new to bedrest and need some encouragment

hello ladies,

I am a first time writter but check the boards often and all you ladies are so helpful and encouraging I though I'd add my story in hopes for someone who might have gone or is going through the same thing.

I am 23 weeks and 2 days pregnant with twin boys (first time mom) and have been having some tightening on and off since last week. I went into L & D, they checked me out and found that my cervic was opened 1 cm, but still longish, but my swab came back positive. However the doc determined it was BH and sent me home on rest. I went to see my obgyn a few days later and he also found my cervi to be opened 1 cm and was concerned about the positive results. He told me my boys will be born early. I am on bedrest and am going to see a specialist tommorow to see what is next. I am a basket case thinking my boys will be born any day now. I am so stressed. I know there are some positives, I am not bleeding, not contracting all the time, and if they were really really concerned I would not be home. What are my chances of holding them in untill 30 weeks??

I guess I need to hear some positive advice from women who have been there.....

Thanks, Yolanda

 

Yolanda, first of all Congratulations on your twin boy pregnancy!!


I too am pregnant with twin boys...I have been on bed rest since week 5 due to bleeding...I haven't had any bleeding in 5 weeks....(Praise God)!! however I too went to the Hospital for contractions on Sunday...I wasn't dialated....but my FF test also came back positive....My Perinatologist....explained to me...that although he would have rathered it be negative....a positive result DOES NOT MEAN that you will absolutely go into labor in the next 10-14 days. so do what you are suppose to ....which is NOTHING....NO SEX...No heavy lifting...no laundry, no vacuuming...NOTHING....stay off of your feet and lay down to take the pressure off of your cervix as much as possible! You can do this.

With my first pregnancy 17 years ago....I was on bed rest for PTL from week 32-40....he was born on his due date...I had been dialated 2-3 centemeters the whole time! So you can stay at one for a good while! Also try to have too much stress...I know that is an oxymoron ....being pregnant, PTL and worrying! but give it a shot....I screen my phone calls...becuase there are just some people I can't talk to right now!


ALSO do not let yourself get dehydrated...that can also bring on PTL!

Check in here often....if you would like, feel free to PM me...or you can drop me an email at [email protected]


Take care,

Missy

 

QUOTE(MissyEby @ Sep 25 2007, 03:15 PM) [snapback]422975[/snapback]
Yolanda, first of all Congratulations on your twin boy pregnancy!!
I too am pregnant with twin boys...I have been on bed rest since week 5 due to bleeding...I haven't had any bleeding in 5 weeks....(Praise God)!! however I too went to the Hospital for contractions on Sunday...I wasn't dialated....but my FF test also came back positive....My Perinatologist....explained to me...that although he would have rathered it be negative....a positive result DOES NOT MEAN that you will absolutely go into labor in the next 10-14 days. so do what you are suppose to ....which is NOTHING....NO SEX...No heavy lifting...no laundry, no vacuuming...NOTHING....stay off of your feet and lay down to take the pressure off of your cervix as much as possible! You can do this.

With my first pregnancy 17 years ago....I was on bed rest for PTL from week 32-40....he was born on his due date...I had been dialated 2-3 centemeters the whole time! So you can stay at one for a good while! Also try to have too much stress...I know that is an oxymoron ....being pregnant, PTL and worrying! but give it a shot....I screen my phone calls...becuase there are just some people I can't talk to right now!
ALSO do not let yourself get dehydrated...that can also bring on PTL!

Check in here often....if you would like, feel free to PM me...or you can drop me an email at [email protected]
Take care,

Missy

 

Hi Missy,

I dont know how to PM yet, so I'll continue here.

Congrats on your boys, what a blessing, I love little boys. Thanks goodness for no more bleeding, lets keep it that way. I am sorry you are on bedrest but you seem so optimistic and positive.

Thank you so much for you're reply. I have yet to hear any of those encouraging words from the docs. I got a "oh no" look and told to stay off my feet and that he wants them in for at least four weeks. Which of course got my mind running all over the place thinking it will happen any day now. Do you still get contractions? I am still getting tightening everyday, not the entire day but on and off for hours, sometimes a dozen in and hour then nada for the rest of the day. I was on a monitor in the L & D and had one every two minutes for a whole hour and they were not painful. I was told to return if they started to hurt or if I was bleeding. I am thinking this might be "normal" for me. But, this is all new to me.

