September 26, 2009
I’m Not Sure I’m Ready for Labor
Yesterday I went to see the doctor about the groin pain. I had to see another OB/GYN as both my other doctors are on vacation. Dr J. was the first doctor on-call when I was induced with Dawson five years ago and after exchanging niceties, we got down to business.
I expressed my discomfort, told her about the unbearable groin/pelvic pain and how I cry several times a day because I’m experiencing such feelings of malaise.
“Well, we don’t like to check the cervix before 37 weeks, because we don’t want to stir things up, but I’m willing to check if anything is happening down there.” she said.
I told her I trusted her judgment and that if she didn’t feel it necessary to do a pelvic exam then I’d be okay, but seriously, what can I do to ease the pain?
Dr. J said if the pain was that awful then she would just do the exam and try not to disrupt anything. Turns out “the dimple” of my cervix is open, or 1 cm dilated but 0% effaced. And I could stay this way for weeks.
The baby has definitely dropped lower into my pelvis, despite what the nurse told me last week, about second babies not dropping until labor begins, and the doctor thinks labor may start within the next ten days.
I asked how she could make a guess like that, after telling me I could be stuck at one centimeter forever, and she said my other symptoms (that I had told the nurse), nausea, moderate menstrual-like cramps, lower back pain and the frequent bowel movements are all very early signs that labor may begin soon.
I nearly fell off the exam table. I’m ready for this baby, but I’m not ready, you know?
We did a non-stress test and before I left, my weight and blood pressure were recorded. I’ve lost two pounds since Tuesday (my last appointment).
“Another sign that labor could happen very soon.” Dr. J told me.
My blood pressure was slightly elevated but “nothing to panic about” and another 24-hour urine collection was ordered. After having my blood drawn in the labs and collecting the urine jugs, I was on my way home.
I called Doug at work to tell him of the doctor’s predictions and he was a wreck.
“I’m not ready,” he said. “Are you?”
I told him whatever happens, happens. I can’t worry about it. Today is Dawson’s birthday party (right after soccer!). As long as labor does not begin today, I’m okay.
I am a little nervous about labor happening earlier than I expected. The baby’s room is not ready. However, Doug finally put the glider and ottoman together. When I cam home from a craft party Thursday night, he had the house somewhat clean, and the chair assembled. Someone must have tipped him off that I was not happy with his lack of help.
So. That’s where we’re at. We’ll see what happens.
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September 26th, 2009 at 10:11 AM, Dana Says:
I will be thinking about you. Good luck and keep us posted!
.-= Dana´s last blog ..Signs =-.
September 26th, 2009 at 4:04 PM, Headless Mom Says:
I remember the pressure at the end of preg. #2. It was truly awful! Hang in there-the end is in sight!
.-= Headless Mom´s last blog .. =-.
September 27th, 2009 at 9:15 AM, Amber's Crazy Bloggin' Canuck Says:
You’d think after going through it once it would be easier. I guess it was a bit but it almost made me more fearful because I didn’t have a great experience with #1. However, #2 was soooooooo easy comparatively so have hope!
.-= Amber’s Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck´s last blog ..Feeding the Addiction =-.