Gratitude Challenge ~ Day 18

March of Dimes

 Yesterday was World Prematurity Day. Two of my children were born premature. 

Unicorn was born at 33 weeks and was 3 pounds 11 ounces. I had eclampsia (I skipped over toxemia and pre-eclampsia) and started having seizures. Her father found me unconscious on February 29, 2000 at about 3:00 pm and called 911. She was born via C-section around 5:30 pm. I woke up 2 days later. I was in the hospital for 5 days and she was in NICU for 15 days. It was a terrifying experience that I will probably never remember. She is now 12 years old and happy and healthy. She has only one health concern that may be related to prematurity! I am grateful we both survived!

Ladybug was born via a scheduled C-section at 38 weeks and was my only "full-term" baby and my biggest at 6 pounds 4 ounces! Her birth was nice and uneventful (other than the 4 1/2 months on bedrest)!

With Monkey I went into labor at 34 weeks (April 15, 2008). I was given a shot of turbutaline and had an allergic reaction. Since the only other medicine that can stop labor has to be administered through an IV I was immediately admitted into the hospital where I spent the next 2 weeks on magnesium and in labor. At 36 weeks the doctor did an amniocentesis and determined that Monkey's lungs were fully developed and that it was time to deliver. He was born at 36 week and was 5 pounds and 8 ounces. He is now 4 years old and happy and healthy!

I am grateful for the March of Dimes and their mission to help prevent premature births!