It is simply amazing how your life can take a drastic turn when you're least expecting it. You feel secure, safe, ready for anything and then POW! Things change.
I have been pregnant now for 6 months and enjoying every moment. I enjoy telling people that I never got morning sickness. (Sorry to all you moms who did!) I enjoy feeling my baby kick me in the ribs in the middle of the night because it lets me know that he/she is moving and playing. I enjoy telling my midwife that I have been exercising regularly and that I have been keeping a pretty good diet. I enjoyed telling everyone how amazing my pregnancy was going! Until last week.
I started having some mild cramping (a lot like period cramps) around midnight on a Friday. I got up, got a glass of water and a heating pad, and attempted to go back to sleep. An hour later I woke up with them again so I moved into the living room to attempt sleeping in the recliner. Another hour later I was again awakened by the cramps so I moved back into the bedroom....and so on and so forth until I had to get up for work. I was hoping that by moving around and perhaps getting something to eat that the pain would subside. But I couldn't take it anymore and at 7 a.m. I finally called my midwife. She sounded concerned and called me to her office right away.
After a few samples were taken I found out that I was severely dehydrated and that I had a very bad bladder/urinary tract infection. Now, this may not seem like life or death to most, but after some research (and a word with my sister who happens to be a nurse) I found out that infections like this are the primary cause of preterm labor.
I couldn't believe it! Here, I thought I was doing so well and that I was doing everything I could for the health and well-being of my baby. I thought I was sailing through this pregnancy and then this?! How could I let this happen?
Well, after many prayers and apologies to my husband and my baby, I was put on bed rest, antibiotics, and a strict fluid regimen. I was so upset and angry for a while. Having to miss work; not being able to help around the house; not being able to even go for a walk...it gets old after only a couple of days. But I have come to realize that it is the best possible thing I could be doing for our amazing child right now.
I am taking the time to pray and rest. Perhaps something that I have needed to do for 6 months but never realized it because things were going so swimmingly. And I am taking the time to appreciate all the amazing people whom God has placed in my life to help. My husband, my mom, my sisters and brothers, and my in-laws. They have all been so encouraging and caring. Offering to do laundry, make a meal, or even offering their advice has been such a blessing and I now know that it's just what I needed.
