This morning at 538am I was woken up by a contraction. It wasn't too intense, what I though was a normal Braxton-Hicks. Every 7 or so minutes another one would come - not much more intense... just regular. So at about 630am I woke Neil, said it all MAY be starting and then we were up. I walked around a bit (to see if walking changed the pain/frequency) and it really didn't. We had breakfast, washed up, chatted... then we played on the computer for a bit to pass the time and wait for them to become more regular/intense. At about 1030 mom came over to drop off/pick up some things. At the insistence of mom and Neil I called the labour ward. They said when the contractions are about 5 minutes apart and of an intensity that makes you stop and breath through it for about 1 hour, then it may be time to come in.
At about 1130am the contractions started to be more intense, almost every one, and between 4-6 minutes apart. Finally at about 230pm (after another call to the labour ward and much hemming and hawing) Neil and I were off to the hospital!
We got there at about shift change (just before 3pm) and I was hooked up to the monitor and we were watched. Again, every 5 or so minutes and the pain was pretty consistent. But once checked, I was only at 2-3cm dilated. And the ward is apparently very full. So? By 430 we were sent back home, although they were kind enough to shoot a needle full of morphine and gravol into my left ass cheek. Morphine? Doesn't totally take the pain away but I think it makes it more bearable. Or it just numbs me... I feel kinda flat.And a little nauseous, despite the gravol. Morphine? I am sorry, Mr. drug, I can't say I am a huge fan of yours.
I felt pretty tired when we got home and I tried to nap for awhile. But every 4 minutes or so I would wake to a contraction. So I am up now, on the computer a bit and pacing the house a bit. Now more waiting, more contractions, more deep breaths.
When mom came to visit, she told me she hoped that I don't labour like her side of the family - very very very slowly. Well, mom, I think I am just like you! Here's hoping things pick up speed.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Week 39 and update
The update? Nothing has changed *grin*
The Braxton-Hicks have totally stopped now, everything is just status quo. Sprout is ready to come any time now. We have my maternity bag packed, car seat installed and checked, nursery ready, house reasonably clean (although more to be done on that today), Neil has started packing his maternity bag even! After a horrible night's sleep on Thursday, I slept as well as I could last night and so feeling human today. Tonight I think Neil and I are going on a date to see Avatar. Tomorrow dinner at the parent's place. Wednesday night is book club. Life is going on!
On Thursday I was talking with a friend who was also pregnant. She was due 3 days before me. We were comparing where our bodies were, and they were in about the same place (regarding effacement, dilation etc). We were joking about how in sync we were, that we may just have our kids at the same time. We spoke Thursday at 930pm the last time. She had a son (6lbs 4 oz) on Friday morning!
First, congratulations Blessie! I can't wait to meet him!
Second, I KNEW Sprout would be a stubborn procrastinator, just like both her parents are. Our little apple is not falling far from the tree.
The Braxton-Hicks have totally stopped now, everything is just status quo. Sprout is ready to come any time now. We have my maternity bag packed, car seat installed and checked, nursery ready, house reasonably clean (although more to be done on that today), Neil has started packing his maternity bag even! After a horrible night's sleep on Thursday, I slept as well as I could last night and so feeling human today. Tonight I think Neil and I are going on a date to see Avatar. Tomorrow dinner at the parent's place. Wednesday night is book club. Life is going on!
On Thursday I was talking with a friend who was also pregnant. She was due 3 days before me. We were comparing where our bodies were, and they were in about the same place (regarding effacement, dilation etc). We were joking about how in sync we were, that we may just have our kids at the same time. We spoke Thursday at 930pm the last time. She had a son (6lbs 4 oz) on Friday morning!
First, congratulations Blessie! I can't wait to meet him!
Second, I KNEW Sprout would be a stubborn procrastinator, just like both her parents are. Our little apple is not falling far from the tree.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
We have gone internal!
Warning, this post contains "internal" information!
Today was another doctor's appointment and I was given the option to have an internal examination. Which I most definitely took!
Taking a step back - again this week I started with a student doctor, this time a resident. He was a gentle and polite Arabic man. He was very careful and thorough (although not very confident). I am measuring 39cm, BP still normal (although high for me), weight is just a bit higher (ick), and everything is looking normal. Then the resident and mom care doc came in and did the internal exam. First her, then him. He gave the rundown on where he though I was at, she agreed.
mucous plug is gone
1.5-2 cm dilated
cervix is in mid position and medium firmness (needs to move to anterior and be soft, from posterior and firm)
baby's head is at station -1
effacement... well, I am either 25% or 75% effaced. They said 75% but I am not sure that meant 75% left or 75% along. I was getting a little excited at that point!
My body is getting ready for the big day! Since hearing the news, I have been feeling much better. I even BOUNCED down the stairs! Just knowing that the initial steps have started makes me feel there is an end to it all. During the exam, the doctors were able to feel her head. Someone other than me has now touched her.
Neil's reaction? I think it hit him (again) that labour is imminent. There may have been some shaking, stress and alcohol consumption *grin*.
Last night was our last prenatal class, all about breastfeeding. I have to say, it does not look easy. I am hoping that both Sprout and I are quick learners. Right now, Neil and I are planning to exclusively breastfeed until both Sprout and I have the hang of it, then introduce bottles so that Neil (and the grandparents) can take the occasional feed.
The maternity bag has been triple checked (only a few things added). Now to clean the house properly - Sprout can't come home to a messy place! - and clean her room again. I must make sure the laundry is all finished, things are organized and ready to go... we're having a BABY people!!
Today was another doctor's appointment and I was given the option to have an internal examination. Which I most definitely took!
