a little scare

OK, maybe it was a big scare. Tuesday morning I got up and was going about my normal routine. As I got off the exercise bike, however, I almost immediately started cramping. I thought it would go away so kept doing my normal thing--shower, bathe Marian, etc. We went up to the Draper temple open house and by the time we got out, I was worried because the cramping had continued, even increasing in intensity. So we went to the doctor office for a fetal fibronectin test (just so you know, a cervical swab does NOT help an already cramping uterus feel any better). It tests for proteins that are released if your body is going into labor. They told me it would take 4 hours so to go home and rest. I went home and laid down until the pain was so bad it was radiating to my back and feeling more and more like my labor pains with Marian. At that point I remembered why epidurals are so wonderful! I also got really scared thinking about the little 25-week babies I saw in my NICU rotations and the long road ahead of them and their parents.

Well, the story has a good ending (thus far)--the test came back negative and I've stopped having painful contractions--just a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions. I've been taking it easy this week since then and was totally spoiled yesterday when Mom came down and took care of Marian, filled the fridge with yummy meals, and pushed me into a chair whenever I stood up. What a lifesaver!

Well, hopefully this really only was a little scare and is gone for good. I'll keep you updated. In the meantime, have a happy Valentine's Day tomorrow!