My First Blog

Now that I'm on "modified bedrest" I figured I'd have plenty of time to start a blog, something I've been wanting to do for a while. I'm not sure if I'll have anything exciting to say since most of my adventures are going to be confined to the walls of my home but this will hopefully be a good way to keep people informed of Little Liam's (or Witto Weeam as the dogs say) status.

I went in last Monday to have an ultrasound that was meant to make sure Liam wasn't getting way too big. My fundal measurements had been 4 weeks further along 2 separate times and per protocol they wanted to check to make sure he wasn't growing too fast. Bill and I went in really excited to see the little guy again and were thrown for a loop when the US tech got all shook up and said she needed to go get a doctor. Apparently, I was 90% effaced (cervix thinned) which usually doesn't happen this early in the pregnancy. With 9 1/2 weeks to go until I'm full term we could tell this made my healthcare providers a little flustered. They took me off of work and any real physical activity, although thankfully I'm not complete bedrest. I didn't get a clear definition of what this meant other than I "shouldn't go clean out the attic" but I "could vacuum the living room". No walking in malls or taking the dogs for walks either. I'm not too happy about being yanked from work completely, especially because I'm not sure if all of this time off will be paid now. I guess money isn't the most pressing issue though and we'll deal with that later down the road if needed. Other than the restricted activity, they gave me 2 steroid shots which are meant to speed up the development of his lungs and are having me come in weekly to check if I've begun to dilate. It's pretty nerve racking but Bill and I are doing a pretty good job of taking it one day at a time. I think I'm a little more paranoid about all the little things that are going on with my body but I think that's how they want it. I'm just scared that I'll miss something along the way that could have prevented preterm labor. Part of me wonders how in the world I could have progressed this far without having a clue! They told me before that I had no weight or activity restrictions as far as work went but I have to wonder if I should have. All of this happened after I worked three 12 hour nights shifts in rehab (LOTS of lifting and moving of big people) but I guess I won't ever really know what did it.

For now, I'm making myself daily lists of things to accomplish (mostly so I don't do TOO much), taking 3-4 hour naps, and making lists of all the things we need to get before Liam gets here, whenever that may be. Liam is busy taking up my energy and kicking, apparently happy as a clam. A clam with extremely large cheeks. At least he isn't noticeably being affected by all of this! If anyone has any suggestions for projects or time-consuming activities, please let me know!!