Cerclage Round #2

The morning of Aug. 22, I woke up anxious for my cerclage surgery. I knew what to expect, but I think no matter how many times you've had surgery, it's always slightly nerve racking + putting a baby's life (& pregnancy hormones) in the mix of it, makes all the emotions even stronger.

Duke spent the night at my parents house the night before since we had to be to the surgical center bright and early. It was our first night without him, and although I don't see him past 7 pm anyways, just the thought of not having him home was sad. I missed that sweet boy. 

We checked into the hospital at 7 am sharp on Monday morning. I changed into my lovely gown + fluffy hospital socks (am I the only one who loves those?!). Blood was drawn, heart rate monitor was attached and the IV was inserted. I was ready to go!

I was much more relaxed this time around. Being wheeled into the operating room, I was joking with the nurses and didn't feel anxious at all. The sleep medicine was inserted through the IV, and a few deeps breaths later, while in mid-sentence, I was out cold (quite literally though, the room was like 60 degrees!). My last cerclage, I had a spinal tap and was wide awake during the whole surgery. Although I was completely numb, I could still feel pressure and see the tools the Dr was using, which was quite disturbing. So, to say I was so relieved when I got to sleep this time around would be an understatement!

About 45 minutes later, which felt like 30 seconds, I was waking up in a different room with different nurses. It took me a few minutes to realize what was going on and where I was... and then I realized how much pain I was in. The thing about being put to sleep, is I wasn't numb, so as soon as I woke up, I was feeling things I didn't want to feel. That quickly went away when the pain medicine kicked it. Then, all I could think about is the soonest I could eat. Not letting a pregnant woman eat is no joke. I hadn't eaten in 12 hours, and on a normal day, I can't go over 2 hours without throwing up! My sweet nurse gave me a blue popsicle to get some sugar in my system, and funny thing is, I've been craving them ever since!

I was wheeled into my recovery room where I met up with Chad. Life was pretty great at this point. Pain meds in my system, a successful surgery, and I'm reunited with my man. I was feeling good-to-go until I stood up to use the bathroom and almost passed out. I was worried I wasn't going to make it back to my bed in time! Pale and blurry vision, I crawled into my hospital bed and fell asleep. Luckily, all this pregnant mama needed was a little more sleep. A little shut eye + a Kneaders lunch that Chad picked up, made all of the difference and we were checking out before I knew it. 

Overall, it was a great experience and I'm so grateful for Dr Jacobs for performing the surgery. I'm very hopeful in the stitch and crossing my fingers I can steer clear of bed rest this time around. Between my regular OBGYN and the maternal fetal medicine appointments, I'm being seen about once a week, which has made pregnancy fly by, plus, I love being able to listen/see baby more often!

I have my first cervix check since the surgery next week and I'm anxious to see if there's been any changes + I'm crossing my fingers we'll be able to definitely tell the gender! At my 12 week appointment, the high risk Dr gave a guess what she thinks it is, so I guess we'll see if she's correct!

38 Weeks

Life is just so good right now. Here are some exciting things that have happened within the past week...

- I am 2 cm dilated & 80% effaced! Plus, I lost my mucus plug... is that TMI? 

- Dr said if I make it to 40 weeks, there is a good chance we could have at least an 8 lb baby... I don't know if I should be excited or scared ;)

- The "nesting" phase has officially begun. I am currently obsessed with cleaning. I'm definitely taking advantage of it.

- I won an eBay auction for this Britax stroller we have been wanting to get. It was $50 cheaper than buying it at the store. I always love a great deal.

- Chad and I spent Saturday at the Car Show in Sandy. It has become a fun tradition for us. 

- Slowly, but surely, I am gaining my strength back. I can now walk up a flight of stairs without getting out of breath! Sounds ridiculous, I know, but I completely lost every ounce of muscle on my body over the past 4 months. My body isn't used to holding 30 extra pounds, so it has been especially hard on my back. Crossing my fingers that I can get back into shape fast. 

- My hospital bag is packed! It's so weird to think that within the next 2 weeks, we will have a baby!!!

- We splurged and went on a date night to the Black Sheep restaurant in Provo. So delicious!

- I feel like baby doubled in size over night. It's amazing to watch your body change to grow a human (+ no stretch marks, yet! Hopefully it stays that way ;) 

Stitch Removal!

16 weeks ago today I had emergency surgery to save our baby boy. I am SO happy to say that I survived four months of strict bed rest! It most definitely wasn't easy, in fact, probably one of the hardest things I've physically had to do, but I would do it all again in a heartbeat if it meant saving a life!

The stitch was removed today by Dr. Broberg. Now that it's out and I'm considered full term, I am completely off bed rest!!! That news made me one happy momma! Dr. Broberg said once a cerclage is taken out, on average, women go into labor 11 days later... so the waiting game begins! We are SOO anxious to meet baby DeVore. 

This stitch literally saved our little baby, and I couldn't be more grateful for all the doctors that helped me through this process! I will be forever thankful!!!!

