I haven't been feeling great since Wednesday. I have had diarrhea a few times a day since then. Also, almost immediately after reporting that the little one has been so active, I stopped being able to feel her move much at all. In fact yesterday...nothing. I even laid on my office floor and drank cold OJ to try to elicit a response...but nada.... and overnight, when usually I feel her a lot...also nothing. I knew she was alive because of the blessed doppler...but why the sudden lack of movement?
Add to that the fact that we leave for vacation on a jet plane tomorrow...and I was starting to get very worried.
My dear husband Will convinced me to call my doctor early this morning. The on-call OB called back and told me to come in to L&D and get checked out.
Which I sheepishly did.
Despite my embarrassment, it was interesting to see where I will hopefully not be back to for a veeeerrrrry long time. They put me in triage, checked baby's heart, took a thorough history (through which they kept saying...so so sorry about all the losses), and did an ultrasound to check her fluid. All was ok. And during this, Magpie eventually woke up and started getting really active. You could see her kicking from the outside! Why wouldn't she do that before to reassure me?!
The triage nurse was super validating, telling me not to be embarrassed. That I did the right thing. That if anything comes up again, she hopes I come back. Even if it means coming in over and over. Such a nice woman. The resident was also very nice and reassuring.
So all is good. It's been recommended I take Immodium to deal with the diarrhea on the plane if I need it. Also recommended that I work extra, extra hard to stay hydrated. Especially because it is so hot here in NYC the past couple of days.
So phew! False alarm! Hoping for smooth sailing once we actually get on this vacation!
Mo
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I am so sorry you are not feeling well! I am glad that you called & they were so reassuring! I would agree that you should call any time -- having the extra reassurance can be so helpful! My dr had always told me if I was ever worried to call!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you went and that things are okay. Many hugs to you!
ReplyDelete(Am I the only one who thinks its funny to put the sleep disorders next to the maternity ward?)
Just wanted to share that my extended 1st trimester nausea (didn't subside until 17+ weeks) moved quickly to general stomach upset (including frequent diarrhea or loose stools) for the remainder of pregnancy that arose from virtually anything that I ate that was the least bit interesting. I eventually ID'd a few culprits (garlic, onions in any form!), but often the reason was a mystery. I moved to bland, starchy foods (plain chicken or turkey sandwiches, potatoes in all forms, cereal) as much as possible and that helped keep it under control.
ReplyDeleteGlad everything turned out okay. I too was so hesitant to go to L&D, especially since the first 2 times nothing was wrong. But you really don't know when something will be wrong (although I hope it never is for you), so I go with the theory better safe than sorry.
ReplyDeleteGlad you got the reassurance. Hope it's your last trip there until the big show. Have a wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteI got diarrhea when I went home for vacation at week 28 and it was scary. Same thing happened baby was really active then not so much. Had I been home I too would have gone to L&D, better safe than anything. Have a good trip!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you had to go through that but SO glad you went and that they were so kind & reassuring. It's definitely worth for the peace of mind especially when going out of town. Hoping you get to feeling better soon and that little miss Magpie doesn't get to quiet again:)
ReplyDeleteHoly Cow the fear that I felt reading the title to your post. I can't even begin to imagine how you must feel every single day when I get so worried just reading the title of your post.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you're surrounded by wonderful health professionals that take your history and anxieties seriously and respectfully.
Take Care
Leslie
I'm so sorry you had to go through the trauma, but it's great that you were able to get the extra reassurance right before the trip. (I remember making a panicky trip to the OB at about 20 weeks, in large part because we were about to visit family. It seemed extra awful to think about accepting congratulations and talking about baby plans during the visit, if I couldn't be sure there was really a live baby in there the whole time.) I wish you a great trip, and I echo the suggestion about LOTS of liquids. That really does make everything better.
ReplyDeleteGlad you and baby are ok!
ReplyDeleteI went twice with Toddlerina. Felt foolish but who cares.
ReplyDeletePeaceful trip Momma.
So glad you and magpie are ok. I had similar symptoms in the second half of both my pregnancies. I also went to l and d multiple times late on for low baby movements. They did trace checks on baby and reassured me, yes I felt a bit silly but at least i knew everything was ok, well well worth it. Enjoy your vacation!
ReplyDeleteSo glad all is well. Relax and have a nice vacation.
ReplyDeleteUgh always scary when they don't move as much as usual glad you had the dopler and nice health care professionals and L and D. Have a great vaca!
ReplyDeleteWhew! I'm 32 weeks pregnant with a ridiculously active little boy. About one day a week or so he is really calm...as in to the point where I start to worry. My theory is those are his growth spurt days.
