Baby Coblentz Update

For those of you who haven't heard what's been going on the last week and a half... I will give you a quick update.

Two weeks ago, I went in for my 36 week check up and I was already 1 and 1/2 cm dilated and 50% effaced. Dr. Connor (who I LOVE) was surprised that I was already progressed that much. That Sunday, I was sitting on the couch watching a movie with my mom and sister and I started having contractions. They were really intense and very close together... so I was a little freaked out because we weren't sure what to do. After about an hour, I called the Dr. on-call and he said to monitor them for about another hour and if they got more intense to call back. I didn't call back and decided to wait and see how I felt in the morning.

About 10 the next morning I woke up still having contractions. We called Dr. Connor's office and they told us to go straight to the hospital. We got there and they hooked me up to the monitors and my contractions were ranging from 5-10 minutes apart and pretty intense. After 4 hours on the monitors, Dr. Connor came in and checked me and I was only 2 cm dilated and about 75% effaced. Slightly progressed, but not enough to admit at 37 weeks. So, we went home.

I continued having contractions the rest of the day, night and through to the next day. After lunch I started feeling pretty bad and Matthew and I decided to monitor the contractions for a couple of hours. The first hour they were coming every 7-8 minutes and the second and third hour, they became more intense and were every 2-3 minutes apart.

We KNEW it was time... I felt it. We were leaving our house and the next time we came back was with our little one. Matthew got out the video camera... I said my goodbyes to Shot (my baby for the time being), and we left the house with everything.

We got to the hospital and, no kidding, the same nurses were there that were there the day before. They were all rooting for us! They kept saying, "This is it, you are staying this time." "You REALLY have the I'm in labor look." They hooked me up on the monitors, again, and sure enough, the contractions were real and intense. The nurse came in to check me and what do you know... nothing had changed. I was still 2 cm and about 75% effaced! Next, one of the nurses peaked her head in to see what I was... and she was even disappointed. No one could believe it. I looked over at Matthew and it broke my heart to see his face. He was so disappointed and so was I. So, for the second time, we got in the car and headed home.

I had my doctor's appointment for my 37 week check up the next morning and when I went in we were waiting and hoping to see if I had progressed any. Nope... no progression. Still having contractions, but that's about it. Everything is in place... the head is done and in position, the heartrate is strong, I am having contractions (true contractions), and pretty much anything that begins or happens with labor has, except that I am not dilating. Dr. Connor went ahead and made my appointment for my 38 week check up, but really didn't think I would make it back to see her.

Well...today was my 38 week check up. I went in at 9 with no expectations. She checked me and I am still the same. Nothing has changed. I have been having contractions for ten days now, but I am just not progressing. Dr. Connor said that there could be two possibiities...1) I have a cervix of steel and 2) The baby may be down as far as it can go, but just can't fit through and that is why I am not dilating anymore than I have.

Dr. Connor said that there is no way for my body to take another week of contractions and the sweet little angel has basically, run out of room. So, if it doesn't come before... we will meet our little blessing, Monday the 16th! We will head to the hospital at 5 a.m. on Monday morning. That is five days away and I couldn't be happier!

When I called and told everyone this morning that there was still no change, people were disappointed. One thing that I have found is that my strength in the Lord has truly gotten me through this entire pregnancy. For those of you who don't know, I was in the hospital twice during my pregnancy and stayed sick up until about two months ago. The last ten days have been very emotional...alot of ups and downs, but I look at how blessed we are to be where we are and my worries and anxiety go completely away.

Everyone today has asked if I was very disappointed. You know, this morning and the last couple of days, I have spent many hours in prayer. I have always believed that the Lord does things on His own time and that He has a hand in everything. When I went in to the doctor this morning, I went in with no expectations. When I left, I left with no disappointment. I know that our baby will come when it's ready and I feel 100% confident knowing that if it doesn't come before, then he or she needed five more days.

Pregnancy is an amazing thing. It is truly a miracle and a blessing from God. Even though I haven't had the easiest of pregnancies, I have loved every minute of it. No matter what happens, I can't wait to hold my child. I can't wait to see Matthew hold our child. That will bring me the most joy!

Speaking of how God works:
As for now, I am sitting on my couch, staying out of the heat, watching A Baby Story on TLC. What do you know, but the girl was 2cm dilated and 75% effaced and she went in to be induced. Sound familiar!?! Wow...I had to pause to watch the birth and now I am balling my eyes out! :) Anyway, it is so encouraging to see this, at this time. I have had so many people say things to me about being augmented/induced and worrying that I will have to have a C-Section, especially since I haven't progressed any so far. (I am one of those people who really doesn't want to have a C-Section, but I also will do anything to make sure my baby is healthy.) Well, this girl (Jennifer) was exactly what I am now when she went in to be induced. She progressed pretty fast and just birthed a very, healthy baby girl. I know that I may be different and I am prepared for that, but I may not be. All I know is that I can't wait to meet my child and love it with all my heart... no matter when or how it decides to make an appearance into this world!