Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Wednesday Night Update (2/27/08)

Today has been a good day.

Danielle has continued to have some bleeding, but an ultrasound this evening has us feeling better. There was concern in the afternoon that her water may have broken to some degree, but the ultrasound showed plenty of fluid around the baby. This was a huge relief.

There was one substantial change in Danielle's care worth mentioning. Around noon, the doctors took her off the magnesium drip. This medication was the most potent preventor of contractions that she had been placed on. They put her on an oral medication in its place, yet this particular drug is known to be somewhat less effective at keeping labor down. This decision was a surprise to us and was worrisome because the past 12-16 hours had been so quiet. The doctors explained that prolonged use of the magnesium drip, while effective at keeping labor at bay, has been proven to increase birth defects and mortality. Thus, sort of a "catch 22". The very medication best at prolonging pregnancy also increases risks, yet earlier labor is also strongly correlated with risks.

Thus far, 10 hours after coming off the magnesium drip, contractions have not picked back up to any substantial degree. A definite positive of the medication change is that Danielle is much more comfortable . She has rested well today. Please know that we have been made aware of all the prayers and we know that God is listening and working in this situation.

We are excited about crossing off another day as midnight approaches. Continue to pray one day at a time for peace and quiet over Danielle.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Danielle and Blake--Please know that our family is praying for you and that precious little one. We anxiously await more good news and so glad to hear that you are a bit more comfortable tonight. Blake--thanks so much for the updates so we know how to pray for you all.
Much Love--Juli

Anonymous said...

Blake and Danielle-

We are praying and thinking of you constantly. Try to think positively. John says fight, fight, fight.

Jaime and John

Anonymous said...

This is great news. I'm glad that she (both of them) are responding well to what the doctors are doing.

You know you guys (all three of you) are still in our prayers.

-Brett & Lesley

Rachel said...

Blake and Danielle- I am praying for you everyday. Thanks for keeping us all informed and letting us know how we can pray for you specifically!!!

Rachel Phillips (Jaclyn's friend)

Anonymous said...

Danielle, Blake, and that sweet baby girl,
You know that you are all so special to me and Wes and we are praying non-stop for you all. We can not thank you enough for keeping us updated and what a great idea to start this blogspot. I love you guys so much and am standing beside you and thinking of you every moment of every day. We know that God will protect you all and this baby! He will not desert you or forsake you! Be strong Danielle. Love you all and I hope to see you soon.

we are praying! Jessica and Wes

Anonymous said...

Hey Malones - Glad to hear good news. We are praying night and day for more time for your baby to grow. Thanks for keeping us informed.

James & Linda (Auburn share group)

Anonymous said...

P.S. Danielle, I am playing Dixie Chicks for you right now and we are singing at the top of our lungs for you and that baby!

Love, Jessica

Anonymous said...

Thank you once again for the updates. Blake, Danielle, and Baby Malone are certainly on the top of my thoughts and prayer. Hang in there...take it one day at a time. You two are are filled with strength and faith. Much love to you all.

Elizabeth (and William)