Pregnancy is a Chore in Week 34

A chore, yes, but hallelujah... week 34 is when I got put on bedrest and was experiencing full on preeclampsia with Margo.  This time around, my blood pressure is holding steady and there is no protein in my urine, which is fantastic news and is exactly what my doctor set out to acheive.

The day before my 34th week was my last day of work.  My how timing is impeccible!!  The next day my OB said it was time for me to quit when he saw the degree of my swelling.  He did not put me on bedrest, however, and just instructed me to take it really easy, nap when Margo naps, etc...

I am so thrilled that my body is holding steady and am truly hopeful I will make it to February 5th, David's scheduled delivery date at 37.5 weeks.  Wow, it snuck up on me fast!  So why a chore?? 

Uuuggghhh, this pregnancy has been hell from the get go with one crappy symptom after another.  17 weeks of all day sickness, never ending fatigue and intermittent insomnia, heart burn that would make a grown man cry and more.  Now, I have just settled on the fact that I probably will not sleep until this baby is born--I am averaging 3-4 hours of sleep a night.  My limbs fall asleep no matter which way I turn and I can't seem to turn off my mind.  Literally, every single muscle in my body aches, especially my hands, legs, hips and belly. To get off of the couch or out of bed in the middle of the night is pure torture because it hurts so bad.  The skin underneath my breast bone feels like it is on fire 24/7.  I have Fred Flinstone feet and cankles, as well as vienna sausage fingers, sexy!!  I am having lots of Braxton Hicks contractions which are annoying--sometimes 10 in an hour, but they go away if I rest, thank goodness.

Week 34 and I do not even look like myself!

Whah, whah, whah, I know... I am hoping all of these difficult symptoms are a trade-off for last pregnancy's preeclampsia.  I am just tired this time and feel that this go round has been extra hard.  In these last three weeks, I have to spend each Monday at Women's Hospital having two hours of tests run to make sure baby and mommy are ok.  My doctor is very nervous about the possible sudden onset of preeclampsia that can occur in the final weeks and is taking every precaution necessary. 

My daily injections are getting very difficult as my belly growns.  I have very large bruises and knots in some areas and last night I had to stick myself twice.  The second time it was like I hit a roadblock and the medicine would not come out.  I just threw the darn syringe in the sink and decided to forget it.  BUT... these shots have most definitely done the trick!  I feel almost certain that had I not had them, the preeclampsia would have returned, even earlier this time, and David would probably be here already, trying to survive in the NICU.  I would do this over and over again for a healthy baby and am so glad my doctor is so diligent and cautious.

So... three weeks left and we all need lots of prayer... that my body continues to cooperate, that David continues to grow in a healthy way, that mom, dad and Margo can enjoy our last weeks together and prepare for the changes upon us in a fun and healthy way.  We are all getting very excited and anxious at the same time! 

Update after I wrote this:  Had my first round of tests at Women's and everything is great except... My umbilical cord is showing some restriction that could affect the baby's ability to receive oxygen and nutrition.  Right now he is doing perfectly with a great heart rate, tons of movement, etc... But, back to the Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist I go (same as the one I saw with Margo) for a second opinion.  I will now be even more closely monitored and there is a chance my delivery will be bumped up to 36 or 37 weeks should things progress in an unhealthy way.  The thing I am most nervous about it watching closely for decreased fetal movement and staying on top of my kick counts.  Geez, my body is clearly not equipped for pregnancy.  If it's not one thing, it's another!