Monday, March 25, 2013

Not out of convenience...

For those of you who are wondering, or more so assuming, I am letting you know why I am getting induced.

First and foremost I would like to get it out there... It is NOT out of convenience. First off, in the state of Utah (I don't know about other states) a doctor cannot induce a mother out of convenience for her first child until 41 weeks. (Usually at that point, its not a convenience to the mother anyways). The only way a doctor can induce a first time mom is for medical purposes. So for those of you who don't know... I am a first time mom.

Although, I don't feel like I by any means need to explain myself or explain why I am being induced at 39 weeks.. (not even a full week till I am 40 weeks) I am going to, so I don't have to explain myself over and over to those who think they have a right to know...

As many of my good friends and family know, I have had a struggling pregnancy. I am grateful I have made it as far as I have given my circumstances. I have undergone surgery, multiple pre-term labor experiences, a car accident, and multiple kidney stones. I am also grateful that my baby has been healthy throughout this process and that when I have not been in distress he also has not been. However, when my body has gone into distress mode it has affected my baby directly during that time....

This past week and the week prior I have been to the hospital multiple times. Number one for 3 days I had severe bleeding in my kidney's. For those of you who have not experienced this... You can have blood in your urine and still have a serious problem, but not even notice the bleeding... For me. It was so noticeable it sent me to the hospital twice within 3 days. The bleeding did not stop at all for 3 days, and it wasn't until I passed two major kidney stones that my kidney's got a break. These would have been kidney stone #7 and #8 since pregnancy. For those of you who have never had a kidney stone. I envy you, and also I want to inform you the amount of damage it does to your kidney's and entire urinary tract. It tears apart the lining of your urinary organs and builds of thick scar tissue, making it yes less painful to pass multiple stones, but also more difficult for kidney stones to pass, and other waste that needs to exit your body. This can cause further kidney and urinary tract infections for the rest of your life. Every time I have a kidney stone or a kidney infection my uterus contracts just as if I am going into real labor, but without progression. This causes me not only immense discomfort and pain, but also causes my baby distress as does any contraction especially ones that continue without change.

Also, for those of you who don't know. I got in a car accident about a month ago. This caused me to go into pre term labor and dilate me to 2cm and 80% effaced within hours. Luckily my body stopped itself and I continued with my pregnancy. However, between the wreck and my kidney issues, my body still continued to contract and dilate me, but leaving me at 3cm 100% effaced and at a station -1, 0 (subjective to the nurse or doctor). My body is trying it's best to bring my baby here, but it is having a very difficult time doing it on it's own.

My doctor as of last Monday and a long conversation later, felt as though it was best that we induce the baby a little over 39 weeks. My kidney's could still have multiple stones that are breaking apart, and they can not check or do any type of surgery that may be needed to remove large stones while the baby is inside. My baby measures at a healthy 39 almost 40 weeks. Although, yes I could choose to wait to be "induced" ON my due date. It is still an induction. We do not know if or when my body will go into natural labor since it has not already. I agreed with my doctor that it was prob. best to do it sooner than later, so I am getting induced tomorrow.

My doctors hopes are that he has to give me a minimal amount of pitocin and my body will recognize what is should be doing and all will go well. I pray it also goes well. I however, do not need messages and comments about how selfish I am being to my child my being induced. You are not my baby, you are not my body, and you are not me.

Thanks.
Ashley


4 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry you've had such a rough time. It is lucky he stayed in there this long and remained safe during all these hard time. But in all honesty I don't find you selfish at all. You've actually gone longer than anyone would i think. Give yourself some credit! And ever pregnancy and mother is different. Just because other moms think it's selfish doesn't make it selfish. They can get over it...it's you and ryan's baby and your decision. And i think especially if your doctor is reccommending it...it's a good idea. I wish you all the luck in the world! You've done great despite all these terrible things. And you'll do even better during delivery and as a mom! Love you Ash! Good luck!

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  2. aww.. oh my goodness.. you have had it rough. Poor thing. What they say is true, it will all be worth it in the end when you get to finally hold that precious little baby. You are strong! Good luck to you :)

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  3. i dont think anybody would/could call you selfish. You have to do what is best for you and the baby!! I can't wait to come meet your sweet man. I love you! Good luck tomorrow!!

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  4. Good for you! I'm allll for induction, whatever the reasons. Of course you have very necessary health reasons, I had 2 of my 3 babies with pitocin and 1 of them was a scheduled induction for PURE convenience (yup!) and it was great. Good for you and doing whatever you need.

    I'm sorry things have been so rough, and I hope things go perfectly for your delivery! Good luck! Little boys are the BEST!

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