Birth Story STM

Just for those who are interested in experiences from a second birth.

I went to the doctor for my 38 week apt and opted for the optional cervix check as I had been losing mucus plug for about a week. I was 3 cm dilated and still thick, so wasn't too hopeful I'd have much progress. BP was borderline high (had preeclampsia first pregnancy), but still within the realm of comfort for my doctor.

I went home and a few hours later, had some contractions that started to get pretty painful around every 5 min. It was around 10pm when I went to triage where the contractions, of course, stopped. I was still 3 cm and thick, so they sent me home. At this point, I'd been checked 2 times, so I expected some bleeding and cramping.

Well at 3am, I was woken with painful contractions again, but tried to ride it through as I knew earlier that it was probably false labor. I had bloody show shortly after, but again, thought it was because I'd been checked 2 times. At 4am I decided to start timing contractions because they really began hurting. I got through 4, all wildly timed with no consistency, when I leaked water down my legs. I thought I either popped my water or peed myself from the pain. Either way, it was time to go in.

I called my parents to come watch my toddler and had some really intense contractions while they arrived. We left the house at 520 and got to the hospital at 530. I was in horrible pain at this point and they immediately admitted me. I was 7 to 8 cm.

I asked for an epidural, which they only offered at this point because I had conveniently gotten labs done for my liver the day before. Otherwise, it would have been no go due to the timing. The anesthesiologist came promptly and tried to hurry through the stuff and get prepped. They gave me a shot of fentanyl to help while the epidural would be placed as I was still 8 cm. It did nothing for the pain, mind you.

As he was gearing up to go, I had more contractions where I felt like I had to push and could not stop it. They asked me to breathe through it as my doctor was still on his way. I did my best to hold back. The anesthesiologist was finally ready to administer it and I had another contraction where I pushed and they could see the head. The anesthesiologist said peace out and left because there was no more time.

The on call doctor rushed in. I was screaming like a damned caveman at this point due to the pain and trying not to push. They pulled the bed apart and the doctor said stop yelling and push. I gave 2 pushes and she was out. Born at 616 am on 9/18/19, only 45 minutes from arrival to the hospital. One second degree tear at my old episiotomy site.

I'm still in shock that I birthed this baby without pain management and that she came as quickly as she did. Had I waited just a bit longer, I'd have had her in the dang car. Still ended up getting mild preeclampsia, but so far, have not needed medications and my BP is slowly going down.

Baby girl is a whopping 8lbs, 13oz. She was born healthy and happy. Just wanted to post for people who are interested in anecdotal experiences of labor and delivery. With as fast as this girl came, I'll have to be extra careful if I choose to have another as I hear they only get faster with each pregnancy.😲

Thanks for reading!