Monday, February 20, 2012

Dear Baby #8, If you make it, here's the beginning of your story.

Wednesday late morning I fainted.  Danny came home from work after a phone call from Pookie letting him know, "Mommy fell down and she's hurt."  I called my OB and he said it often happens to women in pregnancy and to drink 3 quarts of water a day, get 3 meals and 2 to 3 snacks a day, and to promise to sit down immediately if I started to feel a faint coming on again. 

Wednesday afternoon I spotted a little- just once and it was pink.  I called the OB's office again and the nurse reassured me it was "normal" and it wasn't a concern if that was all.  She also reassured me it had nothing to do with the fainting.

I fainted three more times Wednesday-- though not as strong as the first time and didn't leave me as incoherent.  Thursday I fainted three times by lunchtime (12:30).  That's when I called my OB again who sent me to the ER.  So I called Danny back and he rushed home to help me prep the kids to go to friends' homes and to take me to the Emergency Room.

After numerous tests including blood pressure tests, blood tests, checking for signs of stroke, and EKG (all that came back normal), the cardiologist and ER doc agreed they should keep me for 24 hours under observation with a heart monitor and schedule an Echocardiogram and tests on my carotid artery for the next day (Friday).

The OB puzzled after reading over normal test results declared that I was exhausted from having so many children.  He suggested I ask a relative, church member, or neighbor to help me out and to try to get a nap in everyday.

The doctor who took over when I got admitted to the hospital (and released from the ER) decided I was tired from having so many children and shot Danny several dirty looks.  She kept insisting I get more sleep.  She also suggested I put my oldest four children in public school and get my mother or sister to live with me throughout the remainder of my pregnancy. 

The Cardiologist after reading normal Echocardiogram and Carotid artery test results and going over each fainting episode, determined it was a Vasovagal response brought on by pregnancy-- and said some women are more sensitive to the changes in pregnancy than others.  He also gave me his card and asked me to see him if it continued.

All three doctors agreed that hydration, frequent small meals and more sleep would be highly beneficial.

Then 9 p.m. Sunday evening, twelve weeks pregnant, the contractions started.  I wasn't sure at first.  I mean, my uterus isn't that big-- the baby is only the size of a lime, but it was my body's response that was oh-so-familiar that told me what was going on.  That and the five minute intervals. 

I admit, I'm afraid. I don't really know what to do about any of it except pray.  Will you join me?

Always yours,
Mommy

17 comments:

Kimberly @ Raising Olives said...

I'm also 12 weeks pregnant. I'm praying, pleading for life.

Momza said...

I hope that whatever's going on with your body and the baby is resolved in the best possible manner. Much Love sent your way!

Lisa said...

Hang in there! Get a blessing (I sure hope you have already). You KNOW that if I lived 1000 miles closer and wasn't building a house and didn't have 3 kids of my own that I'd be there in a heartbeat. Tell your RS president and bishop what is going on and never say "No, I've got this." If someone offers to bring you a meal or clean your floor or take your kids out for a day (assuming you trust them), say "Yes!!"

And most of all, we are praying for you. We're praying for your health and for your baby, and for peace in your sweet family. We're praying for your children and for Danny too, that they will also find comfort and find the best ways to help you. And we're praying that no matter the outcome, that you will find strength in God and the plan of Salvation. I know He loves you. You can do this! We're on your side!
Love,
Lisa & Family

Neighbor Jane Payne said...

Thinking of you......

Sara said...

Praying that everything works out as it should. You're amazing!

Laura said...

Praying, Nikki. And sending hugs to comfort you...

i'm erin. said...

Go to sleep. I'll come on over and help out with the kiddos...and maybe the doc is right and the older four should head off to school. I hope you start feeling better.

Nikki said...

Erin- The fourth can't go to school yet, and it would be harder without the oldest three anyway. It's much easier to homeschool them than to transport them to and from public school and still have to do homework with them.

But you can come over anytime! ;)

Mary Ann said...

Praying!

Laurie HF said...

The Lord knows what we need and will watch over you. Our prayers go out to you.

Melessa Gregg said...

Yes, I will join your prayers!

JoMamma said...

My heart goes out to you. I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts. All my love to you and your sweet baby.

Marcy said...

Hope you get some rest and that you have comfort while you wait upon the Lord. Praying for you.

Fruitful Harvest said...

Praying for you and baby!
And for those mean people at the hosptial. To add stress on you by tearing apart you life and such by the things they said! WOW

My God comfort you at this time!

Peace+
Georgiann

The Chapman's said...

I hope I'm not too late to join in the prayers...losing a baby at any point is hard and I hope and pray that doesn't happen to you. I hope you get your rest and the help you need to recover. And I hope the contractions stop. Praying for you...

Laureena said...

Nikki, you will be in my prayers. You are not alone in this, and I hope you are able to find comfort despite all the stress, fear, and anxiety. No matter what, remember that you will be taken care of, and know that none of it is your fault. Allow your life to be blessed by those around you who love and care for you. Sending lots of love your way.

Susie J. said...

(((((hugs))))) and prayers. I hope things smooth over and you end up with a sweet baby who is born FULL TERM, and makes a wonderful addition to your family. But I know that even if that baby has to wait its turn in heaven, your family will still be together again some day.