Contraction Scare

On Friday, I was driving to school and I had some sudden contractions that came on. They were pretty strong, not the normal braxton hicks kind of contractions that tighten your whole uterus and usually don't hurt. I had about three (within a 45 minute period) that actually hurt. I called the doctor later in the morning from school, and they said to drink tons of water and put my feet up. Yeah, right! Not the easiest thing to do at school! However, I am sooooo lucky right now, my jobshare partner and I have a student teacher! She completely took over the class, while I sat and watched! I was also able to lie down in the health room for a bit, so I could put my feet up completely. The contractions were still happening occasionally, but they didn't hurt, they were just annoying. Sort of like menstrual cramps. I got home from school, and after awhile I decided to call the Dr. one more time, because even after taking it easy all day, they were still happening. The Dr.'s office said to head to the hospital to be checked out. Luckily, Nana was still over, so she could watch Addison. Chris and I hopped in the car and headed to Evergreen. I was hooked up to the monitors there, so we could watch for contractions and listen to the little guy's heart. Wouldn't you know it, I hardly had any contractions (one!) within the 30 minute period I was hooked up. We actually had to turn down the volume on the monitor because it was picking up his movement (kicks and punches) and he was moving so much, it was so loud we could hardly hear his heartbeat! The Dr. on-call came to see me, and after analyzing the monitor data, she said that everything is ok, that labor is not imminent. Whew! These contractions weren't doing anything to my cervix. She actually checked my cervix too, and she said things are "Closed, thick and high." Which means my cervix is closed, it's thick (it thins when you are in labor) and the baby is high in the pelvis. (sorry if that was TMI!) The contractions were just "prepping things" for 10 weeks from now! She said I have an "extremely irritable uterus!" Chris likes to call it "Irritable Uterus Syndrome" instead of Irritable Bowel Syndrome!" Very funny, Chris. Basically, I feel every contraction, even the tiny ones. I feel them even more when I'm dehydrated, or I over-do-it. So, at least now I know what I've been feeling (I had this with Addison too, but not as strong) and I can be proactive to make sure I drink tons of water and I take it easy these next 2 1/2 months. The taking it easy part is NOT easy, Addison is sooooooo busy. Plus, she's been quite sassy with us, and tantrumy. I'm sure I'll get lots of help from the Grandma's, and my wonderful husband. Hopefully these next 10 weeks will be uneventful and will fly by!