We've made it to 31 weeks gestation, pregnant with Mekai Indigo Rowell (pictorial slideshow under the post). Considering all the pain I'm in and all the complications, this is crazy, but a very good crazy. As a bonus to help other moms out and because people keep asking me what I do, I have also included some of the best natural methods to help stop contractions.

How is Mekai?

Mekai is doing very awesomely. This is about the stage (or sometimes earlier) when many moms have to do fetal kick counts to make sure the baby is moving enough. I have not yet had to do that because Mekai kicks so often that it is obviously way more than the amount considered safe. They should kick at least 10 times every hour or two. Mekai does that in less than a few minutes. 🤣

He is still in head down position, which is very good, since it is possible he will come early. We are hoping the cerclage, progesterone,  and my extra techniques prevent that. But it will remain a risk unless/until we get to term.

Some funny news about Mekai is that he really loves the pinkfong nursery rhymes. I'm sure most of you know what "Baby Shark" is. They have likely the most famous renditions of this popular nursery rhyme. But they do many others as well. Nova and Kymani listen to pinkfong a ton. In fact, it is playing while I am writing this and I didn't even think about it. Whenever they listen to pinkfong, Mekai kicks like crazy. So he is likely dancing along with them inside the womb. I plan on getting some of the stuffed characters (pinkfong, baby shark, and mommy and daddy shark) when I can so all the young kids can enjoy them together once Mekai is able.

How does one cope with daily contractions?

If you've been keeping up, then you know I have daily contractions, even with an emergency cerclage in place and daily prescription hormone treatment. This hasn't stopped and in fact intensifies daily. How do I cope? Well, if I'm being completely honest, in most moments I am really positive and hyperfocused on keeping this baby inside. But occasionally, I do get frustrated and the pain really takes a toll on me because I am only human. Also, it hurts. A LOT. So if I was able to deal 100 percent without it affecting me some, I would likely not be considered sane.

Is it Safe to Stop Contractions?

So far, I've been able to use natural methods to stop the contractions. If you are also dealing with this, I precaution you to be safe and only use methods you have discussed with your healthcare provider. There are many methods out there. Some are not safe for anyone and some are only safe for certain people.

It can be perfectly safe and a good idea that contractions be stopped when they occur before the pregnancy is term (preterm means prior to 37 weeks gestation). There is usually no reason to do so once you have reached term (37 or more weeks), unless otherwise directed by your heathcare provider.

However, while it is a good idea to stop preterm labor, you must always, always, always follow your healthcare provider's orders and you must contact them for any of the warning signs they give you and call 911 in an emergecy. You must also consult with your healthcare provider  on any techniques you choose to follow.

Showers or Baths to Stop Contractions

One of the methods to stop or slow contractions that has worked for me is to take a  warm shower or bath. If you choose to try this, discuss with your care provider which is okay. Some cannot have one or the other or both, depending on their situation. This is no longer working for me, but it did work in the beginning. I still do it each time, just in case. Every extra effort is worth the try.

To use this method, you simply take a relaxing bath or shower (warm, but not too hot) for 15-20 minutes at the onset of contractions. If your contractions are already at the intervals you were instructed to go into the hospital for, do not try this method. Also, baths and showers can sometimes speed up active labor. It is different for every woman, as well as every situation. So again, discuss this with your healthcare provider first.

Using Rest to Stop Contractions

Another method I tried to stop or slow contractions was resting. This one hasn't ever worked for me. It's likely because I am already on bed rest, other than being allowed to get up to do things like use the restroom, take car rides that I rest during, and so on. There's not really much extra resting I can do, except to wait longer in between time periods where it's required for me to get up and do those things.

Resting is a method anyone can try, as it's obviously safe to rest. In fact, pregnant women need a ton of rest, even when not going through a high risk pregnancy like mine. It's hard work growing a human life. Don't forget to take the time to rejuvenate - as much as you need. Your baby and body will thank you later.

