Bedrest at 22 weeks PG

Hi guys,

I am brand new to this site, and am hoping to meet some of you who are going or have gone through what I am now.....when I went for my growth U/S at 22 weeks, my cervix was shown to have dropped to 2.4. I have been put on bedrest and am now following a high risk OBGYN.

Anyone on bedrest from shortening cervix? Any thoughts whould be welcome!

I have already started a video service so that I don't get squirrelly at home, and I have a few books lined up. I will feel much better once I hit the 28 week mark....

Thanks again,

TwinletMommy

 

Hi! Welcome to TS!

I've been on bedrest now since Aug 6 at 28.5 weeks for a shortening cervix. I had gone to the hospital due to having frequent Braxton Hicks contractions, and was kept in so they could do steroid shots. I had had an ultrasound booked for the next day, so they decided to just do it at the hospital. That's when they discovered that in addition to being 1 cm dilated (not a surprise since I've given birth a few times) my cervix had shortened to only 4 mm. I spent 10 days on hospital bedrest, and have been home since the 16th. I'm only allowed to get out of bed to use the bathroom or have a shower.

I'll be on strict bedrest until I hit 34 weeks, and then I will be allowed to move around the house a bit (but still no housework or lifting). Once I'm 36 weeks then I can come off bedrest completely. So, 4 more weeks to go.

I'm keeping myself occupied with TV, movies, internet, crocheting, and an online course (which I was doing before getting put on bedrest). It's boring but do-able.

 

Hi TwinletMommy,

I'm also new to this site and to the concept of bed rest. I have been on bed rest since Aug 11 (23 weeks). We went for our normal growth ultrasound and the technician and my OB noticed that my cervix was shortening. Thank G-d they caught it because I had no idea this was happening. This is my 1st pregnancy so I don't know what I'm supposed to feel and what is not normal. I have been back to the OB and things have stablized. I'm not sure what type of bed rest I'm on but I'm allowed to get up to use the bathroom, shower daily and fix myself something to eat. Other than that, I'm pretty much in bed or on the couch.

I have been able to work from home so I do that most of the day. On the days I don't work, I make sure I'm still on some sort of schedule. I shower at the same time every day...before DH leaves for work just in case I need some help getting dressed. I then have my TV lined up which I alternate with reading. I keep snacks by my bed so I don't have to get up as much. Drink plenty of water!!!!! I have been drinking about 2 liters a day. I also have this set up on my nightstand. I get online, play on facebook and catch up on emails.

I then make it a point to stop whatever I'm doing at 4:00 pm to watch Oprah - I move to the couch for this. I'm on the couch until DH gets home. I'm then back on the couch until I get into bed.

Also - make your trips to the bathroom multi-purpose trips. Make it a point to stop and get a snack or a meal when you're already up using the bathroom.

It's not so bad. You will get through this!!! Keep a positive attitude and know that you are not alone. There are so many women that have gone thru this and are going thru this with us. Hang in there.

 

Thanks so much for your response. I wish if this was to happen, that it would happen after I hot 28 weeks....but that is life...what to do?! I must just take it easy.

I have another cervical U/S this week, so I hope things are still holding well.

I am thinking of upgrading our cable, just catching up on stuff. Already the morning today has flown by!

Wishing you lots of success and a healthy pregnancy.

TM

 

Nicki!


You have NO idea how much better you made me feel! Our stories sound almost identical, except I am week earlier than when you were caught...lol...

Those tips are great! We are setting up a little frige in the master bedroom (as we have 2 story house), and I have a little table set up with healthy (and a couple of not so healthy) snacks.

I know it is just too early for me to stress. This week at least we will be able to see on the U/S if things are the same or worsening.

Did they tell you at all if you had any funneling? Of if you just had a short cervix? Also so, far how has bedrest helped?

I was told not to worry about a cerclage just yet....

Thanks so much,

TM :hug:

 

Hi there Twinletmommy and welcome!

I am going through something very similar to you and Surrodoula. I have been on bedrest since July 28th (28 weeks, 3 days) because my cervix was shortened to 1.9cm with slight funnelling, painless BH contractions, positive fetal fibronectin test, and dilated to 1cm (this is my first pregnancy). I was given the steroid shots and admitted to L&D overnight for monitoring. I was also given IV fluids. I was discharged the next afternoon after my contractions calmed down. I am on modified bedrest so I am allowed to move around my apartment a bit but I spend most of my time lying down on my sides. I have quite a lot of pelvic pressure so standing/walking is pretty painful. Both babies are head down and Baby A is verrrry low down. In three weeks (at which time I will be 36 weeks) I will be able to go off bedrest completely.

