A long way from here to maternity

A few months ago, I wrote a column about how I don't do pregnancy very well. My appointment at 35 weeks re-confirmed this for me.

I had an ultrasound that day to check for growth. The baby now weighs four pounds, 11 ounces and is shorter than average. I expected that, as my 6-year-old Tessa was, and still is, shorter than most her age. What I didn't expect to hear was that the fluid around the baby was low and that the blood flow through the umbilical cord was being restricted. These are all signs of pre-eclampsia, which I developed during my pregnancy with Tessa.

Pre-eclampsia is basically pregnancy-induced hypertension, which can lead to more significant problems where the liver, kidneys and other organs shut down. The only cure for pre-eclampsia is delivery of the baby.

After the ultrasound, my doctor went over the ultrasound findings with me and asked if I had been experiencing headaches. I had been, but I honestly chalked it up to the weather and sinuses. She made the decision to send me over to the hospital to be monitored. I see a doctor in Murfreesboro, and her offices are connected to the hospital by a breezeway. Her nurse wouldn't let me walk. I had to be wheeled over in a wheelchair.

My blood pressure there was high but not excessively so. I also had to collect my urine for 24 hours to check for protein, which is another symptom of pre-eclampsia. I had blood taken and was hooked up to a fetal monitor. We were there for about three hours.

Ella, which is what we are naming the new baby, had a terrible case of the hiccups while we were in the room. My husband Brian thought she was karate chopping the monitor. It lasted so long that the nurse came in and turned down the volume of the machine, saying we didn't need to listen to another 10 minutes of the hiccups.

Because my blood work came back good, they decided to send me home on bed rest. The doctor still fears I am heading toward pre-eclampsia, because of the symptoms I'm experiencing. She also says my placenta is deteriorating, which isn't good for Ella. She needs that to continue to grow.

We have a non-stress test scheduled for Thursday. I will already know the results by the time this prints on Sunday. This test monitors movements and the heartbeat to make sure she isn't in any distress. While I know she will be relatively fine if she is born at this stage, I would prefer for her to stay in the womb for a little while longer in order for her to be completely healthy. However, if she's safer outside, then I want her here by all means. After losing one baby, I don't want to take any chances at all.

I haven't had a chance to talk to my doctor about what happens if Ella fails the non-stress on Thursday. From what I've read on the Internet, she will probably have to be delivered. I also read many times doctors do C-Sections because of low fluid levels. Again, I would prefer to have her naturally, but I will do whatever it takes to get her here safely.

Brian is stepping up to the plate around the house, but it's hard for him because he works long hours. I am only allowed to get up to go the bathroom, take a shower and fix a sandwich during the day if I'm alone. The rest of the time, I'm supposed to be laying down on my left side. I am quickly finding myself bored, but I am concentrating on my online classes and catching up on good books. I never knew laying down could be so tiring, but it is.

I believe Ella will be here a few weeks before her due date. I don't see me making it to Nov. 30, but I could be wrong. Like I said, I'm willing to do anything I can to get her here healthy. I just wish my body did pregnancy a little better.

-- Tamara Belinc is a freelance writer for the Times-Gazette.