Bed Rest.

At 30 weeks, my hands and feet started to swell. I stopped wearing my wedding ring (though on my anniversary I did sport my wedding band on my pinky finger). And soon after, the only shoes I could wear were flip flops. Not horrible for the summer time, but pretty uncomfortable to be in all day, in 90 degree weather, with 90% humidity, while teaching summer school to ten 3-6 year olds — constantly moving, helping, picking up things, taking them to recess, carrying heavy things, setting up meals, changing them in and out of bathing suits, walking around campus, giving lessons, setting up sprinkler time, riding a bumpy bus at the end of the day with them… ah. It’s no wonder why at 33 weeks — here I am, on bed rest.  

Last Thursday, 33 weeks and 3 days, I became concerned by the swelling and constantly hearing from anyone who saw me “hmm, have you told your doctor about the swelling?”. Finally, after the 7th person in one day said something I decided to call. Of course, they wanted to see me so I had to leave work early. My doctor quickly sent me to the hospital to have an ultrasound done of my legs/feet to make sure I didn’t have a clot. They didn’t find one. So, I went home thinking I’ll keep up my feet and stay in the AC and I’ll be fine.  

Last Friday, I debated over staying home from work but ultimately decided to go. I took it easy with the help of my co-teachers but apparently, it was still too much. Around 11:45 I started having contractions. I texted Sean and my mom and everyone sort of decided a call to the doctor was probably warranted. Except that when I called, they told me I had to go to labor and delivery and not to their office. How rude! After waiting for Sean to leave work to pick me up and then driving to the hospital and being in traffic for far too long we arrived at the hospital and they hooked me up to the non-stress test monitor.   

After three hours, a couple of tests, 2 nurses and 1 doctor… it was decided that I go on bed rest for the next 4 days until I can meet with my doctor. Apparently, the cause for most (early) contractions is dehydration. Since I wasn’t dehydrated and the contractions kept coming when I moved… they decided I needed to be still. As in, on my side, laying flat. Not sitting up, not moving around, not driving, not working, not doing anything!   

It’s not horrible. But it’s not easy and it’s not fun. There are many things I would prefer to do with my time (like set up the nursery, organize downstairs, set up other baby stuff) and there’s even stuff I need to do (clean, laundry, make “last minute” purchases, finish up my thank you’s). But none of that is possible laying on my side. It makes it really difficult. I’m hoping that my doctor takes me off bed rest when I see her tomorrow. Though I don’t know how likely it is that would happen.   

I have a little less than 24 hours until I find out my fate for the next 6 weeks. I’m honestly looking forward to leaving the house. Even if it’s only for the doctors.