So I had a very normal pregnancy; which was a blessing, considering we had tragedy prior to the birth of our oldest son. Having that history, my doctors made sure to keep an eye on my blood pressure. Throughout my pregnancy, everything was great; all test were passed and within normal range. When I hit month 8. I went on for a routine visit, and while my doctor was counting his heartbeats I saw her face change. She then measured my stomach. After she walked for a few minutes, she came back and told me she was sending me over to the hospital for a more detailed ultrasound. She said his heartbeat was a little low and she wanted to take precaution. After having the ultrasound there, the doctor came and said that he was underweight for his age and that there was some inconsistency with his heartbeat and she put a plan in place: I would get 2 rounds of steroid injections and they scheduled my delivery for 37 weeks. I would also be seen by my doctor twice a week for blood work and non-stress testing to monitor his heart. Of course I was scared and afraid, but so thankful an immediate plan was in place.
Week 1 was okay; my blood pressure elevated slightly but we all thought it was just the stress of the news. The non-stress test wasn't great, but he had a consistent heartbeat. Week 2, my blood pressure spiked and I started having contractions during my stress test. Back to the hospital I go! I was monitored for a couple of hours and they decided I would stay overnight....then everything changed.
The doctor said they were going to go ahead and induce because they can't figure out what's going on with him on the inside. Two weeks before my scheduled C-section. As the potossin is taking effect and my contractions were getting stronger his heart rate continued to drop! After about 5 minutes, my doctor comes in and says that this birth just went to an emergency C-section that was happening right now!! That was the scariest 15 minutes of my life; but out of it, a beautiful 4 pound 11 ounces of baby boy was born. I got to spend some time with him before they took him into the nursery.
A few hours after birth, I was told that he went from the nursery to the NICU. Thankfully he was breathing on his own, but he wasn't eating. Being born early his feeding and sucking reflexes weren't together. He has to have a feeding tube...26 days...26 days of having to leave my son at the hospital, of him being stuck with needles, being in a incubator and I couldn't hold him, his brothers wondering why they can't see him and why he can't come home. It was very heartbreaking!
November 13, Jayce came home..... medication free, tube free!! He does have a heart murmur which is checked by his doctor. He also has appointments with physical and speech therapist, but so far, he's doing excellent!! Those NICU nurses at Rex are so amazing and played such a big role in Jayce's success. We couldn't thank them enough!!
With preterm birth rates continuing to rise, the U.S. remains among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth, especially for women and babies of color.
At March for Babies: A Mother of a Movement™ you're lifting up communities, creating connections and taking action to make America a more equitable place and ensure that every mom and baby is healthy.
Together, we’re marching to raise funds and awareness to transform the health of all families!
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