My due date was April 5th. I worked till my due date as I had no sign of labor and was only 1 cm dilated. The doctor asked me to come for induction on the 8th. I protested as I had a healthy pregnancy with no complications and I trusted my body to go into labor on my own. She agreed and hence I was scheduled for two NSTs the following week and an induction on the 14th if I made no progress. I really wanted a natural unmedicated birth with no medical intervention. Days of having an induction were getting closer and all I had was mild abdominal pain the whole week. Nothing serious. Just a day to go, On 13th morning, I started having contractions which were 15-20 mins apart and bearable. I started breathing through them and visualizing my labor. I got excited. I had contractions the whole day. On 14th morning, my contractions were regular and getting much closer. I could still breathe through them. I was supposed to go to the hospital at night 8pm for my scheduled induction. But my contractions became much much closer. So I called in at 2pm. They asked me to come in and get checked. Based on my progress, they would either admit me or send me home to come back later. I went in at 4. I was plugged in and I was having contractions every 4 mins. I was breathing through them. Doctor came in and checked me. I was effacing and 2-3cms already. They admitted me. I was super super excited. Doctor checked me again in a couple of hours and I was progressing beautifully. I was 5cms. I was still breathing through my contractions, feeling my uterus at work to bring my baby down. Based on my progress, my doctor cancelled the induction and let me labor on my own. I couldn’t believe it. I always dreamed of going into labor on my own and to have contractions just few hours before my induction was about to start, I just thanked God and My body! They also respected my decision of not pushing me for an epidural or any pain meds. I was super excited to feel it all. Contractions were full on and by night I was almost effaced and at 7. The transition to 10cm was the toughest. My water was still intact and so all night, the pain was intense. At morning 6 I was almost ready because they started prepping the room for the baby. My water broke and I was ready to push at 7. Initially, I had to make an effort to push. But from next contraction, my body took over and urged me to push. It was an amazing experience. With a couple of pushes, her head was out. I could feel the ring of fire. It was intense yet amazing. With just one more push, my beautiful daughter, weighing 6.15 pounds and 20.5 inches was born with no medical intervention at 41+3, morning 8:15 am.

It was a wonderful feeling. I had an amazing pregnancy and a dream birth. I did have 3rd degree tear because I pushed her whole body out in one go but it all seemed so worth it.

To all the pregnant ladies out there, I would just say - enjoy your labor and contractions! It’s a priceless journey!