Friday, January 4, 2013

Bed Rest





Today I am 31 weeks and 4 days.  It has been a LONG 53 days here at UAMS but well worth the effort.  Although 31 weeks is far from ideal, it is a great deal better than 19 weeks (when the contractions began) or 24 weeks (when Samuel was born.)

At 28 weeks, an ultrasound revealed that my cervix was gone...100% effaced and 1cm dilated.  Not much has happened since.  We haven't had a follow-up ultrasound, I haven't had an exam, and I have hardly moved from the side-lying fetal position that my uterus seems to appreciate.  The goal is to do as little with me as possible so we don't 'stir up' the contractions.

I'm still not bored.  I probably would be if I felt better.  Each day is such an ordeal to get through...the contractions really wear on me and the pelvic pressure is extremely uncomfortable.  By this point, everyone knows I'm a 'chronic contractor' so I feel like a broken record anytime I bring it up.

Bedtime is my favorite time of the day.  I take a small dose of Ambien each night so that I can sleep and so the contractions calm down.  I hate taking medicine (we are also doing Procardia every 6 hours), but I keep telling myself that if Annalee was not in my belly, she would be receiving much more medication than that.  Better to take the medicine and keep her baking a while longer!

It may take me months to process all we've been through during this pregnancy.  When we were sent home from Willow Creek at 20 weeks, I cried and cried, thinking that we were about to deliver a baby that had no chance at survival.  At 23 and 24 weeks I cried for my family, for Annalee, for our future.  Although Samuel's outcome was phenomenal, we know it is not typical.  At 28 weeks we breathed a small sigh of relief.  She wouldn't be a micro preemie.  At 31 we feel like we are on the downhill slope of the pregnancy.

Despite our continued prayers for a full term baby, I can only take this pregnancy one day at a time.  Today is better for her than yesterday.  This afternoon is better than this morning.

On Monday I will have another ultrasound to check on baby girl's growth.  I'm always concerned about her weight since my belly is so tiny.  Hopefully there is a 3+ pound baby hanging out in there somewhere!  Unless something unusual shows up on the ultrasound, I'll be heading back to camp on Tuesday regardless of how dilated I am.  32 weeks doesn't feel safe...but it feels safer than the last time they tried to send me back to camp.

We know that God has His hand on this pregnancy.  There is no other explanation for how we've stayed pregnant for so long!  Will you continue to join us in praying for more time and for a healthy baby girl?  We truly appreciate it!


21 comments:

  1. Congratulations, Sarah! Whan an accomplishment to have made it this far! You have carried longer than I did now- My triplets were born at 31 weeks 3 days. I'll keep praying your pregnancy continues even longer! Oh, and I love your weekly photos. You look great.

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  2. Praying every day and night sweet Sarah!! It is truly amazing that Annalee is still hanging in there and a tribute not only to God, but your monumental determination. And somehow, through it all, you have maintained that beautiful, positive outlook and smile. You look gorgeous. Prayers and more prayers and lots of love!!!!

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  3. I have been reading your blog since my pregnancy last year and I have been rooting for your family ever since. You remain in my prayers.

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  4. Been checking here daily on you praying things are going well. Hang in there, you are doing great!

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  5. My 6th son was botn at 29 weeks, and my daughter (7th child) was born at 23 weeks. When I found out I was expecting our 8th (and final) baby I was so nervous. I just hit 33 weeks yesterday, and am counting down until our scheduled c-section in February. I can completely relate and celebrate the weeks right along with you. congratulations on making it into the 30's!!

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  6. I'm so excited for your family!! You've come so far and I continue to hold you in my prayers!! Keep cooking, Annalee!!

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  7. Sara - you are an inspiration! How you have handled the last few months is amazing. I think of you often and always say special prayers for you when I am in church. Thank you for keeping us updated via Facebook and your blog. Looking forward to hearing about Annalee's arrival in 2 more months. You're doing great!

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  8. I had no idea about your cervix at 28 weeks- so much to praise God for! I prayed the other morning God would keep surprising you with His goodness. That before you knew it you'd be 34, then 36 and beyond that I know would be dreamy! Thanks for updating and sharing. Praying often!

