Sunday, April 17, 2011

Labor Signs

In my experience with pregnancy, labor signs have always been a negative thing.  Labor signs meant the beginning of the end to us.  Labor was something that we did everything in our power to avoid… bed rest, cerclage, progesterone shots, reduced activity, weekly cervical checks – you name it, we’ve tried it. 

l&d

photo credit 

This time around, now that I am 5 days away from a full term pregnancy, labor signs are now a good thing.  It’s really surreal experiencing this change.  It hadn't dawned on me that I’d ever feel this way until last week at my OB appointment.  There, I learned that I was 1cm dilated and 70% effaced!  I was shocked to hear this and so, so, excited!  My body is responding to pregnancy like it should be.  The meaning of labor signs has just changed for us.  It is now a positive thing!  It’s now the beginning of a good thing, and I can’t wait!

With less than a month to go and my body already preparing for labor, it is really sinking in that I am going to have a baby SOON!  Some people believe they are having a baby the moment they see that first positive pregnancy test.  I, on the other hand, just started really believing this about 6 weeks ago.  Prior to then, I was hopeful for a positive outcome, but was leery.  I think anyone that has experienced a loss and/or preterm labor naturally has this kind of a defense mechanism.

I am so thankful to be experiencing a “normal” pregnancy, and look forward to the next month and meeting my little Taylor!

My 36 week update will be coming soon!signature

13 comments:

  1. You know, while I'm totally aware of the fears you've had up until recently, it never really occurred to me just how different the signs of laboring would be perceived by you... I am overjoyed that this is a happy time in your pregnancy - that labor is now looked at as the beginning of the beginning! Lots of love to you my friend:)

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  2. I'm so happy for you! Praying!

    Love,
    Tonya

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  3. When you tweeted this, I totally squealed thinking maybe it was time for Baby Taylor! :)

    So unbelievably excited for you! Can't wait to see her sweet little face on here!

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  4. I felt the exact same way with Tristin. I never wanted to get too excited or too "attached" in fear that if I had another 25 weeker our outcome wouldn't be as good. I finally started feeling a little better at 26 weeks then a LOT better at 32 weeks. Once I hit 35 I thought "wow this is really happening I better start preparing" I no longer checked my toilet paper for signs of something being wrong (yes I just admitted that up until 35 weeks EVERY time I peed I checked the paper to make sure all was okay). I am so happy for you! Taylor is already so loved and I can't wait for the day I log on and see pics of her in your arms!!!

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  5. I have a HUGE smile on my face as I read this! SOOOOOO excited for you and your hubby!!!

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  6. So nice to hear. I've hoped for your safety and Taylor's life to be blessed in yours. Thinking of you,
    ~Felicia

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  7. i can't believe you are SO CLOSE!!! i am so excited!!!! :-) YAYYYYYYYYYY!!!!

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  8. I am so so happy for you! I had pre-term labor with both my pregnancies (27wks with both) and am hoping and praying tht this time around I can have a beautiful finish line story like you are going to have. I can't wait to hear how big and healthy and beautiful Miss Taylor is. And what a normal labor will be like:-) Praying for God's continued blessings on you and your family

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  9. I always loved when we got to the part where they would check me and then confirm that it was almost time. You are going to be such a good mom! I'm excited for you that it's coming so soon!

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  10. You've reached the homestretch!

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  11. Wow! That had to have been a really amazing reality!! I am so excited for you 2. I can't wait to see pictures!!!!

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  12. Congrats Lauren you are so so close!! I can't wait to see pics of her..Im so happy for you and your hubby!! I just got a BFP last Thursday the 14th so Im heading down that journey of being pregnant again im excited but still so scared!! Can't wait to see your 36 week update!! Take care mama!!

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