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Thursday, November 19, 2015

Bed Rest



That's right.
Bed rest. 

Not exactly what I was expecting or hoping for these last few weeks of my pregnancy.
I feel like I've been super lucky to have had such an "easy" and healthy pregnancy up until this point. I never battled morning sickness,I've been sleeping great, and every ultrasound has shown one perfectly healthy little girl. Now don't get me wrong, I've had my share of struggles, especially as of recent - I only have one appropriate pair of shoes that fit on these little brick feet, a few weeks of nausea there in the beginning, and a few emotional breakdowns here and there. But a pretty great pregnancy for the most part. Which is exactly why I never saw bed rest in my future.

To give a little back story...

At my 34 week appointment, my blood pressure was abnormally high. A complete shock since my blood pressure was perfect for the first 33 weeks leading up. It was high enough that they didn't want me leaving until it went down. After a few minutes of laying on my left side, they finally hooked this big ol' belly up for a non-stress test to monitor her for awhile and to see if my blood pressure went down any. After talking with the doctor, a blood test was in order, as well as a 24-hour urine test - which in my opinion, would raise anybody's blood pressure in itself. (Especially for those working mommies!) She did warn of bed rest, but after a week of monitoring at home, my blood pressure was pretty decent for being this far along.

Fast forward to our appointment this week...

I ended up having to take a half day off work on Tuesday to make our appointment. But I thought it would be beneficial for my blood pressure, so I wasn't rushing after school to get there. By the time we were called back, I thought for sure my blood pressure would be down from the previous week, but somehow it managed to be even higher than it was previously. As soon as I heard the numbers, I knew what was coming. That 'b' word that I really didn't even want to think about. Sure enough, bed rest was what my doctor prescribed. 

So here I am. 
As of now, it's not complete bed rest.
I can still do mild activity for short periods of the day.
But as for now, no working.
And lots of laying around.

I have a lot of mixed emotions towards this whole thing.
Part of me feels grateful to have time before she arrives to get some last minute things together and ordered (online ordering, of course - from my couch). And then part of me wishes I could finish this pregnancy strong with getting things taken care of at work and around the house. There are so many things I wanted to do and get done within these last few weeks, but now I have a restriction so suddenly and unexpectedly. 

And to think that if this blood pressure thing doesn't go down, our little Christmas baby might be making her way into the world a few weeks sooner than expected - it's a little terrifying! Since I found out about this little babe back in April, December 17th was the day. I've had it in my head that would have 'x' amount of weeks left to prepare - probably a little naive, but hey, first time mom over here. Big hopes, big goals before her arrival. And now time being possibly cut short and not having the ability to do much about it on bed rest. It's a lot to take in.

The one thing though that I've been trying to wrap my head around is that this is all for her safety (and my safety as well). Despite my crazy obsessions for wanting to clean the house and have everything perfect for when she gets home, I now have to put her well-being in front of my not as important wants. Welcome to mommy-hood, right? I want nothing but the best for her. For her to be healthy and safe. To give her lots of love and security.
So if bed rest is what I need to do to give that to her, sign me up.


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5 comments :

  1. Thinking of you girl! I totally feel for you and was in such a similar situation. My blood pressure really started getting higher around the same time as you and because of my history of issues with blood pressure I had a ton of tests done throughout my pregnancy so I was a little more aware that I probably wouldn't make it to my due date. I'm so sorry things aren't going how you had imagined, but just know it will all be worth it! Take care of you and little Harper! That's the most important part!

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  2. Sending good thoughts your way! Be careful on the next couple of Saturdays - don't let those Dawgs get your blood pressure too high ;)

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  3. Thinking of you and your family, Lauren! Take care of yourself, okay? She'll be here before you know it!

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  4. I'll be praying for Harper and your health! I can't imagine how you feel given this is such a sudden and big change to plans!

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  5. Thinking of you! You're doing the right thing, mama. Hopefully it will go by quickly!

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