Mile Marker 32

I would do a back handspring if I thought I could get my big belly over my head- I am 32 weeks!

My doctor’s visit yesterday was very important, over the last month I have lost 10-12 lbs. and normally this would thrill me to no end, but not during pregnancy. So at my 31 week appointment Dr. Connor decided to do an ultrasound of the baby at 32 weeks. I must confess I was a little worried until the ultrasound revealed a 4 lb. 10 oz. baby. WOW, I know that seems small to most people, but our largest twin, Bree only weighed 3 lbs. 9 oz. at 31 weeks. I know this baby has an extra week on her already, but to be a whole pound bigger is just amazing. If I do end up making it 7 more weeks, I could have a whopper. I wouldn’t know what to do with 7 or 8 pounder? Bree and Blythe weren’t 8 lbs. until they were 6 months old.

The rest of the appointment revealed that my cervix is still completely thinned and I have dilated about 2 cm. Over the past 2 weeks I have made 2 more trips to the hospital to stop the contractions so Dr. Connor gave me another med to use in combo with the Procardia to try to stop the contractions. I have contractions daily and at least 3 or 4 times a day they begin to create a pattern of 1 to 2 minutes apart with each episode lasting anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. Don’t ask me how I know when to go to the hospital; I just go when I can’t take it anymore. Dr. Connor said since the contractions are breaking through the Procardia then the oral Brethine may help or we may just be getting ready for the big day. In other words there is not much else they can or will do at this point. He feels the baby will do relatively well if it is born soon and I am confident he or she will do well too.

Lastly, the Procardia I take for the contractions should help with my blood pressure, but despite the fact that I take it around the clock my blood pressure is elevating. My feet and hands are beginning to look like the Mischelin Tire man. I have gained a few pounds, but Dr. Connor attributes it to the swelling. So I have to have my blood pressure checked 2 times a day and report any significant changes. Dr. Connor and I both agree it would be a shame to have to take the baby early now for my blood pressure, but he assured me he would if he had to. In other words I am to follow orders and behave.

So thank you to all my sweet friends for your thoughts, prayers, meals and even the adult conversations I catch here and there. Hopefully my next update will be 34 weeks. OHHHHHHHHHH- I almost forgot the debates over the baby’s name have ended. If baby Walls is a girl she will be Laine Brennan, probably to be called “Lainey” and a baby boy Walls will be named Jonathan Thomas and we will call him “John Thomas”.