Ok, so the rest of the story is probably TMI for most, so stop reading now. I debated even blogging this since it's very personal. I ultimately decided to share because finding message boards and posts like this online has helped me so much. Being able to find other moms out there who are going through or have been through similar is in some way comforting.
I had what I thought was my period maybe a week earlier than I was really "due". I just assumed it was my normal cycle and went on about my business. Well, the bleeding didn't stop. For weeks. What?? Took a pregnancy test to see if maybe that was contributing to my wonky cycle, expecting surely it would be negative and I'd just need to make a normal GYN appointment to see what the heck was going on.
POSITIVE.
I think I about fainted right there in my bathroom. Not that I wasn't excited, of course we're thrilled. I feel so blessed to be able to carry another child, and do not take any of this for granted. But the shock of the news definitely took me by surprise. Plus, there was all that bleeding... Which in my mind bleeding during pregnancy always equals bad, bad things. So panic set in.
My doctor confirmed the pregnancy at 8 weeks. She explained that the bleeding could just be due to hormonal changes or implantation. Who knows. Around that time it had slowed way down to only spotting, so I wasn't too concerned. However, around 9 weeks, I had a massive bleed episode. I thought for sure we were losing the baby, and I tried to prepare myself accordingly. This was a Friday. I couldn't get into my doctor until Monday, so that weekend was LONG.
Fully expecting to find no heartbeat, I was once again shocked. There she or he was, heart just flickering away on ultrasound. That's the good news. The bad news? I was diagnosed with a subchorionic hemorrhage. Do yourself a favor and DON'T google that. I shouldn't have. My doctor explained it as a tear in the lining, usually resulting from a "crash landing" from the egg implanting. More good news though, mine was small at 2cm and didn't really pose much of a threat to the pregnancy. I was put on light duty and went about my way.
A week later I had an even worse episode of bleeding. No cramps or pain, but I can't even describe the amount of blood. So freaking scary. I tried to once again prepare myself for the worst, that possibly this pregnancy was not in the plans after all, and heaven needed this angel more than earth.
I got into the doctor's office the next morning, I got to see this little fighter doing just FINE... but more bad news. Somehow in a week's time, the hemorrhage had grown to 12 cm, which is considered "large". I was put on bed rest until further notice.
Thankfully my dad was in town and my husband cancelled his work trips. Bed rest while taking care of a wild and crazy toddler is a joke if you don't have help. Luckily I only had to stay on full-time rest for just over a week. The episode cleared up considerably, so my doctor put me on pelvic rest and light duty. I had another check up last week and found that the hemorrhage has shrunk to 6cm! Still considered "large", but at least the modified bed rest is working so far. Hopefully this thing will heal up by my next ultrasound in 3 weeks. I'm still not allowed to pick up anything over 10 pounds (really HARD with Evans), and I'm supposed to just "take it easy". Right....
Hubs has been amazing during this whole ordeal. He has stepped in for almost all of the housework, and definitely all of the Evans work. He is my rock. In sickness and in health! He's my hero. My parents have also taken turns coming down to help me. They both work and have their own lives, so to pack up and come on down every other week is huge. THANK YOU!!
So, I'm not out of the woods yet, but every day I get to remain pregnant is a complete blessing. I'm so thankful this hemorrhage seems to be healing, and pray that it continues to do so. It's been such a mind game. Bleeding every day, slowing and starting again, thinking I'm healing, then bleeding again. It's hard to go through this. Most doctors say these things resolve by 20 weeks, but when you are the mama going through it- it's hard to be told "wait and see". My prayer life has gotten a super charge, that's for sure.
We look forward to meeting baby #2 in February! XOXO little bean. We are praying for you!
 |
| 12 weeks pregnant bump |
