Hello,
My name is Mari. I am currently 24 weeks pregnant with my first and I am on complete bedrest at the hospital:( A little over a week ago, I went in to the doctor's on a Friday because I was having an unusual occurance of spotting accompanied with back ache and lower pelvic pain. Once the doctor examined me, he determined that I have what is called an insufficient cervix. The cervix is to remain closed until full gestation. My cervix had dialated 1.5 centcentimeters at 21 weeks.

My doctor explained that I was having symptoms of preterm labor. After a short moment of quiet, the doctor concluded I should have a cerclage which is a procedure in which the cervix is stitched shut. This is a common method used for women with my condition to save the pregnancy and to prevent the inevitable from occurring in the second trimester. Within moments I was wheeled to the hospital in preparation for surgery the next morning. It was a success, so I thought...I recovered the remainder of the weekend in the hospital and was then released on Monday.

I was scheduled an appointment on Wednesday to have my cervix examined. So far so good. My doctor referred me to see a high risk specialist at a bigger hospital that Friday to have a sonogram. He expressed that even with a cerclage sometimes women are still at greater risk.

I met with the high risk doctor, had my sonogram, and to no avail my cerclage failed and my cervix opened to 2 centimeters! Jokingly, I thought to myself, this baby really wants to come early! I was admitted to bedrest at the bigger hospital within the hour.

So, a week later today, I have made it through complete bedrest, with bathroom breaks. I have been prescribed medication to take twice daily to stop my uterus from contracting. My baby's heart rate is monitored twice a day and my vitals are checked every few hours. I never imagined that I would not have a normal pregnancy. In the beginning my pregnancy came to be a complete surprise. I have come so far and I am expected to have a baby girl. I always said that my hypothetical child would be a girl, so she is a blessing and I want to do everything in my power to keep her growing healthily in my belly.

I am to remain in the hospital on full bedrest until at least 26 to 28 weeks. We know that the baby has a greater chance of survival with minimal complications if she we're to come that early. I am at ease knowing that the doctors here are highly trained with years of experience. (Here is where I will be the next few weeks)

I had to make the room as comfy as possible. My Honey even brought me a mini tree!

I have decided to set up this funding campaign because I will be out of work without pay for at least five months. This stay is going to be quite expensive and I only have so much control over my finances as well as expenses . We could use all the help possible.

Thanks!