Birth Stories

[riverraine]

STMs+: Share your birth stories! What, if anything, are you hoping to do differently this time?

FTMs: Do you have any hopes, expectations, or questions?

[rebeccabunch]

It's my lunch nap time but I'll come back later to post!

[riverraine]

Jun 19, 2017 12:53:32 GMT -6 rebeccabunch said:

It's my lunch nap time but I'll come back later to post!

WFH for the win! It's my sunny lunch walk time so same deal.

[doodlemommy]

I was pretty sure my water started leaking at exactly 41 weeks at about noon. I called and my doc said it was busy in labour and delivery but to come by in a few hours after supper time to get it checked. So we went in at about 5pm, they tested and I was positive for leaking amniotic fluid. Only issue there is I wasn't allowed to leave the hospital.

Labour was super slow from that point. The next morning (so about 18 hours after my water started leaking) they started me on low dose pitocin to move things along. They kept it low and never really needed to increase thankfully because my plan was med free and I was already pretty bummed about the pitocin at all. Anyhow, that continued for the next very many hours. I was allowed to walk around, shower, do whatever pretty much. At midnight (so 36 hours in at this point) I was finally ready to start pushing, which was a 3 hour process. I did the whole 39 hours pain med free which I was/am happy about. We did the Bradley method course and the strategies were super helpful. I had bleeding after birth that was deemed excessive but not a hemorrhage. We were cleared to leave the hospital a few hours later and were so happy to leave since we had been there for so long already!

So DD was born at 41+2. She was 7 lbs 11 oz, 21 inches


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[cythe]

Thanks for this thread

I think I asked my big question in the randoms thread, but I'm sure there will be many more lol.

My plan for now is low key winging it. I'd like to try for med free, but I'm certainly not going to refuse meds if my labor is long or if it's just too painful. I'd love to labor at home as long as possible, especially if they're going to restrict me once I get to the hospital.

All this - of course - is assuming that things progress as expected and there are no big complications. I guess I do have a question - I know once your water breaks that they want you to come in, what if I'm not in labor at that point? Will they be mad if I chill at home until contractions start - keeping in mind the risk of infection and all.

[trinitrotoluene]

I had prodomal labor for 2 weeks, which really sucked. I got sent home for not progressing on Wednesday, so Friday when things were consistent again, i didn't trust it and stayed home watching movies and doing laundry and hanging out. Finally at midnight H went to bed and i started timing contractions again so when there was a 10 minute break i could take a unisom and sleep. Around 1:30 i woke him up because they had all been 4 minutes apart or closer, and i had packed him a bag of snacks for the hospital. So we left, and got there about 2 am. They got me into a room, and turned out i was at a 7. Since i had been dealing with these contractions for 2 weeks now, i was talking through them fine, but had no desire to keep going without the epidural. I was tired and ready for a break. So we got the iv in and the epidural in place, and by the time that was done i was an 8. I napped off and on for the next few hours, and when they brought my new nurse at the shift change i was a 10. They called the doctor, i pushed for an hour, and it was done. I would actually be totally fine with another labor exactly like it.

[mommabakes]

Pregnancy #1
40 weeks on the dot, started having contractions at 8pm. Tried to go to bed, but contractions were intense (back and front) and close. Was told to come in to the hospital at 12am. Go in and am monitered till noon. Contractions are strong and close but not doing their job. Sent home. Head back in the evening and am put into a room. It's really going to happen! Hooked up to an IV for fluids and pit. Friday morning finally give in to an epi at 7am. Completely exhausted. They break my water (finally!!!) And two hours later I'm told to push. 10 minutes later DD was born. So thankful it's over! 37 hours from first contraction to birth.

Pregnancy #2
41 weeks, induction scheduled for 3 days later. 3pm Start getting contractions (back only) and head out for a walk and last minute chiro adjustment. Eat dinner, put DD to bed. Call my mom around 9 to come over to be with DD. Head to the hospital to be told contractions aren't doing anything (again!!!) But since I'm already scheduled for induction, they admit me and start fluids and pitocin. They break my water around 2am, doctor comes in and checks me, says baby is coming very soon, no time for epi. An hour later I push 2x and DS is here. Cord around his neck and he is very blue. Thankful for my calm, comforting doc. Everything is ok. 12 hours from first contraction to birth. Med free, which I had wanted.

