Sunday, January 10, 2010

The Crib Curse

I have been too exhausted to post lately. Having finally begun to think that I might actually really have a viable baby going on in there somewhere I realized that I should probably get all the baby stuff together. Not just a cute outfit and some burp cloths, but all the stuff that normal pregnant people have so much fun buying. So, I went on a spree.

We wanted to be sustainable reusers of whatever baby things we had left from eleven years ago. Really we did. But when we unpacked it all we saw how it hadn't fared so well through several lendings, so we decided to put what we had on Craig's List and start over. My friend L, due 5 weeks after I am, went on an all day research excursion with me to all kinds of shops, fancy and basic. We loaded both of our bags into countless strollers and car seats to find out how heavy they might be with 10 lbs of baby to schlep around in them. We debated zippers vs. snaps. We rocked and glided, with and without ottomans. We wondered why it is that crib bedding sets always seem to include one component that you really don't like.

The I did a lot of internet research for pricing and scheduling and reviews and even made a universal wish list on Amazon so that I could combine items from other vendors in one place. I figured that the discount some stores offer for registering barely covers tax in Los Angeles (9.25%), so getting a no-tax deal on low-cost internet shopping usually turns out to be better anyway. I bought a few items to have on hand and was really congratulating myself on catching up so quickly, and having over two months left to take care of whatever is left.

Then I woke up in a puddle of wetness.

I've been in L&D since last night, had lots of tests, seen my OB. We still don't know exactly what is going on. When I woke up with a soaked pajama seat I was too woozy to panic immediately. I went to the loo and saw pink and red. I thought, hmm, not so good. Then I felt a whoosh and a giant (maybe like the diameter of a soda can) dark clot came out. I vaguely realized that panic might be appropriate, but all I could do was start saying "oh, no!" over and over again until my husband woke up and took over.

Clearly I had a leak. But the nitrizine test was inconclusive by the time they did it, so the leak had stopped. The ferning test was also hard to read. There is still some fluid around the baby, but not as much as they like to see. It's rare but not unheard of that a partial leak will seal over and the fluid will be replenished. I was started on betamethasone injections to mature the baby's lungs, and antibiotics to ward off infection, which is what usually happens when the waters rupture.

But so far, no more leaks and only a very few minor contractions - just the BHs I've been having for a few weeks now. Yesterday we figured it was our son's birthday, but now I may actually be able to go home (on bedrest, of course). Perinatologist tomorrow - I saw her Friday and she got fluid measurements then, so we'll have something fairly recent to compare with.

The thing is, I never thought I'd have this kind of problem. I assumed that my troubles were at the front end - once I had made it this far I thought it was just a matter of waiting it out. I have low blood pressure, no GD, my asthma hasn't acted up, my cervix is like a vault, my placenta is in a good place, my blood flow and clotting times are perfect...

Nobody knows what happened. The little guy looks good on the monitors, so it's just a wait and see at this point. Either I'm glad I got most of that ordering and shopping done, or I am really terribly cursed with the infertility jinx.

12 comments:

lastchanceivf said...

I was just happily reading along about your purchases and then WHAM. The puddle of wetness. My heart just sank.

I am glad there is no active labor, but why can't they figure out what is going on?? Damn damn damn, you do not need any more stress.

I am mustering up all the prayers and good vibes and all of that and sending them all out west.

Please keep us posted.

Finn's Mom said...

Oh, how scary!! I'll be sending you tons of prayers & positive thoughts that the LO stays put for a while longer. I totally know what you mean in assuming that the problems are all on the front-end, it probably would have taken me 3 times as long to figure out that I needed to head to L&D than it did you and DH.

Take care of yourself!

Bad Egg said...

Oh no...hope this all adds up to just a scare. What week are you now? Stay put, little guy!

Keep us posted.

Pale said...

I am so sorry you have to have this drama (!), but really glad that things seem to be holding in a decent place. I will be thinking of you and sending good thoughts for tomorrow and the next two months!!

RoseAG said...

Sending my thoughts and prayers for a safe resolution to this latest development.

It's like when you're flying and the pilot announces that it's clear sailing so you can remove your seat belt. If I'm on the flight that always seems to be the signal for un-expected turbulance.

Natika said...

Wow...you sure have a way with sneaking bad news in!
I hope he stays cooking in your tummy for a while longer! Good Luck!

Lost in Space said...

What a huge scare, Lorraine. I really hope they can figure out what is going on and keep your little guy in there for awhile longer!

Hang in there and keep those feet up, sweetie.

Best When Used By said...

Oh my gosh! I started reading your post thinking, Oh, here we are in the same place again (realizing it's time to go shopping) and then I gasped audibly. You've handled this amazingly. Thank God your baby seems to be doing well despite the leak. I am so worried for you, but I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care and definitely stay off your feet! And please check in occasionally to let us know that you and the baby are doing okay.

Anonymous said...

Oh hon, I am feeling for you. Glad you are probably going home, I'm sure they will be monitoring the situation real closely. When I had D I lost fluid and he barely had any (one reason we did a c-sect) for 6 weeks (he was born at 38). Everything was fine. So hopefully you will have a similar situation! Take care, lay around a lot and don't worry about shopping for now. It will all come together. Good luck!

Jules a.k.a. Julie said...

Tons of prayers! Hope you and your little guy are ok!

Holly said...

Praying, Praying, Praying.

Lisa DG said...

I'm definitely hoping for some smooth days ahead for you. Crossing my fingers and saying a little prayer.