I have been having contractions for several weeks now. What started out as just irritating have turned into downright painful. This happened with Johnny too and I was in and out of the hospital for weeks prior to his birth and officially on bedrest for my entire 3rd trimester. I was officially diagnosed with preterm labor with him but, thankfully, he was born at full-term.
I know that Braxton Hicks contractions are very common. Unfortunately, I have had BH contractions and these are not them. These are very strong (read: painful) and at times can be regular. I do have bouts of BH contractions too and welcome those even. When these bad ones start, it seems they go on for hours. I do what I am supposed to… drink lots of water, lay on my left side, relax (as much as possible).
The reality is that I can’t lay on the sofa or bed though. I have kids here all day every day. I can’t “relax” as so many suggest. For that reason alone, I have not told my doctor yet about these contractions. I am going to tell him at my appointment on Tuesday. I know what will follow though… internal checks, nonstress tests, frequent visits. With both of my previous pregnancies, I took meds to keep the contractions at bay. Since I have a new OB this time, I am not sure what his course of action will be and, frankly, that bothers me most.
I am most worried that he will put me on bedrest. I know that my cervix changing (or not) will be the biggest indicator of the necessity of bedrest, but he may feel that is safest. I have no idea what I will do if he suggests that. I have a 2 year old and 5 year old. I will need to be getting my son to and from school every morning in 3 short weeks. I have things to do and not because I want to, but because I have to.
So, think good thoughts for me… not for the contractions to stop because I don’t feel that will happen. Think good thoughts that my doctor who, up until this point has been very good at listening and working with me, will do the same and give me some options for how to deal with this new problem. Also on Tuesday, I will have my glucose tolerance test. Fun stuff there! Wish me luck!
Debby Pucci says
So sorry about this. Praying that all is well and that you won’t have to do bedrest.
Rose says
God is great! And you’re right, he will provide. But make sure you use the tools he gives you, you’re faith and the buzz book to reach out to others. I’m willing to bet that some compromise could made considering the circumstances.
This too shall pass, don’t worry so much! I can only say that, because it’s not me doing the fretting this time. 😉
If worrying was a profession, I’d be a pro.
Rose says
Well, I’m far from being and OB/GYN, but you had best tell the Dr., for your safety and the baby’s safety!
Do you have a neighbor a one of his classmates that he could ride with? I know you live in a larger area than I do … but maybe? I’m SURE another parent would be understanding and if all else fails, ask the teacher to check with other parents about the kids riding together. I know it would take a load off you during your pregnancy, even if it’s a part-time thing.
Will be thinking of you!
Hugs,
~ Rose
Stefany says
Yeah, that is part of the problem. He is going to a Catholic school and we are not in the boundaries. Most people live a good 15-20 minutes from us.
They get a buzz book at the beginning of the school year with everyone’s information so I am going to check that and see if we can find someone close that can help us out. I am going to need it when Jemma comes anyway because I won’t be able to drive for several weeks even after Mike goes back to work.
God provides so I am sure everything will work out. It is in my nature to worry about things though. 😉
Rose says
My youngest is 13, but I have held my nieces hands with their pregnancies. I can’t say that I really miss it for myself.
You chose your Dr. for your reasons, try to keep that in mind and find comfort in your choice.
And please, don’t make me drive to (and in) STL to come visit and tattle on you to your Dr. I promise I will!
And if you need anything, let me know. If I can help out, I’d be happy to.
Do you have a neighbor or niece or nephew that would come over and lend a hand so you can put your feet up, even if for just an hour a day? If we were closer than the 2 hours, I KNOW my 13 year old would lend a hand.
Stefany says
This made me chuckle so thank you. 🙂
I know I need to tell him and I will… on Tuesday. LOL I am just so scared he is going to tell me to stay in bed or something. I have a boy starting school that I need to drive everyday. I can’t be in bed for the next two months!!! You are right though about why I chose him so I will try to remember that when I sit up on the table to talk to him about these fun contractions.
With school starting, I just don’t have the help to get through the days. I am, thankfully, able to rest a bit when Joley lays down for a nap and I have been taking advantage of that. You can tell too… you should see my house. 🙂
Thanks for the thoughts Rose! You know I appreciate your support.
Winter says
Many good thoughts and prayers. This is a hard time indeed when you have smaller children.
Stefany says
Yes, it is. Thanks Winter for the comment.
Michele McGraw says
Are you feeling any better? Be sure to take care of yourself. I’ll be thinking about you.
Stefany says
No Michele. 🙁 I am trying to hold out until I see my doc until Tuesday because I really, really don’t want to end up in the hospital for testing.
Thanks for the thoughts!
Rachel R. says
I hope that your doctor will be receptive to your feelings. I’m a nurse and have come to respect when patients (in my case, the babies’ parents) tell me what does/doesn’t work. You know your body best!
Stefany says
Rachel, as a nurse I sometimes think I get pacified versus listened to. Does that make sense? But, my doc does respect that I am very in tune with my body so hopefully my appointment will go well. Thanks for commenting.
Rachel R. says
I tend to avoid telling medical professionals I’m a nurse unless necessary. I feel like you get treated differently when they know you’re in the medical field – sometimes that’s a good thing, and sometimes it has drawbacks!
I saw your site linked up on the Alexa bloghop, and wanted to let you know I wrote a review.
Stefany says
Yeah, me too. Unfortunately, if they see where I work (or worked as the case may be), then end up asking. Blah
And thanks! I am not up for writing any reviews tonight but will get to them. Yours will be my first. 🙂
Maggie says
Ouch. I had to be on meds and bedrest for pre-term labor with my last pregnancy and I hated it for the same reason you do – there’s things you must do.
While I do hope that the contractions stop, at the very least I hope that there is no cervical change so they will just have you rest as much as possible. Hugs.
Stefany says
Thanks Maggie.