[arimaythea]

My birth story for DS (sorry, long-winded):

I woke up at 5AM to what I eventually determined were contractions, I was 39w 2d and it was DH's birthday. Thought I could work from home to start but that was silly, so I told my boss I was starting my maternity leave. DH worked from home knowing I was having contractions, just in case.

Most of the day is a blur - walking around, making noises, bouncing on the yoga ball, lying in bed - basically just trying to do what I could to stay comfortable. I could never really figure out timing of contractions, and was too uncomfortable to get any more sleep. By mid-afternoon, contractions were making me nauseated, I constantly felt like I needed to poop, and I lost my mucus plug (but no broken water). DH convinced me to go to the hospital (5 minute drive away). Called both sets of parents to let them know I was going in - I had invited my mom, MIL, and sister to be in the room with me for L&D.

I tried signing myself in at the receptionist but had to run to the bathroom because I thought I was going to puke on her. Eventually got checked in and back right to a triage room. They told me I needed to pee in a cup, but I peed at home before going to the hospital (pro-tip, don't do it, save that pee for the hospital). Could only squeeze a few drops and they determined I was dehydrated but dilated to 7-8cm. They put me on IV fluids right away because I was too dehydrated to get the epidural. My family arrived and my epidural finally came an hour or so later - I was in bliss at the relief from constantly feeling like I had to puke. Was at 10cm for a while then the midwives decided to break my water to encourage the pushing stage.

Took 2 hours of pushing to get DS out, and there were lots of heart rate scares during that time. They had me on oxygen between pushes and laying on my side. Turns out DS was still a bit out of place during the start of pushing, so he came out with a HUGE red lump on the top of his head that took almost 2 months to finally go away (bruising from hitting my pelvic bone during pushing, but otherwise common and not harmful to him). Ended up with a 3rd degree tear, and DS needed some extra attention right after birth but I don't remember exactly why (a blur of people in the room at the time).

He was born at 8:27PM on DH's birthday, 7 lb 12 oz and 20 in. Honestly, I don't think there could have been much better of an experience. There were definitely things that weren't perfect but overall it worked out just fine, with a healthy mom and baby and the birth experience I was aiming for at the end. Only thing I have planned to change this go around are to drink more water during labor, not pee before going to the hospital, and to try and get to the hospital before I'm in transition and can't function as a human anymore lol.

[riverraine]

My water broke around 1 in the morning at 39+1. It was noticeable enough to wake me up but not a huge gush that soaked the mattress or anything. Contractions were consistent but not painful, so I hung out at home for a bit and took a shower, shaved my legs, etc, until they started to get more intense. We got to the hospital around 4:30am and by then my contractions were getting really painful so I asked for an epidural as soon as possible. I think I was at a 2 when they first checked my cervix and remember feeling surprised that I was already in so much pain.

The epidural was pretty magical. Right before 9am I could feel it wearing off so I pressed the button that was supposed to re-up it, and maybe 10 minutes later they came in and checked and I was at a 10 and it was time to push. I think that was my one mistake -- in hindsight I should have waited to get checked before dosing myself up, because I was pretty numb when I started pushing and I think that's why it took so long. But I could be wrong? I was able to move around (not walk around, but move on the bed) and get in a lot of different pushing positions despite the epidural. I pushed for 3 hours, and was starting to kind of lose it at the end, but my nurse + OB were amaaazing and got me through it. The OB finally ended up doing an episiotomy and DS shot right out just after noon. In addition to the episiotomy I also had a 2nd degree tear on the side from all the pressure of him coming out, so I had a lot of stitches and was really sore for several weeks.

Total labor was about 11 hours from water breaking to birth.

Overall though I would say it was a good experience, which I credit to the awesomeness of my OB and nurse. And I'll give DH some credit too  Next time around I'd like to try nitrous oxide, but not ruling out an epidural. I'll definitely be more cautious about dosing up before I know my ETA to push time, though!

ETA a couple more details. 

[danvers]

DDs was fairly quick, born at 38 weeks.

First contraction was at 12:15am and they kept coming every 15 minutes or so. By 6am they were 5 minutes apart and we decided to go in (hospital is like 5-10 minutes away so no biggie if sent home). I was dilated to a 3 but they kept me. Doctor broke my water at a 4 to speed things up. I got my epi soon after (bless that man, sweet relief!). Was checked an hour later and was dilated to a 10. Pushed for maybe 10 minutes and DD was out! Less than 12 hours from first contraction to baby.