36 Weeks

I had my 36 week follow up appointment today (although I'm technically 36 weeks tomorrow). Everything is going just like we were hoping, and I couldn't be happier. Dr. Jacob did a cervical exam and could feel the knot in the stitch (!!!) and said it should be fairly easy to remove. He said I am dilated at a 1 cm and the stitch is preventing me from dilating anymore, so I am VERY grateful I have that stitch!! It is going to be removed a week from today in the doctors office, and then my body will just go naturally into labor... so I technically could have the baby as soon as next week, or he could come in a month... it's hard to know with my circumstance and especially since it's my first baby. He is measuring perfect and is in labor position, so that is great news!

It's almost baby time! Let the countdown begin!!!

35 Weeks

I received the best news at my 35 week appointment yesterday... I can now sit up! For the past 14 weeks, I have only been able to lay flat down. It will be nice to see the world vertically, sit upright in the car, and play my new piano!

Now I have weekly appointments, which means baby time is getting closer! At my appointment next week, they will determine if I can have my stitch removed in the office, or if I need to have anesthesia at the hospital (depending on the amount of scar tissue around the stitch and how easy it will be to get to).  We are going to have our little baby here before we know it!

How far along: 35 weeks

Total weight gain: 24 pounds

How big is the baby: The size of a honeydew melon, weighing around 5 1/2 pounds and around 18 inches long. 

Stretch marks: Nope! Hoping I can steer clear of them ;)

Cravings/Aversions: Absolutely nothing, which actually makes my life easy

Sleep: Between tossing and turning, sore hips, and bathroom breaks, sleep and I don't get along that well... but I figure it's just preparing me for my sleepless nights with the baby. 

Best moment of the week: Christmas & being able to sit up!

Belly button in or out: Still an innie.

Happy or moody: It really depends whether I'm hungry or not... but for the most part, happy!

Looking forward to: Getting my stitch cut!!

MFM

Today I had an appointment with the MFM (maternal fetal medicine) specialist at UVRMC. I was referred to the specialist to see if there was anything else I could be doing about my cervix and see how it is measuring. Since it was my first time at this office, they did an abdomen ultrasound to take a look at the baby. He is weighing in just under 3 pounds (2 lb 14 oz) and is growing right on track, which is such a blessing! 

For the first time this pregnancy, he is breach! He has been in labor position since 20 weeks, so I was definitely surprised to hear that. The Dr. said there's no need to worry about the position until about 37 weeks. It's been fun having him breach because I can feel his head for the first time, but hopefully he will turn around in time for labor ;)

My cervix has shortened to 1.1 cm (it was at 2 last week). This definitely wasn't the news I was expecting to hear, but I am just grateful the stitch is still in place and I had the steroid shots to speed up his lung process. I have done all that I physically can do, so there is no need in stressing about it. As I was leaving the appointment, I just felt a sense of peace. I know it will all work out and at this point, all I can do is keep being diligent to bed rest. As for now, I am going to keep enjoying baby DeVore's kicks and pray that he can stay in as long as possible. 

Trials.

Pregnancy is one of the hardest/scariest things I have ever had to go through. Not having control of my cervix is absolutely terrifying. Yesterday I had a follow up ultrasound to check the size of my cervix. Although I have been SO diligent to bed rest, my cervix is now "funneling" and has opened to 2 cm, and is completely relying on the stitch to keep the baby in. Dr. Broberg decided it would be best for me to get a steroid shot to help speed up the process of the baby's lungs - just in case he is born premature. He said I still have a chance of making it to 40 weeks, but just in case I come at 30 weeks, we want to be prepared. I have to go back tomorrow to receive another steroid shot. After receiving the news about my cervix, I completely lost it. I have grown attached to this little guy and just want him to be as healthy as he can be. I spent most of the afternoon in tears and thinking things like, "why does this have to happen to me?" "why can't I have normal pregnancies like everyone else?" "how come I have to go through this?" Although I don't know any of the answers to these questions, I need to just focus on the positive and take one day at a time.

 It may sound silly, but I am grateful for this trial. It has made me such a stronger person. I have proven to myself that I can do extremely hard and difficult things. 23 hours a day laying down is not easy! Not only is it physically hard (especially on my hips), it's also mentally challenging. It has put life into perspective and has showed me who/what is really important in my life. This trial has brought me closer to Heavenly Father and I couldn't be more grateful. I know He listens and answers your prayers. He wouldn't give you any trial you can't handle. He knows exactly what you are going through and knows what's best for you. I need to have 100% faith in his timing and know that it will all work out in the end.

I am grateful I get to see this cute lil' face every two weeks! It definitely has been one of my favorite parts of pregnancy!

26 weeks

The best thing about being a "high risk" pregnancy is that I get to see this little babe every two weeks. At every appointment I have an abdomen and cervical ultrasound. In most pregnancies, you usually have 2 ultrasounds your entire pregnancy, so it's definitely fun to watch the progress of this little guy. 

Today, I was exceptionally nervous for my appointment. The further along I get, the more nervous I get about my cervix holding the weight of the baby. During my ultrasound, I was so anxious, I almost passed out! But luckily, the ultrasound tech re-assured me that my cervix is doing perfect! It is still measuring about 2.7 cm, which is the same since surgery... which is amazing news!!! This little guy is already ahead of the charts and is weighing in at 2 pounds! Baby DeVore is one strong baby and we are SO excited to meet him in about 14 weeks!