At home it became clear that it was indeed my water. There was no huge gush like you see in the movies but instead a constant little trickle. I was having very mild contractions that didn't hurt at all. Not sure if we should go to the hospital I called the birthing dept and they rattled off a questionnaire. After about 5 minutes, the charge nurse concluded that we should come in to be examined and make sure it was indeed amniotic fluid.
We grabbed a bite to eat and made our way to the hospital around 3pm. Once we arrived they hooked me up to monitors to track the baby's heartbeat and my contractions. Contractions we're coming every 5 minutes but because I wasn't doubling over in pain they didn't consider it "active" labour.
After about 30 minute the on-call ob made his way to the hospital and started the exam. They took a swab from inside and because it turned from yellow to blue, it confirmed that the leak was amniotic fluid.
Since contractions weren't that painful, I was told to get up and walk around to help things along. Rob and I spent the next few hours walking the halls, checking back in every hour to monitor the baby's heartbeat.
Around 6pm the doctors completed shift change and the new on-call OB told the nurses that since my water was broken and I was having mild contractions I was to be admitted. We got moved to a private birthing suite and got settled in.
I am the only patient in labour and delivery currently so they gave us the "Cadillac of birthing suites" . Its the size of 3 other suites put together and has wall to wall windows on 2 sides. Its a huge corner unit with a great view.
Rob and I have made calls to the family members that will be making their way to the hospital eventually and told them its still going to be several hours before anything happens so not to rush here. The only person who has arrived is my good friend Dawn because she had to travel in from Toronto.
Its going on 11pm now and the contractions are getting closer together and stronger but I'm still not in much pain. The nurses are encouraging me to get some sleep, and by encouraging I mean offering me a sleeping pill every 30 minutes. I understand that I will need to get some rest to have energy for the rest of labour and the delivery, but since I'm not in pain I'd rather not take any sleeping pills.
They have wheeled 2 other beds into the room for Dawn and Rob and provided pillows and heated blankets. The nurses keep asking if there is anything else we needed like snacks or more pillows. Its like a really nice 5 star hotel. I gotta say I am impressed.
Here's hoping the contractions get stronger soon!
