Quick update, no pictures!

I had my weekly check-up this morning.  After my low fluid count Friday, I tried to take it easy all weekend, but Sunday morning had a little scare.  I felt like I didn't feel baby girl moving as much as normal, for a couple of hours at least.  I did what I thought I had learned, and drank some juice and laid down.  She finally moved again, and later on I felt hiccups and more movement, but it still scared me.  Since I was going to the doctor today, I waited to call my practitioner.

This morning I reported the slowdown in movement, which caused my doctor to worry a little more than she might have otherwise.  She decided I needed to go to the hospital immediately for a Non-Stress Test, which is where they put a band around your belly and monitor fetal movements, contractions and heartrate.  It's actually not terrible because you get a recliner chair, some cranberry juice and 7-Up to give the kid a little jolt of sugar and cold and uninterrupted time to yourself.  The downside is most of the time is spent worrying that something is wrong.

Baby girl moved, but not a lot.  They then did another ultrasound to check the fluids.  "Normal" is 8, and ideally it would be above 10.  It can go up to 25.  My first measurement was 4-1/2.  When you get a measurement that low, they have a second nurse come in to check again after I've laid on my side for 5 minutes.  My second measurement was 6-1/2.  I had to be over 5 for them to be okay with the number, so I won.  But the technician basically told me I need to calm down.  She essentially suggested I go on modified bed rest - no extensive cooking, no shopping, no extensive time on my feet - and that I drink 3 liters (100 ounces!) of water a day, at least.  In some ways I am relieved, but in many ways I am also nervous.  Because now I need to count contractions, something I have discovered I am terrible at doing.  I am constantly in fear that I'm not going to pay attention and Baby Girl is going to be delivered on the side of the road.

My doctor this morning said I was 3 cm dilated, which is progressing quite quickly.  She implied that I might not make it to next week's appointment.  Insane!  I'm hoping Baby Girl holds out until Thursday at least.  But we'll see.  As I'm writing this I'm experiencing some pretty intense contractions, so maybe she's just ready now.  I'll keep you all updated!