Using Lamaze Breathing Techniques to Stop Contractions

Another method to stop or slow contractions involves utilizing Lamaze breathing techniques. This should be safe for most people, as it is similar to what is done in active labor to help calm the mind and body so that the woman can focus on the baby, rather than the pain. The reason it might also help slow or stop contractions in the early stages is that it can be relaxing if done right.

This method no longer works to stop my contractions. However, it did help me out a ton in the beginning of this ordeal. I have been having daily contractions for months now, so my situation is a little more intense than some.  Doing breathing techniques still does help me to get centered so I can focus on other techniques. Even taking one deep breath during stressful situations can help anyone out. Just one deep breath is not likely to pose a heath risk.

Discuss with your care provider the safe ways to do this and whether it is right for you or not.

Using Car Rides to Stop Contractions

This method is one that will work only in some cases. In fact, for some, it may actually speed labor. It is another that depends on the individual. Talk to your healthcare provider before testing this one out.

To use this method for stopping or slowing contractions, you must simply go on a ride in a moving vehicle. Notice I said RIDE and NOT drive. If you are having contractions, someone else should be driving. I highly recommend staying in the vicinity of your birthing hospital when doing this drive. You should also, again, make sure it is okay with your healthcare provider.

I am on bedrest, so I lay the seat down in our van while my husband drives when we do this. We stay within a safe distance of the hospital. I am not cleared for traveling very far from home or the hospital. But I am cleared by my OB to do this, since it is helping. This has been one of my most effective methods, to date. 

Using Sleep to Stop Contractions

Sleep is about as relaxed as a body can get. It is also needed. Therefore, this method is very safe for anyone. It doesn't work for everyone and of your contractions are at the point of going to the hospital, you should go there instead. However, if you have not yet gotten to that point, you might be able to use this method to slow or stop contractions and keep that baby in a little longer. It worked for me in the beginning and sometimes still does. Though, at times, I have so much pain that sleep has to actually be forced. Then, when I awake, it has only helped a little and I have to try another method too. It works great in combination with my mindbody method below, though.

Using Meditation and Mindbody Techniques to Stop Contractions

Meditation may also help some women stop or slow contractions. This has actually been my most effective method, thus far. This is part of why I am often drained of energy, as it sometimes takes a lot of work, energy, and concentration when the contractions  start getting closer instead of further apart.

I am a natural healer and am at a more advanced level in this than some. So it does tend to work for me in a lot of the more difficult times when nothing seems to be working. It involves tapping into your inner self and utilizing techniques that control the body via the mind. This is not something everyone can do and should only be done if you can do it correctly, so as not to worsen the situation.

For those inexperienced with this type of thing, I highly recommend finding someone who can work with you personally and help you learn techniques that will not interfere with your healthcare provider's instructions for your pregnancy care. Feel free to reach out to me privately if you need help with this, as I will be doing affordable mindbody coaching for those with high risk pregnancies.

I will also soon have a special guide coming, as all my high risk pregnancies and experience with premature labor and delivery have inspired me to help others avoid this when possible. Bear in mind that even the best of the best will not be effective in every case. The body will often do what it does, despite medical or other intervention.  Just like the medical interventions, it is simply one more extra precaution you and your healthcare provider might decide is a good idea for you and your baby.

I came to start doing this, as almost nothing else was working. I am down to only this and the van rides for what works and we can't spend every single day just driving endlessly. I use these techniques in many other things, so I figured I'd come up with my own mindbody method specifically geared at stopping contractions and give it a whirl. It worked better than anything else has. So here we are.

How is Mekai still inside?

There is no way to tell medically with 100 percent certainty. But just from my experiences, I feel like the mindbody method I invented, in combination with the emergecy cerclage is what is keeping Mekai from being born too early. The mind is a powerful thing, as is good medical intervention. Together, I feel  they can be unstoppable.

Until the next update, y'all. We will keep fighting my body and winning, as long as possible. But no matter when Mekai makes his entrance, I am confident in our medical team to ensure all turns out well. We are already at week 31, which is one week PAST where we got to in Kymani's pregnancy and she is very happy and healthy. A scary entrance does not always mean a scary life. We are staying positive and keeping that in mind, should my body win the battle before term.

