Went in 3/22 for my 24 week checkup. Ultrasound showed shortened cervix measuring only 1.7cm. Sent to the hospital for overnight monitoring. Then sent me home on bed rest for two weeks. Went back to doctor on Thursday 4/7 and was 2 cm dilated. They immediately admitted me to the hospital. I got magnesium sulfate and steroids. Had the most awful exam again at the hospital. Yep, I was 2 cm dilated at 26 weeks + 2 days!! I've been in the hospital since Thursday and will continue to stay here until further notice. Mostly bed rest, but they're starting to relax as long as I'm not cramping, bleeding or experiencing any labor symptoms. I don't think I'll ever want to leave. I'm hoping to keep this little guy in here as long as possible. The only thing keeping me sane is his movement.
So totally scared out of my mind. Worried that something will change any second. My daughter Charlotte was stillborn June 6, 2010 at 26 weeks + 2 days. So reaching this milestone with this pregnancy while at the hospital isn't what I imagined. I guess I shouldn't have expected this pregnancy to be any easier than the first. I just hope that this time we get our happy ending. Hoping to stay pregnant for many many more weeks, even if that means staying here in the hospital. I can only hope that I don't progress any further or go into labor.
And of course my worry is multiplied exponentially becuase of my loss and the timing of this. The doctors know my history and some nurses have picked up on it. But not all come in knowing what I've been through and why I am so freaked out. Hard to explain over and over, No this isn't my first, we don't have one at home, we lost our daughter last year. My husband has been amazing, my family continues to be wonderfully supportive but I know it is hard for everyone to completely understand where I'm at with this mentally. Just need some encouraging words. This is so hard.

Oh, Susan. How awful and terrifying. The good news though, is that you are right where you need to be, with excellent monitoring. I am hopeful that the long days ahead will pass as quickly as possible. Every day longer is of benefit to your little guy.

Thinking of you, wishing for a very, very long hospital stay.

Sending calming and non-labor thoughts to you. I don't think i would be sane enough to type so I think you are doing pretty well, all things considered. I'm thinking of you and praying he stays put - at least 10 more weeks, baby!

Susan that must be soooooo scarey. I agree with Eliza and Jen: wishing you a very long hospital stay, aiming for at least 10 more weeks, Little Guy.

Sending love,

Joining in with jen's calming and non-labor thoughts. I'm so sorry that you find yourself in hospital at this point in your pregnancy, it must be very difficult being the same gestation at which you lost Charlotte and I hope they are looking after you and your baby well.

I'm so glad you've had the magnesium and the steroids and I hope that your little one will stay put for many weeks to come yet. xo

Oh, Susan, I am so sorry you are going through this. I've got my own scariness going on... also at the same gestational period as my loss... so I know how scary and overwhelming it it. I am thinking of you and sending calming (non-labor) thoughts. You are in good hands and they will take care of you.

Susan, I am so sorry. There really should be some sort of cosmic law that the subsequent pregnancies after a loss should be be easy and trouble-free. It is good that you are being well cared for and that things haven't progressed any farther but I can't imagine how scared you must be. Thinking of you.

Oh, Susan, I am so sorry you are in this scary place. I am thinking of you and your little guy. Stay put, little one!

Hang in there, Susan. All I can say is that I'm thinking about you and will be sending my positive thoughts out into the universe for you. Perhaps we need to create a new product. You know those pins sometimes worn by salespeople "Ask me about [insert product name here]" ? We need one that says, "Ask me about my dead baby." I hope you're getting great care and your little one stays inside for many more weeks.

Oh, Susan - how terrifying. I am glad you are in hospital though and where you need to be. Hang in there as best you can and I'm thinking of you and sending much love and positive thoughts.

Susan,
I am sending you all of my courage to help you cope in your hospital bed so filled with threat. I will hope for you.

Susan I am so sorry you're going through this. I hope you stay in that hospital for a very long time, but every day will make a difference. It sounds like you are getting good care. Hang in there, and please keep us updated if you can.

Susan how are you doing now? Still in hospital on bedrest?

Checking in to see how you are doing, Susan. I hope that all is calm and stable. Please update when you can.

I lost my son at 36 weeks and in my second pregnancy I just kept thinking that something bad was going to happen. Getting to 36 weeks was a torture. At 24 weeks I started having contractions every 3 minutes for days and was put on bed rest for the rest of my term. I now have a beautiful son at home with me. My son Henry was my first and he died. For me I had a 100% failure rate at birth. Believing that it could end differently was an impossibility for me but it can happen. I totally understand your fears. Hang in there. Take one day at a time. I will be thinking of you.

Still thinking of you and the little one. Hoping things are stable and well.

Thanks for all the support everyone. I'm happy to say I am still pregnant!! Still worried and anxious but I made it to 28 weeks today. Still taking it one day at a time. They did an exam yesterday and I'm still at 2cm. They are keeping me another two weeks here at the hospital. I feel very comfortable here. The nurses are great. I know I'm in the right place should something happen any time soon. So far, we're not having any contractions or other signs of labor yet. Hoping to have more uneventful days.

Thanks again for the encouraging words and positive thoughts. I hope everyone is doing well.

Thank you for the update Susan and I'm so glad to hear your news. Glad that the nurses are great and that you are feeling comfortable and settled in the hospital.
Wishing you many, many more uneventful days.

Susan that is great news. Thanks for the update.

So glad to hear it, Susan! Sending continued good thoughts your way.

I'm so happy to hear to hear your update. Sending positive, happy vibes your way!!!!