When a woman goes into preterm labor, she usually is given a type of steroid called a corticosteriod. This steroid helps the baby's lung mature, helps prevent bleeding in a baby's brain and helps prevent a serious bowl disease called necrotizing enterocolitis.
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About two hours later, two different test results confirmed and constant monitoring the conclusion was made. The gush I had felt earlier in the night, which had brought me to the hospital, was in fact my water breaking. And with that conclusion came the steroids. The steroids consisted of two shots given 24 hours apart. I would receive one shot that night (Monday) and the other Tuesday night. Once both shots had been administered Morgan Kate would stand a much greater chance. All I wanted at that point was to get the two shots that Morgan Kate so desperately needed.
I'm not sure if having my water break was a curse or a blessing. My water broke that night and continued to leak for almost seven days before my placenta ruptured resulting in Morgan Kate's birth. But had my water not broken that night I would have never gone to the hospital and I would have never received the steroids. I truly believe that the steroids made a world of difference. I believe that they gave Morgan Kate a chance that she might not have otherwise had. Not all women are able to receive the steroids. Some go into preterm labor so quickly and don't have the opportunity to receive them.
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On a different and much lighter note, Morgan Kate received her first synagis shot of the season yesterday. She will get this injection once a month until February. Now that she is older and weighs much more than she did last season, she actually had to receive two shots. Ouch! And let me just tell you, it was not pleasant. MK might not have been phased by the flu shot, but the synagis injection was much, much different.
I went prepared. Or so I thought. I had all kinds of toys and snacks packed, hoping that I could distract her with some of them. Nothing worked. Nothing. The minute the injection went in she began crying. The kind of cry where your face is all scrunched up, your face is a bright apple red, your mouth is wide open and that thing in the back of your throat is vibrating, but no sound is coming out. No sound at all. I had to blow in her face to remind her to breath and to attempt to calm her down. I tried rocking her, bouncing her, offering her food and toys, but she didn't want anything I had. After lots and lots of hugs and kisses and cuddling, she was okay. Mommy was not, but MK was. I may be forever scarred and I am completely and totally dreading the three months we have left. But I know that ultimately they help protect her, so I am just going to have to put on my big girl pants and deal with it.
Unfortunately, we are not done with shots this week. This afternoon we go for the H1N1 vaccine. Pray for us.
3 comments:
I will pray that she will be okay. I know that is scary for you to see her like that. I will say some prayers for you too. Love you guys. Give MK some more hugs and Kisses from Aunt J.
Love,
Aunt J
Being a parent is the most resposibility we ever take on
I always say parenting isn't for cowards and it is so challenging.
(Neither is being a Grand parent)
You have done so well.
Through all the trials and tears you have remained faithful and strong.
The proof is in Morgan kate's beautiful smile.
Looks to me like you are an amazing Mom!!!!
It is so, SO hard to watch them get shots. Unfortunately, I can't say that it gets better or easier :( Just know that you are doing the right thing for her to keep her healthy and safe and not in need of more invasive care!! Morgan Kate was the most precious bumble bee!! Loved the Halloween pics!
*btw, I go to church with Jessica Jones. We've been praying for you guys since you went in the hospital last August. It's so awesome to see MK growing and thriving!!
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