At this point I am getting wheeled over to a room in Labor and Delivery, wouldn't you know it was the same one I delivered Audra in! I am so very thankful that I had done my reading on preterm labor treatments, NICUs, etc. earlier on in pregnancy. I was able to understand why the doctor was pursuing this course of action, but none of my reading had been too recent enough that I was freaking out or anything, because if you do look up what the treatment/side effects can entail, it isn't pretty and could be very anxiety inducing. I was also take this moment to say that God clearly had a hand in my calmness, because I'm just not that calm of a person. Even though very few people knew what was going on at this point we were being covered in prayer.
I understand that there are less intense therapies to treat preterm labor, but am so happy that my Dr. simply told me what she was going to do instead of allowing me to waffle around on the idea that I could take a more cautious approach. I was very quickly hooked up to an IV for fluids, a bag of magnesium sulfate, and given the first dose of a steroid shot (at a bit before 4 PM) that is used to help mature babies' lungs in utero by triggering the production of surfactant.
Surfactant is pretty much a lubricant for the lungs. It is produced naturally by babies, but not generally until a bit later in gestation. *Literally every.single.day.in utero has huge benefits for babies, so while 32 weeks and 3 days may not seem too different than 34 or 35 weeks, it has a HUGE impact on "outside baby readiness". I randomly heard that every day inside the uterus is along the lines of 4 days in the NICU.* Triggering the natural production of surfactant earlier through use of the steroids is used to helps premature infants have less respiratory distress because the air sacs in the lungs are able to do their jobs without sticking to other lung tissue, causing or furthering respiratory distress in the wee one. Since coming home I have also found that some studies indicate that this shot may also reduce risk of brain hemorrhage, which is very commonly seen in premature babes, and of course is a major concern. In order for the steroid to work, Mom must get 2 doses of it - best spaced at 24 hrs apart - so this also relates to why my preterm labor was treated very aggressively even though, in the world of preterm delivery I was further along than many. A large part of the labor delay was in order to give those boys enough time to receive the benefits of the steroid shots so that whenever they do decide to arrive (a day from now or a month from now...who knows?) they will be as prepared as can be to breathe with the least amount of assistance. Medical technology is truly a miracle, but being hooked up to breathing apparatus', etc. increases risk of infection. So - we are really hoping that Baby Boys will come out with lungs slathered in surfactant, wailing, and ready to make me very tired from all of their crying.
Okay - does that cover the steroid shots? It wasn't pleasant, but it was also very much nothing compared to some of the other "lovely" experiences, and honestly - I'd take yucky shots over intense, un-medicated labor any day. Oh, and the benefits speak for themselves so it really was not an issue. We were all just intensely relieved that we were (eventually) able to get the full treatment to the boys. At this point, if I went into labor, they wouldn't stop it because a) the boys got such an awesome benefit from this treatment and b) please, if my labor is bound and determined to start there isn't anything left that wasn't done to my body to keep it from doing so.
Quick notes:
1. I HATE IVs. I had a really good one done, since it was in for about 3 days and I didn't actually attempt to tear it out, but I still suuuuuper hate getting fluids through it and puffy and itchy and gross.
2. I totally understand why they exist, and was pretty psyched that I got a Prilosec drip to help ease the nasty heartburn that came along as a result of things like: laying down for 3 days straight, having you body pumped so full of fluids that it rapidly grows your ever-massive uterus straight into your ribcage (not that there was so much space left anyway), not being able to eat or drink for 3 days...yeah - we'll get to that., having heavy meds pumped into you over the course of 2 of those days that has a knack for making people feel like they are on fire.
3. I really don't mind blood draws. Seeing as they were happening round the clock to make sure I was in the therapeutic range for the meds, but not getting overdosed, these were the least of my concerns and I'm glad I'm not a needle-hater. This whole experience would have been much more traumatic.
Next up: The "Mag Bag" or "Dreaded Mag" aka Magnesium Sulfate...this beauty is going to get a post of it's own.
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