Yolanda

 

I was on bedrest from 16 weeks on due to my cervix, although I had an emergency cerclage placed at 16 weeks. My cervix shortened again at 22 weeks due to contractions. But I managed to make it to 31 weeks with lots of bedrest, 4+ weeks of it hospital bedrest.

1. Did you get or are you scheduled to get steroid shots? I got my first round at 24 weeks (when I started hospital bedrest). I got a rescue dose 48 hours before delivery and I feel they made a huge difference for my babies.

2. Have they discussed hospital bedrest in a hospital with a level III NICU? Ask about it if they have not.

3. Are you on any meds to stop the contractions, or do they plan on putting you on meds when you hit the 24 week mark?

You can do this. And you can make it much further along. Sending prayers your way.

 

You are in the right place for support...these girls have been great for me! to PM someone...just click on their name...and it will give you the option to do so...but here is fine too...


In answer to your question...yes I do still have some contractions....which is perfectly normal....the uterus is a muscle...so it is suppose to contract. I am sorry that your Dr.'s haven't been more optimistic...but I told you about my first son in the first post....well after I had him...I had his brother...Yes I will have 4 boys when this is all over! I am thrilled!!!! My second son, I went into labor and had him at 29 weeks....now keep in mind that was 16 years ago. He is a thriving, typical, smart teenager. Now also keep in mind they have the steroid shots that they can give to you to help their lungs develop. If they think that you are going to have them, they will give you the shots to speed up the maturation of them! (They didn't have that when my Joey was born) There are so many advances in medical technology...so just hang on tight...and definately stay off of your feet....trust me.....I have done it for 16 weeks now....you can do this for 6 or so!


Missy

 

Hi Susan,

Congrats on your bundles of joy, I see they are 1 year old, awesome. How big were they when they were born??

I go in tommorrow to see a specialist and she will measure the babies, cervix and do any tests that are needed. For now my cervix is still long just opend 1cm. I think she will decide if I need to stay in the hospital, drugs etc. Luckily I am at a great hospital with a level III NICU (top 6 in the world for high risk pregnancies I choose the obgyn specifically for that reason). Tomorrow cant come quick enough.

Yolanda

 

You have all been such a strength of support I just wanted to update you all on my progress.


As you all might be aware of already I went into labour and delivery triage last Thursday complaining of mild contractions at 22 week 4days. (no big deal I thought, I had no pain, no bleeding, no nausea, nada). Was in triage for 8 hrs, being monitored for contractions and blood work, test, you name it they did it.

So the emerg's results were that I was dilated 1cm but my cervix was still long (4cm). The FF test came back positive for pre term labour. I was sent home on bed rest and told to see my family doc Monday, as it was to early for them to do anything for me or the boys. But the boys heart rates were great, both were starting to breath and they were moving tons.

On Monday, the doc rechecked the boys, still doing well, and checked my cervix. I was still dilated 1cm, but long. So he referred me to a high risk specialist who is also doing a study on pre term labour with new drugs(but unfortunatly I dont qualify becasue of twims, but she is willing to give me her "new drugs" if I need them).

So on Wed, I met with her, she ran another bunch of tests and cervix is still at 1cm, but long at 4 cm. She said it had good fibres?? however when she pressed on my stomach it did open more. The boys had great heart rates, one weights 1.2lbs the other 1.4lbs and are moving tons. She determined (through history report) that the contractions are due to the fact my uterus muscles have stretched to the point of a full term pregnancy and this is causing the contractions, pulling apart of the placenta from the wall (I have a low lying placenta), causing some fluid to leak in the cervix resulting in a positive FF test. So diagnosis-preterm labour.

