It was Monday and I was 39+1 weeks going in for my standard midwife checkup, Little did I know that things were going to change! Unfortunately, I was referred to hospital because my blood pressure was sky high (170/100) and there was protein in my urine! It was decided to book me in for an induction on 39+4, with continual monitoring before then. I go in the day before my induction and unfortunately my blood pressure was severe enough they had to admit me.

Luckily, my cervix was very thin and I was 2cm dilated, so enough for them to pop my waters and be put straight on to a drip to get my contractions going! After 3hrs I was contracting 6-7 every 10 min and they had to turn the drip down. It was unlike any pain I had experienced before and the worst was felt in my hips (suffered terribly with SPD). I opted for the epidural which worked like magic! However I only had one dose, so when it came time to push, the pain trickled in quite intensely.

It took 7hrs to reach the pushing stage and I pushed like my life depended on it, even more so after a doctor threatened an episiotomy... 9hrs from start to finish, 2hrs of pushing! There are large holes in my memory concerning parts, but I know my husband found it tough to see me in so much pain.

Our daughter eventually popped out with a great pair of lungs on her and we had the best start as a family in those first few hours.

I also suffered a second degree tear, which I’ve peaked at for the first time today and although I’m freaked out at how close I came to tearing into my back passage I’m also amazed at what our vaginas can do! Our bodies are amazing ladies!! Never doubt it 😊

We are now at home trying to figure out our new life as a family.