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Tuesday, April 30, 2013

A baby scare

On Saturday, Baby Hart gave us quite a scare. I felt like I needed to share because the experience was very humbling for us and as weird as it sounds, I am proud of the way we reacted. I was 25w5d on Saturday and like I've said in previous prego updates, loving this portion of my pregnancy! I spent the morning at a bridal shower and we had a bbq/game night with friends. The night was extra special because our friends who had never felt a baby move, got to feel little man kicking away in my belly. I even commented that he was super active that day. Anyway, we got home about midnight and since we'd been gone most of the day, decided to throw the ball for Ernie to tire him out in our family room. I changed into jammies (I don't know if you can even call your husbands boxers jammies) and sat on the couch while Jon laid on the floor. All of the sudden I felt a gush of liquid and was about to get up to go to the bathroom and felt another. I asked Jon to go get me a paper towel and headed to the bathroom thinking nothing of it. Once I got into the bathroom, I realized I had a huge wet spot on the back of my boxers and I was seeping. I took a deep breathe and instantly started crying and told Jon to come in here. It wasn't like what you see in the movies when women's waters break but it was NOT normal. Jon did some googling (thank God for google!) and we immediately ruled out urine. I texted my mom to see if she was up since it was now about 12:30p and luckily she was. I had Jon talk to her because at this point I was just standing up in the bathroom crying, waiting to see if anything else would happen. We called the on call doctor who said to come in right away to test to see if it was indeed amniotic fluid or if my membranes were thinning.

Those 5 minutes we were at our house changing, getting our things together to go to the hospital were so surreal. I remember thinking I don't have a bag packed, I don't even have a carseat or diapers. The baby room wasn't done, I haven't had a baby shower, and we have a fun vacation coming up. Yes I thought about material things but my mind and heart were just in shock. We hopped in the car and drove in pitch black to the hospital we haven't even toured. At one point, I lost it and couldn't get my crying under control and I knew Jon was holding it together for me. It's amazing what a hand squeeze from your husband can do to calm you down. And I prayed. Between sobs I told Jon that I wasn't pleading with God, that I knew His will be done and He would continue to protect me and this baby like He has done throughout this entire pregnancy. And I felt calm. In so many situations, Christians and non Christians lean on God in a time of need and beg and plead for deliverance, redemption, success, etc. The last thing I wanted to do was deliver my baby 14 weeks early or experience complications but at that moment, I was okay with whatever the Lord had planned for us. From the beginning of my pregnancy, I have known and accepted that parenthood and the act of being pregnant is a gift, not a right, and that through imperfections, God is glorified and I was going to do everything I could to use this pregnancy to glorify Him. 

My dad met us at the hospital to pick up Ernie and you know how it is with your parents... you have it together and then see them and boom! You lose it. The nice thing about going to the ER in the middle of the night is that there is parking and not too many people in line. We really had no idea where to go since we hadn't taken a tour but I was immediately rushed to the women's wing (they said that women with bellies always take precedence which is nice) and we were immediately checked in and placed in a room. As worked up as I had been the past hour, I was so calm when we were there. We passed the nursery and saw brand new life being bathed and swaddled. We saw a proud dad with his 1 hour old baby and a camera being taken to the nursery and when he passed us he said "Goodluck!" with the biggest smile on his face. In that moment I prayed for joy for him and his family and prayed that I wouldn't be seeing my baby wheeled away tonight.

Right away they hooked me up to a fetal monitor,  contraction tracker, and blood pressure monitor, and took a urine sample. The night nurses were fantastic and I really hope I get some of them when baby actually comes! They asked me a list of questions which initially scared me but they assured me it was just protocol. Do you want him circumcised  Are you banking his cord blood? Do you have a carseat?

