Saturday, September 6, 2014

My God is Big

     Several people have asked about all my recent doctor's appointments, so I thought I would just put one big update on the blog. I have had four doctor's appointments in the past week and half, but it's not as bad as it sounds. The first appointment I had was the glucose test to rule out maternal diabetes. Good news: no diabetes! I passed with flying colors! I was so relieved that I didn't have to give up my carbs. :) I also learned that I'm a little anemic so I have to take an iron supplement now.
     As I last mentioned, I've been on light activity because of my increased amniotic fluid. Last Friday, I worked a 10-hour day, and had so many strong contractions that afternoon. I didn't think too much of it because lately at work, I've been having more contractions. Well, over the weekend, they seemed to be constant and stronger than they had previously been. So, I called the doctor Monday and they wanted me to come in and be evaluated.
     Tuesday, I saw the nurse practitioner where she hooked me up to a monitor to check my contractions. She said I was definitely contracting and she kept saying my uterus was "irritable." However, she said it did not look like a pattern of labor. She checked my cervix and there was no dilation, and after an ultrasound, they learned that my cervical length was great. These things all mean that I am not in pre-term labor. The nurse practitioner decided to put me on bed rest for the next 48 hours and have me be reevaluated with my OB on Thursday.
     So for two days, I watched a lot of HGTV, finished a book, and knitted two pair of baby booties. My family and friends have been so great this week! They have helped with Harper, brought meals, cleaned my house, and just given me some company. I am so blessed to be surrounded by amazing friends and family who will literally do anything to help us out. I also want to give a special thanks to my husband who has been waiting on me hand and foot. He's also been doing extra little things around the house that I usually do, but can't right now. I am really a very lucky woman!!
     Thursday's visit was sort of uneventful. My doctor let me go back to work for a half day to see how the contractions go, and then to come back that afternoon for an ultrasound. My employers have been so awesome to let me work shorter days and do mostly seated work. I had some contractions at work when I would get up and just walk down the hall, or get up to see a patient. But, I made it through my half-day and on to the doctor for the third time this week!
     The first thing they did was get an ultrasound. My cervical length was great again, and to my delight, my fluid level had returned to normal! I learned that at Dr. BK's office only a week and a half before, my fluid level was 30 cm. Anywhere above 25 is considered abnormal. This day it was 17cm! Another relief! My OB decided to keep letting me work a few half-days at work and then to really rest and take it easy the rest of the time.
     It has been a crazy stressful week, but there have been so many blessings! God has just continued to remind me this week that he is so much bigger than me and my circumstances. It's like He's constantly saying, "Trust me." Throughout this whole pregnancy, when I have thought the worst, every situation has turned out so much better than I imagined it would be. I just continue to give Him praise everyday!

Love,
Brooke