Rachael hardly slept at all last night because she was having some contractions that were more apparent and worrisome to her. No more spotting though. She talked to the doctor about the contractions and he said they could put her back on the indomethacin- which is a drug that can help calm the uterus. She was on this drug the first week. As with any drug there are potential side-effects to her and the baby. He said the other drugs they generally use for pre-term labor-- like Magnesium Sulfate and Terbutaline- Rachael cannot have because her blood pressure is too low. This is a side effect of the extreme bed rest. She's holding off on the drug. Pray that she doesn't have to use that again.
The good news- however is these contractions have not had any visible effect to her cervix. They decided to do a trans-vaginal ultrasound today along with the Level 2 ultrasound on the baby. The doctor just wanted to check on things in light of the past few days of cramping, contractions and a bit of spotting. He said that the stitch looks the same-- which is good news and perhaps the most miraculous news is that her bag of water is not sitting right on top of the stitch. I take that to mean the funneling in her cervix has actually improved a bit! Praise God!
All good news about Jimmie as well. He is growing right on target. He is head down, but Rach said his feet go over his head and it looks like he's sucking on his toes! (-: They estimated that he weighs 1 pound 11 ounces. Her amniotic fluid level looks good as does the placenta and the blood flow through the chord.
She did take that wheel chair ride and the only side effect was she got really light headed and dizzy. Another sign of low blood pressure. The doctors have said she can sit up more often, but Rachael refuses to do that. She even eats lying flat. She's the mom with the intuition so no one is questioning her. When she has peace about sitting up-- she will.
The last few days have been stressful and emotional for Rachael so all of the good news this morning really lifted her spirits. It tells her that these worrisome symptoms she's had are not making her condition worse right now.
Thank you for your prayers-- they are working. Don't stop! (-:
Love,
Amber
Hello Rachael, Justin, and Jimmie!
ReplyDeleteI'm a friend/neighbor of Janelle's. Just wanted to let you know that my family and the ladies' Bible study at our church have been lifting you up in prayer to our Father since all of this began and we'll continue to do so! Praying for peaceful sleep for you and a fully baked baby.
In Christ,
Amanda Keller
I'm so glad to hear all of your good news! I'm thinking about you and Jimmie and praying for you both.
ReplyDeleteErin Sheafer
What delightful news Amber! We are ecstatic for Rachel, Justin and baby Jimmie. We do want Rachael to know there hasn't been any prayer given in our family without Rachael mentioned. Regan is so good at always remembering her and asking me to check the updates. We continue to pray that Rachael follows that maternal instinct and does no more than she feels she should do.
ReplyDeleteWait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine hear: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:14
Praying for you always,
The Pool Family (Regan Ballet 1/b)