Baby did NOT like the fetal monitors... he was kicking so hard right where it was strapped to my belly and the machine was really loud... we were getting a 'kick' out of it

The sweet doctor on call whom I had never met was also a huge part in calming me down. I think you are born with a gift if you are in medicine. They had to run some tests to check my cervix and if any amniotic fluid was released and I can say it was the most painful thing I have experienced thus far in my years visiting any kind of doctor. I squeezed Jon's hands HARD and he said he couldn't bare to see me in pain, but it was over quickly. She immediately told me my cervix was closed which was wonderful! When you are in labor your cervix will dilate to 10cm and mine was completely shut. And the aminotic fluid test took 10 minutes but was sitting right on the counter next to us. 5 minutes passed and the nurse told us she was optimistic because the results so far showed negative and that earlier in the night she was sure my water had broken. In those 5 remaining minutes, I think I asked more questions than I've ever asked my doctor. Turns out that even if my water had broken, I wouldn't have had to deliver my son that night. They would have kept me in the hospital until he was born but on antibiotics to fight infections. She said there was a whole separate wing of women in that situation and that it was fun over there and they had parties all the time (sounds fun but I would rather spend the next 3 months at home!). Praise God that the waters test came back negative! TMI but they did find some yeast in my urine (not an infection and we are treating it). Could have been the cause of the leak but we won't really ever know why or what it was. The thing about pregnancy is that anything can happen and sometimes what seems out of the ordinary, is just ordinary. 

The crazy thing is how GOOD I have been feeling! No bleeding/spotting the entire pregnancy, I wasn't in pain, no contractions. We had just had such a fun night too. They discharged us about 3:15am and squinty eyed and exhausted, headed home. Sunday I slept more than I was awake and the only thing I've experienced is extreme thirst which is normal in pregnancy. Yesterday I had a normal day at work and even went to the grocery store alone for a few things. I am so grateful Jon was able to cancel a business trip to stay home with us this week, even though I am 100% confident I would have been fine, I am more emotional than anything and love having him home. 

I know that was a long winded story but I wanted to share this experience because I am learning to embrace the unknown of pregnancy. In the past few weeks we've had friends lose full term pregnancies, friends give birth months early, friends continue not to be able to conceive, and friends welcoming beautiful babies into this world. So yes, it was a scary, sad, and surreal weekend for us but I just find myself thanking God that His will was for baby Hart to continue to grow inside of me. The closer I get to delivery, the more I think about my body being the safest place for this little boy to be. There are times where my heart just aches with excitement for the moment I hold my son, but I am not ready yet. There was a moment on the way home where tears were shed as we talked about the next time we head to the hospital in a rush, it would be a happier time and that we'd would hopefully be meeting our son very soon. 

God is good, even through pain and struggles. I know He has a plan for this pregnancy and this birth and I look forward to watching His plans unflold!

Thank you for your continuous prayers...

Jon, Ruthie, & baby Hart


65 comments:

Kaitlyn (Keeping up with Kaitlyn) said...

WHew! What a scary experience. I'm so sorry you had that scare, but I'm so happy that Baby Hart, and you are okay!!

Praising God!!

Karla said...

<3 So glad all is okay. God is so so good.
Thank you for sharing this with us, Ruthie! =)

C Mae said...

So what exactly was all the fluid then that leaked? I'm glad you both are okay!

P!nky said...

So glad you are and baby are okay.

My heart goes out to your sweet friend who lost her baby <3

Christelle said...

Wow, what a scary event! So glad you and baby Hart are okay and back home!! So glad that Jon was able to stay home this week to comfort you, too!! Praying everything continues to go smoothly with your pregnancy. I'm still so amazed at how you continue to stay strong and positive with this journey, it's a true reflection of your strong faith (thanks for continuing to be so open about it all - the good and bad)!!

It's Sooo Fluffy said...

So glad everything is okay! You've got a great husband. That baby is so lucky to have y'all as parents :)

Chelsea Phelps said...

That is such a scary moment! I am really proud of the way you handled the situation and that you are using it as a testament to God's faithfulness to your family. Such a wonderful example! :)

Heather Leigh_A beautiful ministry said...

That is such a scary moment. I'm so glad you & baby hart are okay! And praise God that His will was done and you and Baby Hart will live and declare the works of The Lord. I'm excited for your next trip to the hospital when meeting your Son will be the most exciting thing that could ever be experienced!!

Oh my gosh getting your cervix checked is HORRIBLE! My friend & I were only a month apart in our pregnancies and it didn't hurt her at all! But for me it was the worst!

Sarah Tucker said...

My husband and I saw you and Jon on House Hunters a couple weeks ago, and being from the Austin area, I insisted we watch your episode. I love watching episodes where I know the area. Then I saw your blog on the TV and instantly looked it up. The hubs thought I was a total creeper, but he doesn't understand blogging :) SO happy I found your blog and am praying for you and Baby Hart! God is good and always has a plan!

Liz said...