Today, we had a routine OB appointment to check on things. But there were a few concerns, so it ended up being long and painful.

We turned 30 weeks on Sunday. So, today, we are 30 weeks and 2 days. This is the regular 30 week check-up. But anyone who has been pregnant, especially high-risk, knows that no two pregnancies are alike and nothing is exactly routine. That's an understatement in my case.

As you all know, I get contractions daily. I am just able to stop them before my body starts doing more in terms of going into labor. I also have many other pains. Part of them are due to my age, but some of them can be a cause for concern.

So, at today's appointment, I had to be thoroughly checked due to the internal vaginal pain, cramping, and also my internal exam revealed that I am quite swollen in there. I also have a whole host of otherreasons in my chart from this and past pregnancies that prompts lots of thoroughness.

Since we had an ultrasound of Mekai yesterday, most of the ultrasound from today was to check on things like fluid, the cervical stitch (cerclage), my cervix itself, and things like that. But they did take a peek at Mekai too.

Mekai's heartbeat is 144 bpm, nice and strong. He is of course the same weight as yesterday (3lbs, 2 ounces). He is doing extremely well. He is also still head down (yay) and he is way down there so it's very possible he will stay that way for birth, early or on time (keep sending those positive vibes).

The other good news is that so far, the cerclage is doing its job and is likely part of why the daily contractions can't get any further as of yet. The other part is all the stuff I've been doing myself to stop them. It's very draining but it's for my kid, so I will keep it up.

However, the not-so-fun news is that my swelling and pain is likely a combination of things: the number of pregnancies I've had, my old age, my past and current pregnancy history, the pressure from Mekai and everything else since my body is older, and also from the daily contractions. My body is very sore and swollen and tired. It's extremely painful and as he gains more weight and I get further along, as well as have more and more contractions, it's likely to get much worse.

Unfortunately, being checked so thoroughly also intensified the pain. But of course, the checking had to be done because with those symptoms, especially the internal swelling, any number of things could have been going on. I am glad they checked. But now I am in massive pain.

Keep in mind that during pregnancy, it is very possible for some of these exams to induce labor as well, so we are watching for that, as we always do. We are already on labor watch daily, so we know what to look for. They are the same signs we posted in yesterday's update.

Anyhow, if I seem distant or "off" to anyone, this is why. I am going through a ton right now and Mekai, as well as the other kids will be my priority. It is nothing personal against anyone. I just am close to nonfunctional sometimes and am working hard to keep a baby inside as long as possible. It's not really under my control but I can do some things to fight it for however long my body allows and I will continue that, even through the pain.

Thanks for all the positive energy put into the universe. We really need and appreciate it.

We've made it to 30 weeks gestation, pregnant with Mekai Indigo. Each extra day is a miracle, at this point.

This update will look a little bit different than some of the others, as I was not able to post anything here for the past couple weeks, due to pain. We'll start from today and work our way backwards, kind of like a mini backward diary.

5/13/2019

So, today we are at 30 weeks and one day and we got to have a fetal growth ultrasound done on Mekai. Usually when we get the ultrasounds done, he is kicking away, sucking his fingers, pulling on the cord, and just in general being extremely active. But today, he was not having it. He was asleep in a super comfy balled up position and decided no matter how much prodding was being done, he was taking  a nap and not being bothered. So, he apparently really loves his sleep.

That meant that we only got a few grainy photos of his face and none of the rest of him because he was hard to see (ultrasound photos in a slideshow at the end of the post). But the doctor was able to see what she needed quickly to make sure he's doing well, so that is okay. I totally understand wanting to sleep because he hasn't let me in days. LOL Okay, so it's not him. It's my body putting me through the wringer to keep him inside one day (and a lot of times one hour) at a time.

So, the best news of the day is that Mekai is no longer in breech position!!! At the last ultrasound from the labor/delivery unit, Mekai was in a double footling breech position and that terrified us since my body keeps trying to make him be born. I have not had a c-section as of yet (even though this is my 7th child) and while I know it is perfectly normal, who actually WANTS to have an operation?

