Surprise! Welcome to the Latent Phase of Labor...
So that routine, mundane doctor's appointment I had yesterday (and the same one I told Robbie he really didn't need to attend) was chock full of surprises and interesting conclusions. But, first of all, I need to say this...I love my doctor. Lately I have been reading and discussing with a friend about how quickly most women decide on an OB/GYN. Women spend more time choosing mascara, or researching what vehicle to buy then choosing a doctor who will assist during one of life's most stress-filled and emotional events. I was certainly one of those women and sought out Dr. King on the recommendation of friends who used other docs in the same practice. She just happen to have an appointment within the time frame I needed and so she became my OB/GYN. After yesterday's appointment and reflecting on our initial meeting, I feel really lucky she was the random pick.
Last week I was experiencing pretty painful contractions. In fact, I can honestly say I was experiencing many of the preterm labor symptoms minus a couple. I was definitely having pain in the abdomen and back, pelvic pressure, making frequent bathroom breaks (so what else is new) along with menstrual-type cramps. I chalked it up to being dehydrated and tired from working. Each night I would come home, eat some dinner, drink some water, recline in the red chair and go to bed early. Little did I know those contractions were working to dilate my cervix.
Dr. King did her thing (aka: checked my cervix) yesterday and as she did this she said, "Oh my goodness!" I said, "What?" thinking maybe the next sight I would see was her holding my baby. (Oh, if only it were to be that easy.) She said it again, and then I said, "What?!!!!" She helped me up from the table and said, "You're dilated to 3 centimeters! And boy, I was NOT expecting that!" Well, that made two of us sister. She looked at me shocked and said, "Now, tell me about those contractions you were having last week again."
After a lengthy visit (seriously folks, we chatted for about 50 minutes and in doctor time that is like an eternity!) and revisiting my gestational time frame Dr. King made the following observations:
Not traveling - big, sad bummer. This weekend we were expected to attend a wedding in OKC, and not just any wedding...Amanda's wedding. Most people think it was only Robbie & Billy growing up together, but there was another pea to that pod, cousin Amanda Joy. She was born only a few months shy of their own birthdays and grew up close. She's more of a sister than a cousin and after many, many years she has found The One. We were determined to be there and my cervix is ruining the party. Dr. King asked me who was getting married and when I told her she said, "Well, Robbie could feasibly go...are your parents attending it as well?" I explained as far as family was concerned, well, it was just us in the immediate area. However, I did clarify that we have a great support system of friends that could be available at a moments notice if necessary. She was okay with this - but like me, really didn't want Robbie to miss the birth of Jackson. Robbie decided to stay and I am grateful he is, but so sad we are missing Amanda and Jason's nuptials and a reunion with cousin Taylor from San Francisco and Aunt Kayna from Portland. It's a bittersweet weekend.
As far as "taking it easy" well, this is so, incredibly hard for me to do. I recognize it's very important for Jack to stay put for awhile, but can't help but to feel the time pressure. I am spending time today packing my hospital bag and helping (by this I mean, verbally) Robbie finish up Jackson's room. We put the glider together yesterday and with that came a complete rearrangement of all the other furniture (I had been afraid this was going to need to happen). Thanks Laura for forcing me to sit while you helped Robbie rearrange the furniture, oh and my Mother says "thank you" as well.
So, this morning new developments have occured that imply things are headed in the delivery direction. No, no water breaking here - but for those of you experienced in the progression of labor, it's the other thing. I really wish we could come up with a better term than mucous plug...seriously. The fact of the matter is that losing this plug does not imply labor is imminent, heck, being dilated to a 3 doesn't mean labor is imminent. However, being at 35 weeks and having these things occur in rapid succession, well....let's just say Robbie and I might be bringing a +1 to our baby shower.
Last week I was experiencing pretty painful contractions. In fact, I can honestly say I was experiencing many of the preterm labor symptoms minus a couple. I was definitely having pain in the abdomen and back, pelvic pressure, making frequent bathroom breaks (so what else is new) along with menstrual-type cramps. I chalked it up to being dehydrated and tired from working. Each night I would come home, eat some dinner, drink some water, recline in the red chair and go to bed early. Little did I know those contractions were working to dilate my cervix.
Dr. King did her thing (aka: checked my cervix) yesterday and as she did this she said, "Oh my goodness!" I said, "What?" thinking maybe the next sight I would see was her holding my baby. (Oh, if only it were to be that easy.) She said it again, and then I said, "What?!!!!" She helped me up from the table and said, "You're dilated to 3 centimeters! And boy, I was NOT expecting that!" Well, that made two of us sister. She looked at me shocked and said, "Now, tell me about those contractions you were having last week again."
After a lengthy visit (seriously folks, we chatted for about 50 minutes and in doctor time that is like an eternity!) and revisiting my gestational time frame Dr. King made the following observations:
- We are all excited to meet this little fella, but 35 weeks is a bit too early.
- Tuesday will be my 36 week mark and she still felt that was a bit early, but felt it was better than now......working Monday and Tuesday was no longer an option.
- Traveling was out of the question.
- And for the remainder of the weekend I was to rest, take it easy, forgo any "mandatory" trips to Target and drink plenty of water.
Not traveling - big, sad bummer. This weekend we were expected to attend a wedding in OKC, and not just any wedding...Amanda's wedding. Most people think it was only Robbie & Billy growing up together, but there was another pea to that pod, cousin Amanda Joy. She was born only a few months shy of their own birthdays and grew up close. She's more of a sister than a cousin and after many, many years she has found The One. We were determined to be there and my cervix is ruining the party. Dr. King asked me who was getting married and when I told her she said, "Well, Robbie could feasibly go...are your parents attending it as well?" I explained as far as family was concerned, well, it was just us in the immediate area. However, I did clarify that we have a great support system of friends that could be available at a moments notice if necessary. She was okay with this - but like me, really didn't want Robbie to miss the birth of Jackson. Robbie decided to stay and I am grateful he is, but so sad we are missing Amanda and Jason's nuptials and a reunion with cousin Taylor from San Francisco and Aunt Kayna from Portland. It's a bittersweet weekend.
As far as "taking it easy" well, this is so, incredibly hard for me to do. I recognize it's very important for Jack to stay put for awhile, but can't help but to feel the time pressure. I am spending time today packing my hospital bag and helping (by this I mean, verbally) Robbie finish up Jackson's room. We put the glider together yesterday and with that came a complete rearrangement of all the other furniture (I had been afraid this was going to need to happen). Thanks Laura for forcing me to sit while you helped Robbie rearrange the furniture, oh and my Mother says "thank you" as well.
So, this morning new developments have occured that imply things are headed in the delivery direction. No, no water breaking here - but for those of you experienced in the progression of labor, it's the other thing. I really wish we could come up with a better term than mucous plug...seriously. The fact of the matter is that losing this plug does not imply labor is imminent, heck, being dilated to a 3 doesn't mean labor is imminent. However, being at 35 weeks and having these things occur in rapid succession, well....let's just say Robbie and I might be bringing a +1 to our baby shower.
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