October 27, 2011

Ouch.

I had my 31-week check up. Let me tell you . . . I'm loving only having to go into the doctor's office every six weeks this time around. I'm sure I would have hated it when I was pregnant with Jack. But now that we're on to number 3, it's nice not having to make that drive as often. The next time I go back, I'll be full term!

Anyway, we brought the boys with us for the obligatory "hear your sister's heartbeat" visit. Jack was really excited. Ben was really quiet and just kind of watched and listened. They both behaved so well. I was stressed out about how they would act, but they were awesome.

It turns out that I actually should have been stressed out about something else.

I mentioned all of my contractions . . . I have around 8 - 10 an hour when I'm up and moving around and less when I'm sitting or laying down. She didn't seem too concerned, so I wasn't either. Phew.

But then I mentioned some pain I've been having for a few weeks. I had almost forgotten to say anything about it until I went to step down off the table and felt the sharp pains through my entire pelvis and back. I won't go into all of the details, but she did a real quick exam and I believe her exact words were "Oh, crap."

Apparently, this "issue" can sometimes arise in women on their third or fourth pregnancies, particularly with a history of large babies. Jack was 8 lb, 10 oz and Ben was 9 lb, 6 oz . . . not abnormally huge, but definitely not tiny.

The only thing that will relieve the pain is having the baby. Likely, it will continue to get worse until after this little girl is born. Awesome. I'm supposed to avoid lifting the boys as much as I can and I'm supposed to stay sitting or laying as much as possible to try and keep it from progressing any faster. When I said, "Yeah, right" she warned that some women, if they're not careful, end up in wheelchairs for the last few weeks of pregnancy because of the pain from this.

Ugh.

I asked if it would interfere with labor and delivery and she said it wouldn't, but they often have to induce early because the pain gets so severe. And if you know me, I'll do almost anything to avoid being induced.

On top of all of that, my platelets are low which might prevent an epidural. And kudos to those of you who can make it through labor and delivery without one, but I don't think that I can. I'll be tested again at 37 weeks to see how they're doing. Apparently they were low with both Jack and Ben, but not low enough to be worth mentioning. This time they're a little bit lower.

I cried a lot on the way home. I know it's silly . . . none of this life threatening. My little girl will continue to grow and develop normally, and right now the pain is bearable. I can handle this for 10 or 11 weeks, right? It could be so much worse and I have so much to be grateful for.

I just think this was just the tipping point that let all of the fatigue and emotion over miscellaneous things over the last few weeks come spilling out.

SIDE NOTE: I just barely twisted my ankle this morning. For some reason, Jack has it in his head that the entire conversation he overheard between the doctor and I was about my ankle and he's sure that it's what's causing me so much trouble. He just brought me some ice cream and said, "I hope this makes you feel better about your ankle." So sweet.

The GOOD news is that I'm feeling her kick and move daily. Up until the last week or so, every day was a guessing game as to whether I'd feel her and I was kind of on edge until I did.

Here's a self-portrait at about 31 1/2 weeks now. Not flattering, I know. But I finally took one, didn't I? And yes, my eyes are still puffy from crying. Lovely, I know.

31 weeks

Also, I found a few self-photos that had been backed up before my iphone was stolen . ..

18 weeks:

18 weeks

19 weeks:

19 weeks

4 comments:

Melanie Eccles said...

Sara, I'm so sorry to hear about this added pain to your pregnancy. I will be praying for you.

and thanks for sharing a picture. You look super cute!

The ALF family said...

You are adorable! Praying for you and little lady Luke! Don't panic yet. There is still a lot of time! If it comes to induction- ou can do it. There are lots of options to keep it under control. I'll pray about that platelets buisness too. Just know that if it comes to no epidural- you CAN do it. We will hope for the best adn that all counts will be good and you can go on as planned. :)
Take care.
Tiff

The Giffen Family said...

You rock pregnancy by the way -- I have one self photo this time around (which is huge since I had none with Will) and DO NOT look as good as you! I also just had a panic moment yesterday realizing I have to make it through to holidays with LOTS of good foods and baking.
Hope you get lots of down-time and now that I've read this, no walking for you ;)

Sarah said...

SO cute! LOVE the baby bump! But hang on, wasn't it just a month ago or something that you were telling me you were pregnant??!?!?!?!? Where did that time go?!?!?! Anyway, praying that your pain will magically go away, or at least not get any worse and that the remainder of this pregnancy will be a wonderful time with your family of 4, and can't wait for the arrival of little Claire!!!!