I'm so hoping baby 2's labor is similar!

[mkrupar]

I will write mine up, but I would like a few more positive stories to be posted so as not to frighten off the FTMs. Lol

[CoachTsWife]

On a Tuesday around 38 weeks my OB said she was sure she would see me before the weekend, I was dilated to a 3 and she thought I was close. Spoiler alert: I was not close. Midway through my 40th week she wanted to induce but agreed to wait. I had a doula and she'd been giving me all sorts of things to try and I was doing them all and nothing was working. She assured me that my body was doing a great job getting ready for labor. I then agreed to let my OB put me on an induction list at 41 weeks as she only wanted break my water, but the hospital didn't have room for me (they call when it's your "turn" but I never got a call because their beds were full), so I went to my OB for a stretch and sweep and she said I was so incredibly close. I guess I had a contraction while she was checking me but I couldn't tell. She told us to go have a nice lunch, then come back and check myself into L&D telling them I thought I was having contractions. They saw my name on the induction list and gave me the run around until the triage nurse checked me. Again I had a contraction while she was checking me and I was at a 6 during the contraction. They gave me a room rather quickly after that. My OB had an emergency surgery so she didn't come by to break my water until 6pm. After that, things got serious. No more walking the halls and chatting with DH. My doula had me labor in the tub off and on (I actually dozed off in the tub between contractions - I hadn't slept much the night before) and she suggested different positions and helped the nurse hold monitors when necessary. I stayed at a 6 for what seemed like forever. Then 8, then all of a sudden I was complete and they told me it was time to push. I thought I'd meet baby within minutes but I pushed for a couple hours. DS was born at 41+1 at 7lb 10 oz, about 9 hours after my water was broken.

[cythe]

Jun 19, 2017 14:44:03 GMT -6 mkrupar said:

I will write mine up, but I would like a few more positive stories to be posted so as not to frighten off the FTMs. Lol

I for one, appreciate this lol

[burritosateverymeal]

mkrupar that's how I feel too LOL.

FTMs don't worry, everything is better once the kiddo is here. My story sucks so I'll keep it short, but I do love reading all the birth stories.

I had high blood pressure at an appt. on Wednesday (40 weeks), so I ended up being admitted that Thursday for an induction. They tried the Cytotec (pill) for 24 hours to induce-didn't work. So then they tried Cervadil (tampon-type thing pushed up into the cervix) to induce-didnt work. Then they went back to the Cytotec for either 12 or 24 more hours-i got to 1cm. Then I had the balloon catheter inserted-I got to 4cm. Then they were hopeful, so I got pitocin- got me to 5cm. Then I stalled out and was on the max of pitocin for the max time. My water had been broken and fake contractions were coming less than a minute a part. No progress. I was so hopped up on drugs and it was early Monday morning at this point so they put me out of my misery at 5am with an emergency c section. I had quite a few scary/shitty things happen right before the CS but I'll spare you the details. CS recovery was easy thank God, and I am looking forward to a RCS because I wouldn't even attempt getting pregnant if I wasn't guaranteed another CS.

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[racegurl87]

I went into labor at 39+3. From the beginning I had contractions that were 5min apart lasting for a minute. After timing them for 3hrs we went to triage and I was only 2cm. A couple hours later I was up to 4 and they admitted me. Around 3AM I hadn't progress past 5cm so they put me on pitocin. When my OB got in at 9 she broke my water and I was still at a 5 (24hrs in labor at this point). Got an epi around noon when I had progressed to 6cm and the pain was too much. Around 4PM I was finally 10cm and could feel the need to push. I pushed for 2.5hrs and DD was born around 6:30PM. All total I was in labor for 33ish hrs.

After labor I couldn't pee on my own and once I was in recovery they manually cathed me and then my uterus wouldn't contract and I lost a bit of blood (almost needed a D&C), but they were able to get it under control with meds. And I was fine the next morning.

The epi just numbed me and I just felt like my legs were asleep. Before I was on the epi I tried to move around but my nurse I had overnight hated it when I brought up changing positions. I think she didn't want to do much work. I was GBS+ but my OB okayed me only being on the IV when I needed abx (about every 4hrs) so I don't know what her issue was.

I'm delivering in a different state/hospital/OB so I'm hoping to stay med free as long as possible again. Also I'd like to labor at home for longer this time and not spend so much time at the hospital.

