First L&D Scare!

I went over to my dad's for dinner on Wednesday night. After dinner we were standing around and I started to feel period-like cramps. I didn't think much of it and left shortly after. As I was driving home I was talking to Jake on the phone and it happened a few more times. I mentioned to him I thought I was having mild contractions...but that I know several women who had them weeks before they had their babies and it is somewhat normal as long as they don't keep going.

Fast forward to Thursday day. I was still having the contractions and I didn't feel good. Not only was I having contractions but my stomach hurt every time I walked. It felt like stabbing pains...I called the doctor and waited for triage to call me back. They called back later in the afternoon and said if the contractions last more than 30 minutes to go to L&D. Obviously they were going on for almost 24 hours so I had to go. I called Jake and he told me he wanted me to go...even if it was a false alarm it would be reassuring for him since he is 2500 miles away. I had to finish working since it was month end and things were crazy...so I finished up my work and left an hour early. I got home and tried resting, drinking lots of water, changing positions...nothing I did stopped the contractions so I decided it was time to go to L&D. I called my mom and had her come to my house so I wouldn't be alone at the hospital.

When I got to the hospital they were really well organized and got me to triage immediately. All of the nurses were so sweet and asked me why I took so long to get there. They reassured me no matter what the outcome, they were here to help. They had me do a urine sample and hooked up the heartrate and contraction monitors. As soon as they hooked up the contraction monitor I had a contraction so they could see right away what I was experiencing. Kennedy's heartbeat stayed strong the entire time so they were able to reassure me that she was under no stress. The nurse checked me and I was 1cm dilated and 50% effaced....I know I still have a long way to go but I was shocked that I was already making progress at 35 weeks. I was a little nervous that the contractions were making me progress and so was the nurse so she told me to plan on being there for a few hours minimum. They did the urine sample to see if it was a bladder or yeast infection irritating my uterus but the tests came back negative. They checked me after about two hours and I hadn't progressed anymore so they decided to send me home on pelvic rest. They told me I am having around 6 contractions an hour as it stands...and if they get any stronger to come back in. They also told me to call my doctor in the morning because an infection hadn't been completely ruled out yet and they weren't sure if my doctor wanted me on bedrest or not.

I called my doctor on Friday and she had me come in right away. I told her I was having really bad pains when walking but when I was sitting they were fine. She checked a couple of things and pressed on my stomach in a few areas and found that I have torn ligaments in my stomach. She said it doesn't have to be from any physical activity. My stomach is so stretched right now and it was stretched quickly that it is easy to tear ligaments at this stage of pregnancy. This is why I am so sore and could also be why I was experiencing contractions. She put me on pelvic rest and told me to call her on Monday.

I am still hurting when I walk but it is slowly but surely getting better! I am just glad that Kennedy is okay...and according to my doctor she probably won't make it till her due date but she should cook a couple more weeks! I can't believe my baby girl will be here that soon!! I can't wait to meet her!