32 weeks with an Irritable Uterus

Our home laptop finally died, so I haven't had a chance to update in a while. I'm nearly 33 weeks now. At my regular 32 week appointment last week, I talked to my doctor about all of the Braxton Hicks contractions I was experiencing. It turns out that some of them weren't just Braxton Hicks, I was having real contractions that caused my cervix to dilate and efface. Not great news at 32 weeks. Immediately following my appointment, my doctor sent me to the hospital to be monitored for a few hours. I was honestly freaked out. Ryan hadn't been coming to my appointments lately since they had been rather uneventful, so he could tell that I was scared when I called him to come and sit with me in the hospital (again!). Luckily, Baby was moving just fine and I had only had a few small contractions on the monitors, so Dr. D released me to go back to work and told me that she wanted to start seeing me weekly. I'm on instructions to make sure I drink enough water everyday and to rest and relax when I can.

I had my 33 week appointment yesterday and luckily I haven't had any further progress with the preterm labor, but I was still having loads of contractions daily. She put me on a generic of Procardia, a blood pressure medicine that is often prescribed to control preterm labor contractions. She also diagnosed me with an irritable uterus. Hopefully the meds will control the contractions, otherwise, the next option is bed rest. If all goes well, I'll be on the medication until 36 weeks and then he's welcome to join the world anytime after that! I go back to see Dr. D next Monday, so please keep us in your prayers.

Good news is that baby is doing fine and he seems to be head down. He's measuring right on track and still moving a lot every day. He just needs to stay in for at least a few more weeks!

29 Weeks and a Nursery Sneak Peek!

From Weeks 29-32, Baby Holt is the size of a squash. At least it's a cute-looking squash!



"Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments."

I found out last week that I passed my 3 hour glucose test with flying colors! In fact, my last result was below the normal range, but all is well. Baby is moving around like crazy. We did have another little scare last week. I had some abdominal cramping all afternoon at work and it was painful. After a few hours, I finally called the doctor's office. Since they couldn't get me in to see my doctor that day, they sent me to the hospital to labor & delivery. I spent 3 hours hooked up to a fetal monitor. They recorded a few minor contractions, but nothing major, so they sent me home.

The baby furniture arrived this week and we picked it up on Saturday evening. Thanks again Mom & Dad! Since I'm still working on refinishing the armoire, there isn't enough room in the nursery to set up the crib yet. But, Ryan surprised me on Sunday by assembling the dresser/changing table. It's not the greatest picture since I took it with my Blackberry, but here you go:

3 Hour Glucose Test

I went in bright and early to the lab at my hospital to take the 3 hour glucose test after fasting the night before. I had nothing to eat or drink after 8:30pm. They drew my blood initially and made me drink 12 oz of a drink that tasted like they just melted several popsicles (super sweet!). I then got my blood drawn once per hour for the next three hours. I felt progressively worse (tired and nauseated) with every blood draw and I have struggled all day. At least it's over and now I just have to keep my fingers crossed that I passed!

I had a bit of a scare on Friday night. Baby Holt is over 28 weeks old now and I'm supposed to feel regular movements and keep track of them a few times a day. He's usually pretty active in the evenings, especially when I am relaxed. After laying on the couch and watching some tv on Friday night (yes, my life is that exciting!), I noticed that I didn't feel him moving. Whenever that happens, I'm supposed to drink something sweet, like orange juice and then go lie down and rest and start counting his movements.

He's usually a pretty active baby, so I felt 10 movements in about a half hour, but they weren't regular movements for me. I was completely freaked out and ready to head to the hospital. My heart was beating fast and I could hardly catch my breath because I was so worried. Eventually as I relaxed and Ryan turned on the tv, baby started moving regularly again...thank goodness! Ryan was so sweet through the entire thing. He cleaned up the kitchen and asked me repeatedly if I wanted to go to the hospital. I'm glad I waited, but I will definitely be talking to the doctor about it at my next visit.