Thank you so, so much for all the well wishes these past few days. From now on I'll be posting updates to my blog about how we're doing instead of sending mass emails, facebook updates, etc. That way, if you want to know, head over here and if you don't, I won't bombard you with boring details :)
Here's what's going on ...
Around my 20th week of pregnancy in mid-September, my doctor noticed that my cervical length had shortened/funneled. When the cervix is shorter than normal, the risk of thinning and dilation (aka premature labor) unfortunately rises. A short cervix can’t grow, so once it shrinks, it's shrunk.
We have been keeping a close eye on my lovely cervix with regular appointments and it held steady for almost two months. Until my 28 week appointment last Friday. It had really, really gotten shorter (happens sometimes as the baby gets heavier). My OB sent me directly to a high risk doctor the same day and they both recommended I be admitted to the hospital for at least 48 hours. I've had a full round of steroid shots for the baby to help develop her lungs and heart in case she makes an early appearance. Last night we got results back from the fetalfibronectin (FFN) test which indicated that there is a 90% chance I will NOT go into labor in the next 14 days. Since that test was negative (woo hoo), I will be allowed to go home for bedrest tonight (Sunday) instead of remaining in the hospital.
At home, I'm allowed to shower, use the restroom, lay down, and sit on the couch. Somehow lugging around a 34 pound toddler doesn't fit into that equation! Thankfully my mom will be able to watch Kate while Brad works and my in-laws will likely come back from New Mexico to help for a while too. Kate is crazy about all of her grandparents so I'm certain she'll have fun these next few months.
Each week (not sure how many times per week yet), I'll go back to my doctor for sonos and they'll repeat that FFN test every two weeks to get a heads up if labor could sneak up on us. Today I am 28 weeks 3 days. My first goal is to make it to Christmas which would be 34 weeks. After that, I'll take it a week at a time. My due date is not until February 5th.
I think that's pretty much everything. Like I said, feel free to head back here for updates but I don't want to clog up everyone's inboxes!
Love,
Jenny
Jenny, Let us know if you need anything! I'd be happy to bring dinner over or watch Kate...we're just right around the corner. Get some rest!! Hugs, Em
Posted by: Emily | November 16, 2008 at 08:27 AM
Please let me know if you need help with meals - I don't mind getting something going! Kate is more than welcome to come play with the boys if you ever have a day without a sitter. If you need some company, let me know and I'll find a sitter for my boys and head your way!!! :) Love you and will be praying.
Posted by: Krisinda Lingenfelter | November 16, 2008 at 09:32 PM
Jenny--
You know we will do as much as we can to help...Wish we were closer...I think Kate needs a New Mexico vacation for a few weeks! Would love to just bring her out here for a while, but I somehow think you might miss her! Not sure of our plans yet, so let's chat about schedules when your mom gets an idea of hers...
Love you guys!
Roz (Mimi)
Posted by: Mimi | November 17, 2008 at 08:50 AM
OH Jenny! I'm sad to hear this, but prayerful that the little baby girl growing inside you wont make her appearance anytime too soon! If you need ANYTHING please call me. I know you will have your parents and in-laws but if they need a break or whatever please call me. I would be MORE than happy to come and get Kate to come over and play at our house. If you want any entertainment yourself I could come there too! :)
Posted by: Lisa | November 17, 2008 at 09:21 AM
We heard from Chris & Becca - hope everything is ok. Please let us know if you need company or food! Stephen and I are happy to help.
Posted by: Jessica | November 17, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Oh my, I really haven't been paying attention! I'm glad the development at the moment is good, and I sure hope it'll stay that way! Frida was born one month early, which came out of the blue, we had absolutely no reason to think, that she was on her way. She has a cleft palate, which will be closed when she is a year and a half,but besides that she's just as she should be, and then some. There - a positive premature story. :) Best wishes and thoughts!
Posted by: Astrid | November 18, 2008 at 05:13 AM
Thanks so much for the update! Sending good thoughts!!!
Posted by: Dana | November 18, 2008 at 02:57 PM