Bedrest and Mommyhood

What an interesting past few days here!  I am very thankful I had some posts pre-written and ready to just post.  What has been happening?  I've been trying my darndest to stay pregnant.

On Monday, I just didn't feel like myself.  I thought I was just tired after a busy Easter weekend.  I assured Hubby that I was fine so he went to work leaving me at home with Buggy.  All day, Buggy was out of sorts and I assumed it was teething (those 8 teeth STILL are not through!).  He was so snuggy and just wanted to hug my belly over and over.

By afternoon, I didn't feel well at all.  I put Buggy down for a nap and sat down to rest.  I realized I needed to start timing my braxton-hicks contractions.  After 30 minutes, I had had 6 contractions.  My instructions had been to call the doctor if I had 4-6 in an HOUR so it was time for a call.  I was told to go to labor and delivery.  I gather up a screaming Buggy who had just woken up from his nap plus some things to keep him occupied at the hospital.  I geared up for a fight to get him up on the floor with me (security guards everywhere keeping kids 12 and under out of the hospital.  Thankfully, clutching my belly and saying "contractions" worked like a charm!  Hubby was able to join me about a half hour later.

After being monitored, they found I was contracting (REAL ones, not braxton-hicks) every 5 minutes.  So begins the shots and tests and muscle relaxers.  32 weeks is a bit early to deliver.  I stayed in the hospital until 8pm.  Hubby was able to take Buggy to a friend's house for the evening so he could come back with me.  I learned that if I was in active labor before 34 weeks, I'd need to be transferred to a bigger hospital. 

Thankfully, contractions were stopped.  I was loopy as all get-out.   I was ordered 48 hours of bedrest.  My parents were able to plan to each come for a couple days so there is someone here all week to care for Buggy (who has a tummy virus).  I am very blessed.

I've done my time - my 48 hours.  I can tell my body isn't ready for me to be back to normal yet.   I am slowly easing back into life.  Monday I will see my OB again and make a plan.  I'll be 33 weeks at that point.  Buggy was born at 35 weeks 6 days.  I HOPE to keep this little one in longer.  Thankfully, the fetal fibronectin test they ran was negative which means that the chance of me delivering in the next few weeks is quite slim.  Now to just keep the contractions at bay!

I am very thankful for modern medicine.  I am very thankful for the skilled doctors and nurses at our hospital.  I am very thankful that we are near family and between friends and family don't really need to worry about much of anything (I can't believe how many IM's I got on facebook asking if we needed meals or help grocery shopping).

Have you ever had preterm labor?  Have you delivered early?  I'd love to hear your story!