Today is my official bed rest anniversary. Well, actually yesterday was.
On Tuesday, November 17th 2015 I went for a follow up ultrasound at 24w1d as my little guy had been a bit squirmy during my 20w ultrasound. I happily showed up, looking forward for another chance to see my baby. I was feeling great....until the technician got very quiet and mentioned a concern with my cervix. She let me know she'd have to do a transvaginal ultrasound to take a closer look.
To be honest, out of all of the things new moms obsessive over, I never thought about my cervix. I didn't realize short cervix was a thing. After the technician checked things out she let me know that my measurement was 1.5-1.7 cms. I had no idea what it was supposed to be but was sent home and told to lay down and call my doctor first thing in the morning. The technician just looked so so sorry for me. I spent that entire night ugly sobbing.. it was awful.
The next day I was sent to L&D and was given my first steroid shot and was referred to the high risk unit, given my doctors note and officially had my first day on bed rest. I just remember praying that it'd be able to keep the baby in until I could get the second round of steroids the next day.
Bed rest is tough. It's lonely. It's overwhelming. But it's worth it. And I type this as I'm watching my awesome little guy cruise around my living room holding onto furniture.
My cervix measurements bounced up and down...but mostly down. But, I hung on!! And my little guy was born after 40 weeks. I also developed preeclampsia at 34 weeks too (so I was stuck on bed rest until the very end.. I was basically the Queen of the High Risk Unit).
Drink lots of water. Stay laying down as much as you can - I was super diligent about this. Keep yourself busy - read, catch up on Netflix, shop online, colour, do puzzles, keep your brain busy, ask friends over to visit. Let things go. Call friends, write long letters, send emails. Make yourself a cozy bed rest nook (mine was on our sofa bed where I lived for those 16 weeks).. Celebrate each day and each week - find some rituals so that you don't forget to enjoy your pregnancy (it's hard but you can still find happpiness in things like little kicks; I enjoyed the extra sneak peeks I got at my little boy).
You've got this. Now, I honestly look back and can't believe what I went through. If I can answer any questions, please let me know.
Wishing you all the best. xo