[rachydc]

Jun 19, 2017 13:32:18 GMT -6 cythe said:

snip. I guess I do have a question - I know once your water breaks that they want you to come in, what if I'm not in labor at that point? Will they be mad if I chill at home until contractions start - keeping in mind the risk of infection and all.

It's surprisingly uncommon for your water to actually break. I think only like 10% of women have their water naturally break? I'm guessing that exact number but I know it's super low like that. That fact has always surprised me bc every single birth story I heard before I gave birth had to do with water breaking!

I was induced and it took a full 48 hours for my daughter to come after that. It's was a loooooong hospital stay. I'll get more graphic tomorrow when I'm on desktop, just wanted to pop in here with my water breaking fact

[rachydc]

Ps: is cythe our only FTM here??

[cythe]

Jun 19, 2017 18:36:37 GMT -6 rachydc said:

Ps: is cythe our only FTM here??

Yeah, I'm pretty sure lol. I know this is actually a good thing because I have access to everyone's expertise but I feel like an AW for asking a million dumb questions!

Edit: so if any STM+ have any dumb questions, good Lord ask them lol

[rachydc]

Jun 19, 2017 18:46:37 GMT -6 cythe said:

Jun 19, 2017 18:36:37 GMT -6 rachydc said:

Ps: is cythe our only FTM here??

Yeah, I'm pretty sure lol. I know this is actually a good thing because I have access to everyone's expertise but I feel like an AW for asking a million dumb questions!

Edit: so if any STM+ have any dumb questions, good Lord ask them lol

i really don't think there's anything STMs love more (giving advice). Trust me! It makes us feel like we semi, almost have our lives together! Well, at least for me haha Keep em coming!

[kinipela7]

I woke up the day before my due date at 5:00 AM needed to poop urgently - this happened a few times. At 9 AM when I went pee and wiped I notice a pink streak on the toilet paper. I googled these 2 things and lots of people said that was how their labor started. I wasn't feeling anything else so I walked to the store and got stuff to make some cookies. More pink toilet paper and I texted my husband and told him something might be going on. Later that afternoon I started leaking some brownish stuff. Called my OB and she said my voice sounded fine and I didn't need to come in (was starting to hurt by then). I noticed the discharge was getting weird (greenish) so I called her back and she told me to come in after I basically begged her to see me. By then, I put on a pad and there was lots of green slime on it. OB checked me out and said I could go home. I was really in pain so I showed her the stuff in my underwear and she said that I needed to go to the hospital so they could test it for meconium. Went straight there and sure enough it was meconium so I got admitted and was 2 cm. I got a room and epidural pretty quickly which was awesome because I always heard you had to be 4 cm to get one. Now it was 7pm. Family came to visit, we watched tv and waited around until it was time to push (which was at 3:00 AM). I didn't feel any pain but that last hour or so was very uncomfortable as I felt like I was going to shit the bed (soo much pressure!) The nurse practiced pushed with me before she called the doc to deliver. Doc came in and I pushed for about an hour and she was born. Since she did have meconium lots of people were in the room (whole NICU team) and she wasn't placed on me immediately but she was fine and I got to hold her soon enough!

[burritosateverymeal]

cythe no question is dumb! I used to ask sooooo many questions. Fear of the unknown

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[cougarette]

My OB office has you rotate through doctors starting about halfway. It just so happened that I was always scheduled with this one doctor. I actually really liked her a lot and hope it happens again.

So around 36 weeks I started to measure a little small. She wasn't too concerned, but went ahead and ordered an ultrasound for the following week's appointment. The scan was fine and DS was measuring in the normal range, just on the smaller side. DH and I were both small babies so we weren't worried. She said that the amniotic fluid levels were good and that his movements were good too.

We went in for my regular 40 week appointment (which was my due date - Feb 25), on a Wednesday. While we were in the waiting room, I saw my regular OB come in wearing scrubs and I told DH that if I went into labor today he'd be the one to deliver.

I found out I was about 2cm dilated. We talked about penciling me in to be induced the following Monday (March 2). I said it was weird because I've been saying since June that I was having a February baby, but I also knew there was still time to go into labor over the weekend. While I was there, she suggested I go ahead and do a non-stress test. So I'm all hooked up and DH and I start talking about dinner plans and that we should do something this weekend. The test was fine and everything looked normal. As we're getting ready to leave, she goes, "you know, I know you just had an ultrasound, but if you have time why don't we do one. I know the amniotic levels were fine, but I would like to take a look". I said that was okay with me. While she goes to get the machine, DH texts our parents that we're scheduling me to be induced on Monday.