You are such an incredibly, strong woman Ruthie. I'm so glad that baby hart is ok & that your nerves are calmed by God. Praying His favor over you & Jon and the next few months! xoxo

Lauren H Edmondson said...

so very thankful that everything went well and that we serve a Savior who is always in control. Cervix checking is NO fun, when I was going for my first check I thought it would feel like a standard pap smear, woof was I wrong haha. Praying that things go well for the rest of the weeks ahead!

Michelle @ The Vintage Apple said...

I'm so glad everything is ok!!!! I think of you guys all the time and can't wait till you have your little one!!!!!! Sending extra hugs your way! xoxo

Unknown said...

That is so scary! We had a similar scare, but my husband was out of town and I was staying with a friend. It is crazy how many things can run through your head in those few minutes! I am so glad you and baby hart are ok!
Katie
godslittlegrace.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I teared up reading this.. I am so happy you and baby Hart are safe!!!

Lexi M. said...

Glad everything turned out ok, but what a scary experience! I am at the end of my pregnancy (actually a week overdue at this point) and wish you nothing but the best for the remainder of yours! Thinking and praying for you and your family!

Bridget said...

Wow...very scary and I am so glad everything is ok!!! Con't prayers that baby Hart stays right where he is for a few more months! He's probably just as excited to meet his fabulous parents :)

Candice Williams said...

Oh ruthie I am so happy everything is ok.

You start worrying about your child the moment you become pregnant. Maybe this was prep for future colds, ear infections, and broken bones.

As a mother myself, I worry about my son often. But I try to remember he's in gods hands always. And that is the biggest reassurance.

KRISTIN said...

I am reading this and crying. You have such a wonderful and beautiful outlook on your pregnancy which is why you are going to be such an amazing mama! I am so happy to hear that everything is OK! I cannot imagine how scary that was for you guys. Love you girl!

Monica said...

Ruthie, your faith and trust in the Lord is amazing. It inspires me, and I know it inspires so many others! Reading about your trip to the ER brought tears to my eyes, but it is SO evident that the Lord was with you every step of the way. I know it's been forever since we've talked, but just wanted you to know that I'm thinking about you and keeping you guys in my prayers!

Diana said...

I am now 36 weeks into pregnancy and something like this happened at week 31 or so. I had the stomach flu (or something, they don't really know what it was) and that caused my uterus to start contracting. It was really scary but I was also reassured at how nice the people in L&D were. It sure got our butts moving on getting ready for everything. It is scary but afterward it makes you even more grateful for the little things. Take care....

Kait said...

So happy everything turned out okay!

Hall Around Texas said...

So happy that everything is okay! I love that you had such a peace through faith during a scary time. I am praying for all of you!

xo
Crystal

rachel said...

Oh wow, so glad you and baby are okay! Praying for your sweet family!

Cara said...

You poor thing. I am so glad that everything is ok and baby is fine. Sometimes I think things like this happen to prepare you for all of the unknown and it makes you stronger and more prepared.

Unknown said...

Wow what a scary experience!! So glad everything is okay! Praying you continue to have a healthy pregnancy and for God's timing in bringing Baby Hart into this world!

Amanda said...

I'm so grateful and glad that you are safe, happy and healthy! What a scare! I was really worried about you, but didn't want to bug you until you were ready to share with all of us :) Sending love and prayers to Texas!!!

Melissa A said...

I'm so glad to hear everything is ok with you and baby Hart!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you and baby are ok! What a scary and surreal experience. Praying that the remainder of your pregnancy will be uneventful, in a good way :)

Unknown said...

So happy you and baby are healthy! Can't wait to see that cutie little Hart, but thankful he's not coming that early! God is good.

Ashley said...

I went through EXACTLY the same thing at 28 weeks. I felt a gush of fluid and new to my bones it was amniotic fluid, except it came back negative. However, every few days it continued to happen and I went in and it was negative again and my levels (by ultrasound) never looked low. However, the fourth time I went in I did test positive. Don't know if the first three times were flukes or why it came out negative. So, at 30 weeks I ended up on bedrest at the hospital for 5 weeks till my son was born (completely healthy). I don't say this to scare you. I am so glad that you didn't have the same outcome as me. I will say, though, that trust your instincts and if something like that happens get it checked out just in case. I almost didn't go in that fourth time because I figured that they would just tell me that it was negative again.

Anonymous said...

