Early labor or I'm crazy

So it's been an interesting past 18 hours. Sometime yesterday afternoon, I started getting really sore in my lower back, so much so that I had to stand up and sway my hips to feel comfortable. That was interesting to do at work.

About an hour later, I went to the bathroom to pee. I stood up and an extra squirt came out. Now was that time for that classic late third trimester question: amniotic fluid or pee? I knew that aminiotic fluid would continue to leak, but pee would not, so I went back to my desk and sat for a bit.

I felt no more gushes, so I decided to go for my afternoon walk. I had some real, strong contractions during my walk. It felt like I had a stitch in my side from running too hard, except it went across instead of up and down. It was weird, but it was nothing I couldn't walk through.

When I came in from my walk, there was another, distinct wet spot in my underwear and some bright spotting when I wiped. I went back to my desk, grabbed my things, and headed home, thinking this might be it. I called Mr. Rhody from the car, and told him what was up. I told him he could come home, but nothing was probably going to happen soon. He decided to meet me at home.

I got home, changed my underwear, laid down for 30 minutes, stood up, and ... nothing. So I was not leaking fluid. I called my doula just to get her input (thank God for her), and she said it was probably excess discharge, but the spotting was a good sign the contractions I had were causing dilation.

Mr. Rhody and I went out shopping then, so that I could stay up and around, which made me the most comfortable. I again had several contractions, which Mr. Rhody timed to be 5-7 minutes apart. Some were stronger than others, but then they stopped.

Last night, sleep was difficult. My mind was racing and the cramps and contractions continued irregularly. I have to say, I do feel slightly like I've just cried wolf. It's so odd to have all of these contractions and then have them just die off. Oh well, I just have to remind myself that my body is revving up for labor.

I am working from home today. My plan is to get much of my work done this morning and take a good walk over lunch. Mr. Rhody will be coming home to join me at lunch as well. Let's keep our fingers crossed that Baby Rhody comes soon!