If it goes there, of course it will get done and I was glad to find out that I have a lot of family and friends to talk to if it has to happen. But again, no one wants that on purpose. So, we were very, very glad to see Mekai all curled up in the CORRECT position today on the ultrasound.

Anyway, so Mekai is in head down position, the perfect position for birthing, should it happen soon or later. Please send positive vibes into the universe for him to stay head down for the duration of his stay inside my womb. That will make his entrance so much less complicated, even if he's early.

The other news we found out is that Mekai weighs 3 pounds and 2 ounces today! That is Kymani's exact birth weight and she was born at 30 weeks gestation. So, he is right now, a comparable size to his big sister at this stage. We found that interesting, as well as comforting, since she turned out so healthy, even after being born so early.

My cerclage is still doing its job. But as everyone likely knows, I have contractions daily and an emergency cerclage like mine can tear through the cervix with even just a little more dilation than what I currently have. I am able to stop the contractions so far. But it is still a very real possibility that he can come any day now, be it due to dilation/cerclage tearing, the contractions not stopping, or my water breaking.

Pregnancy is very unpredictable and I have had three preterm deliveries already, with preterm labor occurring with all of my pregnancies at least once or throughout. I am also on my 7th child and am 41 years old. I also have an incompetent cervix (IC), as well as have other things going on. So, we are in dangerous territory here. But any child who decides to bust through multiple forms of birth control deserves for us to beat the odds for him in return. At least, that is how we see it.

Some of the signs I need to watch for in order to go to the hospital:

🎈 Signs of infection, such as a fever of 100.3 or higher
🎈 Contractions that occur at least 4 times per hour at regular intervals that do not stop
🎈 Water breaking
🎈 Cerclage stitches tearing through my cervix (bleeding and pain will be the sign)
🎈 Any other bleeding or even mild fluid leakage
🎈 More severe abdominal or back cramping or pain that is worse or comes with more pressure
 (I have this daily, so I know at what level it requires a visit)

We do not, of course, want Mekai to have to go through being a preemie, but it does help that we are now at the stage where we had Kymani. We look at her and are so grateful at how healthy she is, despite her scary entrance. We also look at her and are comforted in knowing that she came that early and has ZERO health issues to date, unless you count allergies. Even term babies get those.

And really, even term babies get other health issues too. It's all a game of chance. The point is, that even this early, it can all turn out amazingly well and Mekai has been very healthy thus far. So we are thinking only positive vibes into the universe that he will continue on that path, whether he comes term or preterm.

We will fight for every extra day that my body allows, but we'll also keep in mind that if it does not work, it is not our fault and not under our control. We have done and are doing everything in our power and following all medical advice given.

We will remember how well it can turn out, regardless of when Mekai comes.

We will keep with us the knowledge we gained from a prior preemie/NICU baby, in case we need it.

We will not listen to the folks who say we are being negative, when we are actually being prepared and healthy and realistic.

We will continue to thank those of you who are being supportive and sending positive vibes into the universe for Mekai. We love you all, even when we are silent, due to me being in pain while we chase 2 toddlers, run a business, and do a million other things, while I somehow follow bed rest orders too.

We will remain strong and positive and prepared (prepare for the worst and hope for the best).

We may or may not get to post an update tomorrow, but we do have a regular OB follow-up tomorrow as well. Until next time! Love y'all!!

5/12/2019

This is where we get to say we made it to 30 weeks! What an awesome Mother's Day present! Happy Mother's Day! We never thought this was possible after the prior night and even many of the nights and days preceding. May 11th was our worst day and night of all up to this point.

The pelvic pain was intense and we were ready to grab pre-packed bags and head to labor/delivery more than once. Thankfully, the contractions decided to stop every time and allowed us to celebrate my favorite holiday, besides Halloween and the kids' birthdays.

I'm not going to say Mother's Day wasn't a painful day as well. Far from it. However, Mekai stayed inside. So it was a victorious day at least. I also got to enjoy awesome appreciation from all the kiddos, including Mekai, who thanked me by staying inside and kicking me vigorously all day to state his presence.

