Baby Update: I had blood taken (LOTS of it) 2 weeks ago to find out if there were any problems that contributed to Brian coming too soon. Turns out, there is a problem. I have Protein S Deficiency, which, as far as I understand it at this point, is a blood deficiency causing a low INR. I am going to see Dr. Egli, a high-risk OB specialist, on Thursday. I will then most likely be put on daily aspirin immediately. When I get pregnant again, I will be put on a higher dose of daily aspirin as well as have to give myself heparin injections.

Heparin is an anticoagulant. It is used to decrease the clotting ability of the blood and help prevent harmful clots from forming in the blood vessels. This medicine is sometimes called a blood thinner, although it does not actually thin the blood. Heparin will not dissolve blood clots that have already formed, but it may prevent the clots from becoming larger and causing more serious problems.

In addition to this, I will see both Dr. Egli and Dr. Harrington throughout my next pregnancy. I will be monitored constantly and they will be doing weekly checks of my cervix. If at any point it has shortened, begun to dilate, or efface, they will do a cerclage. At least this is (from what I gather) the plan at this point. I will let you all know if this changes after I see Dr. Egli on Thursday.