Did a CTG scan, which required me to lie on the clinic bed for half an hour with some straps and doppler-like discs around my tummy that translates signals to this machine which records and prints. Being the inquisitive physicist YL was, he was trying to understand the signals and noticed that one particular plot had a curve that rise and fall every so and then. He tried reading the scale and noticed that it was measured in KiloPascals or in units of a thousand Newton force per square meter. Hmm, you mean that is called contractions? What was puzzling to him was that I didn't seem to be in discomfort. People seem to always associate labor contractions with pain. Anyway, he had a fun time telling me that i am supposedly having mild contractions every 8 minutes or so!
Half hour later, the Gyne came in, saw the charts and happily announced that he thinks the next time he sees us, it would be in the labour ward! He then proceeded to give me an internal examination and ultrasound scan. To his (and ours too!) surprise, I was supposedly already 2cm dilated! The ultrasound however revealed that Isaac is still happily nesting within me (currently weighing about 3.4kg) and not in a particular hurry to get out to see the world yet.
The Gyne told us that "technically, I can admit you into the hospital straight-away, and you can have your baby delivered by TODAY!" He then went on to say that since the baby is fine, might as well let him stay in the womb for a few more days, and then we can deliver him. He even told us that we can choose a "convenient date" to deliver him. Immediately, the option of "choosing" his birthday becomes a reality. The Gyne explained that labor can be induced anytime from today. However, we chose to let nature takes its course.
We then discussed about pain relief, and told him that we only wanted nitrous gas. As such, we would rather not have the labour induced (as we heard that it would be a lot more painful). During our chat, he told us that for some people, at the stage of 2cm dilation, they might already be feeling pain (and asking for the epidural) and it is indeed good news that i am able to tolerate the pain. In reality, I really do not feel any discomfort, just the tightening of the womb now and then.
Since there has been no "show" (otherwise known as "spotting"), the Gyne said that it is unlikely that there would be any of that for me since the cervix is already opened. He told us to go back and only check ourselves into the hospital when either of the following happens:
a) Leaking of the waterbag / or more dramatically, should the water bag burst!;
b) When I can't endure the discomfort/pain from the contractions; or
c) If I sense reduced fetal movement from Isaac.
So, we went about our daily ritual, wondering when the cervix would be totally dilated and when we would meet Isaac. Meanwhile, the contractions continues, going on and off (about 7-8 minutes apart now and then). And there is still no pain (PRAISE GOD FOR HIS GRACE, ANSWERING OUR PRAYERS SO FAR!!)
And, we're still waiting. :)
Image shot in a chinese restaurant...
gearing ourselves up for the real labour that is to come...
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