Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Tuesday night update

Danielle was hospitalized Monday at 4 am for pre-term labor. She was 23 weeks, 6 days pregnant. Initially, the nurses and doctors were fairly well convinced that Danielle was going to be having the baby shortly after arrival. In fact, we were spoken to by a couple of different doctors regarding the impending probable loss of the baby and our need to start making decisions. Specifically, if the baby had been born Monday, this would have been 1 day shy of 24 weeks; 24 weeks is the recognized day of viability/survivability. Therefore, if Danielle had given birth yesterday (Monday), the doctors would not have attempted any resucitation or any other life-saving actions.

Thankfully, however, through the hospital's efforts, Danielle's will, and especially prayer, she is still pregnant at this time, almost 48 hours later. She is still having occasional, rare contractions, but she is no longer considered in labor. The doctors think that Danielle has had a small placental abruption (smaller version of what happened last April). The concerns right now are that she continues to have some bleeding, her cervix is dilated 3 cm or so, and some of the fetal membranes are prolapsed through her cervix. All of this puts her at risk for resumed full labor and/or for having her water break. The doctors, therefore, have her on treatment to prevent contractions and have her on bed rest. The treatment has her feeling poorly, but her spirits are good.

Our goals are very short-sighted at this time. The doctors have stressed how important each day of fetal development is in terms of survival of the baby and in terms of the probability of long-term handicap/disability. With each day that Danielle remains pregnant, there is a dramatic increase in prognosis. We hope to be here for several weeks/months to improve the baby's chance, but right now we are celebrating days. There are details that plenty of people on this email list know that I have not included, so I'm sure such information can be shared. The main reason for writing this is to request prayer. Specifically, please pray that:
  1. Danielle can maintain this pregnancy for as long as is required to allow for a healthy baby.
  2. The doctors and nurses.
  3. Clarity and guidance if the baby is born within the next few days (a period that doctors consider a "gray area" for intervention)
  4. Danielle's physical comfort

16 comments:

Kara said...

praying for yall and your sweet baby!
-friends of the Farmers
Abilene, TX

Ginger said...

Praying for you every single day.
love, Ginger and Pearley (LeAnne Autry's parents in Columubs, MS)

Anonymous said...

We are praying that God will cover every detail concerning your sweet baby. Nothing is beyond HIM!
Sybil and Bruno

Sonja said...

You guys know I'm praying for you and sweet baby girl. Hang in there, D. You're doing a great job. Can't wait to be able to come and see you. thanks to your family for keeping me updated. I love you both!

Anonymous said...

You are covered in prayer. We love you! Jac and Adam

Tol Swindell said...

Kelly and I will be praying for.

Tol

Anne said...

You don't know me (we're members at Otter Creek) but I wanted to let you know that we are praying for you and your little girl. Our good friends had a little boy who was born at 21 weeks...that was over 18 months ago and he's now walking and talking. Praying that your little girl will be a fighter!!

Anne

Anonymous said...

i love you guys and am praying, praying!! You will be her hero girl for all you are doing for that sweet baby girl! One day at a time. Love you! Vern

donna said...

Praying and thinking of you, Blake and your sweet baby girl
Love you- Ken and Donna

Anonymous said...

I am praying for the best. May God give you patiensts and stenghth.

Anonymous said...

We are praying for ya'll everyday. You are doing a great job.
Love Ben and Jennifer DeMoss

Anonymous said...

You and your precious baby girl are in our prayers every day. You are wonderful parents and she knows that. God bless you and be with you during this difficult time. We love you,
Kim, Soren and Ellie

Anonymous said...

We will be praying for you. Reed and Kelly

Dan and Rachel Williamson said...

Hang in there-we have not stopped thinking about you and praying for you.

Love, Dan, Rachel, Lucy and Knox

Anonymous said...

Billy and I are with you guys in prayer tonight and until the night that little girl is born! Danielle, you have the strength of ten thousand, and Blake, there couldn't be a better doc by her side. Our God is bigger and more powerful than medical science ever could be! We love you!!! Jill

Anonymous said...

We are so very sorry about your loss. You are both amazing people, parents and Christians. You are loved and in our prayers every day. God bless you,
Soren, Kim and Ellie