Thursday 13 September 2012

A long wait.


Last night, we rushed Ben out of the swimming pool, dumped Ben at my parents (telling him we were going to the cinema- we didn't want to panic him) and dashed to the hospital. I hadn't realised, but I'd been bleeding quite heavily and at 17 weeks pregnant, the hospital told us to come in urgently.

Steve parked the car while I dashed in and he joined me in the waiting room. After our rush to get there we sat in a cramped waiting room/ cupboard for around forty minutes. We tried to smile and chat, we tried not to think about what would happen if we lost the baby. Fingers twitched and feet tapped anxiously.

We were then taken through to another room. We gratefully went through to the next room to be told that although there were plenty of doctors, there were no spare rooms for an examination. Now I'mm all for the NHS usually but at this point I'd be lying if I said I wasn't becoming incredibly frustrated. The sense of urgency when they told me to 'hurry in' seemed a stark contrast to the long wait when we arrived at the hospital. Our small talk ran out, Steve bought us a newspaper and a magazine but it was hard to focus. Sentences were left hanging in the air: "What would we say to Ben...?" There were no answers. Another hour crawled past.

Finally a doctor took us through. He was warm and had a kind face. He gently did an internal examination and told us that, despite the bleeding, all looked well. The relief was immense but I could still barely believe it. Then, he gave us an ultrasound and we saw our baby: one arm behind it's head and sucking it's thumb. 

It was moving. It was alive. 

The doctor spent 25 minutes showing us our baby's organs, watching it dance around, seemingly waving at us. 

I am aware that not all women have such relief and last night we counted our blessings several times over. The colder weather doesn't bother me, none of the more 'challenging' students I teach seemed difficult and the tiredness etc of pregnancy seem like a blessing. 

Today I stare at my growing bump with a huge sense of relief as well as love. Our baby is safe (and if you're interested, we didn't find out but we're both convinced that 'it' had the organs that suggested it's a 'he'- time will tell)!xxx

11 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh, you poor poor thing. I am so glad everything is okay, it must have been a nightmare of an evening, but one that will make you stronger and grateful that life is so deeply precious xxx

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  2. i'm so glad to hear all is OK! what a scare! I'm so sorry about your little bump in the road, but thankfully everything is OK.

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  3. What a relief that everything is ok, but it must have been really scary at the time.
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  4. Thank goodness all is well now! I'm glad you're alright!

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  5. I'm so glad things are okay for you. SO GLAD.

    http://thegeekypeacock.blogspot.com

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  6. Oh Rachael! I'm so so glad that you and the baby are okay. Sending waves of good vibes to you and yours!!

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  7. Thank goodness your baby is ok!! What an absolutely terrible thing to have to go through I am so, so glad that everything is ok, sending you very best wishes xx

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  8. Oh my god my heart was pounding whilst reading this post. So relieved to hear everythings ok. Sending you a big hug. x

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  9. I'm so glad all is well with you and your wee one. Sucking "his" thumb...how cute is that? Take care of yourself.

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  10. You had my nerves in a frenzy as I read the beginning part. I am SO happy to hear baby is well, and just happy and relaxed! You write beautifully!

    ♥Abbey
    Along Abbey Road

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  11. Thank you for your kind words everyone, I've just been taking it reasonably easy and making sure I enjoy the whole experience of pregnancy.x

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