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  9. You never have to ask for prayers... those are something I will do gladly.. rejoicing the Lord for another week past and many weeks to come. Annalee has made my faith grow and I want to thank you for sharing not only this jjourney with her but the journey you had with Samuel. After knowing you these past years..seeing your strength and compassion it has not only resolved my faith in God but through you He has shown mehow truly blessed I am.. Thank you for being so open and allowing us into your life. Kohana brought me some colored paper clips the other day and as soon as I saw them I knew where she got them. She kept them in her special box of things from when she was in your class and I used to put all your papers together... I looked at those small clips and prayed and thanked the Lord for putting her in your class. You are an amazing person and I am blessed to call you my friend. If there is anything you want or need please let me know if I can help.. Once your home room mom always your home room mom... We love you... Cheryl & Kohana :-)

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  10. English is my second language. And usually when I get emotional it gets really hard to express myself. So I want to apologize if something in my comment isn't going to be perfect.
    Your story overwhelmed me several months ago - when I was reading about Samuel... And now you make us to be a part of your new journey. I'm pretty sure that you've heard it all - how strong and inspirational you are. So I'm not going to repeat the obvious.
    I just wanted to let you know that there is one more person out there thinking of you. I'm Orthodox and tomorrow is our Christmas. Your family, your little ones are gonna be in my thoughts and prayers.

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  11. It is fantastic that Annalee is still baking away in there :)

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  12. Sarah,
    I found your blog. I just wanted you to know I have a niece who is named Annalee Elizabeth and she was born at 33 weeks and 5 days. She weighed 3 lb and 14 oz. She stayed in the Nicu about 21/2 weeks and is now a thriving 3 year old who will be 4 this year.There is something special about little girls named Annalee. Praying for you each day! I would like to send something to you if you will send me a mailing address by email (anelson@rotarycorp.com)
    God Bless You!
    Ashley Nelson

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  13. I just found your blog and had tears as I read the story of your son's birth. Though your second pregnancy hasn't been without troubles, I am so happy that you have made it much farther along. Praise God!! As a mom of 3, I can't imagine how I would handle a situation like yours. God has given you great strenght! I will pray for you during this time of waiting.
    Janet

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  14. Dear Pope family,

    I got the news about Annalee's arriving! Congratulations and prayers for mom and baby's health. There's many prayers coming to Him for you. Samuel's story is a true testimony of God's work. Welcome Annalee, you arrived to a wonderful family. Wish you all the best!

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  15. Dear Pope family,

    got the news about Annalee's arriving! Congratulations and many prayers for mom and baby's health. Samuel's story is a true testimony of God's work and there are so many people praying for you. Welcome Annalee, you arrived to a wonderful family. Wish you all the best!

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  16. I came across you blog on Pinterest. I am 31 weeks pregnant right now and have been on bed rest since week 18. No one, not even my husband and I thought we would make it this far, we had lost our first at 16 weeks. This New Years was spent in the hospital trying to stop my contractions and getting the steroid shots for the baby. Each day is a blessing and a battle. I'm sorry for everything you're going through, but, can you believe we've made it this far?! Thank you for sharing your story, it's really inspiring to me how positive you are during such a scary and emotional time. Here's to healthy baby girls in 2013!

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  17. I heard that Annalee has arrived! Congratulations! I was 3 lbs, 14 oz when I arrived, and have had absolutely no complications resulting from it - and this was waaaaay back in 1983! Congratulations on your little girl and try to breathe easy.

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  18. First, I found your blog today because I'm 24+2 on bed rest in the hospital and was searching preemie blogs in case that becomes my reality!

    Gonna read back about Samuel, but sooo encouraged to see you made it so far, gives me hope! Congrats on her birth and look forward to hearing how she's doing!!

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  19. Congratulations on still being pregnant! This is really great news. Will continue to pray for more time and health for Annalee. Will also pray for anonymous lady above who is 31 weeks pregnant. May both babies stay put until their due date.

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