Not the best news....

Tomorrow I will be 31 weeks.  Today I had my regular every 2 week appointment.  I'm still having contractions and the doctor checked my cervix and said it was still "high and closed" as far as she could tell.  I have another ultrasound in 2 weeks to check exactly how thick or thin it is.  But she wanted to do another fetal fibronectin test to see if the chemical was present that would suggest that I could have the baby in 2 weeks.  

The test is good for 2 weeks and the past 3 that I have had have all come back negative.  Well of course, this one came back positive.  So the doctor called me, which was scary enough because it wasn't one of the nurses, and she told me to take a deep breath and told me the test was positive and she wanted me to come into labor and delivery so they could monitor my contractions for awhile and give me a couple of shots.  She wanted me to get a progesterone shot to help my cervix not shorten any more. I will receive this shot every week until 36 weeks (I believe) and she said that Harry could give it to me because he can give shots.  And another shot (a steroid) to help mature Ramey's lungs in case he is here early.  I have to get another one of these shots tomorrow.

So Mom and I went up to labor and delivery and I was monitored for about an hour.  I didn't have any contractions (of course I had some when I got home, but not many and not regular at all.while I was there) and got the 2 shots.  And they hurt!  The progesterone shot is really thick so they can't use the sharpest needle because it would take too long for me to get the medicine so they have to use a bigger, basically blunter needle, and it still took forever for it to go in.  And they gave me one in each hip, so my hips are sore.  And they sent me home.  I go back tomorrow for the 2nd steroid shot to mature those little lungs.

I did some research on the fetal fibronectin test and found this information on babycenter.com

The fetal fibronectin (fFN) test can't tell you for sure that you are in labor, but it can tell you that you're not. This is useful because in the early stages of preterm labor, it's very difficult to tell if a woman really is in labor based on her symptoms and a pelvic exam.

A negative result on the fFN test means it's highly unlikely that you'll give birth in the next week or two, which can set your mind at ease and allow your practitioner to hold off on treatments that may not be needed. 

A positive result, on the other hand, is not as useful. It means you're at a higher risk of giving birth early, but it doesn't guarantee that you're about to give birth or that you'll deliver early at all, so it won't help your practitioner decide how to manage your situation.

One website said your chances of having the baby in the next 2 weeks is 3 in 10 and another said 1 in 6, so all prayers for this baby to stay in as long as possible would be GREATLY appreciated!!!  Some people still go full-term with positive tests.

In other news, at the doctors office I did have a small panic attack and this was pre-fetal fibronectin test results.  I have always had a high heart rate. I actually went an saw a cardiologist at the end of March just to check everything out because my heart rate was so high the first time I went into labor and delivery that the machine would not stop beeping and they had to turn it off.  So Dad talked to one of his doctors, remember my dad sells pacemakers, and the doctor saw me just to check everything out.  I had an echo and ultrasound on my heart and everything is perfect, I just have a fast rate.

Anyways, today my rate was 156, my normal pre-pregnant is normally 90-100.  So the doctor was concerned today and we got it down to 120 then 113 once I calmed down but then I got dizzy and had to lay down because I was starting to really worry about it.  So the doctor gave me a number for a doctor to see about my anxiety.  I have always had little panic attacks about certain things and she is afraid if I don't get it under control now I will have post-pardum depression.  I was in the process of setting up an appointment when the doctor called and told me to come back to labor and delivery.  So needless to say, this hasn't been the best day.

Yesterday was rough too because all of my 22 precious kindergarten babies were getting their awards at school.  As of last week I was planning on going, but then was put back on very strict bed rest after my ultrasound.  I cried when I found out I couldn't go.  I miss those little kids so much it is crazy.  This is the best part of the year and I don't get to be there to see how huge their brains have grown.

In other news, Wednesday my team had a baby shower for me.  Well actually, the teachers brought presents to school and one of my team members brought them to me.  I really wanted to see everyone and thank them in person, but that wasn't in the cards.  Thank you wonderful Deer Creek Elementary teachers!  I love you and miss you all!

Mom and Dad went to Babies R Us and got me some essentials if this baby boy is here early, which is a definite possibility, so I am feeling a little bit better if he is here early because I have some of the things I need now.  I ordered a changing pad and bassinet and they are suppose to be here Wednesday and Thursday.  

Harry has been running all over too trying to get things for the baby room too.  But being a great hubby, he won't just buy something, he will find what he thinks I want and send me a picture before he buys anything.  And it is good thing he does because it normally takes a few tries before he gets the right idea.  And he surprises me with delicious treats when he leaves work.  I'm very blessed to have such a kind and caring hubby.

My sweet sister has finals this week but has been coming over for study breaks and is texting me throughout the day so I don't get too bored.  She is also looking for houses with her hubby, so she stops by for bathroom breaks when they are out driving around Edmond, lol.  She wanted me to mention this.

One of my very best and sweetest friends brought her precious little one over the other day with lunch and kept me company for awhile too.  And brought me some of Everett's old clothes for little Ramey to wear!  Thank you BF!

  

And of course, Ellie has been keeping me company.  That big thing to the right of her head is my belly.  She likes to lay right on top of it or under it and Ramey kicks her repeatedly but she never moves.  She loves her Mommy and doesn't like that she can't lay directly on top of me. 

Ellie with pregnant belly.

Ellie pre-pregnant cuddling.  She is laying the whole length of my body, lol.

That is all for now.  I'll update you if anything else happens!  Thanks for reading!

Meredith