At my last ultrasound my cervix had bounced back a little so it is basically described as "stable and dynamic." I am happy to hear that! The past five weeks have actually passed by remarkably quickly. I keep myself busy with lots of books and a portable DVD player that I can use in bed. I also cross each passing day off on the calendar which I find to be very motivating. Having a routine is helpful as well. I also like shopping for baby stuff on the internet! And get as much help as you can from friends and family. Your attitude during this time counts for a lot because bedrest can definitely get depressing and boring. Keeping yourself occupied and in good spirits will go a long way towards keeping those negative thoughts at bay. I just keep reminding myself that with each passing day that they are inside my belly they are getting bigger and healthier and that is a blessing. Another practical tip I am sure you have heard is drinking a LOT of water. I try to drink 3-4 litres a day or more. It does means you'll be peeing every half hour but staying hydrated is important. I also started upping my intake of omega-3 because not only is it important in the third trimester but I read that it could help prevent preterm labour (I take about 2,000mg a day). Can't say for sure if it has helped or not but I feel better just taking it. Best of luck!!

 

You're welcome. I know what you're going thru. The wait for the next appt after you get news like this is torture. I was so on edge but tried to remain calm. According to my OB at that appt, things were OK. I didn't have to go back for another 2 weeks...which is tomorrow. Hopefully tomorrow's appt will go well, too. Just remain positive - a positive attitude will only help you and the little ones.

Also, keep small goals in focus. I am looking at this in 2 week incriments but I do realize, and you should too, that each day they are inside means 1 more day of healthy growth for them. So each day is an accomplishment. :ibiggrin:

 

Oh, btw - I am not sure what cable package you have but TLC has Bringing Home Baby/A Baby Story/Birth Day mini marathons on during the weekdays that I sometimes enjoy watching. Where I live they are on from 8-10am and from 1-3pm. I usually stay in bed all morning but move to the couch at 1pm to eat lunch and watch A Baby Story or two. They even occasionally have twin births so it's good to see how those play out!!

I would also recommend getting a body pillow if you don't have one yet - I love my "Big V hug n rest" body pillow. It has been a godsend. It has tiny foam beads in it so it doesn't get deflated and you can move the beads around where you need more or less support. If you are in Canada you can order it from babyproofingplus.com (http://www.babyproofingplus.com/item12959.htm) for $49.95.

 

Thanks Ladies!

Nicki- how did you appointment go? Hoping it went well! :Clap:

MustLCats-love your handle-I have two furry 'turkeys' who thankfully still keep me company at the foot of the bed! LOLOL I will keep an eye out for baby story (I always loved that show).

Today feels like a better day. I have a little routine and thnk GOODNESS for TV, Laptop and books!!! *sigh*

We don't get Netflix in Canada, so we went through a video mail service...I should get my 2 new DVD's soon!!!!

Hubby filled the fridge this morning with lots of yummy food, so I FEEL today I can do this!

TTYS,

TM

 

Hi guys,

I am back from my appointment, and cervix is down a little to 2.20. It was 2.40 last Friday.

I just hope that we can make it to at least 28 weeks.

TM

 

Keep the hope alive, twinletmommy!! You can do it. I was down to 1.2cm at 29 weeks and have since only gone back up to 1.4cm and I am still hanging in there at almost 34 weeks. The bedrest is tough but it's the best thing you can do for your cervix. And I am sure you will find stories of other twin mommies who made it past 30 weeks with similarly shortened cervices.

 

Thanks MLC!

My hubby is telling me to keep having faith. Your post really helped! We go back next week again.

Congrats on making it to basically 34 weeks!!!!!!!!! That right now is my dream!! LOL :blush:

Hugs,

TM :tomato:

 

Hi, I'm totally late on this post because I just joined today. I'm 26 weeks, and just got out of the hospital, I was on bedrest there for a week, but now I'm home. My cervix is .9cm with a pretty big funnel. I got the steroid shots while I was in the hospital. I've been on bedrest for one week today. The docs really hope I can make it to 28 weeks! This was all found during a routine ultrasound, I had no idea this was happening, and 3 weeks ago I measured 3.6cm. So I'm right there with you! Hope things are still going well for you.

 

Congratulations to everyone for hanging in there. It isn't easy, is it? I'm 26 weeks after having cerclage at 18.5 weeks, after cervix dilated and shortened. It is now 1.1 cm long but still holding firm and is closed. It's hard not to obsess about everything.

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