ReplyDeleteWow, so glad you are all OK!
ReplyDeleteGlad everything is okay. You did the right thing getting checked out. I remember feeling foolish for freaking out over a lack of movement for a while, but it's just hard not to wait for the other shoe to drop with such hard earned pregnancies. And I think it's extra hard when a really active baby gets quiet for a while. It sounds like Magpie is a busy girl, just like Sunshine was. :-) I called her my little rockette. BTW, it totally shows in her personality now. She has 2 speeds, full speed ahead, and passed out. Just warning you. ;-)
ReplyDeleteHave a WONDERFUL vacation. Let's make plans for when you get back. Want to see you and that gorgeous belly! xoxo
You did the right thing and I am glad that all is well and that your mind has been put at ease.
ReplyDeleteHave a happy vacation!
Glad everything is OK Mo!
ReplyDeletewoman, after what you've been through - never apologize for anything! :)
ReplyDeleteI went several times (and stayed for quite a while) and in the end it actually did kind of help to be familiar with the scene. And it is reassuring to be thoroughly checked out and know all is well. I hope you have a relaxing trip.
ReplyDeleteI have been in NY for the past few days and wow, it has been hot and sticky and awful. No wonder you are feeling less than fabulous. Me too! It is finally raining so I hope the heat will break for the rest of our trip. Stay cool!
Good to hear you went in, even better to hear Magpie is perfectly fine. Better than fine, sneaky girl tricking mama like that.
ReplyDeleteL&D is for more than Labor and Delivery. Didn't like being there when it wasn't but it's always good to get checked out.
You'll likely have more trips to the OB for NSTs than trips to L&D. But never hesitate to call.
What a little turd! But I'm glad that both you and little magpie are okay! 2 more weeks till viability!
ReplyDeleteWhew! I read the title and my heart leapt in my chest! So glad all is ok, and always remember it is better to be checked for nothing than to put it off. Have a safe trip!
ReplyDeleteSo glad everything is OK!! I'm glad you went. And keep going back if you need to. xo
ReplyDeleteSo glad that post ended the way it did!
ReplyDeleteIn terms of the foolish feelings about visits to those places docs hang out... that will remain well after she is born. The way I look at it... we feel the way we feel because someone [some random someone] is out there judging us, so fuck it... if you or the baby needs an eye that's not connected to a seriously invested heart, take it.
I remember taking my boy in to the ER for a fever (it was a doozy and four days long) and I worried they would think I was over-reacting. But, here's the thing... you will be judged for over-reacting [and really, who cares about the people who will judge for that), or you will be judged for being remiss if a situation escalates; either scenario that leads you to feeling foolish is based upon someone else's judgement, so you have to do what's right in the moment for you and the little one. It's what you need and not what anyone else thinks... and of course, you already know that.
One concern of mine was that I'd let the judgement of others make me NOT check into something my gut or circumstance (i.e.: your trip) made me want to check. Check when you want or need to... does your doc know anyone where you are vacationing? Maybe you can get that number if you need a reassurance...
thinking of you and sending best wishes for a good holiday!
cheers and good vibes,
brid xo
I'm so glad everything is okay with Ms. Magpie! It's not uncommon for them to have days like that sometimes, when they're quiet and sleepy, probably going through a growth spurt or recovering from a particularly active day or two. Still scares the crap out of you though, doesn't it? Take them up on their offer of having you go in whenever you are concerned. In the interest of regret management, it's better to be safe than sorry.
ReplyDeleteAlso, have you started to feel hiccups yet? The first time I did, it was about 4:30 a.m., when I had laid back down after getting up to go to the bathroom. At first I was afraid she was having a seizure or something (no idea why a rhythmic tap made me think "seizure", but it did), and I was laying there trying to decide how long to wait before calling the peri's office when it occurred to me that it was likely the hiccups. All sorts of movements and sensations (or the lack thereof) will make you worry...
I hope you have a wonderful vacation! Did you pack the doppler?
so happy all is fine and that they didn't scare you off from coming back next time you are worried.
ReplyDeleteare you going to HI? if so, i *highly* recommend the guidebooks from wizard publications (author actually lives in HI).
So glad to hear that everything is OK! We had a similar trip to L&D and I felt silly for going in since once we were there and hooked up to all the monitoring machines she started moving all around - but really? I would rather be safe than sorry!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great weekend!
Wow, help my breath and whooped with relief! So glad its all ok. The medical staff sound wonderful. Good for them.
