Take Time

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.