Caybeh's birth story

caybeh · July 2014

On my appt Fri, I was 1.5 cm dilated and 50% effaced. The MW asked if I wanted her to do a little membrane sweep. I was 38w 5d, and thought why not. It didn't work with my son, so I didn't think it would with this one either. I felt pretty good afterwards and went to a bachelorette party for a friend. I slept horribly that night.

Saturday morning, I lost my mucus plug. I didn't feel well all day but I just thought it was because I hadn't slept well. I had a bridal shower Sat afternoon for the same friend. My side of family was in town for the shower too. Afterwards, my mom left to do some shopping before heading 2.5 hours back home. My siblings and families hung out at our house and at 5:00, DH went to get some pizzas. I still just felt kind of off and around 5:30 stood up to go to the bathroom. I felt two little gushes, and was like uh-oh. I went to the bathroom and was pretty sure it was my water that had gushed. I called DH, who happened to be just in our driveway and told him my water broke. I then called my mom to watch DS and luckily she was still shopping so was in town.

We ate supper, and my water broke completely then. Mom came, and we headed out to the hospital. They test was positive for amniotic fluid so I was admitted. I was still only 1.5 cm and cervix was still thick. It was the same scenario as when I was in labor with DS. The MW on call came in and we all agreed that pitocin should be started.

Around 7:30, I was hooked up to pitocin and antibiotic for Group B Strep. I had started contractions on my own after my water broke, and the pitocin did help things progress. By 9:00, contractions were getting intense and were wrapping more and more around my back. I asked for an epidural. The epidural was placed by 10:30. I was at 3.5 cm and 70% effaced. I started getting lightheaded at 11, so I was allowed to eat some crackers and some juice. I was going to take a nap, but then the MW and nurses came in.

They told me it was baby time and I was confused. I was 5 cm by then at 11:15. Abby's heart rate kept dropping so they were getting slightly concerned. It would come back up and then drop again. They told me they thought she was getting in position and sure enough, I was 8 cm with contractions. I could actually feel the pressure of her head dropping down. The MW was really antsy to get her out since her heart rate kept coming up and down. The doctor waited a few more minutes, and then checked me again and would help my cervix stretch with the contractions. They put an oxygen mask on me to try to make sure Abby was getting enough air.

Around 11:40, I was complete and started pushing. This time, I felt the pressure and had the urge to push. It only took 6 min of pushing and then Abigail was born at 11:45 pm. She was screaming the second she came out but it was a welcomed scream!

My post partum cramping has been worse than with my son. As long as I keep on top of the medication, it helps. This delivery was fast and much better experience than with DS. I think that's because I knew better what to expect and how to handle the contractions.

We are so excited and happy she is here. DS thinks she is pretty. We'll be going home today, July 28.