Day 10 of Hospital Bed Rest

So, I am still in the hospital.  I had really gotten my hopes up last week that when my doctor came in on Monday he would say I was released to go on bed rest at home.  My OB seemed to be skeptical of my release and when the Maternal Fetal specialist came in, she laid the law down.  Hospital bed rest until at least 28 weeks (6 weeks total).  We were both surprised and overwhelmed by this news and it took us a few hours to gain perspective on the situation.

My cervix is literally paper thin and they were afraid if they sent me home that I would do more there than I would at the hospital.  That I would be inclined to get up more often to get food or clean things up or just grab something that I wanted, whereas in the hospital I do not have to do any of those things for myself.  After some time we realized that although it is not the ideal situation for us, it is probably the best place for our babies to be staying.  I see two doctors a day and my nurses come in at least 10 times a day with medications and to check up on me.  I can let them know about any ache or pain that I am worried about, and if they feel it is a serious concern I will have an ultrasound to check things out.

J and I have both adjusted throughout this week.  We both just want to do what is best for our little girls and to give them the best chance of becoming healthy babies.  We are really focusing on milestones right now.  24 weeks is a big one.  At 24 weeks the doctors will give me two rounds of steroids to help develop their lungs.  A baby born at 24 weeks has a 50% chance of survival with a 90% chance of long term side effects.  24 weeks may be viability, but it is not a goal. At 26 weeks there is a 90% chance of survival and at 28 weeks 95%.  I would love, love, LOVE to make it to 37 weeks, but after 28 weeks I will breathe a little easier.  If I am not dilated at 28 weeks I will be able to go home to be on bed rest.  At 32 weeks I would even have some of my restrictions lifted!

As for right now, I have established a daily routine.  Obviously it is made up on BS things to do such as: tv, reading, internet, crafts, shower, brush teeth, meals and stretching, but it gives me things to look forward to and a specific time to do them.  This prevents my whole day being swallowed up by tv or the internet alone.  Thankfully, I have bathroom privileges and I am allowed to take a short shower sitting down. I have been keeping entertained so far and it really helps that soon it will be winter (although it's a high of 70 today!) and the holidays are right around the corner, giving me something other than the milestones to look forward to.