So glad he’s home! I can only imagine what a relief that is. I think the longest Joel has been away was like 2 weeks AND I didn’t have a little one to take care of (other than the puppy but she’s low maintenance.) In that short of time I was crawling out of my skin missing him. I cannot even fathom 7 weeks. Hope you guys find your routine again quickly.
Abigail just wrote Losing her place?

I did the shots second pregnancy, but I went in to the doctor’s office weekly to do them. They really do not hurt that bad. As the previous commenter stated, just make sure to rub it.

The PIO aren’t that bad. Don’t get too scared. I had 12-13 weeks/90ish of them. I alternated between my thighs and rear and used lidocaine cream. Nothing to be worried about! I was forced to do 90% of them myself (deployment) and in the end I think being in control of it made them hurt less. Good luck! I’m glad you’re catching up on everything!

I went into preterm labor with my first son at 23 weeks and was on strict bedrest until he was delivered at 39 weeks. With my second, we started progesterone shots at 17 weeks and I went full-term with no complications (no cervical shortening or funneling or contractions) which was amazing after the first pregnancy we had.

I totally freaked out about having to get the shots but after the first one – it was no big deal. The needle is teeny-tiny, they put it in your hiney (we could make a poem about this if you want) and it doesn’t hurt at all. The progesterone is in sesame oil at my doctor’s office and I never had a reaction to it, although some people do. If you do, they can order shots for you in a different oil. We rotated butt-cheeks every week and the only problem I had was not being able to sleep on the side I got the shot in for a night. I never had any bruising and when I start progesterone shots for THIS baby (in two weeks), I have no fear at all. Don’t sweat it, sister. Seriously, this is coming from somebody who has a super irrational fear of needles – it was no big deal.

If you have any questions, please, don’t hesitate to email! shopdressedtothrill at gmail dot com

You could look at it as them giving you something to actually *do* to help. That always helps me feel less anxious about things.
Anne-Marie just wrote Lifelong Anxiety: I Have No “Before” Life

I think it’s 17p shots that you’ll be getting? If so, I am not gonna lie, I am a giant wuss I guess because they sucked. Mine were in castor oil so it is very thick and the injection took two minutes to get it all in (that’s 2 min with a needle in your butt) and stung like a B the whole time. That said, OF COURSE they’re nothing in the long run and 200% worth it. So excited for you & can’t wait to find out what you’re having! Prayers for you & the babe!

Just an FYI, the PIO is better injected when warm, so that it doesn’t clump up…so don’t ice the area, warm it before and after injection and then rub, rub, rub so the oil spreads. I did these shots every day for 10 weeks and had minimal side effects using this method.
Heather L just wrote Dear Preemie Parents

Yeah, no worries on the progesterone shots. After 2 preemies I had them my next pregnancy from 18wks and went full term. I had them again with the following pregnancy, but unfortunately had other issues there. Thankfully baby is fine. So after all you’ve been through, I doubt it will bother you much.