WOW what a day!
We were all expecting a premature delivery, but none of us thought it would be this soon.
Nathan was born today, Sunday August 27, 2006 at 12:11PM.
He was born at 28.5 weeks. Full term is considered 40 weeks. He is 2 pounds 4 ounces and 14 inches long.
I had developed a pregnancy related condition called preeclampsia which is cured only by delivery of the baby. We knew we would deliver early so I was given steroids to increase the growth of the baby.
The preeclampsia quickly developed to a level requiring constant monitoring so we were admitted to the hospital Friday afternoon. By Sunday morning the preeclampsia had developed to dangerous levels that required the baby to be delivered. The baby was fine and I felt fine, but the preeclampsia was on the verge of causing internal organ damage to me.
He was delivered via c-section and came out crying (a good sign). He was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where his condition has improved throughout the day. He is currently breathing using his own muscles and reflexes. His breathing is assisted with a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). This puts pressurized oxygenated air into his nose. The CPAP is the first choice for respiratory assistance because it is non invasive and allows the baby to strengthen and develop his breathing process. If the CPAP fails to keep his oxygen levels up and CO2 levels down, they will put him on a ventilator to assist the breathing. Sometimes premature babies do not need ventilator assistance at first, but could tire out and not have the energy to keep breathing on their own. He may tire out and need ventalator assistance in the next few hours or days, but for now things are progressing nicely.
I will not be able to see Nathan in the NICU for 24 hours. I'm on bedrest, medication, and constant monitoring as the preeclampsia condition resolves itself after the delivery. I will most likely get to visit Nathan in the NICU via a wheelchair ride Monday afternoon. As my condition improves, I will be able to visit him as often as I want. I'm expected to be in the hospital through Thursday 08/31 or possibly longer depending on my status.
Premature babies are generally kept in the NICU until somewhere around their full term date (11/16). Nathan might get to leave a few weeks earlier or later depending on his health, but he is expected to be in there for most of the next 2 months at least.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Things are looking very good at the moment, but we have a long way to go!
Nathan just delivered
First time I got to see Nathan
Nathan had some visitors as he was on his way to the NICU
His Grandma, Papa and Nana
Nathan resting in the NICU
Nathan was born today, Sunday August 27, 2006 at 12:11PM.
He was born at 28.5 weeks. Full term is considered 40 weeks. He is 2 pounds 4 ounces and 14 inches long.
I had developed a pregnancy related condition called preeclampsia which is cured only by delivery of the baby. We knew we would deliver early so I was given steroids to increase the growth of the baby.
The preeclampsia quickly developed to a level requiring constant monitoring so we were admitted to the hospital Friday afternoon. By Sunday morning the preeclampsia had developed to dangerous levels that required the baby to be delivered. The baby was fine and I felt fine, but the preeclampsia was on the verge of causing internal organ damage to me.
He was delivered via c-section and came out crying (a good sign). He was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where his condition has improved throughout the day. He is currently breathing using his own muscles and reflexes. His breathing is assisted with a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). This puts pressurized oxygenated air into his nose. The CPAP is the first choice for respiratory assistance because it is non invasive and allows the baby to strengthen and develop his breathing process. If the CPAP fails to keep his oxygen levels up and CO2 levels down, they will put him on a ventilator to assist the breathing. Sometimes premature babies do not need ventilator assistance at first, but could tire out and not have the energy to keep breathing on their own. He may tire out and need ventalator assistance in the next few hours or days, but for now things are progressing nicely.
I will not be able to see Nathan in the NICU for 24 hours. I'm on bedrest, medication, and constant monitoring as the preeclampsia condition resolves itself after the delivery. I will most likely get to visit Nathan in the NICU via a wheelchair ride Monday afternoon. As my condition improves, I will be able to visit him as often as I want. I'm expected to be in the hospital through Thursday 08/31 or possibly longer depending on my status.
Premature babies are generally kept in the NICU until somewhere around their full term date (11/16). Nathan might get to leave a few weeks earlier or later depending on his health, but he is expected to be in there for most of the next 2 months at least.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Things are looking very good at the moment, but we have a long way to go!
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