Ruthie, I am so glad to hear everything is okay with you and the baby! That feeling that you experienced Saturday night is one I can relate to, one that turned out sadly for us and one that this past year worked out for one of the best blessings from God! I will be praying for you and Baby Hart and the remainder of your pregnancy.

J and A said...

Oh my gosh, how scary. SO glad everything is ok and you are ok. glad Jon can be home with you too.

the girl in the red shoes said...

God is so good! I'm so glad that everything with you and baby is okay! I can't even imagine how you felt. I'll be praying that you have a drama-free and normal rest of your pregnancy!

Sarah said...

I'm so glad to hear that all is well. What a scary night! It's strange that pregnancy is supposedly so "normal" for our bodies but there are so many unknowns. Looks like you handled it all with grace!

Amanda said...

I am so glad you shared your story. My heart practically dropped reading your twitter Sunday morning, I just love yall so much, and as much as I'm so sorry for the scary evening, this just proves how strong and solid your little family is and I love it. I'm so grateful Jon was just wonderful during the whole experience, he is going to be the best daddy.

In other news, can't wait to hug you hard tomorrow (and show you how this non-crafter totally stayed up late last night crafting for the Cinco de Mayo party this weekend! You will be so proud!!!)

Okay novel comment ending now. XOXO Continued prayers for healthy and happy baby Hart! God is so good!!

Brandi Barrera said...

Ruthie, I am so glad you & baby Hart are doing good. This post brought tears to my eyes. I can't imagine how scared you were. I pray that the rest of your pregnancy will be wonderful :-)

Heather @ Finding Beauty in the Ordinary said...

i pretty much sobbed through this whole thing. geez i'm a mess today! bwahaa! i just can't even imagine how scary that would be. i had one of those monitors put on because i was overdue and i loved hearing the heartbeat for so long :) so glad all is well and thanks for updating us! continuing to pray for you 3!!! xo

aubrey kinch said...

SO so glad everything is okay Ruthie!
Many hugs and prayers to you & Jon!
xx

Nicole Joelle said...

Oh, goodness! That is not a fun experience and I'm so thankful that everything is okay.

Everyday Adventures said...

Wow! What a whirlwind of events! Glad to hear you and baby hart are doing well!

Amanda said...

Such a scary time. Pregnancy is such a roller coaster of emotions. Glad that things turned out. Totally TMI but it's possible that you had what they call a forebag. I did and had a small pop and gush of water. At the hospital, I tested negative for amniotic fluid. The bag never showed up on my ultrasounds (I had to have a couple extra ones) and so no one realized it until it popped. Baby girl was born healthy and is a feisty two year old today.

I hope that you get to finish up your list of things today and greet that little man in a few more months.

Megan C said...

So glad everything is okay and all is well! God is great!

Unknown said...

Oh ruthie I'm so glad it wasn't your water! I felt like I was reading Lincoln's birth story and just had a knot in my stomach the whole time I'm reading it (even though I figured it all turned out fine since you said it was just a scare) but still. I know first hand that exact experience and how emotional and scared you are of not knowing what's going to happen. Praying that the rest of your pregnancy is normal and no more ER visits. Praying your water doesn't leak any more and stays closed up until baby is fully ready to come!

Anonymous said...

girl, you scared me with that title! you really need to put in a disclaimer that says "don't worry, everything is fine." i was freaking out reading the whole thing. but i guess if there really was a problem you wouldn't be blogging right now.

and baby hart, please stay in there and don't give your mom any trouble. we all want to meet you, but it is not your time yet.

Lissy Moore@Moorepinkplease.com said...

Ruthie! Bless your heart girl! What a scare! I'm so glad that you and baby are okay and that you have an amazing supportive husband. I will be keeping you guys in my prayers :)

Anonymous said...

Holy cow. I didn't even realize I was clenching my hands the entire time I was reading the post until I finished. Because we had a miscarriage last fall, I am so so worried all of the time. I try to trust God and I pray about my trust issues every day. I know our little one is in His hands and that there really isn't anything I can do to control what happens with this pregnancy (besides be healthy).

I am so glad you shared this. Your heart is such an encouragement to me and I really want to get better about having peace for the next 22 weeks. I am so glad that everything turned out to be ok and that you didn't go into labor!!!

Kaitlyn (:

Rachel said...

