Another cruel trick

I'm trying hard to stay positive, but, in truth, what I want to do is whine. I've been spotting since my appointment on Monday, but I don't seem to be progressing to the next level. Today the contractions seem to be worse again, and I'm back to uncomfortable. I just really hope that this turns into labor. I'm torn about what to do - I'm at a point where they are willing to induce me, but I don't want to rush the baby out. At the same time, I'm not sure how much more my body (or me) can take of these constant contractions. I'm tired, extremely emotional, and I'm really afraid I won't have the energy for actual labor when it finally gets here. The back pains are killing me, and the constant squeezing is making me batty. I'm not getting much work done because I'm too uncomfortable, and with all the contractions, I don't feel up to driving and running errands either. So, I've been pretty house-bound, bored and uncomfortable. There are only so many hours a day for so many days in a row that I can just "relax." I'm really not getting much relief from relaxing, and I don't know how many hours a day I can reasonably spend in the bathtub before I officially become a prune. I can't even seem to sit still long enough to do much on the computer. Please tell me there is relief in sight.

Full Term Today

Well, after everything we've been through, today I'm officially 37 weeks and this baby is "full-term." We had our 37 week appointment, and I'm making a bit of progress. I'm still 2 cm dilated, but easily stretchable to 3 cm. I'm 80% effaced, but my cervix is quite soft, and the baby "engaged" - I'm at 0 station now.

She decided to "stretch" my cervix a bit to see if she could kick things up a bit. It has - I've now had my "bloody show" and the contractions have kicked back up a bit. She thinks I won't last more than another week on my own, so we'll see if she is correct.

C'mon baby . . . let's go!

Still here

I'm still here - and all I want to do is complain. I'm so sick of the contractions, and I really don't think I'm making any more progress - I guess I'll find out in the morning. My belly and back are killing me, and I can't keep any food in my system. I'm very physically uncomfortable, too. Baby is still moving well - I just really wish I could move on to the next stage already.

Today I'm baking cookies . . . trying to make my Grandma's chocolate streudels and rollies . . . we'll see how I do! It is the first time I'm doing this on my own! I just wish I felt better today. I'm trying to decide if I should go meet some friends for a "girl's night out" dinner - not sure I'm feeling up to it, though.

Day 6 of Contractions

So today is day #6 of regular contractions . . . I didn't think this was possible! All of the medical experts have said these kind of regular contractions are rare for prodromal labor - they are all surprised the contractions haven't dissipated or converted into "real" labor yet. The contractions have been far less intense since yesterday - definitely noticeable, but tolerable. I'm not miserable and uncomfortable today, but I'm really sick of the constant contractions. It makes me feel like I've got a constant stomach ache (and don't even get me started about the fact my body refuses to hold any food because it believes I AM in labor)!

We had another ultrasound this morning - baby is looking great, and he passed his biophysical profile with another perfect score! Apparently, he is having a good ole' time in there. He spent most of yesterday and today with a big case of the hiccups . . . it makes me laugh every time he hiccups! My amniotic fluid is much lower than it had been . . . not sure if that means anything yet. I keep thinking that I'm leaking some fluid, but I'm not really sure if it is just wishful thinking. We got another 3D picture of him, and I'll try and post that later.

So, I'm still on track to hang in there until Monday. I'm wondering if I'll have another round of big contractions in the next few days . . . the past hour or two, the contractions do feel a bit more intense, but I'm not really sure if it is progressing at all yet. I know that every day he stays in is good for him, but I just really wish my body (and the baby) would make up its mind - in or out - and then commit to that plan. If he is staying put another few weeks, fine, but can I get a break from the contractions, please? If he is coming out, well, let's get to it!

Disappointing Appointment

Yesterday, my contractions picked up around 2:00 pm. They kept getting closer and more intense, and I really thought I was starting labor. Around midnight, I was seriously thinking of calling and going to the hospital, but I was afraid to jinx things. The contractions and pain continued until 4:00 am . . . and then started to lessen in intensity again. At our appointment today, the contractions were fairly light. Even worse - no significant progress after all of that! I'm still at 2 cm (I was really hoping for 3) but more effaced - definitely at least 80%, and the baby has dropped (almost 0 station). So, for right now, the plan is to wait. I'm not uncomfortable this morning, so I'll just have to hang in there and see what is next.

In good news, at today's appointment it looked like he'd repositioned himself in the "correct" position again - no longer sunny side up. I'm supposed to take it easy, try to rest, and we'll see where things stand on Monday. She would prefer not to try any induction techniques until next week (37 weeks) if I can hang in there. She still thinks there is a good chance the contractions will disappear altogether in the next day or so, and I'll go to term. Actually, if the contractions stop, I don't mind waiting it out, but I really can't handle contracting for the next few weeks like I've been doing. Her best guess is that I'll make it to 38.5 weeks, so still another 1.5 - 2 weeks left. We'll see what the next few days bring!