Terrifying experience.... Update

cmcintos · January 2015

I was just out walking my dog before work in the field near my house. There's a small pond, and we were walking on the ice (as the temps for the past two days have been like -20 so I figured it was pretty solid). I heard a crack, so I quickly headed back to the shore (I wasn't far out), when the ice broke and I fell through. The water was about chest-deep, and I couldn't get out as the ice kept breaking around me when I tried to climb out. With all my winter clothes, they were pretty heavy as well so it wasn't easy to pull myself out. Eventually I did, and luckily I wasn't too far from home. My pants/boots were frozen to my body when I got in the door.

hope the baby is ok, as she was certainly submerged.

**UPDATE**

I wanted to thank everyone who sent their support and kind wishes to me, both here and via private message. Despite a few bullies who let things get out of hand, most people were very understanding and supportive, so thank you for helping me through a really scary experience. So after going over the incident over and over in my head all day/night yesterday, as well as re-visiting the scene this morning, I wanted to update some of the details, as I realize that I may have exaggerated on some things. It all happened really fast, so things seem a lot worse/longer then they actually probably were in real life.

So, here's the scene........ it's a large man-made drainage ditch. There's a path that runs along the top that cuts into the woods, so this is our normal route for morning walks.

I had the dog off the leash to play frisbee.....I try and get him to run around as much as possible in the morning before work to tucker him out so that he sleeps when I'm gone...... if he's too hyper he just works himself into a tizzy.

Here's the pond looking from the opposite way, showing the path.

Between where I'm standing on the path and the pond, there's this small hill that goes down with some scruff......

We walked along the shore by the bullrushes briefly (part of the paved path actually leads right up to the shore of the water, so I walk down there so that the puppy can explore). The dog had never seen ice before..... and it was fun to watch him discover it for the first time. We'd been there before the pond had frozen, and it wasn't deep at the edge, because he'd wandered in along the side when it was still water. Labs are suppose to be water-loving animals so I wanted to familiarize him with water as soon as I could, in hopes that he'll swim this summer. I could see the bottom and it was frozen right through. It also wasn't sleek slippery ice, as it's been windy, so it was more bumpy... easy to get traction with winter boots. It wasn't until I was heading back to the path through this area between the pond and the path that I fell in. Between the bullrushes and the scruff. I couldn't tell exactly where the ice broke because we got a bit of snow last night, but I'm assuming by the broken scruff that it was about here, in the spot without plants. So certainly looked like "land" to me. Especially considering man-made ponds usually have pretty defined boundaries.

Judging by the water line on my sweater, the water came above my belly button but below my boobs. I had guessed yesterday that I was in the water for 1-2 mins, but it was probably more realistically like 30 seconds by the time I'd realized what happened, tried to get out, and finally managed to crawl/roll my way back to the path.

I timed my walk back to my house today. I said it was between 5-10 mins walk while wet. It took me 4 mins today, so it was probably about 5 mins total yesterday, after having to re-leash the dog and fiddle with our garage door code with freezing cold hands, plus the added weight of wet winter clothes and boots.

Yes, I did grab the bag of dog shit on my walk back without even thinking about it. I'd left it at the start of the path to grab on the way back so that I'd have my hands free to play frisbee.... and didn't notice it had sat on my floor in a heap of wet mess until my husband came home later that night and helped me clean up. Crazy the things you do when you're in panic mode.

Anyways, everything seems ok today. Baby still moving like normal..... I took it easy yesterday, and the doctor assured me that things were fine. I warmed up slowly, got home quickly, and didn't show any signs of bodily distress.... like turning blue, convulsing uncontrollably, bleeding, cramping..... etc.

Again, thank you to everyone who showed concern/support. I really appreciate your efforts and kind words. I've spent a lot of time/energy on this forum since I found out I was pregnant, and although I'm appalled that some women find it appropriate (and actually seem to get a kick out of) putting others down/making jokes at other people's expense (not just towards me but to anyone who's ever said the wrong thing or asked the wrong question), it's nice to see that it's only a select few people behave this way.

Keep happy, healthy and safe M15.

wishiwaspreggo · January 2015

OMG, how long were you in the water for? Are you okay? I hope you got out of those clothes ASAP. Being wrapped in wet clothes is one of the most dangerous parts about falling in to freezing water.

Yes, do call your doctor just in case. I don't know how badly the baby could've been harmed if it wasn't that long but it definitely wouldn't hurt to make them aware of what happened just in case.

cmcintos · January 2015

I feel her moving in there so I think she's ok. If anything changes in my health I'll call for sure.

cmcintos · January 2015

Ya there was a moment there that I worried I wouldn't get out and no one was around.

bwftw · January 2015

That's so scary! I'm glad you were able to get out. FX everything with you and the baby are ok!

ETA: I hope your pup is ok too!

scrappypom · January 2015

Wow, that is like a nightmare. I'm so glad you are okay!! I'm worth the others, I'd let the dr know!

tabitha722 · January 2015

Oh no!! I'd agree with a call into your doc sooner rather than later... and get warm!!!

cmcintos · January 2015

I'm not really sure how long I was in there for. Felt like forever but probably wasn't more then a minute or two?? Then the walk home was maybe like 5-10 mins?? I ripped off the clothes at the front door and my whole body was bright red.

cafecreme · January 2015

Oh geez! Thank god you're OK. I would definitely keep warm, and make sure your temperature isn't low.

copperrose · January 2015

Holy shit. I would still call the dr.

mommyofkaylin · January 2015

How scary! I agree with the other posts, however. I would still call your doctor just so they are aware of what happened and can advise you on if they want to do any kind of monitoring, just to be on the safe side. Glad you got out safely!

thursday · January 2015

Glad you are ok. That is very scary and like @pearsforpoops‌ said please sit down.

cinnamonlatte · January 2015

Wow. That is so scary. I would definitely call your doctor.

wishiwaspreggo · January 2015

cmcintos said:

I'm not really sure how long I was in there for. Felt like forever but probably wasn't more then a minute or two?? Then the walk home was maybe like 5-10 mins?? I ripped off the clothes at the front door and my whole body was bright red.

