the next phase...

I initially began taking prometrium (progesterone) off and on while trying to get pregnant. Then, after becoming pregnant, I began taking it to help carry the pregnancy since I was experiencing internal bleeding and other issues. They stop the pills at 12 weeks and then begin shots at 16 weeks. The shots are called 17- Hydroxyprogesterone and they are not straight progesterone. Apparently the compound is very particular and there is much care in creating the compound and the process is strictly overseen. I will be getting these shots once a week from 16-36 weeks and the main goal is to relax the muscles so that they do not contract and thus prevent pre-term labor (which started at 33 weeks last pregnancy). I was thinking, hmm this will be easy, William can give me the shots, etc. But, the shot has to be given very particularly, it is deeper than IM (I cannot remember what it is called) and while I feel William would be very competent in giving it, they actually send out a company called Alere to come out to your house (they consist of all nurses that only deal with high-risk pregnancies). At first I was like ugh, but then after talking to the nurse at the company, I realized it was awesome. They come out every week and not only give you the shot, but they check your vitals, ask a series of questions and determine if everything is going well. If there is even a hint of something that may be off, they call the doctor. I think this is great because right now I am only going to the doctor once a month, so this kinda gives 4 little check-ups in between me seeing the doctor- I think that if something happens, the nurse coming to check up on me may be able to catch something sooner than the once a month appointment. And, if I do go into labor early they have this cute little device that you put on your stomach and it transmits through your phone and to their system so they can read any contractions, baby's heartbeat, etc. So, this is the next phase in our journey with #2! (I cannot wait until we know the sex so we can call him/her by his/her name!)