Overcoming early contractions
Well, we had some excitement this week.
On Tuesday evening, I started to feel some heavy contractions that were regular and steady—not a good sign since my due date is still nine weeks away.
I called Dr. Baschat and he asked that I check into the hospital that night. We arrived a little after 11 p.m., and I was immediately placed on a magnesium sulfate drip, which is quite effective in slowing contractions.
The next day, Dr. Baschat explained that I had an excessive amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. This increases the risk of preterm labor and was likely the cause of my contractions. CDH babies have a hard time swallowing and processing amniotic fluid because of the displacement of their organs. In regular pregnancies, the average amniotic fluid size is 15–18 cm. Mine measured at 36 cm. We made the decision to go through with a procedure to drain some of the fluid.
Dr. Baschat moved quickly, and by 9 a.m. on Wednesday, the doctors began the procedure, which removed 1.5 liters of fluid. We then stayed in the hospital for another day and a half so that my contractions could be closely monitored. Luckily, they decreased significantly enough so that I was able to be discharged Thursday evening.

The removal of the fluid has been a huge relief for me. Things are safer now for Baby Girl, my stomach size has decreased significantly, and I am much more comfortable now.
And Baby Girl is doing well. Her lungs continue to grow and grow! For that, we are grateful. I will likely have this procedure again since the baby still can’t swallow the fluid. However, it’s a small price to pay in order to make sure she comes out as strong and healthy as possible.
My two favorite guys were amazing the whole time. Vincent delivered food for me and Jim, made sure our car was parked safely and even brought a game of Monopoly to keep us entertained. Jim was by my side the entire time giving me words of comfort and responding to my every need. They both gave me strength and hope. I am blessed to have such incredible support.

