36 Weeks 5 Days

Sorry it's taking so long to get everything updated...I really haven't been feeling good:( So as you know from the last update, I had to return to the doctor this past Thursday. I thought I was going to see the same doctor I saw on Monday (Dr. Prentice) who had put me on bedrest but I ended up having to see another doctor that I can't stand! When I went to my appt on Thursday my blood pressure was up and of course I still had my horrible swelling. The doctor said basically every pregnant woman has swelling and acted like it was no big deal and ordered me to do another 24 hr urine test to be started Sunday. She also seemed suprised that I had been put on bedrest. She said to come in Monday (which was yesterday) to turn in my urine and get my cervix rechecked. While I was there she checked my cervix and said I was 70% effaced and 1cm dilated.

So yesterday was Monday and I got to see my regular doctor (Dr. Reed)!! Yay! My blood pressure was high and the swelling still horrible. Haley's heartbeat was at 160! I weighed in at a scary 180lbs:( I can't believe I weigh almost 200 lbs!! Dr. Reed did say I have toxemia (which is the same thing as preeclampsia) and I'm still to stay on bedrest. Apparently the doctor I saw on Thursday doesn't know the situation. While I was there, I got my cervix checked...and a little shocking suprise with it. While she checked my cervix she found that I was only 50% effaced and the other doctor was wrong. I am 1cm dilated. My little suprise I got without warning is known as a cervix (membrane) sweep and it was very painful! There are 2 reasons why they are done: 1.) They can put you into labor within 48hrs of doing one or 2.) If you are planning on getting induced it can make the induction take a lot better and reduce labor by 10 hours!

I was told that if I do not go into early labor, I will definitely be induced by 39 weeks if not before. Dr. Reed wants the baby to stay in there as long as possible since it would be best for her. With having toxemia, she did say she may deliver me a little earlier if I start getting really sick. Before I left they wanted to run a NST (non-stress test) to make sure the baby is doing good. Of course she was so I was able to go home.

When I got home I propped my feet up and was reading a book and started getting really concerned because I was having severe cramping and felt very nauseous. I called the doctor and the nurse told me to come in so they can do another NST and to do blood work that they forgot to do at my appt earlier. The NST turned out normal and I was sent home to rest. The cramping was probably caused by the cervix sweep.

My next appointment is set for this Thursday. I will not be seeing the doctor but will be doing another NST since I'm having to be closely monitored due to the toxemia. So I will be going to the doctor twice a week now. In between my doctor appointments, I just sit at home and play the waiting game. I have a few books to read and I've taken up a new hobby to keep me busy...making hairbows.

By the way, I will be sending out thank you's but I did want to tell everyone thank you for coming to my baby shower and for all the gifts! I loved everything. I also wanted to thank my mother-in-law for throwing my baby shower:) I wouldn't have had one if it wasn't for her!