On Thursday, 2/11/16 I had a doctors apt with my OBGYN to check up on little Eloise. Everything went well and baby looked great. When I laid back on the table to have my tummy measured, the OB mentioned that I was having a Braxton Hicks contraction. I told her I was wondering what that was lately because I had thought it was Eloise just pushing up real hard making my belly form a round ball. The contraction relaxed, my belly was measured, her heart rate was great, and we were on our way.
Friday went along and I could recognize the Braxton Hicks now that I knew what they were like. I wasn't experiencing many that day, that I can remember.
Saturday came around and I was at work. I started feeling what felt like menstrual cramps and lower back aches but didn't think much of it. I figured they just had to be Braxton Hicks. I was 33 weeks along and there was no way any of us were ready. Well, the cramping started around 9am and didn't seem to go away until around 2pm, on and off. We had plans to go to the San Diego Supercross race that night and knew we wouldn't want to miss it! We met up with our friends and headed down there. The race lasted a couple hours and we were home in bed around 11pm. I slept ok that night, typical feeling of being uncomfortable and occasional bathroom rounds, but no recollection of cramping.
Friday went along and I could recognize the Braxton Hicks now that I knew what they were like. I wasn't experiencing many that day, that I can remember.
Saturday came around and I was at work. I started feeling what felt like menstrual cramps and lower back aches but didn't think much of it. I figured they just had to be Braxton Hicks. I was 33 weeks along and there was no way any of us were ready. Well, the cramping started around 9am and didn't seem to go away until around 2pm, on and off. We had plans to go to the San Diego Supercross race that night and knew we wouldn't want to miss it! We met up with our friends and headed down there. The race lasted a couple hours and we were home in bed around 11pm. I slept ok that night, typical feeling of being uncomfortable and occasional bathroom rounds, but no recollection of cramping.
It was now Sunday morning and we were both excited to celebrate our 10th Valentine's Day together! We got up around 8:30, made breakfast and did some things around the house. I finally made my way upstairs to shower so we could go have a picnic down at the beach. Well, that all changed when I was going to put a pair of pants on and I felt some discharge- sorry if TMI. I looked at my underwear and sure enough it was dark blood. I immediately told me husband, who was working on Eloise's room, and we decided we should call the doctor. After speaking with the nurse, we were instructed to head to labor and delivery. I quickly threw some things in my hospital bag and we were on our way. We didn't even grab the car seat, thinking they would just monitor me and send me home. We made it to the hospital after an hour long ride in traffic.
Upon arrival, they led us to the room where they had me change into that beautiful gown, leave a urine sample, and get hooked up to the monitors. Sure enough, I was having contractions. They checked me for infections along with other things from my blood work. They had me hooked up on an IV to remain hydrated and also put me on an antibiotic just in case there was any infection. They found that I was 2 1/2 cm dilated and 75% effaced around 4pm. Baby was not in the birth canal yet which was a good thing (she was -3). They put me on Nifedipine, a drug used to help slow down or stop contractions. This was to be given to me every 6 hours. They also gave me a steroid shot which would help mature Eloise's lungs quicker in case she was born. Our hope was that the medication would help slow down the pre term labor enough for me to be able to get the second steroid shot the following day at 4pm. There wasn't much more spotting or bleeding until around 4am (13 1/2 hours after arriving at the hospital) which was pretty light and accompanied by some light cramping again and lower back pain.
Amidst all this chaos and emotions starting to lose control, my amazing husband was trying his hardest to keep himself together. We were both afraid of what was happening, I mean we thought we had 7 more weeks to "get ready"! My sister stopped by the hospital with goodies and flowers. She was nice enough to stay at our house with our dog, who we sadly left without saying goodbye.
There was no set plan as to what was going to happen. I could go home on bed rest if the contractions stopped. Or, I may have to stay at the hospital until the baby is born if the contractions didn't stop. All of the unknowns made it difficult to relax. There were several different nurses, doctors, and NICU nurses who came in periodically. They kept us well-informed as to what to expect should she be born at 33 weeks. It was a terrifying thought but comforting to know she was going to be in good hands. The hospital we go to has a NICU as well s a separate NICU for Children's Hospital. So either way, we knew she would be taken care of.
Amidst all this chaos and emotions starting to lose control, my amazing husband was trying his hardest to keep himself together. We were both afraid of what was happening, I mean we thought we had 7 more weeks to "get ready"! My sister stopped by the hospital with goodies and flowers. She was nice enough to stay at our house with our dog, who we sadly left without saying goodbye.
There was no set plan as to what was going to happen. I could go home on bed rest if the contractions stopped. Or, I may have to stay at the hospital until the baby is born if the contractions didn't stop. All of the unknowns made it difficult to relax. There were several different nurses, doctors, and NICU nurses who came in periodically. They kept us well-informed as to what to expect should she be born at 33 weeks. It was a terrifying thought but comforting to know she was going to be in good hands. The hospital we go to has a NICU as well s a separate NICU for Children's Hospital. So either way, we knew she would be taken care of.
We were finally discharged from the hospital on Wednesday 2/17 at around 9:15am. We were thrilled to be able to head home after 3 long nights in the hospital. It is definitely difficult to sleep with all the noises, lights, interruptions, and uncomfortable beds.
This was definitely a Valentine's Day and 3rd wedding anniversary that neither of us will ever forget. What was most important that we were together as a family of 3, loving one another and spending quality time. We are so thankful for all of our friends and family who called or texted to check up on us. We really could not thank everyone enough!
So now- I sit here, on bed rest/limited activity until baby girl comes. I will keep busy with studying to get into graduate school as well as put the final touches on anything left for baby girl. It's just a waiting game from here!!
Have a great weekend friends!
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