Wowsers, that’s a lot of flesh and unfriendly bulge for internet photos. Very brave. Or stupid. (Edited to post a more flattering picture.) I just want to capture this time, if possible, so I’ve been trying to take some final pictures of this immense belly, but it’s hard with poor lighting and just a mirror. The thing is, Gadget, bless his beautiful heart, can’t focus to save his life (neither can I, apparently), and I’m not a very good artistic director, and I’d rather keep the peace at this point in life and marriage.
This morning I had the amnio. It took three people! The technologist used the ultrasound to find the best spot, my doctor readied the needles, and another doctor held another ultrasound wand/needle guide thing. It was quite an impressive effort, to capture that precious fluid. The thing is, once they found the spot and my doctor gave me the lidocaine shot to numb the spot in preparation for the big needle, LB moved. Stinker! So they had to start again. Then he gave me another lidocaine shot, and LB moved again, plus, there was a problem with the big needle, so he had to get another one, and then they didn’t have another one in the room, so had to go find another kit. In the mean time, guess who moved? So finally, they got the big needle in, and it hurt, as it would, since it penetrated the uterus and caused some discomfort. Then they couldn’t see the needle on the ultrasound, so they had to poke further, which pinched more. But they quickly acquired the fluid they needed, and rushed it off via courier to the University hospital where they do the fluorescence check. Meanwhile, I went to triage for non-stress-testing and observation, during which time I had several contractions, and LB did gymnastics. As he does. I was cleared to leave after an hour or so. All in all, I was gone three hours for this, and not long after I arrived home, my doctor called to report that the numbers are good, LB’s lungs are mature enough for delivery, and all systems are go for Wednesday.
Woohoo!!
I finished my work day, then realized that I’ve been having regular contractions. Off to Doctor Google I scurried, to find out whether I should be alarmed or not. I’ve never had regular contractions during 3rd trimester, so don’t know what to expect. BB never dropped, nor gave any indication that he was interested in leaving his watery world. But LB. Oh, my LB. He is riding low and pressuring me, and causing me to feel the need to, er, empty my instestines. Plus contracting every 5 minutes. Luckily, Doctor Google advises that unless the contractions last 60 seconds or longer, then there’s no need to scurry to the hospital. Mine are about 20-30 seconds.
It would appear that these are the famed Braxton Hicks that I’ve heard so much about but never experienced. At least, that is my hope. Because I really just want to go to the hospital at the prescribed time on the prescribed day per the prescribed plan, because I like my schedules and plans. I like that kind of order in my universe.
Nevertheless, the bags are ready, and the last work items that I have left can be left if need be. I can log in and set up my official out of office messages, and that will only take a few minutes. I’ve got them all prepped and ready to go.
Luckily, and with a great sense of relief, the wave of contractions seems to have subsided, so I may be fine. It’s just a bit alarming, thinking that this baby might be ready before I am!
MsCellania Says:
