Last day of work - Scheduled!

Today was my doctor appointment - I measured 80% effaced and "1-2 cm" dilated. The doctor at this point told me to stop doing so much walking. So I'm off the gym now.

Based on increasing protein levels and blood pressure (still normal blood pressure, but "high" for me), the doctor remains concerned about preeclampsia. So he decided to do a non-stress test on the baby - which involved hooking me up to a couple of monitors to check the baby's heart rate and the activity levels. Everything looked A-OK with both of those. As we were wrapping up the 30-minute test, he said "So, you're not still working, are you?" Um, yes. So, tomorrow is my last day in the office! Yikes!! However, my boss has been way cool (he has five kids of his own, plus I'm a superstar), so I'm working from home for a few days until either a) I can't do it anymore, or b) I go into labor. When I asked the doctor what it means to stay home (like what can i do? what can't I do?), he said he doesn't want me up & about, and doesn't want me driving. So, basically, a form of bed rest - if you consider hooking up a laptop as part of bedrest....

Next step? Another non-stress test on Thursday, and if things look the same, we're good - but if anything with my protein or my blood pressure changes, he is talking about inducing on Friday! He mentioned several times that he wants me to go into labor on my own, without induction... but he wants to continue closely monitoring me. He predicts BabyW will make his/her arrival by mid-week next week, one way or another!

Preeclampsia.....
How would preeclampsia affect my health and the health of my baby? The more severe the condition and the earlier it appears, the greater the risks for you and your baby. Most women who get preeclampsia develop a mild version near their due date, and they and their babies do fine with proper care. But when preeclampsia is severe, it can affect many organs and cause serious or even life-threatening problems. That's why you'll need to deliver early if your condition is severe or getting worse. Preeclampsia causes the blood vessels to constrict, resulting in high blood pressure and a reduced blood flow that can affect organs throughout the body, including the liver, kidneys, and brain.When less blood is being delivered to your uterus, it can mean problems for your baby, such as poor growth, too little amniotic fluid, and placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery).