Commutation on the commute

On Friday, I was having a multitude of contractions at work and no less than four people stopped me to say that they were concerned about my well being. I spoke to a woman who was on bedrest at the beginning of last year, and to another woman who has two young(ish) children at home. Both of them concurred that I should approach my boss and broach the very real possibility that I may need to start coming in less often to the office.

Honestly, the work itself isn't bothering me. If anything, it's a pleasant distraction that allows me not to worry about how things are developing. I like what I do, and I like who I work with.

The problem, however, is the commute. We live about 45 miles out from the city. I take a train in, then walk about 3/4 of a mile one way (usually through the snow, though I'll save the "uphill and downhill with no shoes" drama for when Julian's older) through the city to my office. Oh, and I usually have my purse and my briefcase or a backpack with me, full of documents. They're heavy. I'm slow. I waddle, and with the ice and snow we've had lately (over 15 inches since Thursday) I tend to slip and fall a lot. My balance - is perhaps only as reliable as a Yugo. I tend to lurch then stall more than walk with any degree of fluidity.

Anywho, my advisor is the second in command in my department. His wife went into labor with triplets at 25 weeks. He's kind and incredibly thoughtful. I approached him this past week and asked if it would be possible to see what my options are if I a) have to start working from home more often and b) give birth prior to April 9th which is my one year anniversary with the firm, and the time that I will be "officially" eligible for maternity leave.

He said he would need to clear it with the big kahuna, but that he sees no reason why I really need to be in the office. Essentially, as long as I am available by e-mail and phone, there's really no reason that I have to be in the office at all.

This is - an ENORMOUS relief, as I'm guessing that I'm going to be put on bedrest shortly.

Oh, and for the TMI question. If you're male, easily squicked out, or know me in real life - you can stop reading now.

No, seriously.

I mean it.

You'll thank me for it later.

Anyway, if you're still with me, and you checked cervical position before you got pregnant, or even after - or for rabid Dr. Google fans - I have a query of sorts. Suppose one, who at 28 weeks pregnant randomly decided to check her cervix after a bout of particularly bad cramping. I somewhat remember my cervix being high, closed and very firm when I first got pregnant. I'm not one to typically go poking around inside there, so I can't say what's "normal" for this pregnancy. But I was rather surprised to feel that my cervix was incredibly soft - almost squishy like touching cold oatmeal. But more troubling to me was that it felt - sorry for being so blunt - but surprisingly open. The "os" felt open enough that I could've slipped my fingertip inside. (Gross, I know. Sorry).

I guess this is something I need a medical professional to verify, but any calming words you can spare would be greatly appreciated.