Welcome

I thought I would start a new blog to keep everyone updated on family happenings and progress of baby to be.

As most of you know I have a high risk pregnancy because of having a history of preterm labor, shortening of my cervix, a premature birth, and multiple miscarriages.

So far in this pregnancy, we have experienced a subchorionic hemorrhage (blood collection between the placenta and wall of the uterus) which has sent us to the hospital a few times with bleeding and cramping. The last of such event was at 10 weeks (almost 4 weeks ago). I was taking oral Progesterone until last week.

I had a perinatologist (high risk OB) appt last week. Baby looked great! VERY active!!

The plan of action is going to consist of close monitoring of mommy and baby. Starting next week I will be getting ultrasounds every 2 weeks to make sure my cervix isn't shortening. At 16 weeks (2 1/2 weeks from now) I will be getting weekly injection of 17P (which John will administer to me).

17P (alpha-Hydroxyprogestrone Caproate is a progestin medication similar to the naturally occurring hormone progesterone. A recent studay by the National Institues of Health has shown that in women with a history of preterm delivery, weekly injections of 17P reduced the risk of delivering before 32 weeks by 42% and reduced the perterm birth rate by 34%. Additionally, babies born to women treated with 17P injections had a lower risk of several medical problems that may affect preterm infants. Injections begin between the 16th and 20th week of preganancy and continue to the end. 17P has a relaxing effect on the uterine muscle and makes the uterus less able to contract.

Check back often for updates