So her diagnosis is that I am at risk for spontaneous labour, so she has placed me on hospital bed rest until at least week 28, unless the boys come early (she wants me near the Level III NICU ward). I am still getting contractions, which everyone calls braxton hicks, but not a tons at time. All in all everything is stable for this minute and I am hoping they do not come out before the 28 week. She seems optimistic they will make it to 28 weeks, as do the nurses and my hubby. I am the only basket case, but staying off my feet and trying to stay optimistic. The protocol for me is two steroroid shots to help the boys lungs develop (if they do decide to come in the next couple weeks)I got one shot already and it casued extreme shortness of breath. Daily heart rate checks and one cervix check-up every two weeks. If I am in labour I will be given drugs, but not now. They are calling this stage a precautionary stage.

So, that is where I am at. So thank you for all your encouragement and know I will be on the web all day (thankfully my hubby bought me a laptop which I have at the hospital and am able to go on line at anytime, still waiting for the programs to be installed but at least I can surf the web).

Speak to you guys later, hugs,,,,

Yolanda

 

:love0028: have they mentioned anything about a cerclage? Or is it too late for that? I will pray for strength and stamina as you keep those boys bakin'!
Keep up the good work!

 

Thanks for the encouragment and thoughts. Yup, they did mention a cerclage, but the doc factored that I was 24 weeks and she was concerend with infection and additioal stress on me so opted not to do it and I agreed with her recommendation. She did not seem optimistic that it would help anymore than bedrest and bedrest was safer.

Yolanda

 

Yolanda, you are my inspiration. I am actually on my first day of bed rest and I am loosing my mind. I have a 5 year old little boy and I am 24 weeks pg with girls. I went to L and D for contractions (last week) and they put on bed rest until I could see my doctor. The next day, I saw my doctor and he said "no unn. act" becasue cervix and everything looked fine. I went back to the doctor yesterday (still having contractions--just like yours), but this time my cervix was still closed but it was a little short. He said it should be 28 mil. and mine was 27 mil. (oh, and still having contractions). So, I am now at home. I do have a question. What did you do to keep from loosing your mind? I am already so bored. My MIL moved in with us about 2 mo. ago to help out and she is driving me nuts. Everytime I get up I get a look or comment....very unnerving. Anyway, if anyone has any suggestions about what they did with their time, that would be great! I am naturally a very active person (English teacher) and I just don't know what to with myself. I also feel guility because I can't go watch my son play soccer or watch any of his school activities (and he does not understand).

I hope all is well with you!!

Shannon

 

Shannon, I am sorry to hear that you are now on bed rest...this is my 19th week of it here! it is not fun...but We do it! Some of the things I have done to pass the time....made my shower invites ....my g/f's are giving it but I made them in bed. I am working on our birth announcements now....and the shower thank you notes as presents come in. The shower is still a few weeks away. I do read some. I spend alot of time on Twin Stuff! planning Christmas via computer....write letters that you have been meaning to write for years!.....I know it is hard to miss the events of your big guy...I have 2 teenagers very involved in High School....and it is easier to explain to them than it is to a 5 year old why Mommy can't go too...I try to make a special effort every day to ask about the upcoming events....and as the events happen...I encourage them...and ask them to tell me all about them....have someone take pics with a digital camera for you...and load them on the pc....have your son tell you about what is going on in each shot....maybe go to one of the free sites and make a slide show for him....he will see how interested you are in his activities!

God bless you,

Missy

 

Hi Shannon

I am also sorry to hear you are on bed rest, it can definatly take its toll but WE CAN DO IT AND GET THROUGH IT!!!!!.
Some of the things I have done is first and for most have a routine going. I read in the morning for a bit, and shower(a small privalege)
The afternoon consists of "filler work". I have set up my registry, invitations, reorganized photos, letters, internet etc. I have made jewlery as gifts and decided to reorganize my own jewlery stash. I try and watch movies and TV in the afternoon and evenings so I dont get to bored. I try and make a call or two to family and friends and of course catch up on letters. I try and not dwell on the days or count the hours, but I do make a big deal about the end of the week and keeping the boys in for another week.

I dont have kids, and cant imagine the hardship, but this wont be forever and it will all be worth it in the end.

Best wishes and I am on the internet alot if you need some one to write to you can PM me anytime
Yolanda

 

Hi Shannon,

Unless you are on Heparin or have those special circulation socks, you have to get up some to prevent blood clots. So, give your MIL a nasty look back and tell her you are preventing a stroke or pulmonary embolism. Jeez. It's hard enough being on bedrest without people being judgemental.

