Day trip to antepartum

Yesterday we finally had a little change. I suppose it was a change because of the lack of change in the baby situation. Because the baby and I had both been stable on Wednesday and Thursday, they moved me Friday morning to antepartum. That's where they watch women who are on bed rest but stable, who don't require quite as much care as those who are in labor/delivery. So we thought it was a good move, since it meant that the baby was doing well and would likely gestate longer.

The rooms in antepartum are generally nicer...softer bed, larger bathroom, and quieter (no screaming women in labor nearby). They took me off continuous monitoring (those really uncomfortable elastic belts that watch contractions and baby's heart rate), so I definitely had a nicer sleep last night.

This morning they put the belts on to watch the baby for a bit. After a while, her heart rate dropped really low for 30 seconds or so, then went back to normal. That happened 4 or 5 times. Because of the low levels of amniotic fluid, the baby's cord can get smashed between the uterus and the baby. Obviously if that happens to much, it's dangerous for the baby. And because she is only 34 weeks, her umbilical cord isn't as strong as it would be at 40 weeks, so it is weaker under the pressure. So, they moved me back to labor/delivery and I'm being monitored constantly now. But since being back here, her heart rate hasn't acted up once. I guess she just likes being in labor/delivery more than antepartum. Although it is physically less comfortable here, I do like being able to constantly hear her heartbeat. It keeps me calm during moments of stress and worry.