She's Here !!!

Well, this last week has been amazing, surreal, and quite unexpected. It all began last week Tuesday when I went in for what should have been a 10 minute quick check in for my 38^th week of pregnancy. She quick did a heart beat check and that was perfect and I am even dilated 1 centimeter! My doctor measured my belly vertically and it had gone down 4 centimeters from last week (it went from 37 cm to 34 cm). She wasn’t too concerned and believed the baby dropped farther answering the difference. To be on the safe side, she wanted to do an ultrasound and measure the amniotic fluid. She told me what she’s looking for is the depth of the fluid. 10 centimeters is the goal, 5 centimeters means an emergency c-section is going to happen, and anything in-between can be acceptable. I was measuring in at 9.2 cm. She didn’t seem too concerned yet, so, at this point, I was still pretty calm and just taking her lead. She wanted to put me on the non-stress test again just in case. So, there I am sitting to this machine all hooked up with the monitors around my belly, drinking water, and apple juice and just hanging out thinking I am fine and this is just overkill. 20 minutes passed and I realized I have not felt the baby move or kick at least once. We had just checked the heart rate so I didn’t think I had anything to worry about. I called in for the nurse; she checked what the machine was recording and went out to get the doctor. She came flying in, quickly reviewed everything and told me I am having contractions (although I wasn’t feeling them) and after every one the baby’s heart rate is ‘d-celling’ (decelerating) and I am going right to the hospital to be monitored and that I would have to most likely be induced today and possibly have a c-section. She said, “Do not go to work. Do not go home. Go straight to the hospital. Be there in 15 minutes and have your husband meet you there.” I was stunned. I was due in to be at work at 10am. Aaron had just gotten to work. I just taught a spin class that morning. They even threw me a baby shower. We were ready, but, not ready for this.

I don’t remember walking to or getting in the car. I do remember calling Aaron as I was pulling out of the parking lot. I believe I said something to the effect of, “This is serious. You need to come home. I am going to the hospital to be induced.” I do know his exact reply was, “You’ve got to be kidding me!” We were both in shock. I quick make a few more phone calls to work, mom, and even the YMCA to line up subs for my cycling classes as I was planning on teaching for at least 2 more weeks.

I get to the hospital and rush up to Labor and Delivery. I had called Aaron back on the phone to give him all the full details and exactly what was going on. The nurses were expecting me and promptly got me into what would be our room for the next 4 days, Room #3203. They got me hooked up to the fetal monitor, put in an IV for fluids and penicillin for the Group B Strep I had (pretty common thing) and now we just wait to see what happens and how she reacts.

Aaron shows up to the hospital not even an hour later with camcorder in hand and is ready to step up to be the best daddy, best husband, and best friend in the world. Shortly after, Dr. Olson calls to tell me that the baby is looking good and at this point does not believe a c-section is necessary, but, does want me to be induced. She says I am at full term and with the baby’s heart rate d-celling, it would be best to get her out as soon as possible to be on the safe side. We talk about the best options to induce and Pitocin is the only option I have at this point. Unfortunately, this is not what I had planned for. My personal research had shown that Pitocin can lead to more intense contractions which leads to further distress on the baby which then ultimately leads to a c-section, so, I was pretty nervous about this. However, at the same time, I knew my birth plan was out the window and we had a new plan and I trusted my doctor. We began the Pitocin within the hour and now we just wait to see how my body and baby reacts to it. Doctor said it could really kick in with 20 minutes or it could take 3 days! Unfortunately, it’s not something that can be predicted. So, now, we hurry up and wait.

Over the next several hours, I am hooked up to a monitor and IV, but, am able to get up and walk around. Aaron and I make several trips around the L & D floor, we spend our time talking about our day, and how we jinxed ourselves the night before by saying we were ready for her. I guess she heard us loud and clear. J