I've been on bedrest nearly two weeks now. It's tough. I'm also a teacher (elementary music), so being still is hard. I have to keep reminding myself that being on my feet and that active is probably what set all of this in motion. Guess I should have done the Mexican Hat dance with my kids that last week I was working. I spend a lot of time on this site and Ovusoft to kill time during the day. I'm also working on my baby registry. DH wants me to write a journal of my pregnancy so that the babies can read it some day and know what we went through and how important they are to us. I'm going to resubscribe to Netflix tomorrow, I think. I have a stack of books to read, but haven't touched those yet.

I don't have older children, so I think bedrest is a bit easier for me. I feel for you.

I'm surprised this bedrest section of the forum isn't a lot more active. I thought "what else do people on bedrest have to do other than talk with each other." Apparently everyone has more to do than I do.

 

[SIZE=10pt]October 16, 2007 ,8:00pm
Hi Im Hollylane, i am currently on bedrest for three weeks now, i am dilated to a four, and am missin my babies at home soo much.
i am 31 weeks pregnant and my contractions just wont stop. i lost my plug last week, and my bag of water is hangin out of my cervix so the doctor is worried my water will break any time, he is trying to get me to 32 weeks but my boys wanna come out early. :unsure:
now Dylan is 3.6 and Devin is 3.9 and healthy and active as any other normal baby,in two weeks they both gained a pound each. so i must be doin something right. but i am so alone.and i cry for my other kids heather lynn (32mo.) and Darius ty (20 mo.) yeah they are young but i love my kids,i have not been away this long since they were born.
so im having a hard time staying still and not stressing out over my kids. whether they are safe, crying for me, or worrying about their father too cause he has to work and no one is around to watch them. so im constantly worried.
now im wishin for a good home cooked meal, tired of this hospital food. so thanx for listening to my worries and hopefully i wont be her for too long. :good: [[/SIZE]

quote name='MissyEby' date='Sep 25 2007, 12:15 PM' post='422975']
Yolanda, first of all Congratulations on your twin boy pregnancy!!
I too am pregnant with twin boys...I have been on bed rest since week 5 due to bleeding...I haven't had any bleeding in 5 weeks....(Praise God)!! however I too went to the Hospital for contractions on Sunday...I wasn't dialated....but my FF test also came back positive....My Perinatologist....explained to me...that although he would have rathered it be negative....a positive result DOES NOT MEAN that you will absolutely go into labor in the next 10-14 days. so do what you are suppose to ....which is NOTHING....NO SEX...No heavy lifting...no laundry, no vacuuming...NOTHING....stay off of your feet and lay down to take the pressure off of your cervix as much as possible! You can do this.

With my first pregnancy 17 years ago....I was on bed rest for PTL from week 32-40....he was born on his due date...I had been dialated 2-3 centemeters the whole time! So you can stay at one for a good while! Also try to have too much stress...I know that is an oxymoron ....being pregnant, PTL and worrying! but give it a shot....I screen my phone calls...becuase there are just some people I can't talk to right now!
ALSO do not let yourself get dehydrated...that can also bring on PTL!

Check in here often....if you would like, feel free to PM me...or you can drop me an email at [email protected]
Take care,

Missy
[/quote]

 

Hi Holly,

I'm sorry to hear you are having such a rough time. Do your kids get to come visit you sometimes? I know that must be really hard. Every day you keep those babies in you is less time they will have to stay in the hospital. You just have to keep remembering that.Keep posting here on TS. The ladies here are very supportive and helpful. Hang in there. You're doing great.

 

I was on bedrest at starting at 25weeks 1day due to PTL, cervical dilation, and I also had a positive FFN. I was on Hospital bedrest because my membranes were also funnelled. I made it to 28 weeks 1 day, and although my girls are premature, they are doing very well. I know exactly how you feel, and other than my girls being in the NICU it is probably the hardest thing I have ever done. Try and keep yourself busy, hopefully you have a laptop so you can go on twinstuff in bed. Another thing that really helped me was having a schedule. Then it was easier to pass the time, and still have some control over your life.

Good luck to you, and I will keep you and your boys in my prayers. Try to stay positive for the sake of your sanity.