Every doctor and nurse seems to have a different opinion on how "sick" I am and what we ought to do next, but I think a consensus is developing. Fortunately or unfortunately, the consensus is "we're not going to do anything until something changes." So far, my blood pressures and proteinuria are pretty stable at values just below the critical values that tend to make them spring into action, and I don't have any of the side effects like blurred vision or headaches that suggest that my nervous system is being strongly affected. The baby is moving a lot and seems to be in very good shape, so the main concern at this point is my health, not hers.
I'm not showing any particular signs of going into labor on my own, although no one has checked my cervix for a couple of days to confirm that (they try to minimize internal exams to avoid the possibility of infection). I was having lots of Braxton-Hicks contractions when I was being monitored last night, which may change the induction strategy if they do decide to induce me. If I were not having contractions, they would probably use a prostaglandin gel to try to soften my cervix before starting me on Pitocin (which is a synthetic form of oxytocin, the hormone that triggers labor) by IV. However, if I'm already having contractions, they worry that the gel may cause hyperstimulation. If I get hyperstimulated from Pitocin, they can turn it off, but there's no way to "undo" the gel. The downside of going straight to Pitocin is that it may make the labor longer and harder.
Everyone seems to agree that after I reach 36 weeks (March 10), there won't be any point in waiting longer, so if my condition hasn't deteriorated before then, I can expect to be induced right around then. Depending on induction method and how the baby and I are doing, I could be in labor for a couple of days after they induce me, or it could be much faster. (If it's the longer period, it shouldn't be "active" labor the whole time).
In the mean time, I'm just lying on my side and hanging out in bed. I'm allowed to get up to go to the bathroom or to take a quick shower, but other than that, I'm here for the duration. The hospital food is actually not bad at all, and now that Tom has brought me books and my computer and set up a dialup connection for me, I'm doing pretty well here.
A couple of people have asked about visiting. Visiting hours are 1-8, and I'd be happy to have visitors to break up my day. Drop me an email or call my cell phone beforehand, though, in case I'm off having an ultrasound or suddenly end up going into labor.
Thank you all very much for all the support and well wishes. It really helps to know that you all are thinking of us.
Posted by Elizabeth Nugent at March 2, 2004 09:01 PMEvery time I read your updates, I feel like I am reliving my pregnancy!!! My baby will be one tomorrow. I was induced with him at 36 weeks 3 days. Not at 36 weeks due to the fact that they do not like to induce on Fridays in case of complications. I, too, was told different things by different doctors!!! It does get a tad frustrating. I am sure you already know, but all the wait, frustration, and bedrest will be all worth it!!!!!!!!!!! Best of luck to you all!!!!!
Posted by: Karen at March 3, 2004 10:28 AM