SO glad you're ok! The EXACT same thing happened to me when I was pregnant with my, now, nine month old son. Except it was during the day and at work, bleck! It was really scary, but thank God for wonderful doctor's and wonderful hubbies. AND it was the exact same TMI problem. ;) God is watching over you and your little love, everything is going to be amazing. Praying for you guys!

Meghan said...

This is so incredibly scary! I teared up just reading it. I am now 36 weeks pregnant and still battle with all of the unknowns and worry that come with pregnancy. It really puts it in perspective and constantly reminds me that I am not in control.... Even as much as I try to be. So grateful for a God that loves us and already knows our babies even before we ever get a chance to hold them. He always has a plan. I hope you're resting up and feeling better. So sorry you had to go through that but extra grateful that baby Hart is doing juuuust fine.

Cori @ Everyday Enchanted said...

I'm so happy to hear that you and baby Hart are perfectly fine! Praying for you, baby Hart, and that the next 14 weeks will go smoothly.

Unknown said...

So happy that everything turned out well for you and the baby! I stayed nervous and anxious the entire pregnancy until I heard the baby cry for the first time. I am continuing to pray for yall and the safety of the baby until delivery.

Lindsay @ Pursuit of Pink said...

Oh Ruthie!!! My prayers are with you lady throughout your pregnancy. I can only imagine how scared you were and I applaud you for your faith. Its so amazing to me that even in your time of need, you prayed for someone else. That is awesome girl, you are an inspiration.

Sharlee said...

Hello. I found your blog via a tweet. I lost a pregnancy last summer and haven't gotten pregnant again. I love reading posts of faithful women and I loved this post. I especially loved what you wrote about parenthood not being a right. I think we could really all benefit from seeing a lot of things as blessings or gifts rather than rights. I think I will remember those words when I'm struggling. Thanks for sharing and so glad everything is okay.

Dana said...

Ruthie, I am SO glad everything is okay. How scary for you and Jon! It is such a comfort to have the Lord to lean on in stressful times. I love how encouraging your blog is because you aren't afraid to share your faith. My prayers are with you and Baby!

Allison said...

So glad everything is ok! Praise god!!

Danielle said...

So glad you and baby are okay and staying positive!!

Kerrie Williams said...

Wow I was just in tears reading this. I saw you mention it on twitter but to read the full experience took it deeper. I know the feeling of fear in a moment like that and it's so good to know that we have a God that has promised eternity with Him. He's good, He loves us, and we can trust Him - not matter what. Your story and faith in who He is will be a great testimony to so many.

Stacey said...

So glad both you and the baby are ok! What a scary experience, but I so admire your strength and trust in God. Thank you for your willingness to share your story with us. Sending prayers for you to have continued health in the rest of your pregnancy!

Raquel said...

Oh man, what a scare!! Glad you and the baby are ok!

Diary of a Brown Eyed Girl said...

What a scary but beautiful experience! Thanks for sharing.
God is so so so good!

Carolyn said...

I know I talked to you about this already, but OMG! I'm SO GLAD that everything is ok! I've been thinking about you and your little man ever since. Love you!

Bri said...

Ugh..I have been such a bad blog follower this past week... Ruthie, I am so glad nothing serious happened and happy you guys got to go home after everything was done being checked. I can only imagine the time in between all that. **Hugs and Baby Belly Rubs**!

Leilani said...

So glad everything okay with Baby Hart! I know our dr has a few concerns with our baby. I can tell because he's been doing ultrasounds at every visit and he doesn't usually do that. I have been having some very uncomfortable pain on the left side of my belly and they don't know what's causing it. But for now, they say there's nothing to worry about.

I will be keep your baby in my prayers.

The Arizona Russums said...

Such a testament to God's goodness and your obedience in trusting HIM in all circumstances. So glad baby is healthy! Love you, sweet friend.

Mikalah said...

Oh my word, how scary! I read your blog but don't usually comment, but I just had to today because the same exact thing happened to me! I was 28 weeks along, and I had a huge water spot show up one day when I was at work. Thankfully I happen to work with my sister, and she drove me to the ER. My test came back negative too, even after the nurses and doctors were convinced my water had broken! My baby girl is 7 months old now, and I love to tell her that story because I know that God answered our prayers that day! Hoping for a safe rest of the pregnancy for you. =)

Megan said...

Just read your story, how scary!! Hard to believe I delivered Olivia at 26 weeks 3 days!!

Now look at you, your son is almost here!! Praying for a healthy baby for you and Jon!! :)

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