How To Tell?

     The biggest contributor to my delivering early in my first pregnancy was that I had already dilated by the time I knew what was happening and an infection got into my uterus.  I had dilated not because of active labor, but apparently due to contractions that had been happening about once or twice daily over the course of many weeks.  I simply did not recognize them for what they were.  I had thought that it was the baby moving and stretching.  Doctors, books, and online info all said not to worry unless I felt more than four or five contractions in one hour.  I never did.  Not even close.  The only way I knew to call the doctor was when I saw a spot of blood, and by then it was too late and I had already dilated one centimeter.
     Now, much older and wiser, I think I can tell the difference.  I think.  I have started to get a similar "bunching up" sensation that I did in my first pregnancy.  I really don't think it's contractions, although if it is I'm in trouble, as I'm having several a day.  I asked the doctor about it before, and she said that not only is it probably just the baby moving, but that Braxton-Hicks contractions are much more common in second (and third, fourth, etc.) pregnancies.  How do I know?  So far, I'm listening to my instincts and I really think I'm ok.  And the progesterone shots are keeping my cervix strong so far, when it wasn't before.  But it's terrifying, as within a few days I'll be at 28 weeks, which is when I went into labor before.  And then delivered at 30.  All I can do is listen to my body and to baby and trust that if something is wrong that I'll know.  Anyone have any light to shed on this?

Thank You Progesterone!

     I am so thankful for progesterone shots and the researchers and medical community that made them possible.  In the one month that I have received weekly shots my cervical length has gone from a somewhat concerning 2.9cm to a fantastic 4.3cm.  My doctors are encouraged and I am over the moon.  I feel like I can relax just a little and actually enjoy my pregnancy now.  I am at 20 weeks, which is the timeframe that I began having issues in my first pregnancy.  I'm starting to think that I may make it to week 40 this time, and get to bring baby home with me instead of leaving him in the NICU for 5 weeks.  This pregnancy has been 100% different from my first, and I'm thankful for that as long as I get the same final result, which is another perfect child.
     For those of you who have asked me about the belly band, I still haven't gotten one.  I will definitely do so, but with this recent good news I think I will put it off just a few weeks longer until I really need it.  That way I can hopefully really feel the difference it makes.  More on that subject later.  Until then, hang in there ladies!

Starfish Fingers

     Today was my day to head back to the High Risk Pregnancy specialists for a checkup.  I must say that those progesterone shots must be working.  My cervical length keeps increasing and there are no signs of funneling.  And I haven't had the constant lower abdominal pressure that I had with my first pregnancy.  I also found out at today's appointment that the brain and heart look defect-free and that there are no signs of Down's Syndrome.  I am so thankful for this good news!  Anyone who has had a preterm baby and gone on to a second pregnancy will understand that every twinge, ache, and cramp is momentously stressful.   Getting this type of great feedback from the doctor really sets my mind at ease.  They also gave me a ton of ultrasound photos.  Check out the starfish fingers!

     Also notice that he is sticking his feet in his face.  The technician told me that babies are definitely aware that something is going on during an ultrasound.  The frequency of the sound is too high for them to hear, but they can feel some type of disturbance.  So, I think he's hiding!

Progesterone Shots and Veggie Protein

     So, I got my first Progesterone shot yesterday.  Miraculously, my insurance covered half.  I wasn't expecting it to cover diddly, so it was a good day.  The pharmacist was so apologetic about the terrible pain I was having to put myself through once a week.  He balked at the fact that I was considering self-injecting or having my husband do it.  He then insisted I go to my doctor's office and have a nurse show me how to do it.  I drove straight to my doctor's office, anxious to get this show on the road and get through my first bout of agony.  The nurse explained that the shots were so painful because they are an oil as opposed to a liquid, so that's some pretty thick juice to be forcing through your skin.  So I got into position with all my weight on the leg not attached to the buttcheek that was receiving the shot and braced myself.  I flinched considerably at the alcohol wipe.  And then...nothing.  It didn't hurt a single bit.  I was warned I may get a knot at the injection site and start to get really sore that night.  Nope.  Nothing.  Thank God.


    So, on a completely different note, has anyone tried this Lightlife Smart Ground veggie protein crumbles?  I am not a vegetarian, and I love this stuff.  Even my highly carnivorous son loves it.

    
     It's especially yum when mixed into a sauce, like spaghetti.  Tonight we made quesadillas and it was good, but if you get a big bite of the plain meat it's ever-so-slightly noticeable that it isn't meat.  But whatever.   It's good and it's good for you.  So eat it.