A Lesson to Slow Down

Warning:  Long story, but it's mostly for my own memory, so I warned  you :)

It comes as no surprise that I am not a "relaxer."  I don't slow down for a long period of time, hate watching movies because you have to "sit still" for 2 hours, and I rarely ever just chill.  Since I got over my all-day sickness and exhaustion from the first trimester, I was so excited to have energy to get back to normal and get some stuff done!

This weekend was probably my breaking point, however.  Without listing out in boring detail of what all I did, I simply overdid it.  I slept terribly on Sunday night, and went to the bathroom about 9 times during the night.  I woke up Monday groggy and tired, which wasn't normal for me.  Usually, even if I was tired, I would physically feel pretty good.

Monday went by and I couldn't shake the lightheaded feeling I had, and it was hard for me to concentrate on anything.  I left work early and went home and took a two-hour nap.  I awoke feeling more tired than ever, and didn't sleep again that night.  I also awoke at 3:00 a.m. with terrible stomach pains, but I won't go into detail here!

Tuesday, I decided to call the doctor's office, just to get an idea of whether or not I should be concerned.  I called at 8:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m., and finally again at around 1:30 p.m.  Frustrated about not having heard anything and not feeling better at all, I finally told the receptionist to send along an urgent message.  Luckily, I got a call back within two minutes, and the nurse said that they would like for me to come in, since they usually like to clear patients that are complaining of head issues.

I was expecting to just go into my normal doctor's office, but instead they told me to go straight to the Labor and Delivery floor.  I admit this had me in a panic for a few minutes - it sounded so serious :(

I drove to the hospital, and didn't have to wait but about 20 minutes or so to get into a room.  There was one plus to all of this, and that was being able to see where we will give birth (hopefully), and to meet some nurses and doctors that worked there.  The rooms are super nice, and everyone I met was very friendly, didn't make me feel silly for calling, and were very thorough.

I got into my gown, and they hooked me up to contraction monitor (eek) and then tried to find Puddin's heartbeat.  It took her a couple of seconds, but she pointed out to me the many kicks she heard while looking - Puddin' was kicking up a storm in there, and would actually "kick" the Doppler back when she would push to hear the heart!  Luckily, Puddin' sounded just fine, so the next step was waiting on my urinalysis report.

I watched some tv, and laid mostly propped up on my back.  I spoke with another doctor, answered all the questions and then waited.  It turned out I had a urinary tract infection (very common in pregnant women, but they progress quickly), a slight touch of a stomach bug that was going around, and a decision that I was over exerting myself.

I felt silly, but I specifically asked the doctor what she defined as "taking enough breaks" or taking it "easy."  Her response was basically to rest and work in even intervals - 20 minutes up, 20 minutes rest, etc.  Umm, so no 3-hour cleaning marathons anymore?!  NO.  I suppose this would be a good excuse for some to slow it down, but it sounds like punishment to me.  I will do what I need to do for our little Puddin's health, but more than likely will have to be reminded when to sit!

I was sent on my way with some antibiotics, and a clean bill of health as far as anything serious going on.  Good relief, but I do not want to go back there until I am either in labor or on the tour with our birthing class :)

Overall, I was glad I went with my gut and decided to call when I knew I wasn't feeling normal.  I didn't want to be a hypochondriac first-timer, but it turns out that this was a time when I needed attention, and thank goodness it wasn't anything worse!

PS - I have also cured myself of dreaming about being able to lie on my back!  After three hours in that position, my back is still killing me today!  Guess that will have to wait for Puddin' to arrive...