- Contractions (your abdomen tightens like a fist) every 10 minutes or more often
- Change in vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pressure—the feeling that your baby is pushing down
- Low, dull backache
- Cramps that feel like your period
- Abdominal cramps
Besides the contractions and discharge, most of them can be the warning signs of having eaten a bad burrito, so how are you to know? The other night, without going into too much detail, I had 3/6 of the warning signs. My first instinct was to call the doctor, but having been accused of being a hypochondriac more than a few times, and it being 10 at night, I decided to wait. I didn't want to end up at the hospital with a bad case of indigestion! The march of dimes site recommended that you lay on your left side for an hour and drink a ton of water, so I decided to try that, and it worked! I still had some back cramps on and off the whole night, but I was definitely feeling better. The baby was also moving around a lot, which was reassuring. The next day I called my midwife and she recommended the same thing the march of dimes site did. She also said to call while I was having the cramps next time, not after, and if I had them again I'd have to be seen.
Here's a really cool animation of what happens to your insides when you're pregnant. It really helped me visualize why I'm so uncomfortable! The ending is the best, ew.
Despite being slightly unnerving, that little episode reaffirmed the fact that I may not have the full 7 weeks until my due date, or even 4 weeks until I'm full term, to prepare for the baby. So, I've been kicking it into high gear and getting a lot of baby stuff done! As of now, I have all of my pre-admission forms handed in. I have my hospital bag half packed (I still need a few more things for that)! Eli started painting the rocking chair and fixing the changing table/ dresser. Eli and I are signed up for 4 baby classes, we actually went to one of them Tuesday night and it turned out to be a lot of fun! And, (thanks to Eli's dad) we have ordered the baby's crib! I've also been making more progress with getting the apartment organized and put together.
Here's a little template I made of what the baby space will entail:
The more I prepare for the baby, the more questions I seem to have about how to prepare for the baby. I feel silly for asking some of these, but here are a few things I've thought of that maybe some parents out there could help me with!
How many breast pads do you need at the hospital? Will they provide them?
Will they provide diapers for the baby, or should I bring those?
Does the baby wear clothes at the hospital? How many outfits does it need?
Any labor/hospital must haves?
Obviously I have no experience, but I'm sure the answer to most of your hospital questions are "depends on the hospital" ... that's the answer I get to most of my questions about PA responsibilities. They seem to teach us more than we will probably need to know, but that's because every hospital/clinic is different. Best of luck to you!! :D
ReplyDeleteHooray!! Baby is making it's way down for arrival!! I had "preterm" labor for 7 weeks with Anna, and she was still a week late... Miles gave me no sign until the day of labor, which was 3 days early. They have a way of just coming whenever they want! :) To answer you questions (which are not at all silly!!)... I don't recall leaking too much in the beginning, but I do remember having a handful of breast pads in the bag, which came in handy. For 3 days, I'd probably have 6-8 pairs on hand just in case. They do provide diapers and definitely take advantage! :) Just be sure to have them waiting at home (and maybe 2 in the diaper bag just in case as well)... I had my diaper bag stocked and ready to go, as well as my own hospital bag. I probably didn't use the diaper bag much while there, but it's nice to just have it ready. The hospital will provide all the initial necessities, as well as baby's first t-shirt and swaddles! (Be sure to bring home for memorabilia!) You will probably want a couple comfy outfits for baby on hand though, and some people like to bring the baby home in a special adorably outfit. (I just brought them home in my favorite sleeper :)) Hmmmm... must haves would be comfortable clothes for you!! Nightgowns are nice in the beginning, because they have to come check you a lot and you're really just in bed for the first day or two. Also, a big bag of your favorite snacks, treats, and fresh fruit! Food is not that great in the hospital and it's nice to have some of your own stuff when you want it. They provide basic toiletries, but also very nice to have your own favorite stuff. Eli might also appreciate a pair of PJs and a change of clothes on hand! I'll let you know if I think of anything else! Can't wait to meet the little one!!
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