Preterm Labor

I have been meaning to post about my night on October 26th but have been so tired and busy that I am just now getting around to it.  The day started like any other Thursday, I went to work and went about my day with slight contractions that really were not painful but were frequent.  I casually mentioned it to one of the girls I work with and she must have been concerned and mentioned it to another CRNA who came and told me that she thought I should go to doctor and just have it checked out.  I really didn't think it was any big deal but decided to call the OB on my way home from work.  They said they wanted me to go home and take it  easy until my next appointment, which wasn't till Monday but I was able to move it up to the next day (Friday) so that I wouldn't have to miss two days of work. 

Friday morning came and I went on in and they hooked me up to the monitor and to my surprise I was contracting more than I even knew.  My contractions were every 2 min or so and lasted 30-45 seconds.  They did many test and really couldn't find a reason for my contractions.  While I was there they did an ultrasound and checked my fluid level.  My fluid level was great and we also learned that the baby was approx 6lbs 10oz, with a head of hair.  The ultrasound lady was so nice and took some 3D pictures for me.  The APRN at the office then checked me and said I was 1cm dilated and that I was to go on strict bed rest until my appointment on Monday.  She also instructed that if I experienced any more big contractions over the weekend that I needed to come to L&D immediately and they would have to give me Brethine to stop them. They did not want me delivering early and said I at least needed to make it till Monday when I would be 36 weeks.  This seamed strange to me because I was under the impression that I would be 35 weeks Saturday and definitely not 36 weeks Monday.  Apparently they had changed my due date back at 22 weeks and due to some communication errors I had no idea.

Baby Kaiser with his/her foot up by his/her face

I went home and took it easy and about 4 hours after Dave got home from work we decided I needed to go to the hospital.  I was having rhythmic contractions for a few hours and they were getting worse.  When I told Dave we needed to go ahead and go in I also told him he needed to pack a bag because we may end up staying the night.  His response to me was that he had to take a shower first.  Luckily the contractions were not painful, so I didn't really mind but it was kinda funny.  When we got to the hospital they put me on on the monitor and were concerned about my contractions but since I was not dilating with them I was told I could go home, as long as I stayed on bed rest. 

On Monday I went for my scheduled appointment and I was 2 cm but I told the OB that my contractions were actually worse while laying around and better if I stayed moving.  She went ahead and gave me the go ahead to go back to work as long as I took it easy.  I was so thankful to hear this news because I hated being on bed rest.  It felt so wrong to call into work when I wasn't feeling bad, plus as good as laying around all day sounds it really isn't all that great.

So for now Dave and I have just been on baby watch.  The preterm labor was enough to kick our butts into gear and we quickly got the nursery ready, and purchased the car seat.  My mom had another shower for us which was wonderful.  We got some really great items, and now feel ready for the baby to come. 


Dave has been the most wonderfully supportive husband a pregnant girl could ask for.  He has driven home from a bridge inspection in Cinci each night so that I am not alone, he makes dinner, does the grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning, you name he has done it.  I have felt so blessed to have him and his support.  I wish there was a way to repay him for all he has done but nothing I think of sounds good enough. 

My next appointment is Monday and I will be 38 weeks.  At my 37th week I was 3 cm dilated, and my OB felt I wouldn't make it till my next appointment but it is looking like I will.  I really had hoped that the baby would be born today since it is Dave's and the USMC birthday, however this does not seam to be the babies plan.  I am quickly realizing that all of this is out of our hands and I have no control over the timing of it.  I guess this is God's way of showing me that I can not control everything despite how bad I would like to. 

Highlights:
Gestation: 37 weeks and 6 days
Weight: 145  (down from 147- apparently weight loss is normal in the last few weeks)
Total weight gain: 33 lbs
Cravings: nothing really, I have a decreased appetite
Issues: FATIGUE, and nausea

I am still contracting all the time and have had many other pre labor symptoms so hopefully my next post will be about the birth of our little boy or girl.  Speaking of possible boy.... Broderick "Brody" George Kaiser is our final name choice.  I and Dave love it equally which I didn't' think would be possible so I am really happy about that. 

Picture of the Nursery,which is almost finished.  We still have some artwork that isn't up on the walls etc. but it is almost a finished product.