I don’t quite remember when my contractions began, but, they did begin as what I would call mild menstrual cramps. They were very manageable and didn’t seem to be so bad (famous last words). Throughout the evening they began to intensify and I practiced my breathing, relaxing, and focusing. Throughout the evening and night we had countless nurses coming in to check on me, baby, and my vitals. Even if I was able to get any sleep, I don’t think I would have with all the nurses coming in and out. Plus, with all the fluids they were pumping me with, I was up to use the bathroom every half hour like clockwork. At approximately 9:00pm, one of the nurses told me Dr. Olson was on her way to the hospital to talk to me. Aaron and I both knew what that meant and that meant a c-section was happening that night. Aaron was so wonderful and supportive and told me not to react until she gets there. However, I knew there was no other reason for her to come up at 9:00pm in the evening. I was absolutely devastated. This was ultimately the last thing I wanted. I knew if this was best for baby, then that is what it is. I still didn’t have to like it. Dr. Olson showed up and confirmed what we already knew she was there for. The baby’s heart rate kept d-celling and she thought it would be best to do a c-section. BUT, ever since she left her house to come to the hospital, the baby was now doing better. So, she said, let’s wait a while longer and see what happens. At this point, I am a ball of nerves and I still want my natural, vaginal birth, but, also want this to be over with and want baby in my arms. I ask doctor if we can opt for a c-section. She says yes we can and it would be a reasonable thing to do. I was glad to know my options and I said we would continue with our current plan.

At approximately 2am, my water broke. A nurse happened to be checking my blood pressure when it happened. I told her, “Either my water broke or I just peed on myself.” As, it didn’t come out in a big gush like it does on TV or in the movies. It was just a little trickle (I’m sorry—was that too much information?). J

Over the next several hours, the contractions intensify with strength and frequency. At this point, I am happy I still am on track for a natural deliver. I know it will be tough, but, I can do it. It is now about 6am and we are trying different pain management techniques like the birth ball, Aaron giving me a light touch massage, and I am able to get in the Jacuzzi. The Jacuzzi was the best! It was so relaxing and I was even able to talk DURING a contraction, something I wasn’t able to do out of the tub. Unfortunately, I was only allowed to stay in the tub for 15 minutes. Aaron sweet-talked our nurse into letting me stay in for an extra 10 minutes. He’s such a good husband.

At around 10:00am, the contractions have gotten very intense and thoughts of an epidural have crept into my mind. Aaron and the nurses were wonderful and followed my birth plan requests by not even offering or mentioning an epidural. I think I was more nervous and concerned about the epidural itself, it’s possible side effects, and the catheter I’d have to get (ouch!). I keep my thoughts to myself a little bit longer and eventually tell Aaron and the nurses I want an epidural. I am sure and I am ready. I get quickly checked and I am only at 5 centimeters—halfway to 10 cm. I know I am making the right decision for me. I am proud at what I’ve accomplished and I don’t need to be a superhero. I just need to be a great mom and make great decisions for our baby girl and this is the first of many.

Unfortunately, the anesthesiologist is occupied with another patient and I have to wait for what feels like an eternity for her to come in. When she does, I am so relieved and excited to see her. She is wonderful and walks me through everything she is going to be doing. I follow her instructions and inserting the needle hurt no worse than getting a bee sting. I was surprised at how quickly it kicked in. The weirdest part was not being able to move my legs and having that pins and needle sensation. I am in such relief now that I am able to take a 90 minute nap. When I wake up, I am now 8 cm dilated! The nurses tell me that I progressed very quickly (they kept saying non-textbook) and we’ll soon be ready to go. Another hour later the doctor came in and checked me in and I was at almost 10 cm. She was confident I was ready to go and begin pushing. I was told to push at the peak of the contractions; however, I feel a need to begin a bit sooner than that and I think that the monitor telling me when the peak is isn’t going to tell me when to push. I am going to listen to my body. Aaron holds my left foot with one hand, the camera in the other and is in charge of counting. I concentrate and do my best to follow instructions and get this little girl out. Apparently, the worst thing I said to Aaron was, “Count faster!” It takes approximately 40 minutes and I am told I am good pusher for my first baby. It must have been all those spin classes! Aaron is brave to look to see the baby’s head coming out, I am encouraged to feel it (it’s so soft) and before I know it, she is here! I pass the shoulders and I get to do what was for me the most important thing in my birth plan and that is to catch her with the doctor’s assistance, of course, and bring her up to my chest. It is the most incredible, euphoric feeling I could ever have imagined. All I could do is say ‘Hi’ to her over and over again. I guess this is my way of saying ‘I love you.’ Aaron cuts the umbilical cord and we are officially parents. She is officially delivered on Wednesday, August 22^nd at 3:16pm.  She’s gets looked over by the nurses and doctor and is absolutely perfect. We are so in love with our little Lorelei Marilyn. Let the adventure begin!