Week 37

Today Nathan and I went for my final OB appointment.  I brought Nathan along instead of leaving him with the grandparents with plans to be in and out and then go shopping.  However, we ended up waiting a little longer than normal because the doctor was very busy. 

Upon examination, the doctor was surprised to find that I am dilated at 1 cm.  I was happy to hear this!  Then she asked if I had been having contractions.  I told her that I had felt some mild cramping.  She said that I would have to sit and be monitored to see if I was contracting regularly. 

So, Nathan and I had to wait about 45 minutes until one of the machines was free.  Then, they hooked me up.  Nathan had been a good sport so far and had not caused any problems.  At this point, I gave him my cell phone to play with (something I never do).  He loves to take pictures and did so the whole time.  Once I reviewed his shots, I found that he actually captured some good, well-focused shots of me!

The fetal monitoring showed that I have been contracting about every 2 minutes.  I could see the doctor trying to decide what to do.  She asked me when I last ate, and I had to admit that I had not eaten at all, but some milk and water.  So, she asked me to go home, eat, and rest.  She said that if the contractions became worse, I should report to the hospital.

So, I followed the doctor's orders and went straight home without shopping.  I ate, packed Nathan's suitcase, and too a nap with Nathan.  At this point I feel the same as this morning.  I have mild cramping and a dull lower backache.  Chris is busy at work, and I do not wish to go to the hospital until I am in pain or my water breaks. 

Hopefully, we will have an easy night.  I would be delighted if we had to go to the hospital tomorrow, but not in the middle of the night.  I have put the grandparents on alert just in case though!