That was a Contraction?



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Our latest appointment started like any other appointment; How are you feeling, is the baby kicking, etc.  We had our ultrasound and got to see our beautiful boy.  He looks more like a real baby than I expected.  Even the tech said he has really filled out in the face.  He has precious chubby cheeks, pouty lips, and a perfectly chiseled chin. He is just a picture perfect baby.  Yes, I have already become the insanely bias momma that thinks knows she has the most beautiful, perfect, smart baby in the world.  I used to swear that if I had kids, I would not become one of those delusional women...yet here I am in full delusional glory.

As the Dr. measured my cervix and snapped various ultra-sound shots she asked, "Is there anything you need to tell me?"  In a confused voice I said, "I don't think so?"  This is when she informed me that I was having contractions.  As in, my body had started the process of going into labor.  Suddenly I had movie scenes flashing before my eyes of women going into labor and screaming bloody murder as they felt a contraction.  I didn't feel so much as a tickle, cramp, or gas pain.  Yet here I am on the table and the Dr. is telling me my body is contracting.  Not only was I contracting, but the length of my cervix has already shortened meaning baby was closer to the outside world than ever been.  My cervix had also begun to funnel as it was making room for the baby to pass through.  Immediately I was administered a steroid injection to prepare for Baby P to join this world.  The specialist said she was admitting me to labor and delivery and with that, we were headed upstairs.

On a side note, the steroid shot burned just a little, but it was over in seconds.  I was thankful it was quick!  They dressed me in a lovely hospital gown and hooked me up to various monitors.  One monitor watched my contractions and the other monitor watched to make sure Baby P was doing OK.  Let me stress, we were not prepared to be put into the hospital on this evening.  We thought it would be a normal appointment and then we would both head back at work for the day.  I didn't so much have a toothbrush or hairbrush with me.

As word got out that I had been admitted, my door quickly flew open to find Momma and sister standing there.  After the shock of learning that P was making his way out and I was being put into the hospital, seeing them was the most normal moment I could have had.  I convinced Scott to get some fresh air and he ran to Kipplees to pick us up a Strom-B-Que.  I wasn't ready to enter the world of hospital food yet.  Scott also decided since I had company he was going to run home and get us our toiletries as well as pick up clothes for him to wear to work the next day.  I tried to convince him he didn't need to come back, but he refused to even listen to that suggestion.

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The nursing staff was so nice and checked my monitors frequently for updates.  My contractions continued to come in about 3 an hour and they continued to ask me, "Are you sure you aren't feeling anything?"  It was like they thought I was either lying to them or in denial that I could possibly be having a baby, but seriously, if I was in pain, they would be the first people I tell.

As the night wore on, Scott and I ate our Stromboli and momma and sister headed home.  Scott and I talked about our situation and realized that it is completely out of our hands right now.  It is very hard to give up that feeling of having control of a situation, but it was the only way we could keep our minds from driving us crazy.  Our room was a very nice size and had a couch that pulled into a bed.  Scott curled up on that and I was in the hospital bed.  I wanted to lay in his bed so bad...but the cords from my monitors wouldn't reach that far. 

Throughout the night, the nurses would come in and check on me.  I didn't get to sleep much...maybe 3 hours.  I had too many thoughts running rampant in my mind.  I was secretly happy to see the sun starting to peek through the windows.  It meant that we had all survived the night and a new day was upon us.   Scott's alarm went off and with a heavy heart, he headed off to work.  I convinced him that it was pointless to take a day off when I was in the best hands possible and there would be days down the road that will be more critical for him to be with me. 

My Dr. showed up bright and early to check my monitors.  With a happy tone she said the contractions were on a drastic decline and that baby was doing great.  His heartbeat had maintained a very steady rate throughout the night and was showing zero signs of stress.  She said I would get my 2nd steroid shot this evening at 5 and as long as everything remains on the up and up, I would be home before nightfall.  Those were great words to hear. 

Shortly after, my sweet friend Alice and her daughter showed up to help pass the time.  They brought snacks of every kind, DVDs, a beautiful African violet, and entertained me with stories and happy thoughts.  It was much needed and so appreciated.  I couldn't escape the weird feeling of just laying in a hospital bed...it was my first overnight in a hospital and it was just a helpless/bizarre feeling.  I was thankful that Alice's visit helped get my mind off that.

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I had to bite the bullet and experience hospital food.  It wasn't awful...but it wasn't exactly great.  The breakfast was good but lunch left a lot to be desired.  I was happy that one of the snacks Alice brought was a plate of fresh baked brownies.  Now that is a way to make a confined girl feel good!!

As the evening closed in and Alice headed home, Scott showed after work.  He had checked in numerous times throughout the day and knew there was a good chance we would be going home shortly.  The 2nd shot was administered and they confirmed my contractions had stopped completely.  GREAT News!!!!!  I was put on strict bed rest with bathroom/shower breaks being the only time I could get out of bed or off the couch.   

Carefully, we packed up our items and I was discharged.  An appointment had been set up for Fri. morning which meant I got at least the next 2 nights in my own bed, at my own house, with our stuff.  They instructed me to come back if I started having "more intense contractions."  Since I haven't felt a single twinge of contractions thus far....I'm not sure how successful I'll be at noticing future contractions?

Getting in the car and going home felt great.  Scott got me settled at home and he reiterated what the Dr. said-No unnecessary movement.  There truly is no place like home. 

While Scott and I were relieved to be home, our hearts were heavy and nervous as we didn't know how much time we actually had before P continued his pursuit to the outside world.  We asked our friends and family for prayers because we don't know what else to do.  At this point, our next step will depend on the appointment Fri. morning.  If cervix shortening continues, I will be admitted until P is born.  If shortening has stopped completely, I will be monitored on a weekly basis to make sure we catch the moment when the labor process starts again. 

Our goals are as follows; We must get the baby to 28 weeks in utero.  This is a critical time frame as the mortality and morbidity rate decline drastically.  If we can make it to 28 weeks, we will push for 32 weeks.  Every week on top of 32 is icing on the cake.  We will do whatever it takes to make it to our first goal and then whatever it takes to make it to 32. 

Thank you for following us on this journey and keeping us close to your hearts and in your prayers.  Please continue to do.  I look forward to the day I can announce we are welcoming our little boy into the world and that he is healthy and we are headed home as the Fisher Family of 3.  As much as I want that day to be here, I hope it isn't for at least another 10 weeks!!

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