So this pregnancy has been terrible. At 27 weeks I lost 1/2 cup of blood, 29 weeks (August 1st) I lost several tablespoons and at that time they saw a partial placenta abruption. I also tested positive for preterm labour. I was rushed by helicopter to BC Women's and Children hospital. I was released and send to Victoria as we were living on Vancouver Island and I wanted to be closer to home so I could see my daughter. I was an outpatient and made many more trips and has several small stays at the hospital due to chronic hemorraging. On the 25th of August I was admitted due to a nuchal cord wrapped around 3 times and decrease in fetal movement. Not to mention my hemorrages were getting closer and closer together.
We had planned for a maturity amniocentesis on September 14th. We knew we wanted to induce as the farther I went in my pregnancy the higher risk of a full abruption and that could cause fetal and maternal death. We were surprised it came back positive for lung maturity at 35w5d. And I was induced the same day.
At 4pm they started oxytocin as I was already 2 cm dilated, cervix was 2 cm long and I was not soft but not firm either. I didn't find it too terrible in regards to pain. I was walking to try and get my contractions closer. Then I would sit on the excercise ball to dilate and efface. At 7pm my doctor broke my water to help encourage my body to go into labour naturally. However, I never expected that I wouldn't be able to walk, sit on the ball or just stand. But after 6 weeks of bed rest I lost a lot of my muscle tone. After about4 and a half hours my legs started to shake and I had to lay down. I knew if I laid down I would struggle to manage my pain and I was right. My body started to shake from pain and exhaustion. Because I couldn't breathe properly it caused serious decels with Judah. The OB and my doctor recommended an epidural. I didn't want one but if I was going to avoid a c-section and keep the induction going I needed the epidural. I felt like I failed but I also knew if I didn't get it I would fail in a much more serious way. My job was to get my baby here and that was the goal.
I had a natural delivery with my daughter and I would do it again in a heart beat. I hated having the epidural. I hated not being in control of my legs and being moved every half hour and the catheter. I had to epidural at 2 in the morning (after they had to redo it once) and was checked. I was 5 cm and my cervix was 1.5 cm long. At 5 I could feel pressure and tell when I was having a contraction because they would bring more pressure. So I was checked again... 5 cm and almost totally effaced. I was scared that it wouldn't be enough change and would recommend a c-section. But to my surprise my doctor was happy that there was change even if it was small. at 6:15 I started to puke my guts out and was checked again and I was 6 cm and the head was still high. We were having issues with my epidural as it wasn't numbing my lower uterus but I said it was manageable pain wise so we just left it. At 6:30 my hubby was texting my mom saying that the process was going slow. But 6:35 I was puking again and at that point I said it felt like I had gas. I mentioned that I think my body is pushing and it feels like I have a tampon in. The nurse checked me at about 6:45 and I was fully dilated and +2! She went running to get the doctor. They were quickly setting everything up and calling PEDs. I had a student doctor check me to confirm the nurse and in five minutes I wasn't even +3. She said "the head is right there" . I started to push at 6:58 and the doctor was very happy with how controlled I was. Once the head was delivered they had to cut the cord around the neck. It was wrapped twice and she tried to get it untangled. She kept telling me to pant and stop pushing. I told her I wasn't pushing at all. He was sliding out. It was funny as the doctor is getting nervous giggles.
Judah was born at 7:08 Am September 15th. I was allowed to hold him right away while they tried to get him to cry but he just whinned. So they gave him some oxygen to force the lungs full. I was allowed to try and feed him right after they accessed him. I was sad that he wouldn't. He had no routing reflex. However, while he was in NICU he all of a sudden got what he was supposed to do and has been the best babe. They expected a couple of days in NICU but by noon on the 16th I was allowed to have him in my room because I would bottle feed to top up. After 4 days we were discharged and he impressed all the doctors with how well he has done.
We are happy to be home as one big family after being away for 50 days. He was 6 lbs and 19 inches when born, and I didn't tear at all. I have recovered well though I have days I am very week from trying to regain muscle. He has been an aws now at 11 days old. Overall, I am glad that everything went well and that God answered our prayers. I wasn't supposed to get to 32 weeks and the placenta looked terrible. 1/3 wasn't being used at all and they could see evidence that I was about to lose more of it.
First photo after Judah's brith
Tummy time
First family photo.
Dh 30 Me 26 Bethany Grace October 3, 2009 Judah September 15, 2011 Induced at 35w5d due to partial placenta abruption
Congratulations! I read your story before about losing all that blood, and I'm so glad to hear that everything went well. Don't worry about getting the epidural - you did GREAT and should be so proud of yourself. Best wishes for your recovery & enjoy the new little one.
Me (35) DH (37) =
#1 - January 2009
#2 - May 2102
December 26, 2010 @ 7 weeks
My chart
Wow, so glad everything worked out! What a wonderful little family! And I simply love the name Judah :)
Me & DH 29 with '07, '10, '12 with one
I also have a love/hate relationship with auto-correct.......
You did an amazing job, especially given all the things you had to fight against for you and Judah. Well done
Kym 33 married to Doug 34
Really enjoyed reading your birth story. I'm so glad that everything turned out well after the rough pregnancy. Yay for everyone being happy and healthy! Welcome Judah!
DH - 30 Me - 30
Started TTC in 2010
2 early - 3/23/10 and 11/9/10
Colin Mitchell , born 10/15/11
3/27/13 - surprise BFP!
5/15/13 - first ultrasound. Surprise again, it's twins! due 12/3/13
My chart: http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/1b27ba
Congrats! What a rough pregnancy! You were a ROCKSTAR and you should feel proud of all you did to bring your little guy into the world safely! :)
Susan - 32 married to Chris - 33
Catherine Anne born via c-section June 30, 2008
Rebecca Marie born naturally April 18, 2010
John McNary born naturally January 9, 2012
Julia Grace due August 24, 2013!
What a beautiful baby! I am so happy that Judah arrived safe and sound!
Jude Daniel, arrived in 2010
Early misscarriage 10/19/11 (6wks)
Grant Thomas, arrived in 2013
He's beautiful! I didn't realize you were from Vancouver Island, so am I. I'm in Calgary at the moment until after the baby is born, but I'll be returning to CR in the summer. I feel much better being here right now since I am high risk (closer to NICUs).
Congrats! God is good!
Me 38My Chart
(15 months) and two older (16) (14)
6 - most recent October 2012 @ 8 weeks - to think I'd be due in 6 weeks...
i was on the island. we are now in saskatchewan. Calgary is a good place to be though. some of the best Nicu's are in the west.
So glad everything turned out fine. I am Saskatchewan too. Born and raised in Regina
ME (28) DH (30)
DD 04/21/2008
mc Sept 2010
DS 08/26/2011
http://tcoyf.com/members/sarah_5F00_honey/charts/default.aspx