For those of you who don't know, our family was expecting a new arrival this fall. We were due October 20, 2009. In June, we received news that we had placenta previa. For those who don't know what that is, it means the placenta was covering the cervix or as Sam likes to tell guys: the baby had no exit. Our doctor informed us first that as the baby grows the placenta could lift off the cervix, but he wanted us to be aware of the dangers. For some reason, this condition can cause heavy bleeding. If that occured we were to go directly to the hospital. Well we went on business as usual. For about a month, we had no problems. Then July 21st about 10:30 I twisted my body to move and I began to bleed heavily. To the hospital, we went. We were only at 27 weeks and I was really freaked out. The bleeding stopped eventually and after beinging monitored for a few days, I was released to go home. However, I was given the restrictions of no exercise, no heavy lifting and rest. Also, our doctor, Dr. Bammel, informed us that now he sure that a C-section would be the eventual outcome. About three weeks later(August 13th now 30 weeks), (I'm thinking no problem we are doing great) I roll over in bed about 3 a.m. and think that I peed my pants. No such luck! Another episode of heavy bleeding. This time we scared the resident bad enough he was about to send us for an emergency c-section. Thankfully our doctor came and the bleeding stopped and we were bound for a few more days of monitoring then home with more restrictions: bed rest with bathroom privileges. I made it through the weekend and things were looking up. I was trying to figure out how to take care of my girls and be on bed rest. We did well Monday. Then Tuesday morning as I am eating breakfast with Grace and Kaitlyn I feel my stomach tighten and I have a little contraction. No big deal right, I am at 31 weeks. Braxton-Hicks happen. Well, contractions are not good for placenta previa. I start bleeding again. Not near as bad as the other two times. Well, back to the hospital we go. This time I have contractions off and on and the bleeding starts and stops. We moved from the labor and delivery floor to recovery about four times. My doctor tells me after three days without incident that he doesn't feel safe letting me go home. He had told us earlier that we would not go past 37 weeks. So I prepare myself for the long haul. I was doing really well. I only got out of bed to use the bathroom or shower. Then Thursday night (August 27th) I have another contraction and pass two very large blood clots. They send us down to labor and delivery and I start bleeding heavily. Once again the bleeding stops after awhile. Sam and I figure we are in for a few more days being monitored. I get up and use the bathroom that morning and the spotting is almost gone. Then as I get back in bed I start feeling more contractions and I think the bleeding is starting again. The nurse checks me and doesn't think it looks quite right. They check out the blood and find that it has amniotic fluid in it. So I am now on their super monitor mode. They start antibiotics and want to watch and see. Of course, Dr. Bammel has gone out of town for a week. So one of his partners, Dr. Brantley, is watching out for me. My contractions start to get harder and closer together. Soon, Dr. Brantley comes in and tells that everything has finally presented itself and we need to have the c-section now. So they prep me and in a very short time (about an hour) Lucas Bair Zogg was born. He was born at 9:27 a.m. August 28, 2009. He weighed 4 pounds 3 1/2 ounces and was 17 inches long. He was born at 32 weeks 3 days and had to go to the NICU.
Luke is a fighter and they had to sedate him to get him on the respirator, but he wasn't on it for long. He is doing well and trying to get stronger. We can't wait for him to come home. His sisters can't wait to see him. He is adorable and we know he will fit right into the family. We don't know how long he will have to be in the NICU. We just hope it isn't too long.
