I went to the hospital today as my OB couldn't squeeze me in and I've been having a rediculous amount of BH contractions. I had an ultrasound, and that was good news - cervix is hanging tight at 3cm! But when I was talking to the doctor about how frequent and easily started my contractions are, she was concerned that with my cervix's poor history of thinning early, I might go into preterm labour. So, blast it, bedrest. The state of my uterus now matches the rest of my disposition - irritable!!!

It's going to be a loooong 2.5 months of having others look after my kids. The boredom will be difficult, as will laying down when I really do have quite a lot to do. But the kids... it's going to be hard on them. How can I explain to them, at such a young age, that I can't get up off the couch??? I can't dance with them, scoop them up when they hurt themselves, I won't even be able to be with them for most hours of the day. It makes me cry!!! Especially as our adopted daughter has already had so many different caregivers in her life, I don't want to confuse her as to who her mommy is. This is going to be tough. Being on bedrest for so long without kids was hard enough in the last pregnancy!

But there is good news too - the little one is 24 weeks today. Stay put little fellow...

That sucks so much! At least you have a computer near at hand.. sounds like it's time to rediscover the wonderful world of the internet - or take up knitting! I'm sure your children will understand, to some extent, that mommy needs rest. You can still read them stories and maybe play board games with them, stuff that you won't have to move much to do.

And remember - you have us!

That sucks! But hey... you've reached that magical 24 week mark!
I agree with captain-ally - read stories, play board games, and watch family movies with your little ones. Hope the bedrest isn't too bad hun.

oh Celia, how frustrating. But at least the doctor's have taken you seriously and are doing the best for your new baby.

I know bed rest is tough (I'm still on it now, and it's really tough, especially psychologically) but you will get through it. And it may not be for the full duration hopefully, if your contractions stop and cervix stays put. See if docs can see you and monitor it again every few weeks.

Also, kids are incredibly adaptable, and i'm sure they wont remember any of this once the new little brother or sister comes along. Just try and make it like a game for them, like doctors and nurses or something, and see if they can help look after you (even if it's just giving you hugs to make you feel better etc). As long as you're they're for them (whether it's lying down or upright!) they'll be fine.

And yes, the internet kind of becomes an obsession, which ain't great, but needs must!

Why not keep a pregnancy journal (they're on this site somewhere). I've found writing how i feel each day helps, as otherwise the days morph into each other. And make sure you have lots of different people in to see you, to give you little things to look forward too

XXx

thats so sad but good that your cervix is sticking in there - and will hopefully do so for another 2 or so months

Aww hun x

I'm sure your kids will be fine - it's not like they can't see you.. I like the ideas of board games and family movies too and like Kateqpr said, try turning in to a game for them - they'll feel all grown up if they think they're looking after mummy!

Congrats on the 24wk mark and hope you're better soon xx

Dunno if it'll be any good for you but I have been prescribed progesterone tablets (well erm, pessaries/suppositories) to help relax my uterus as I go into early labour coz of an irritable uterus and lots of contractions too. This is the 1st time I've used them so can't tell you if they'll work for me yet I'm afraid but it may be something you could ask your Dr about

Good luck...lets keep our legs crossed till Feb eh babe

Thanks all. Good idea on how to spend time with the kids despite, and I will start a pregnancy journal someday soon! Hevz, thanks for the info on the progesterone - I'll ask my doc about them at my next appointment! And yes... legs crossed!!!!!

I hope your little fella stays stuck for a while yet hun