ReplyDeleteI was holding my breath while reading your post--and am SO glad everything is okay!! Better to be safe than sorry :)
ReplyDeleteDon't feel too sheepish! The one time you don't go it will be something serious, so stay on the safe side! Glad they were so nice to you.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, Mo.... you remind me so much of myself sometimes. I think I had my first trip to L&D right around 22 weeks as well, for the same reason - no movement for a day or so. And I made 3 or 4 more trips for various reasons (usually lack of movement), before finally having my baby. One time, I even went because the heartbeat on the doppler just didn't sound quite right to me. I was just so paranoid! But I don't regret going at all. You need the reassurance right now! You need to relax and get good sleep, so do what it takes! I'm so glad everything ended up ok. Enjoy your vacation!!
ReplyDeleteI ended up in L&D 5 times before my girls were born and I don't regret a single one of them!!! You do what is right for you, and follow your gut!
ReplyDeleteSo glad both you and Ms. Magpie are doing well!! Enjoy your trip! And yes...LOTS of water! =)
ok,
ReplyDeletei am glad you went in, and so glad that things are looking good!
you are probably on vacation now in some far-away place... trying to enjoy yourselves!
but, i have to be the voice of reality here. bad things DO happen, and you absolutely have to treat the pregnancy with kid gloves... please continue to err on the side of caution.
my high risk peri told me "the mother's perception of her pregnancy [in terms of movement, etc] far FAR outweighs any quick scan, NST, etc at the doctor's office or hospital".
meaning- if you notice lack of movement- that means GO IN *right now*. that's what they are there for- waiting for people like us (scared, nervous, with terrible unbelievable histories of loss, medical issues with IF and loss, etc)to come in and make sure that we are NOT part of the miniscule % of women who have the worst happen.
i am one of that miniscule %. there are reasons for kick-counts and paying attention to movement and being careful! the reasons have to do with NOT ending up with a bad outcome.
please, mo, do not get lulled into thinking that "things are probably OK...". go get checked, every single time. you have a whole team of perfect care providers there to support you in this philosophy of pregnancy-care. don't wait, don't hesitate, if the circumstance comes up, just go!
i have lost two whole babies, while waiting, thinking that things would probably be OK, under great obstetric care... there are real people and stories behind those half-of-one-percentages.
you are so close! you beautiful baby is growing and getting to get ready to meet will and her mama! please continue to err on the side of caution.
this is the internet, and you will find a million women to tell you that 'oh, it was all OK". but you know, this is the internet, and you will find the occasional women who tells you, "hey, if you have the chance, be careful, because i had the worst happen, twice. three times. etc etc etc".
please take care. most likely things will go great. just don't throw caution to the wind- act on your fears. fear is a natural thing- a good thing, even in pregnancy and childbirth.
xo
I hope your vacation is going well, and I'm so glad your first trip to L&D had a good outcome.
ReplyDeleteHow's the hydration? I'm working on that, too, as it was 105 freaking degrees here today. And several days more to come. Ugh!
Hope you're somewhere cool :-)
Hugs. Don't be embarassed. Call everytime you have questions.
ReplyDeleteHoping that you're relaxing and enjoying a great vacation sans any worries about Ms. Magpie. So glad that this story had a happy ending, and I'm with everyone else-- I had a scare with my oldest and they told me to come straight in; and everything was fine, but it's so important to go ahead and go just to be safe. Can't wait to hear all about your fantastic 'babymoon'!
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a great vacation. How about a beach 23 week belly pic?
ReplyDeleteI just came by to check on ya, because I hadn't seen any posts pop up in my reader. Glad to hear you're on vacation! Hope it's relaxing!
ReplyDeleteOh, it would have actually helped if I read the last sentence of your previous post- the VACATION part. I have been checking back every day, frantically, worried that something was wrong. It seems as though your readers are *almost* as invested in this pregnancy as you are!! Hope you are having a wonderful, restful break.
ReplyDeleteHoping that your vacation was restful and that you stayed hydrated and didn't have any further scares. Looking forward to a post on all the fun and relaxing things you did! Welcome home (sort of assuming here-- I think that you said that your vacation was a week; maybe I'm wrong?) Anyway, whenever you get home, welcome back! Looking forward to hearing all about it!
ReplyDeleteSo anxious to hear how are you are doing. Just a few days from 24 weeks!!!! :) But, tell that little girl not to go anyway for a long while.
ReplyDeleteI like the juxtaposition of L&D with the Sleep Disorders department. If you're pregnant and losing sleep (and who doesn't when they are?), you can get both checked out in one fell swoop.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to your return so we can all read an update. At the same time, I hope your vacation lasts and lasts so you can relax and just. be. pregnant.
how's the vacation?
ReplyDeletethinking of you all.