New to bedrest - contractions, funneling, short cervix

[Firsttimer28]

Hi all 

 I am a 28 yo FTM pregnant 25+6 weeks with a very active little boy!

 I got put on bedrest friday for what initially looked like very frequent braxton hicks / irritable uterus but turns out my cervix changed so they didnt want to take chances 

 I had a fFN test on sunday which was negative (i was sooo releived) but at my cervix us yesterday they found funneling and a closed but short dynamic cervix (2.2 cm when funneling occured compared to 4cm when no funneling) 

 They recommended strict bedrest, progesterone vaginal suppositories and I got the betamethasone shot 

 I am obviously anxious for baby but trying to stay as relaxed as possible for the sake of the baby 

 I freak out everytime I get a contraction and when baby moves too much (his head is down on my cervix)

 Aiming for term of course but keeping my eyes on the next milestone (28 weeks) 

 Any tips on what to do to stay sane and healthy, or any positive stories of ppl who have been / are going through the same thing would be appreciated!

Good luck to all of you courageous woman - lets hope we make it through with healthy babies!!!

[Nicoleclark]

Welcome! Yes, so many encouraging stories and women to draw from on this site. I was put on bed rest at 22 weeks due to a rapidly shortening cervix of 1.8cm and am now approaching 30 weeks! I am also on prog sups and have been having bracton hicks fairly frequently. I've been told to stay hydrated and lay on my left side to help with those. Many women have made it full term with similar situations. I am pregnant with twins so I have extra pressure on my cervix and thought Id never make it to 30 weeks 8 weeks ago. You can certainly have hope of making it much further.

To keep myself busy I read a lot (avoiding Google bc it terrified me when I read too many bad stories), I blog to keep record of everything we are going through in this journey and enjoy visits from friends and family. Music and prayer keep me sane when I'm overthinking things and overwhelmed by it all. Like you, I am focusing on my weekly milestones and notice how quickly the weeks have passed when I look back and see how far I've come. Wishing you all the best!!

[Firsttimer28]

Thanks for that inspiring story!
Yes keeping our mind on each day / week that goes by is probably the best we can do!
How have you learned not to freak out when you get BH? This is the hardest part for me...
Congrats on hitting the 30week milestone and good luck for the next weeks to come!
Hang in there!

[lilylola72]

Welcome! There are so many positive outcomes on here, it really does help with the shock of this experience. I was at 22 weeks + 2 days when I had my cerclage placed and went on bed rest. Now at 26 weeks + 4 days!!! I would also advise staying off of google. I read something last night that literally gave me nightmares. It sounds like you have a great team!!! Thinking about you, and sending good vibes!!!

[Nicoleclark]

For me the first few days I had them I was freaking out but as I got used to it and realized they aren't getting stronger or closer together I calmed down. I've had so many people including all of my nurses say it's common. Evelyn who is on this site had them her whole pregnancy and is now 38 weeks!

[Nicoleclark]

Also, to give you more hope... My FFN came back positive at 22 weeks which completely terrified me. Here I am 8 weeks later still cooking!

[Firsttimer28]

Thanks ladies for the posiive feedback! Your stories are really an inspiration to me!
Quick question: do you guys notice less appetite? i have a hard time eating properly and I know I have to gain weight for the baby (i havent gained much since my 20week appointment)
Any suggestions on what is easy to eat in bed and is healthy and nutritive?

[Firsttimer28]

Another question: how often do you have follow ups with OB and cervix U/S?
My ob recommended follow up eery 2 weeks but I see lots of you have appointements every week... Should I try to be seen earlier?

[Nicoleclark]

I haven't gained as much weight as I though but my dr says it's ok. I just try and healthy as much as I can to make sure babies are getting all that they need. I see the dr once per week but that sometimes worries me bc I know it's more stress and pressure on my cervix.

[wondertwins2014]

I rotate appointments back and forth between my ob/gyn doc one week and then the high risk doc the next week.

[Firsttimer28]

My regular doctor said she would leave me under the care of the high risk doctors until they clear me (although i cam still contact her anytime)
Do you find that the visits at your regular doctor are worth it?
If so what does he/she do? Just BP monitoring and fetal heartrate or more?

[Nicoleclark]

I'm only seeing my OB every few weeks since he will deliver. He doesn't do a cervical check but does take vitals (they all do) and look at the babies. Also OB did all of our 28 week testing such as glucose ect. Our goal was not to go to two appts each week if it wasn't necessary and they agreed so we go every few weeks to see OB and every week to specialist.

[wondertwins2014]

Both of my doctors do vag ultrasounds (at my insistence) each week as I want to know how much the CL is decreasing (for my own sanity or maybe it's actually my insanity, but it makes me feel better - mostly .   Part of this has to do with the fact that I am carrying twins and am 40 but mostly b/c our 3 year old daughter came very early before at 30 weeks with little to no warning - I  just awoke in the middle of the night with bleeding/cramping.  When we arrived at the hospital I was fully dialated so they were forced deliver her by emergency c-section.  My hope is that by keeping a close eye on everything they will be able to catch it earlier this time and administer steroids for babies lungs, etc . . .

[lilylola72]

I'm stable at this point, so seeing my OB once every 3 weeks, and my perinatologist once a month.

[crnatasha]

Welcome Firsttimer28

I'm Natasha, I found out I had short cervix at 22 weeks + 5. I'm on modified bed rest and was prescribe the progestrone suppositories too.  Today I'm 26 weeks + 5. I also go every two weeks to see my OB.  I haven't had my cervix checked since July 21. They don't want to check me because they don't want to stirr up anything. I too was worried I wasn't getting enough care but I'm stable! I go to my doctor today and I'll see what they say.  I had to stop worrying and realize I'm stable, although every time I go to my appointments I want more information, more guarantee or more assurance that every thing is ok. I know its just anxiety so I'm trying to not worry as much but it comes with time. Prayers are with you and your baby.