Pregnancy Update

Many people have been asking me for an update on Sophia's upcoming arrival. I have only been sharing details with a handful of people because I have been so frustrated with the process. I know it's not fair to keep family and close friends in suspense, so I decided to go ahead and share what's been going on.

Two trips to labor and delivery. Lame.

Consistent contractions.

Irritable uterus (bottom graph)... meaning that when it's not contracting, it's still acting up.

Let me explain further. Two weeks ago, my doctor checked me, and I was 3 cm dilated, 80% effaced, and Sophia was at station 0. A weeks worth of contractions later, and a trip to labor and delivery to be monitored per doctor's request, I had made no progress. Then, yesterday, at my appointment, I was 4 cm dilated, a thinning 80% effaced, and Sophia is still engaged. Good news, right?

I wish so.

After we got home last night, I began having more intense contractions that were every 5 minutes apart. We timed them for almost three hours. In that time, I changed positions and activity level, drank 20 ounces of water, and even took a hot shower. Nothing made them go away, so we called our doctor again. She wanted me to come back to L&D so she could check to see if I have dilated more. So, we made the late night trek into the hospital only to turn around and come home (surprise, surprise) because they weren't changing my cervix quickly enough to keep me. Last night, the monitors were measuring strong contractions anywhere from 2-5 minutes apart. They told us that the frequency and duration are right on target, but now we need the intensity to step it up a notch. At this point, since Sophia and I are doing great physically, they do not want to induce me. Induction increases the chance of c-sections for first-time moms significantly. If my body can do this on its own (slowly, but surely), then they don't want to intervene. I totally get that. It still doesn't make it easy.

Basically, I'm contracting every five minutes with what feels like no progress. They call this prodromal labor. Yay for me! They also told me that it's become more of a mental battle for now rather than a physical. They say that most of the women who go through a prodromal labor begin to feel frustrated, upset, etc. No joke!! This isn't a walk in the park. I definitely had a meltdown last night- it was pretty pathetic actually.

It's also hard to maintain a positive attitude toward well-wishers who only mean the best. Hearing things such as "she will come when she's ready", "you won't be pregnant forever", "you're almost there", "she should wait until ______ date", "are you miserable", "oh, those last two weeks are the hardest", "you're STILL pregnant" and so forth doesn't really help anything out. My favorite so far, though, is one I heard at work yesterday... "you will probably be one of those women who has to be induced." Seriously?! Was that necessary? I would rather NOT be induced.

All in all, I am still so thankful for our Sophia. Every time I am hooked up to a monitor, they brag about how healthy she is. That's the most important thing! Also, size-wise, I'm not miserable at all. I've still got a small basketball of a belly, and that's been nice. I've also been able to continue working full-time (although I took today off after last night's L&D trip), and I am very grateful for that energy. My only "complaint" is the consistent contractions that have led to sore abs and back.

Ok- my little pity party is now over. I'm off to enjoy my day at home!