GIRL!

On December 13, I went in for my second non-stress test of the week.  During the test, my blood pressure was not cooperating.  I needed to do another 24-hour urine test.  At least, I was able to do this one at home. 

On December 14, I took my test back to the hospital.  My protein level was lower than it was a week ago.  My blood pressure had gradually gotten worse.  Based on these factors, as a team, we decided to medically induce labor to both mine and Baby A’s health.  This process started at 2 p.m.  There were three milestones I needed to get through.  Before starting with step 1, I was started on a magnesium drop to get my blood pressure under control.

Step 1: Started at 6:30 p.m.  I needed to receive a tablet to allow my cervix (the muscle that holds the baby in the uterus) to soften to open.  I got the table every 4 hours for a maximum of 12 hours.  If it softened and opened sooner, then I go to step 2.  It didn’t, so step 1 took all 12 hours. 

Step 2: Started at 6:30 a.m.  Insert a Foley bulb to apply counter pressure to open the cervix.  The Foley bulb is gradually filled with saline solution and will eventually cause the cervix to open.  The maximum time for this step is also 12 hours.  Due to my prior conization, there was scar tissue to get through.  Needless to say, this was not a pleasant process.  The Pitocin started consistent contractions.  With every contraction, I had a lot of back pain.  The theory is that Baby A was facing front.  So, every time I had a contraction, the back (hard part of the head) was applying pressure to by lower back.  At 2 p.m. I made the decision to get the epidural.  Because of the magnesium drip, I needed to have additional blood tests.  Two hours later, I was finally out of pain.  Once the bulb came out at 6:30 pm, my water broke. 

Step 3: Started at 6:30 p.m.  My water breaking, was the start of the big show.  My nurses got me cleaned up a little and I was allowed freshen up myself.  It felt so good to clean my face and brush my teeth.  As the nurses started to increase the Pitocin, Baby A’s heart rate would drop dramatically.  About 7:30 p.m., as a team, we made the decision to do a cesarean section (aka C-section).  From the time of that decision, everything moved pretty quickly. 

The C-section was a very surreal feeling. I knew what was going on the whole time. Prior to starting, Dr. Ezzie went around the room seeing what everyone’s guesses were. Everyone guessed girl. Dr. Ezzie was very conversational during the procedure. It helped calm my nerves. I also had my best friend, Lynsey, by my side. I felt calm and safe the whole time…freezing my butt off.

On December 15, at 9:59 p.m., I had a baby girl! 

Harriet “Hattie” Marie Andrews

Harriet is after my late Uncle Harry.  Marie is mine and my mom’s middle name.  The date is extra special too.  December 15 is the date that my Great Grandma Gibson would always have us help her put her Christmas tree up. 

Below are some of the posts that occurred over the next couple of days.

Thank you for all of the prayers, love, and support!

Hugs, C

Initially to be posted on December 12…

Wow!  A lot can happen in a week.  Baby A grown from a Spaghetti Squash to a bunch of Kale.  

As for me, the past week has been a whirlwind!  Leading up to Thanksgiving, my blood pressure readings were bouncing around from being ok-ish to being on the high side.  In my appointment right before Thanksgiving, my doctor mentioned the high blood pressure again.  I decided this was something I could monitor from home.  So, I went to the store and got my own blood pressure cuff.  I started measuring at night and when I woke up.  A couple consecutive readings in the morning were on the high side.  Last Thursday, I called the doctor’s office with this information.  To be on the safe side, I was asked to go to the hospital and have labor & deliver evaluate me.  Based on those evaluations and tests, I stayed overnight for prolonged testing.  All the while, delivering Baby A last weekend was not off the table.  Once all of the test results were in, my numbers were ok enough to allow me to monitor as outpatient.  I have been diagnosed with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia non severe. 

Starting this week, I go in for weekly blood tests, twice weekly non-stress tests, and restrictive activity.  That means that I need to be relaxing with my feet elevated 90% of the day.  One week later, Baby Andrews is still baking.  The goal is to get to 37 weeks (by the doctor’s calculations).  This puts potential delivery for Baby Andrews just before Christmas.  I can’t think of a better gift to receive!

Boring alert…what about my job… This is my last week of work.  Starting next week, I’ll go on paid time off.  Then, go into maternity leave.  I work with some of the most amazing human beings!  My boss and director have been super supportive during the whole process and even more so with the latest information.  My counterpart and I have become close friends this year.  I know I’ll be leaving with everything in good hands. 

Last weekend wasn’t all about monitoring numbers.  I was given the most memorable baby shower.  I’ve been so overwhelmed with the love and support that was showered upon me. 

One of the best practices I’ve been doing since all of this started a week ago, think about all of the ways we are blessed every day!

Hugs! C