Dude... call the doctor. Women call all the time for far less concerning things. I don't want to scare you but that does not sound good.

BitsyBelle84 · January 2015

I agree with everyone else. Very glad you were able to get out and seem okay, but please call your doctor and make them aware of what happened.

lawsonellis · January 2015

Agreed- call your dr ASAP! I'm not a winter expert but anything that causes your core temp to drop like that can cause serious damage even in a small amount of time.

The best case scenario is you're fine and you got checked out just to be sure. A minor inconvenience of time.

The worst case scenario is much, much, worse than time inconvenience. I'd definitely call, even if you feel fine and baby is moving.

I'm so glad you got out and made it home! I agree with PPs- hot cocoa, blankets, and couch time! SO walks the dog from now on. :P

kella0708 · January 2015

How scary! Glad you are ok and LO is moving around, but please call your doctor!

stepherly · January 2015

How scary! So glad you were able to get out. Hope you & LO are ok. Please call your doctor to at least let them know what happened.

mamajack86 · January 2015

That just sounds terrifying! If you're feeling okay it's probably your adrenaline still pumping. I'd call the doctor, just to see what he/she suggests.

ngolimento · January 2015

Chunkymonkeylvr said:
You seriously should call your dr.

Eta: I'm seriously side eyeing this post. It's been a long time since i have but something doesn't seem right.

I feel bad that OP went through such a terrifying experience, but I absolutely can't wrap my mind around a heavily pregnant woman actively seeking ice out to walk on.

stine28 · January 2015

Oh my goodness, that is super scary. I really hope you phone your Dr. Do it for OUR peace of mind if not yours, deal??

PHNJenna · January 2015

OMG, that is scary! I hope you are doing OK now. Please take care of yourself.

cmcintos · January 2015

Ya, I shouldn't have been anywhere near ice when pregnant. It wasn't the smartest move on my part.....but I could see the depth of the bubbles and it looked super thick so I didn't think being near the shore would be an issue. It's not like I was in the middle of the pond. I didn't even know it was water beneath where I feel in.

No the puppy didn't fall in. Guess he's a light lighter then me....he was a bit wet when we got home but probably only from me dripping on him.

cmcintos · January 2015

We just moved from the big city to the burbs, and I'd gone walking with my brother/dog last week and saw a bunch guys playing hockey out on the pond by my brothers house. It's been super cold since then, so I guess I just had it in my head that the ponds were frozen and safe by now.

cmcintos · January 2015

I put a call in. Waiting for her to call me back.

Unknown · January 2015

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cmcintos · January 2015

My doctors is an hours drive and I'm alone. So I'll wait to speak with them before heading in, as I think it's safer in a warm bed then on the roads.

Sugarplum0217 · January 2015

I'm so glad you were able to get out and weren't in too long but please call your doctor and just let them know! Let your SO take the pup for a walk, geez the lowest it gets to here is about 30 and I still make my SO take the dog out in the cold mornings! Keep us updated and stay inside and keep warm!

cmcintos · January 2015

We share the puppy responsibilities, as I'm the one that wanted to get one. Plus I enjoy getting off my butt and walking/getting outside. Helps me stay active and feeling good. This morning I made a poor judgement call, yes. I'm not one of those people who changes how I live just because I'm pregnant. If it's cold outside, I just dress warmer.

CrystalTrues · January 2015

Yikes! That is frightening. Glad you are inside where it is warm. Let us know what the Dr says. FX everything is ok.

dreyes4 · January 2015

Oh my. Im glad you got out ok. Hope everything is ok with the baby. Hope your dr calls you back soon.

cmcintos · January 2015

Ya I hope so too. The receptionist said it was a "busy day" so I texted my friend doing her OB rotation in med school in the meantime to see what she thinks. Talking to her now.

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ruemorgan · January 2015

Omg! Please update us when you hear from your OB.

cmcintos · January 2015

Spoke with the doc. She thinks it should be fine. Baby is still active and I took my temp and it's normal. I never got so cold I was shaking or anything, I got home and warmed up fast. She said to call back if I have any bleeding/gush of fluid/contractions and she'll check in on me in a few hours to make sure I'm ok.

ruemorgan · January 2015

Maybe my logic is all wrong. But I just feel like if you fall THROUGH ice, then the ice is hitting your stomach. And nothing should ever hit your stomach, so your OB should atleast check the heart beat or SOMETHING. Falling through ice just blows my mind. I really do hope your LO is alright, I would personally go seek medical attention at the hospital.

cmcintos · January 2015

I don't think it hit my stomach. Plus I was wearing so many layers of padding that it really couldn't have had much impact on it. It's more the extreme temp change that I was worried about. But it was so short that I didn't go into shock or start shaking/turn blue or anything so my doc said my body temp probably didn't change that much in that amount of time. Obviously my skin was cold, but my internal body temp was ok.

Joon+ · January 2015

This made me short of breath just reading and trying to imagine what that must have been like. Thank GOD you had the strength to pull yourself out. Glad to hear that you and LO seem to be doing OK and the doc will be checking in with you again. Take care and take it easy!