Althea Bernice- successful vaginal delivery via induction

I was diagnosed with PIHat 37w, 2 days. Doctor immediately told me to stop working and begin bedrest although I had no protein in my urine and my blood tests were normal. At 38w, 2 day appointmentmy BP was still high and induction was scheduled for Tuesday, March 29. At this point, I had major concerns about induction since I was only 1 cm dilated with an unfavorable cervix. Plus, Althea was very high. At 39w, 2 day appointment I discussed concerns with my doctor. I was still only 1 cm dilated and with along, hard cervix. She was willing to work with us in order to give me the best chance of a vaginal delivery. This is the story of my two-day induction.

We went to the hospital on Monday, 3.28 @ 5pm for a dose of cervical gel. Once stabilized, I was able to head home for dinner and to gather our hospital bags. We checked into the hospital at midnight with the intention of inserting another dose of gel. The first dose caused me to have small, rhythmic contractions that were persistent enough to prevent another dose of gel. The game plan then changed. I was pumped with fluids in order to slow down these contractions as they weren?t productive. By early am, my contractions slowed. Instead of gel, my doctor ordered a low dose of pitocin. I hadn?t dilated further, but my cervix had started to slightly thin. Clearly, I was concerned about proceeding with the induction. Because my PIH wasn?t severe my doctor was willing to ?take my induction slow? if I was game. Of course! We didn?t break my water on Tuesday as planned. Instead, I was connected to the lowest dose of pitocin all day. By dinner time, pitocin was disconnected.  At midnight, more cervical gel was inserted tohelp ?prime the pump.?

Wednesday was game time. By morning, I was 2 cm dilated, and my cervix felt ?like butter.? The pitocin and gel had worked. Around 8:00 am, the doctor broke my water. There was a small amount of merconium, but nothing to worry about. Small contractions immediately began with the help of pitocin. By 10am labor started to really kick in. The contractions were regular, and doing their job.

My goal was to have an unmedicated labor. My doula arrived around Noon to help me through this journey. Thank goodness as back labor began as soon as she arrived. Words cannot express the level of pain. It was a combination of someone sledge hammering my lower back while also inserted shards of glass and firing a blowtorch. Not fun! That?s an understatement. I tried sitting on the birthing ball,doing pelvic exercises, etc. Finally, I spent time in the tub which broughtsome relief, but that was short-lived. At 2:30 I had enough of the tub. Due to the pitocin my contractions were frequent and intense.  I tried some more comfort measures, but decided to get an epidural at 3:30. I was 4 cm at this point. The pain was overwhelming! Finally, sweet relief. The epidural was a godsend.

For the next 7 hours I let my body do it?s thing. Rest was wonderful as I had a combined 5 hours of sleep from the two previous nights in the hospital. By 10:45 pm I started to feel extreme pressure. My epidural was perfect in that I could feel pressure, but no pain. I started pushing at 11pm. By 11:25 my perfect baby girl arrived to this world. We didn?t find out her sex beforehand which made the journey even more special. Althea Bernice was born on March 30 (her due date) weighing in at 8 lbs., 6 oz. measuring 20 in. long.Thankfully, I only had minor tearing requiring a couple stitches. She came out rosy, and took her first breath immediately. It was simply amazing!