Today was my last appointment with the doctor as a pregnant woman, though I didn't know it at the time. Since I had a mandatory faculty meeting on Thursday afternoon, I had to reschedule my appointment with Dr. Bachwaty for 8:45am on Friday, the next day. My consistent contractions from yesterday left me feeling very curious about this visit. I was wondering what would be discovered at this appointment, so I was eager to go at 8:45am.
Things started out as normal. I went in first for my ultrasound, which seemed to show a normal, healthy baby, and then I sat in the small room with a monitor on my belly. I have to admit that I was a bit anxious about seeing some huge mountains on the print-out, which would tell me that I was definitely having contractions and that labor would be soon. From what I could see, there were some small contractions, but it didn't seem like there was anything out-of-the-ordinary to be concerned or excited about. However, when Dr. Bachwaty came into the room to check the print-out, he didn't think that it was normal. First of all, I was surprised when he came in so soon. I would normally sit at the monitor for 40 minutes before anyone even came in to say "hey," but this time was different. He was in to check on me after about 20 minutes, and he saw something that gave him some concern. Apparently, the baby's heartbeat dropped, which worried the doctor. He said, "you're going to hate me." I gave out a small laugh, because it was weird how well he knew how I'd respond, since he wasn't my "main" doctor. I liked him much better than my main doctor, anyway. He said that he was going to send me to the hospital for further testing. I thought that is was a bit unnecessary, but I went along with it since he was the doctor and knew more about this sort of thing than I did.
Upon leaving the doctor's office, I called Dennis to tell him to come home. It was around 10:30am at this point, and he was really shocked to have me calling him. I have to admit that I had no intention of calling him or going to the hospital that day. I even had to call school to tell the secretary to get me a substitute for the rest of the day, which was not a problem.
I got home, and since I wasn't completely convinced that this trip to the hospital would result in an infant, I was slow in getting ready. I watered a few of my plants before going in to pack the rest of my suitcase, just in case. Since we were going to the hospital, we might as well be as prepared as possible. I had a check list of items that I wanted packed in my suitcase, and I went through this list adding what I needed to make sure I had it all. Dennis has already packed his bag earlier, so he was quick to get his bag, the diaper bag and the pillows in the car. He then came back in for my bag and two bottles of frozen water, which were for my back. We both seemed to be moving on auto-pilot as we readied the car and ourselves for the hospital. I really didn't feel that it was all that serious, nor did I feel the need to rush. I did; however, feel a bit worried about the baby. I just wanted to make sure he was okay, and if going to the hospital for a few hours sitting on a monitor would be all I had to do, I was ready to make sure my little guy was okay.
On the way the hospital, I asked Dennis to stop by McDonalds. It was truly one of the only fast food places on the way, and I really thought I should eat something before we got to the hospital. The last time we were at the hospital was March 1st, when we had to sit there for 6 hours on a monitor. I wasn't allowed to eat anything and I was starving. Since it was about 11am, I thought if I didn't eat now, I might not get to for a very long time. I just got a fish sandwich to hold me over, since I really wasn't hungry. I just wanted something in my stomach.
Dennis dropped me off at the door, and I went in to wait for him. Normally, I would use a wheelchair, since I had been on best rest, but I felt like walking up to the labor floor. Dennis had the pillows with him, but we decided to leave the suitcase and bag in the car until they were needed. Afterall, we had no idea if this trip would lead to anything, so why take up all that stuff just to bring it back down a few hours later. We walked back to the elevators and went up to the fifth floor. I have to admit that one of the best things we learned in our prenatal classes was where to find the labor and delivery floor. It was nice to have had a tour of this area during one of our classes before we needed to go their on our own. This was the same place we came to on March 1st, so we really knew where to go. Since my doctor had called ahead of time to tell them that I would be on my way, they were ready for me, and luckily, they weren't busy, which allowed us to get into the labor room right away. I was glad to see that it wasn't the triage room from March 1st but an actual labor room. These rooms were much bigger, and I didn't have to share it with a stranger.
Immediately, I was asked to undress and put on the tacky hospital gown. I then got into the bed, where the nurse attached the monitor to my belly. She gave us the impression that I would be monitored for a half an hour, and then she would call my doctor to tell him what she saw. This was okay with me, and I was certain that after that time, I would be going home. Dennis and I were prepared this time, because we both had brought novels to read. Sitting on the monitor is very boring, since nothing happens. I had just started reading Eclipse, the third book in the Twilight series, which was well over 600 pages. That would keep me busy for a while. Dennis also had a rather large book that he was reading, so we both sat and waited to hear what would happen next.
After about an hour and a half, I was sweating pretty badly. It was a nice day outside with sunshine and temperatures in the 50s-60s, but inside was at least 80 degrees. Apparently, the air conditioning wasn't working. Agghhh!!! The nurse who came in to check my monitor said that she could get me a fan, but I would be on a waiting list. Was she serious??? I really didn't think that I would be in there for much longer, so I thought I could endure the heat. I was really hot, though. She checked the computer to which my monitor was attached and said that she would call my doctor and tell him about the reading. She mentioned that there had been one small deceleration in the baby's heartbeat, which I thought wasn't too bad. I guess if it were happening more often, then I would be worried. When she was gone, Dennis and I started talking about what we were going to do that night. It was a Friday, and we thought of going out to dinner. We soon found out that one deceleration was bad enough, because the nurse came in and said that my doctor wanted me induced. My response was a shocked, "INDUCED?" I just couldn't believe it. Dennis and I just looked at each other with big eyes. WHAT!!!!????
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