Non stress testing and Biophysical profile

Last night was a crazy night.  I had mild contractions, 10 minutes apart an 30-60 seconds in length, for about 4 1/2 hours (1230am-5am).  It is called "prodromal" or pre-labor and usually happens at night (says Nikki).  Sometimes you can have it up to 4 nights before real labor kicks in, or as little as one night.  They happen at night then stop in the morning, since oxytocin levels are higher at night.  I had the same mild contractions all day today, and the hope is that they help to thin out (efface) the cervix so dilation can happen more quickly in active labor.

I am having one right now.

I was scheduled for my non stress testing (NST) at 930am at the doc's office then a biophysical profile (BPP) at the radiology lab at chester county hospital.  Apparently they didn't like the looks of some of of the baby's heart rate decelerations, so they sent me up to the hospital right away.  I took my time getting there, stopping for dry cleaning, the bank, and a soda to get the baby moving.  By the time I got there, was admitted and hooked up to the machines it was 11am.  I was on the machine until 130pm when they came and got me for my BPP ultrasound.  I did not get out of the hospital until 3pm and was starving- so stopped for fast food fries and vanilla milkshake!    Thank goodness the baby looked good and did everything he was supposed to- movement, practice breathing and good amniotic fluid.  I was worried they would try to keep me and induce me if they didn't seem something that they liked.    I do resent being in the hospital all day though- at least I got to be in a bed and watch TV- I even tried to snooze after getting no sleep last night.

Since my doctor was at the hospital today, I asked her to check my cervix- turns out I'm 70% effaced but still only about 1cm dilated.  However, a thinned cervix is more likely to dilate so I feel like we are on our way and one more night of this predromal labor I feel like we may be in business.  Had an nice long chat with Nikki on the way home so fingers are crossed at this point.

I forgot what all of this pain felt like but it comes back really quickly.  Baby Sean we hope to meet you soon before eviction day on Friday.