Baby worries

I had a scare three weeks ago. The doctor thought Baby Bwuder was about to make an arrival early so she had me on bed rest for a week. Not that we're not excited to see him, but I'm glad to say he stayed where he's supposed to be--in my uterus.

Here's what happened:

It was a Saturday. It's been a week since we moved to the condo and almost everything was still in boxes. Clutter clutter clutter. So, I wanted to de-clutter. I spent the morning cleaning the shelves and stacking books.

Then we went to Greenhills for lunch. The plan was to go to Bliss afterward to pick up stuff left behind. But by the time we were at the toy store, Baby Bwuder was kicking and body slamming me violently that it was difficult to walk.

The pain shot through me and that got me thinking if something was wrong. Also, my undies had been feeling damp. That couldn't be good, I thought.

The oby checked me and announced that I was dilated 1 cm.

That didn't sink in and she had to explain it to me like I were 4 years old. My cervix was dilated 1 cm and I was leaking amniotic fluid. I also had an infection that either caused or was aggravating my condition.

Still it didn't sink in. This explanation helped me to finally understand. I was in the early stages of labor and if we don't stop it, the baby would come 3 months early. That means his lungs haven't developed and life outside the womb wouldn't be viable. I was 27 weeks pregnant at that time.

I was to be admitted in hosp for medical management. And bed rest. I wasn't even allowed to sit up in bed. I did all my business there on the hospital bed.

Laila was so sweet during the time I was sick.

I had an ultrasound the first day in hospital, and she wanted to be there with me when Baby Bwuder's picture was taken. But Daddy Cat had to take her home so she missed it. Later on, I learned that she was chiding Daddy Cat because she couldn't be there, unlike the first time when she saw Baby Bwuder in the monitor.

She also begged Daddy Cat to let her stay overnight with me. Of course she couldn't. I'd been worried about what illness she might catch visiting me at hospital already. But it really was heartwarming to see how excited she is every time she comes for a visit.

The doctor allowed me to go home Wednesday but I was still on bed rest until Monday, when she gave me clearance to go back to work. But on strict orders not to be very active unless I want labor to start again.

I'm praying he comes when he's supposed to on Sept. 8 or thereabout. But I'm taking the necessary precautions to make sure he's on schedule and not early.

That means no more walks for me. And since walking had been my primary exercise since getting pregnant, that also means no more exercise even if exercise is recommended for expectant moms. I even used a wheelchair when we went to the mall last weekend. Admittedly, though, being pushed around the mall is a rather enjoyable way of getting around. I can get used to it.

No more out of town trips either. I won't be able to visit Mommy in Nasugbu. I missed coverage of the Parada ng Lechon sa Balayan. We won't be able to swim with the dolphins in Subic for Laila's birthday.

No strenuous activities. I can't carry Laila even if I wanted to. I can't run or roughhouse with her. I'm not sure if I can take a dip in the pool.

I've got 8 more weeks 'til the baby comes.