Geez...

We had a rough week last week. On Wednesday morning I woke up to some Braxton-Hicks contractions that weren't severe but uncomfortable. I went about my day, going to a church brunch in the morning. After the brunch, the contractions were getting worse and I was supposed to go visit my friend in Miami, but had to call and cancel. I went home to rest and prayed these things would stop. Unfortunately, the contractions just got stronger and closer together. I ate lunch midday and layed around the house. The contractions were coming as close as 3 minutes apart and as far as 15. It was awful. I was 99% sure this was not real labor. My doctor was out of town (of course, the one week I actually need him) so I called the office and they recommended that I go to the hospital to get checked out since the contractions had been going on consistently all day long. So, Rick and I headed to the hospital.

We were led to maternity triage where a nurse checked me. She said you aren't dilated but the doctor says we can give you up to 3 doses of a shot to hopefully stop the contractions. She said, "Let me warn you, this shot will make you feel like you are running a marathon." She gave me the first shot and she wasn't kidding! I was shaking all over and my heart was about to beat out of my chest. Unfortunately, the contractions did not stop. So, she came back and gave me another shot. I had the same reaction and also threw up this time. The intensity of the contractions lessened but they still did not go away. She said she could give me one more dose or I could head home. I didn't want another shot so we headed home feeling defeated. Very quickly, the contractions came back full force. I didn't sleep all night because the pain was constant. The next day they persisted and I hadn't eaten in 24 hrs. The pain got so bad on Thursday that I couldn't keep liquids down either and was vomiting, so once again we headed off to the hospital. I was really dehydrated so they hooked me up to an IV. Once that was done, they sent me home. Needless to say, I DID NOT want to go home without relief or a solution but there was nothing they could do. Once we got home, I continued to have contractions for about 5 hrs while trying to walk around the house a lot (heard that helps) and drink as much as I could, which wasn't much. I was utterly exhausted! Rick was pretty tired himself doing all he could to comfort me. I finally got to sleep around midnight.

I woke up on Friday with the contractions waning but still present. I was so thankful. It felt like they would never end! I continued to have contractions on Friday and Saturday but they continued to get better. Sunday was a dream as the contractions ceased to be. I had never heard of someone having these contractions that long, consistent, or painful. But, I suppose it happens to some and thankfully is not harmful or dangerous for the baby, just hellacious for the mother. :) Rick and I were praising God and thanking Him for keeping the baby healthy and safe. Tomorrow, I am 37 weeks and considered full term! Little Fiona Joy is welcome to come any time now. We are so excited!