Tomorrow morning we head to the hospital to be induced! Wow, it’s really actually here. We’re going to have a baby! In fact, I’m not sure but I think I’ve been having some contractions today. It’s difficult for me to tell, with my disability level at T5/6, but it has felt like I had to go to the bathroom, a sensation that lasts for about 30-45 seconds then goes away.

Contractions – Maybe; Autonomic Dysreflexia – Not So Far
The contractions, if that’s what they were, were about 10-12 minutes apart. I’m not sure if they were actual labor contractions, though, because they don’t seem to be happening now, at least not as strongly or regularly as they were earlier.

With paralysis it’s really difficult to tell if you are having actual contractions, but I have been taking my blood pressure regularly and so far it’s been just fine, no autonomic dysreflexia (AD), which is what my doctor worries about the most with the start of labor. So, this being the case, I think we will still plan to go in tomorrow morning, although maybe I will have actually started labor and they won’t have to artificially induce me.

(For those who aren’t familiar with autonomic dysreflexia, a sudden increase in blood pressure. It’s a very serious medical emergency that can be life-threatening. If left untreated, autonomic dysreflexia can lead to stroke or death. This is one of the reasons pregnancy with an SCI is considered a high-risk pregnancy.)

Hoping to Help Trigger Labor
At my appointment last week my doctor decided to strip my membranes, in hopes of helping start labor. It was a simple procedure where the doctor just separated the amniotic sac from the cervix.

But, man I was glad that I was paralyzed because I still felt an incredible amount of pressure. I bet for able-bodied (AB) women it could really hurt. Needless to say it didn’t necessarily trigger labor, but I think it did get things going and will help the labor start and progress faster.

Savoring Those Last, Blissful, Romantic Moments…
Jeff and I decided to have breakfast in bed for our last day before becoming parents. While we were eating, I looked at him and said, “You realize that we won’t be able to do this again for a very, very long time.” We both laughed but seemed okay with that fact.

But Ready to Embrace Parenthood
We have been incredibly spoiled and played a ton throughout our lives. I really feel we are both very ready to become parents and simply love someone else completely unconditionally.

Sure, we know it won’t always be easy, yes there will be days when we question why we chose this route, but overall, I really have to say, I am sick of just being selfish and living for myself and Jeff. I am ready to have another being to love and focus on and share what lessons I have learned and help guide him or her to become a confident, caring and loving individual.

It will be so amazing to watch as they develop into their own person, with their own thoughts and ideas and values. I really am so excited for this new adventure.

Last-Minute Preparations
We spent the rest of the day trying to finish all the projects on the “to do before baby comes” list. I have to say, we did a really good job and were able to cross off most of the projects. My mom is coming in tomorrow and Jeff’s parents will come just after we return home from the hospital. It hasn’t been easy planning this delivery with the holidays and having family travel from far away.

But I think it is all going to work out and I know everyone is really excited. I’m just so thankful that most of the remodel/addition is finished--that was stressful and not fun.

High-Risk Pregnancy Concerns about Autonomic Dysreflexia
I’m a not really nervous about the delivery, more excited than anything. I know I have a wonderful doctor and Jeff will be a terrific coach.

 I just hope that I don’t go into autonomic dysreflexia (AD) and get all sweaty or get the shivers really bad, which can happen when I go into AD. It’s very uncomfortable and will make the whole experience unpleasant. Hopefully the epidural will take care of that potential.

Bags are Packed, I’m Ready to Go
I finally packed my bag and got everything organized for the hospital. It’s amazing how much stuff I am taking. The bag Jeff and I used to travel around the world for 9 months is stuffed for 2 days in the hospital, crazy! Well, at least I’ll have anything I might need. We’ve talked to our neighbors and they are all set to take care of the doggies while we are gone.

So it appears everything is all set and we are ready to head out and have a baby. Tonight I plan to take a nice bath and relax and then get to sleep early, as we have to call the hospital at 6 a.m. and head in by 7:30 a.m. Not being a morning person, that will be early for me. Oh well, I’ll be too excited to sleep anyway!

I’ll be sure to take an “on the way to the hospital” photo and post it with my Disability Pregnancy column. And, I promise as soon as I can, once we are home and settled, I’ll write about the labor and delivery experience and send photos of our new addition and what it’s like to be a new mom!
Happy holidays to you all and thanks so much for all your support!

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To read more about the impact of disability on pregnancy, the challenges of a high-risk pregnancy, and how this award-winning Paralympian is preparing for the big day, check out Muffy's pregnancy blog, Disability Pregnancy.

For more information about Muffy Davis, visit Muffy's Disaboom member profile.