Another Exciting Day

...Although not in a good way. Tim and I went in for another checkup at 9:15 this morning and my blood pressure was still high. And, based on a test they did last week, so was my protein. So the doctor officially diagnosed me with mild preeclampsia. She said that many people with mild preeclampsia go on to full-term (36-40 weeks) and have healthy babies. She sent me for a non-stress test (checking heart rate and having me push a button every time I feel the baby move), which was bunk because I can't feel half the movements Bean makes (placenta is in the front--makes it hard to feel all the smaller kicks and twists). They sent us for another ultrasound to make sure Bean's growth is on track, and (because they didn't get what they wanted out of the non-stress test) more monitoring. So we got our ultrasound done, and that doctor said that Bean's growth is right on track and everything looks good. They gave us a DVD with a couple new pictures and video over her moving around.

Our next stop was for monitoring in Labor and Delivery. They hooked me up to a fetal heart monitor, a contraction monitor, and a blood pressure cuff. They also put in an IV line ("just in case"), took blood for labs, and gave me two big syringes full of fluids. They told me I couldn't have anything to eat or drink until my labs came back. Once the labs come back, we'd know what came next. So we sat for about an hour and watch my blood pressure fluctuate right under the limit. The nurse came back and took the cuff off, saying they'd seen what they need to see. And to apologize for not checking on me sooner, she brought me some ice chips and orange Italian ice, which I promptly scarfed down. We were looked in on a couple more times to be told that baby looked good based on her heartrate, and that they didn't have our lab results yet. Mom came and relieved Tim shortly, since we thought we'd be there until 5 or 6. And about 20 minutes later, the doctor came in and said "Your labs are good. Get out of here before something bad happens." Mom asked about my activity level, and he said to make no change (Mom thought we'd be sent home with orders for bed rest). He did tell me to take it easy and let Tim take care of the laundry and the dishes:P I go back on Monday to be seen through the Intermediate Care Clinic for extra monitoring.

So that's the update for today. All the resources I can find on the internet say to take it easy, drink lots of water, eat less salt, and get some light exercise every day. We'll probably be keeping our travel plans to the bare minimum, but we'll be happy to have anyone who wants to come over and hang out with us! Especially me, and especially on days when Tim has to go to Philly for work:-P

Anyone who thinks they can beat me at Tetris Battle, come on over;)