I’m having a what?

Contractions start early, but I didn’t know this early. I’m at week 30 and wasn’t expecting the practice contractions called “braxton hicks” to start up until the last few weeks of pregnancy.  Which, is amazing isn’t it?  Not that I was having contractions, but that the body has it’s own ‘contraction practice sessions’ to get ready for the big day.  The body is a fascinating piece of work.

For the last two days I had cramps like I was getting my period.  And really bad period-like-crampy-back-aches.  They were so strong, I couldn’t sleep well.  So I thought I’d better let the Dr. know.  Better safe than sorry.  She asked when was the soonest I could come in so they could check me for pre-term labor.  WHAT? Well THAT just couldn’t be the case.  I wouldn’t allow for it.  He’s not due for 10 more weeks.  He has to stay inside and bake for at LEAST another month!

I went in and they strapped two belts across me.  One to read the baby’s heartbeat and one to read if I had any contractions.  I was sure there wouldn’t be any contractions.  Wouldn’t I have FELT them?  Wouldn’t I KNOW if I was having contractions?

The nurse hooked me up and as she left he room said “If the numbers hit 50, that’s a contraction.”  And yup, there I was, sitting there having contractions.  When the numbers would hit around 50, my belly would lift up in the middle.  Without this machine telling me it was a contraction, I would have just thought it was the baby pushing up.  It didn’t hurt at all.

So, I was wrong.  Apparently I WOULDN’T know if I was having a contraction.  Which is amazing isn’t it? Not that I was having contractions, but that the body can create its own agenda and the brain isn’t invited to the meetings.

But all is OK.  The ultra sound and lab test were negative on the pre-term labor scare, so it’s just my body preparing and practicing early, which I guess makes sense since I tend to do that.  I seem to be geekly hardwired to prepare, organize and plan for things waaaaay too far in advance.