Pregnancy Update: Viability Week (24 Weeks)
I cannot believe I have finally made it to viability week. As I write this blog, I am 24 weeks and 2 days pregnant. What a journey it has been to reach this point.
At 24 weeks, our baby has approximately a 40%–70% chance of surviving outside the womb with advanced medical care. Just typing that brings tears to my eyes.
My Birth Plan: Cesarean Section
My anxiety levels have been low ever since my 23-week appointment, when my doctors checked my cervix and our baby’s growth. As long as my cervix remains closed, we’re good to go. Now my only job is to keep our baby safe and sound inside my uterus for the next 12–13 weeks.
I will be delivering via C-section between 36 and 37 weeks. I don’t have an exact date yet, but I’m hoping to get one sooner rather than later.
For those wondering, I have to have a C-section because I have a transabdominal cerclage (TAC) in place. You can read more about TACs HERE. I’m honestly not worried about the pain that comes with a C-section—I just want our baby to be born full term and healthy.
Since I’ll be moving to Atlanta at the end of this month, I’ll be switching doctors. I’ve already found an amazing OB, Dr. Jose Garcia, who delivers at Northside Hospital. He’s familiar with TAC pregnancies and even went to school with my TAC doctor, which gives me extra peace of mind. Northside is known as one of the best hospitals for delivering babies, especially when it comes to neonatal care, so that’s a huge plus.
Am I Crazy? DO NOT KISS MY BABY!!!
Am I crazy for wanting to set rules when it comes to visiting me and the baby in the hospital—or even holding my baby?
Rules like:
Wash your hands before touching or holding the baby
Don’t visit if you’re sick or just getting over a cold
No little children around the baby because of germs from daycare, crawling on floors, and touching everything
And my biggest rule:
DO NOT KISS MY BABY.
Anyone who plans to visit also needs to be up to date on their vaccines and get a TDAP shot, which helps prevent whooping cough. Whooping cough can be extremely dangerous for newborns and babies under six months old.
Sometimes I feel like I’m going overboard, but then I hear about all the viruses and illnesses affecting newborns after visits—and it makes me worry even more about my baby’s health.
Overprotective Mama
Right now, I honestly don’t want anyone else holding my baby except me and my husband. My feelings may change after delivery, but for now, I’m definitely being overprotective.
Did any of you feel this way after giving birth? Am I going overboard with these rules, or are they actually pretty basic?
Today, I also want to say Happy Birthday to our twin boys, Marquale and Marcel, who were born prematurely in 2018. I know they’re watching over me, hubby, and their new baby brother or sister.
With love,
Mrs. Goodwin
