The past few days I started getting Braxton Hicks, no big deal. They're slightly uncomfortable, but I was only getting them maybe 1-2 times a day.
Then yesterday I was woken up by one at about 4am, which I just went back to sleep afterwards. However, upon waking they seemed to come every half hour or so. Still I didn't find it a big deal since they were less than 10 an hour. The day went on, I drank a ton of water, and the braxton hicks kept coming. By 10pm I was having contractions every 5 and 7 minutes. I was getting really uncomfortable. Unfortunately we only have one car, and my husband is in the military and on the evening shift. The contractions kept up until about 11:30pm when I finally took a warm bath and they started to calm down. Husband came home at midnight, and they braxton hicks were gone. Went to bed and then felt incredibly nauseous all night.
Thankfully I had a doctor appointment already scheduled for this morning. Of course, he said next time I better go to L&D which I assured him I would. He checked to see if I had dilated and I'm happy to say that I have not! He also did a swab test to see if I'm at risk for preterm labor.
Just thought I'd share. Finger crossed everything comes back good. I go back next week to see the doc. I am planning a trip back home next week to visit family which I NEED and being given a baby shower which is just an added bonus of going home! I would be heartbroken if we couldn't make it, husband hasn't been home to visit in over a year and he may not have the opportunity again for a long time! Obviously I care more about the safety of myself and my baby, but I reallllly want to go home for our visit! Though I'm a little nervous because I'm feeling slightly crampy tonight, but thankfully no Braxton Hicks!
**UPDATE**
Wednesday and Thursday I started having more contractions that just wouldn't go away. I was taking it easy, not doing anything and they would come. If I tried moving even slightly they would come very close together. By Thursday night I was in a panic because they were coming every 5 minutes. I ended up going in to L&D where I was monitored for 4 hours. Baby is just fine, but they definitely confirmed I was having lots of contractions. I know it had nothing to do with being dehydrated as I had about 12 cups of water that day on top of other liquids... I had never used the restroom so many times in my life! Regardless they still pumped me full of more fluids. I also ended up getting a shot of Terbutaline to stop the contractions. After that, the contractions finally stopped! And again, the contractions didn't make me dilate. It has been such a relief to not have a consistently hard uterus and to not feel so insanely uncomfortable all day. I'm still getting a few random Braxton Hicks, but that's about it!
They never said the words "bed rest" but told me to take it easy and not to do anything... so I'm guessing it's pretty much the same thing, but I'm still remaining hopeful that I'll be allowed to take our 10 hour drive back home next weekend! I see the doctor again on Wednesday, so I am severely hoping the contractions stay away and I can be free to go! Regardless of what happens, I'm very happy that baby and I are doing good and I can rest at ease knowing he's not quite ready to come out yet!
Re: Braxton Hicks/Preterm Labor Scare **Update**
My Ovulation Chart Simple Link: My Ovulation Chart
Married 8/27/2011
BFP #1 9/28/2011 DS born 5/22/2012
BFP #2 4/24/2013 m/c 4/25/2013 at 4w
BFP #3 1/31/2014 DD born 10/14/2014
BFP #4 1/20/2016 m/c 2/12/2014 at 7w2d
BFP #5 8/19/2016 DS2 born 4/29/2017
BFP #6 3/7/2018 EDD 11/18/2018
30 dx with PCOS 2010 treating with metformin
DS1 12-29-11 DS2 11-4-14
BFP 10/19/13 missed mc at 5 weeks d&c 11/18/13
BFP 2/16/14 Please stick baby! ! EDD 10/31/14
DX with septate uterus 3/1/14