Warning: This post contains terms like dilation. If you’re offended by words like this, you may want to avoid reading this post.
On Sunday, I’ll be 37 weeks (officially full-term). It’s been a long journey and I’m so thankful that we’ve made it this far without any major problems. Thanks to the Terbutaline, I managed to avoid bedrest this pregnancy and just limited my activity when I started contracting. I have been very diligent about making sure I don’t do too much, because bedrest + a 2 year old + a working husband don’t make for a great combination. I went off the Terbutaline at 34 weeks (except for a couple of spot doses here and there) and the contractions have been intense. It’s ironic that I have to use my breathing techniques when I’m scheduled for a c section in two weeks.
If you were following me on Twitter the other night, then you may have read that I thought I was in labor. After my doctor’s visit today, I’m laughing at the irony of that statement. My body doesn’t do labor. It does “false” labor…and a good job of it. All of those intense contractions that have been forcing me to muster up every breathing technique I can remember, are doing absolutely nothing to further the progress in any way, shape or form. In other words, I’m not dilated or effaced. At this point last time, I was at least 2 cm and starting to efface. I guess in some ways this is “good” because it means I’m not high risk for pre-term labor, should we decide that we’re not done with our family. I have what they call an “irritable uterus,” which means I contract like crazy, but I likely won’t deliver early. This happened with my son and I was put on bedrest for over 5 months with home monitoring, frequent doctor’s visits, and medicine.
So at 1 day shy of 37 weeks, I’m getting 10 minute apart contractions and NOTHING is happening. Which led us to the discussion of a VBAC and the fact that I’m just not a good candidate. I’ve been pretty certain all along that I would just opt for a repeat c section, but the question always remained as to whether or not my body could do labor. And after today’s visit, my OB was pretty convinced that an attempt at a VBAC would not be successful, given my history and today’s exam.
So, the waiting game begins. I had myself pretty convinced that our baby girl would make her appearance around Christmas. After today’s doctor visit, I’m pretty certain she won’t come until my scheduled c section date in January. It’s been an emotional day. I had bought her Christmas outfits to go home from the hospital in, hoping she would come just a bit early. We spent last week installing her car seat, washing her clothes, setting up her bassinet, and purchasing the last few items we need, all in anticipation of her arrival (which we hoped would be next week). This weekend, we don’t have a lot to do because everything is “done.”
Our baby girl is going to be here when she is ready. I don’t want to rush that. I just had hopes that I wouldn’t have to endure the pain of these contractions for another two weeks. The last few weeks are trying. It’s like the end of a marathon. I see the finish line, but I’m not there yet and I’m tired. Tired of being big and uncomfortable. Tired of the back pain and insomnia. Tired of the contractions I have to breathe through. And tired of not being able to do the things I used to with my son. But I know, the moment I look into her eyes, all of this will be a distant memory, so I keep that as the goal in site.
I usually try to be positive about everything…but today was a tough day. And all I really wanted to say to my doctor was “Get the Baby Out!”
As a side note, when the big day does finally come, look out for tweets from my hubby. He’ll also try to update Facebook and the blog with pictures once she’s born.
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Oh, Caryn. I remember how hard the end of pregnancy can be. And, I’m sorry! It really stinks. I have never heard the term “irritable uterus,” but it sounds miserable. The only thing that got me through painful contractions leading up to the birth of my daughter was knowing they were “doing something.” How frustrating that your contractions aren’t! Boo!
Hang in there! And, you’re so right… when you see her all the pain and frustration will be a distant memory.
I really hope you don’t have that pain for 2 more weeks, maybe she’ll decide to come a little early. I thought my last son wasn’t coming early, either, until I started having really bad back pain. He was in the wrong position, so they had to do a c-section 2 weeks early. He was still 9 lbs 3oz then.
you know it’s silly for your Dr to tell you those things. Every pregnancy is different and your body handles each pregnancy and delivery different. I remember at my 39 week appt. with Sarah, my Dr. told me I “WOULD go at least 2 more weeks” I literally left his office crying. Well only 4 hours later I went into labor. That morning at 9am I was 0CM, 0% effaced.. ZERO everything! and by 6PM I was 4CM and in full labor. and Sarah was born 1:44am. with a total of 7 hours L&D. super easy and fast.
I understand about not doing a VBAC but you really could go into labor at anytime. Your body is def. starting somehting. even though your cervix hasn’t changed that doesn’t matter.
but… Cate wll come when she is ready. and she will be here before you know it. 2 weeks really is not that long. (I know its hard to hear when your big, round and miserable, 2 weeks might as well be 2 years)
oh and be glad were not elephants. They are pregnant for 22 months
Wouldn’t it be great to have a baby born on Christmas? I hope baby girl is your present.
You poor thing…. in your emotional state, you must have felt so let down!
I’m glad things worked out for you and the rest of your family!