Taking a step back - again this week I started with a student doctor, this time a resident. He was a gentle and polite Arabic man. He was very careful and thorough (although not very confident). I am measuring 39cm, BP still normal (although high for me), weight is just a bit higher (ick), and everything is looking normal. Then the resident and mom care doc came in and did the internal exam. First her, then him. He gave the rundown on where he though I was at, she agreed.
mucous plug is gone
1.5-2 cm dilated
cervix is in mid position and medium firmness (needs to move to anterior and be soft, from posterior and firm)
baby's head is at station -1
effacement... well, I am either 25% or 75% effaced. They said 75% but I am not sure that meant 75% left or 75% along. I was getting a little excited at that point!
My body is getting ready for the big day! Since hearing the news, I have been feeling much better. I even BOUNCED down the stairs! Just knowing that the initial steps have started makes me feel there is an end to it all. During the exam, the doctors were able to feel her head. Someone other than me has now touched her.
Neil's reaction? I think it hit him (again) that labour is imminent. There may have been some shaking, stress and alcohol consumption *grin*.
Last night was our last prenatal class, all about breastfeeding. I have to say, it does not look easy. I am hoping that both Sprout and I are quick learners. Right now, Neil and I are planning to exclusively breastfeed until both Sprout and I have the hang of it, then introduce bottles so that Neil (and the grandparents) can take the occasional feed.
The maternity bag has been triple checked (only a few things added). Now to clean the house properly - Sprout can't come home to a messy place! - and clean her room again. I must make sure the laundry is all finished, things are organized and ready to go... we're having a BABY people!!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Week 38
Neil was convinced she'd be coming yesterday or today. And... still no real sign of her. Some Braxton-Hicks (I think) and loads of discomfort. But no emerging baby! Which is OK. Despite the fact that I have made all the meals I planned, I still haven't fully cleaned the house and I really should before she comes. Plus, it's nice to have the time to let Neil's finger heal. He REALLY did quite the number on it.
Sprout? Still pretty much fully baked. Me? Still pretty much uncomfortable. It's becoming a broken record. Sleeping was horrible last night - my hips ache so much from laying on them constantly for months. And my ribs hurt too. My swelling is increasing daily and my wedding rings are a distant memory, despite the fact they were once falling off me. I really am reaching that magical point where I'd rather go through the agony of labour (which has an end) than this constant state of discomfort. Although, there is some comfort in having Sprout still nestled inside - I know where she is, I know she's protected and fed and warm and not crying...
We're going to a friend's son's birthday party tonight, which will be fun. And are heading out today to get the car sear inspected (to make sure we installed it correctly). And the rest of the day? Will be spent resting. I am just not capable of much more than that, right now.
Sprout? Still pretty much fully baked. Me? Still pretty much uncomfortable. It's becoming a broken record. Sleeping was horrible last night - my hips ache so much from laying on them constantly for months. And my ribs hurt too. My swelling is increasing daily and my wedding rings are a distant memory, despite the fact they were once falling off me. I really am reaching that magical point where I'd rather go through the agony of labour (which has an end) than this constant state of discomfort. Although, there is some comfort in having Sprout still nestled inside - I know where she is, I know she's protected and fed and warm and not crying...
We're going to a friend's son's birthday party tonight, which will be fun. And are heading out today to get the car sear inspected (to make sure we installed it correctly). And the rest of the day? Will be spent resting. I am just not capable of much more than that, right now.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Not as round but even larger
If you look closely, you can see the little ears of Walter on the bottom left. He's been so clingy of late, with Neil's injury and my pregnancy. He stood and stared at me as I tried to get a non-blurry picture of the growing belly. I wish I caught more of him. And a better pic of me *grin*
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
More of the same
This blog is getting pretty dull... but in a good way! Had another doctor's appointment yesterday. Again, I look good, Sprout looks good, it's all good. Back again next week, to see if there is any change. Although the last 2 times I went I had medical students first see me. It was quite cute, to see these young (seemingly very young) women doing their one-day-I'll-be-a-doctor thing.
One interesting thing, if you could call it that. I have lost total feeling around my navel. It's like it's been frozen at the dentist. I can feel pressure, if it's pushed on. But when Neil was gently touching it, there was no feeling at all. Hopefully it returns when Sprout is out and stops pushing on my various body parts/nerves/who knows what.
Some drama this morning, though. Neil was happily making a spinach and shallot omelette when he kind of cut the end of his finger and nail off. Not kind of, he completely cut his nail and the end of his finger off. Lots of blood and a surprisingly fast trip to the ER later he has a cute finger bandage to keep the wound clean and will likely have a lopsided finger for good. As we were driving to the ER I mentioned how it really would be just our luck to have labour start as Neil is at another hospital having his finger dealt with. Despite a Braxton-Hicks or two, no labour onset and we're safely at home. Sans baby on the outside *grin*
One interesting thing, if you could call it that. I have lost total feeling around my navel. It's like it's been frozen at the dentist. I can feel pressure, if it's pushed on. But when Neil was gently touching it, there was no feeling at all. Hopefully it returns when Sprout is out and stops pushing on my various body parts/nerves/who knows what.
Some drama this morning, though. Neil was happily making a spinach and shallot omelette when he kind of cut the end of his finger and nail off. Not kind of, he completely cut his nail and the end of his finger off. Lots of blood and a surprisingly fast trip to the ER later he has a cute finger bandage to keep the wound clean and will likely have a lopsided finger for good. As we were driving to the ER I mentioned how it really would be just our luck to have labour start as Neil is at another hospital having his finger dealt with. Despite a Braxton-Hicks or two, no labour onset and we're safely at home. Sans baby on the outside *grin*
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