​5/5/2019

We just got home from labor/delivery/ER. The cramping and pain got severe and concerning and at a point where it was necessary to go in.

Good news is that it calmed down and Mekai is not coming just yet. However, that is a good thing for multiple reasons. The obvious reason is that we are 29 weeks along.

But the other reason is that we found out through ultrasound that he is in a breech position. So if he'd have come, that would have been another challenge added to the others.

The cerclage is holding for now and the doctor said hopefully we get at least another couple weeks out of it. But as they also said, it's possible 24 hours from now we could end up right back in there.

Pregnancy is unpredictable, especially a high risk vulnerable one like mine with multiple risk factors. If you read our last update, we are again watching for those same warning signs, some of which prompted this hospital visit.

Also, because we are at the same stage where my water broke with Kymani, there is added precaution. She was born at 30 weeks after my water broke at a little after 28 weeks and we held her in for 9 more days on hospital bed rest.

​I was still in pain at discharge early this morning, though not at a stage of having the baby. So it is highly likely that my pain will stay and get worse up until Mekai comes, as previously stated in other updates.

And at discharge we were cautioned to come back to the hospital if I get the same pains again that prompted the visit or the other preterm or regular labor signs or any other warning signs.

​My tests all came up normal. No infections, no pre-eclampsia, no high blood pressure, etc. Please keep sending positive healthy vibes for Mekai no matter when he decides to come. Thank you. 💜

I am having a really tough time. But we got through another day keeping Mekai inside and are still fighting to keep him in.

At this point, we are taking it one day at a time..well, really even an hour at a time. I'm having constant pain and constant contractions (but not yet where they need to be for a hospital visit) still. If it gets to any of the obvious warning signs or anything questionable happens, we will go into the hospital.

The obvious signs we are looking for are: regular contractions at equal intervals 4 times per hour (every 15 mins) that stay there or worsen and  won't stop, water breaking, bleeding from the cerclage stitches tearing, any other bleeding, and then of course all the other things you'd look for in labor or preterm labor as a normal sign of it or as something alarming.

I've been having contractions daily for months and they worsen each day but unfortunately this can continue and worsen up until I have him. This won't warrant a hospital visit until any of the above warning signs or conditions are met. Those are what we are trying to prevent and my fighting so far has kept the contractions from staying at emergency level.

However, last night and today they did jump close together for a time more than once and I was able to stop that. My body is really trying to make Mekai come soon. But I am fighting it with all my might.

It could end up being soon when my body wins this battle. So please do not put pressure on us for specific times as we do not have control over this other than to attempt to prolong it. Nor do the doctors even. We can all only do what is in our power, including us as well as the medical team. If it were 100 percent up to parents and medical staff, there wouldn't be preemie babies. They would all be term and healthy.

So it is hurtful to put exact dates in well wishes or tell us to keep him inside.

Please just send healthy vibes for him to be well no matter when he comes. 💜

For perspective, please do as we are and remember that Kymani (now almost 2 yrs old and super healthy) came early at 30 weeks gestation and had a NICU stay that she did very well during and is healthy now. In fact, she does not even go by preemie adjusted age for milestones and never did. She does everything ahead just like my term babies did.

We are at almost 29 weeks gestation with Mekai. All babies are different. But this is very close to when we had Kymani. She is very ok and whether he comes now or we are lucky and he waits til later, we fully expect Mekai to be ok too but are prepared for all situations as best we can be. 💜

Our medical team is awesome and we will be delivering in the same hospital we delivered Kymani and have access to the same awesome NICU if we need it. Of course we don't wish that he'll bea preemie. I mean, who does that?

But it would be stupid to not prepare in this situation and we have. And we are experienced with having a preemie baby and our medical team is more than qualified. Mekai is in good hands.

Please send positive vibes for him no matter whether he comes sooner or later. We hope later. But we believe the universe is holding him safe in its arms regardless. 💜

(picture is of some of Mekai's clothing because obviously we have no recent pics of him until the next ultrasound or until he's here lol)