Friday, November 13, 2009

Hello Contractions?

So just a little over a week ago I started having contractions! Not bad ones- just annoying ones. I never had any contractions with Mac until they actually had me all hooked up in the hospital and on pitocin so this whole pre-birth contraction thing is a new one for me... A couple of things I realized.

1. Do contractions feel different with every pregnancy? Because these feel different than with Mac- and not different from, uncomfortable contractions to labor contractions but different because Oakland is alive. This is weird and kind of hard to explain but let me try. First of all emotionally- when I was having contractions with Mac, I didn't have to worry about him at all because he had already passed. With her, I am worried- I feel bad every time I have one, knowing it has to be uncomfortable for her but also just worried about her heart rate and if she's stressed or ok when I have them, etc.

Second though, physically- when I had contractions with Mac it was just my body tensing up and having them. With her though I feel her react to the contractions which makes them feel different to me. Even if she is asleep when I have them, I think her body naturally tenses a little. I don't know- maybe they will feel the same when they are labor contractions because they'll be so much stronger and I won't feel her as much? Guess we'll see!!!

And last... contractions make you exhausted by the end of the day! Even these little annoying ones. (yawn) I'm already ready for bed. :)

9 comments:

Parker's Paradise said...

I wish I could say, I didn't have any contractions with my little girl. Due to medical issues, went straight to the c-section. I am hoping and praying for a quick and safe delivery!! (and of course a healthy little Oakland and Mommy!!)
Good Luck! I look forward to more updates!

Holly Steffen said...

rest assured- it is very "normal" to feel like- during a contraction she is pushing back or trying to stretch out. these contractions are happing naturally vs using synthetic hormones so it will definitely feel different.

try not to stress. now is the time to practice all those breathing techniques so that when 'real' labor happens you've practiced! :) :)

i'm thinking and praying for your family and can't wait to see it become an adorable family of 4! :) hang in there.

Sara said...

With my twins I started contracting at 20 weeks. I was put on every drug imaginable to stop them and at 36 weeks they finally allowed me to go with it and have my twin girls. I was hooked up to monitors while having them and they said that the babies were fine and that they would not harm or hurt them in anyway. So I hope that this gives you a little more comfort and I totally hear you on being exhausted at the end of the day. I took so many naps during that time. What I thought would be 30 minute cat nap would be a 3 or 4 hour nap. Good luck with your final weeks and I hope the contractions ease up some.

###### said...

Hi...I found your blog through Michelles. I read the story of course and was so touched and even passed some tears. I am so happy for yall and pray the best and much happiness. Congrats on being blessed again!

Rob and Susie said...

OMGosh. You are so close to delivery. My son was born at 35 weeks and my daughter at 33. I was pretty much done by this point. I can't wait to see Oakland...and can I tell you how much I love that name.(as if I have say in it) : ) Girls are very different than boys. I am sure you have noticed the personality differences between Mac and Oakland. I am sure she has her Big brother already watching over her and comforting her through contractions and will be right there with her as she makes her way here.

Meredith said...

Cali...I just have an overwhelming sense that everything is going to be ok. I am sure you are noticing the differences between Mac and Oakland just like any other Mom would. You have been a mother for 1 year, 4 months, 2 weeks and 6 days!! You know your children. Try and rest as much as you can. I am sure this is the scariest point of pregnancy for you. We all love you and wish the best for you.

Meredith

Jessica said...

Wish I could help but luckily didn't have contractions until after I had an epideral with ALL my 6 kiddos! I too feel like you and baby Oakland are going to be just fine! REST!!! Right now you have the best excuse in the whole world to just lounge! Good LUCK!

Sarah Garner said...

Hi Cali, I hope you get this message. I sent out an email, but I don't have your email address. McKay Dee Hospital is setting up a Christmas tree in celebration of our angel babies. The theme is "With Me Still". I posted all the details on my Angel Babies blog: http://latterdaykeepsakesangelbabies.blogspot.com/
Hope to see you there!

Allison said...

Dear Cali,

I came here from Mac's page linked in from the Divine Caroline Awards. I had to tell you what a blessing it was to read your story. My 4 month old son was napping in my arms as I cried and cried watching and reading about your son. You have increased my thankfulness for him. Mac truly still does good works for Our Father. I am holding my baby boy ever closer to me because your story has touched my heart. Thank you.

Congratulations and blessings on your pregnancy!

-Allison