The one about the false alarm.......so close yet no cigar (Long story)

It all started on Thursday night around 7.30. I had been experiencing period-like pains and back ache all day then my contractions started. They were coming around every 15 mins and lasting about 30 seconds each!

Steve and I were so excited, we thought this was finally it!

We stayed up for a while as I couldn't sleep due to the pain, so I took some paracetamols and had around an hour biting and bobbing. I sent Steve to bed for a few hours while I soaked in the bath. I then decided that enough was enough and we sorted out the bags, rang the home and got in the car at around 1.30am!

After waiting outside the home for 15 mins, me being sick and mooing around on all fours, we were finally let in only to discover that the team and ward I was supposed to be on was closed due to staff shortages! Typical!! I had all my tests done was was told that I was nearly 1cm dilated, man I thought this baby was coming out!! So I was sent home to rest..............whatever!, easier said than done when you are in pain.

The night progressed, the contractions were closer together and lasting longer. I was in more pain and guess where my boy was.................yep in bed!! Bless him he was knackered and couldn't even time my length of contractions as he kept bobbing off. Men are no use to man nor beast!!

It got to about 7am and I was ready to go back to the home because I had not felt the baby move for a while, I had just taken some more pain relief and got in bed with Steve for 30 mins or so then got in the bath again. Steve's mum rung in the meantime and told me to put on my fave CD and sing really loud to chill myself out and help take my mind off the pain. So out came westlife and it did help. So off on facebook I went, sent some emails and did a few text messages.

Steve decided that we needed some 'before we went to the home pics' Which I thought was dead sweet of him, it was the last thing on my mind, but at least I can document the moment. That is why I love him so!
Gee I was pale!

We got to the home and they had no beds.............typical so I was taken down to the anti-natal care day unit. My contractions were every 4-5 mins and lasting 35-45 seconds. I had an internal and a bit of a sweep and was told I was still 1cm dilated!! I did have my 'show' after my prodding so that was good! (sorry for the graphic details) My blood pressure was okay but my temperature and pulse were slightly raised and the baby's heart-beat was slightly elevated, so they wanted to monitor me.

I was taken upstairs again and monitored and my contractions began to slow down. I had another internal around 4pm and was told I was not progressing and to go home! I wanted to cry. I had been through all that pain, lack of sleep and excitement for nothing.

So here I am still in pain, still contracting which are now getting stronger and longer. I have had a good night sleep thanks to the codeine I was given and I am ready for round two, when she finally arrives! Wish me luck!!

Micayla xx