his instructions. I
reported my contractions being 5 minutes apart and he told me to go
home and get my stuff and take my time, not to rush and meet him at the
hospital around 7 or 8pm. BTW- While I was at the mall, I ate a early
dinner seeing as how I knew I wouldn't get anything until after
delivery and all. You should have seen the waitress's face when she
asked me how much longer I had to go..... (8-O) When I got to the
hospital, I was dialated to 4-1/2 100% effaced. My daughter, Christina
Faith, was born April 9, 93 4:26 am. The middle name for obvious
reasons. Tough Pregnancy, easy delivery. 6.0lbs even, 18" long.
Pushed four times and -POP-... As stated in previous notes,
Terbutaline will make you hyper. I am a very hyper anyway and this was
like -WHOA-. I did not have the racing heart like some. Overall, I
took it in stride. There wasn't much I would not have done to keep my
little girl in there for as long as possible. Also, I have known my
OB_GYN for a couple of years personally before becoming pregnant. I
think that helped alot since I knew I could trust him. This type pump
is a new type started being used in the last 12-18 months for pregnancies,
although it has been used a little longer for diabetics/insulin.
I am open for any questions, DTN 366-7486.
|
| 20.126 | | NEWPRT::NEWELL_JO | Don't wind your toys too tight | Tue Aug 10 1993 15:43 | 10 |
| Thanks for sharing your story. The Terbutaline 'pump' sounds great!
It sure would have saved me a lot of grief. I was a nervous wreck
trying to wake up every three hours to medicate and it took me
months to adjust to sleeping beyond three hours, after my son was
born and sleeping 4-6 hours. The interrupted sleep caused me a lot
of problems both physically and emotionally.
Jodi-
|
| 20.127 | Sidelines (preterm labor support) Hdqrts (714)497-2265 | IVOSS1::NEWELL_JO | All my life's a circle | Fri Apr 29 1994 17:09 | 25 |
| I mentioned in my farewell note that I am now doing volunteer
phone support for a nationwide company called "Sidelines".
Sidelines matches a preterm labor mom on bedrest with a Sidelines
volunteer that had similar symptoms or problems (toddler in the
house, unsupportive spouse, infertility history, bleeding, etc.).
I'd like to leave here knowing that everyone in this file knows
this service is available and give the national phone number.
There isn't an 800# yet, the company is just a couple years old.
As a company they are doing well and were just given a "President
Award" for best non-profit nationwide organization.
The national headquarters are here in southern California
and can be reached at:
(714) 497-2265
Laguna Hills, California
Candace Hurley-President
Happy, healthy, full term pregnancies to all.
Cheers,
Jodi-
|
| 20.128 | Need Help With My Laptop | IVOSS1::SZAFIRSKI_LO | IVF...I'm Very Fertile! | Thu Apr 11 1996 15:59 | 19 |
| I'm at home trying to bond with my borrowed DECpc 320 laptop.
I went into pre-term labor at 33 weeks and Monday will be 35...hurray!
Back to my bedside machine. I can't seem to figure out which key will
let me advance to next note after I have already read all the replies
for a previous one.
I have pushed everything with no success.
This is my first time on a laptop, so my knowledge is limited..but so
far I have had no problems except this one.
Would appreciate any advice or guidance...if I watch anymore daytime
TV, I'm gonna go over the edge!
Thanks in advance,
...Lori
|
| 20.129 | | DECWIN::MCCARTNEY | | Thu Apr 11 1996 17:07 | 6 |
| If you don't have the keys on the keypad, try typing N U (NEXT UNSEEN)
at the prompt. That will work also.
Good luck,
Irene
|
| 20.130 | preterm at 23 weeks 3 days | STOWOA::TALLURI | | Tue Jan 07 1997 14:48 | 16 |
| 20.131 | My Sympathy to You | CPCOD::JOHNSON | Many barely noticed miracles surround us | Tue Jan 07 1997 15:32 | 14 |
| 20.132 | So sorry to hear your sad news... | ALFA1::LIPSON | | Wed Jan 08 1997 08:55 | 11
|