Monday, June 23, 2008

Hope vs. Frustration

So two weeks ago I went in for an OB appointment and she said things were moving along. I was still pretty closed, but I was definitely starting to dilate. Then I went in last week, same OB, and she was surprised to see me because she thought things would move along a lot faster. She said this week things were progressing...I went from being dilated just a bit to a 3 in one week. The baby was low enough for her to feel her head and she said it wasn't a great big head. (whew!) And she said it was really any moment that I could go into labor.

So now I have been on a teeter-totter, getting really excited when I feel contractions start and then being disappointed and frustrated when they slow down and/or stop altogether. Aside from the intense pressure downward that I feel pretty constantly, nothing is regular. I'm almost to the point of trying castor oil. The thought really grosses me out, but I am so ready to hold this baby in my arms! She was kicking like crazy last night and I told her she would have a lot more room if she would just come out.

I don't think she believes me.

So I am keeping a log of everytime I feel a contraction, how long it lasts, and the intensity of it on a scale of 1-10.

1-3 I feel tight and uncomfortable and it just takes my breath away.
4-6 They start out just tight and uncomfortable and grow to make me need to grab a hold of something. Quite painful. I cannot be distracted.
7-9 Not quite so gradual...just very painful...hard core labor pains
10 BABY TIME!

Mostly, they have been 1's and 2's, but I did have one that started about a 3 and grew to a 4. I think that would be my first real contraction. So I'm guessing the 1-3's are the Braxton Hicks everyone talks about. Irregular and not so intense.

I know it's still a bit early. This weekend Ryan has a class that goes all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday 8-5. I don't want him to have to worry about losing credit for that class since it is just a 3-day one. So I decided not to try the castor oil until a week from now. We'll just see if Leah comes on her own this week.

I wouldn't mind!

So I'm hoping I can keep my teeter-totter level, and not get too excited and not be disappointed and frustrated as things happen and stop happening. That I just accept that things will ebb and flow as Leah gets ready. I just can't wait!!

4 comments:

The Dixon Family said...

Hang in there, Anna!

The McBride Family said...

I can't wait to see your new little one!!!!!! So soon!!

Kristen Taylor said...

She will come soon enough. I know it is so hard to wait though. Ryan was a week late... it about killed me!

ChristyLou said...

I know how you feel but don't despair! And hold off on the caster oil if you can...my friend took it and she said the only reason it works is that it makes you have violent diarrhea which gives you awful cramps and makes you dehydrated. She said that her contractions never let up during labor because she was having abdominal cramps from the diarrhea as well as the labor contractions. YIKES!

Cambri was 9 days late, but I'm so glad I waited because if I'd tried to get her here sooner I might have had to have a C-section because she was in the wrong position. So, sorry to be kind of doom and gloom, but I promise it will be over soon and just ignore the doctor when she says you should be progressing faster, your body knows what to do!! :) That being said, I know how hard those last few weeks are and I'm thinking of you!!! Hang in there and try to enjoy some sleep, if you still can sleep. LOL, gotta love pregnancy! Can't wait to see pics of the little one...