Making a Plan

We were admitted to Evergreen about 4:15 pm on Monday afternoon, following that ultrasound appointment.  The nurse continued to monitor the baby's heartbeat into the evening, spending most of her time in the room with us.  The OB on call came to visit, discussed what the doppler was doing, and how baby was doing.

Little Long's heart rate was "deceling" throughout the afternoon and evening.  His heart rate would drop, sometimes significantly, for a (usually) short time before accelerating back up to an appropriate heart rate.  The OB explained that this isn't a good sign but that we'd continue to monitor and treat (turn me on my side usually did the trick), giving baby a better chance at life with every passing hour.

Just in case they had to deliver very soon (which Matthew and I didn't really think would happen), they gave me a steroid shot intended to expedite the organ growth (particularly lungs) of my baby.  I also received a magnesium treatment (can you say hot flashes?) that was intended to protect the underdeveloped baby eyes, should he deliver early, as well.

Everything was relatively pain-free (physically) and the nurse was absolutely amazing, calming, sweet, and wonderful.

Because there was a chance I'd deliver early, after meeting with the OB, the anesthesiologist came in to talk with us and to make sure I wasn't allergic to any medications.  She and the OB also discussed c-section methods, and I was hopeful we wouldn't have to go with the "splash and go" method they described that was used in emergency situations.

The neonatologist also came in to talk very broadly about premature babies, what struggles they can have, and what life in and out of the NICU is like.

At that time, it was a lot of information, but we felt ready to receive it, happy to be informed of all of these "potential" situations.  I really think it was a blessing that we were ignorant enough to think that OUR baby wouldn't be delivered THIS early.