She comes back in and starts the ultrasound. She then says, "well... you're going to get your wish of a February baby." DH and I look at each other. She said, "I'm looking all around and I'm just not seeing much amniotic fluid. Since you're already dilated 2 I think we should go ahead and get this baby out today". We were so shocked.

My doctor's office is attached to the hospital, so as we walk down there we call our parents to say, "yeah nevermind, we're having the baby today". It was around 11:30 when I checked in. They hooked up pitocin and my doctor broke my water. I tried to hold off on an epi, but the contractions all of a sudden hit me hard and I "caved". It was glorious, though I do wonder if I would have lasted longer if I labored on my own. There was one point when the nurse came in to turn me over from my left side to my right side and DS's heart rate plummeted and he started to get distressed. All these nurses and my doctor came running in. They hooked me up with oxygen, turned off the pitocin, and I thought they were going to wheel me into an OR. I somehow managed to stay calm, because I knew me freaking out and raising my blood pressure wouldn't help. I was measuring about 9cm at this point. My doctor had me push and that seemed to do the trick. Everything leveled out and we waited for me to dilate to 10. Around 5:15 I started to push. My contractions weren't coming very quickly, so I'd push and then we'd chat about the weather and watch tv. At one point (while I was mid-push) my doctor said, "come on Nathan... you make good hotdogs". I just started laughing - while pushing!! They turned the pitocin back on to move things along, but DS again didn't respond well. I pushed for about an hour and a half without him budging at all. At one point my doctor wondered if the cord was wrapped around his neck. He got out the vacuum extraction and on my next contraction we yanked him out. The cord wasn't wrapped around, he was just stubborn (and still is).

At 6:40pm our little 6lb 11 oz and 21 inches boy was born.

Edit: I just remembered two more details. Towards the end I started shaking so badly. It was like I was cold, but didn't feel cold. Apparently that's very normal, but it was uncomfortable. Also, even though we used the vacuum extraction I only had a very minor tear that needed about 2 stitches or something.

[britt]

My goal was a medfree natural childbirth, with the help of G and my lovely doula.. it wasn't looking good because DD wasn't thriving in my belly anymore because she had a 2VC (2 cords going into the umbilical cord instead of 3 which can cause growth issues)-so they planned on inducing me the day after my due date...Checked into the hospital at 3:00pm for induction- was checked by midwife and was 2cm so we did a foley balloon
-was getting some contractions , 24 hours later they took it out to check me and I was only 3cm
- decided the next step would have to be meso because I felt
There needed to be something else to put me over the edge since I only dilated 1cm in 24 hours..but as soon as I decided that would be my next step my body started to take over so before I could take it I started to labor on own around 8:00pm...
I spent most of my labor in the shower with G or my doula pushing on my lower back..
In the early morning hours I wanted to try the labor tub but once I got in I felt like I was just floating in pain! So back to the shower I went!! Also tried the ball, and different positions but the shower was best for me
-9am I started throwing up from the pain, and as soon as I did my water broke which was a huge relief, I thought at that point it was almost over! (But it wasn't)
That's when shit got real! There are no words for the pain , from 9am-1:30pm was the hardest worst most awful time of my life, I ended up sitting on the toilet for awhile laboring until my doula noticed I was pushing, so she got the midwife and they realized I was 10cm
-Got on the birthing stool , pushed for less than 15 minutes and she was out!!
-G told me it was a girl cuz Team Green!
*advice , which I didn't know, the stool increases your chances of tearing , I had a 3rd degree tear!
This time I'm planning on delivering on the bed on my knees I think .


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[mkrupar]

Ok, I was admitted at 33 weeks due to pre-eclampsia. I had been on bed rest beginning at 31 weeks, and my last 24 urine collection was enough for my doc to tell me to go to the hospital and be prepared to stay there until the baby came. She was on vacation at the time, so I knew it was serious if she took the time to follow up in my results and call me personally.

So, I was admitted and hooked up to monitors (BP and baby monitors) and IVs. After the first 24 hours I was allowed off the constant monitoring and my IV was disconnected, but I had to keep the port in and have it moved every 3 days. They would do an NST daily to check on baby. I did 2 (maybe 3 - I don't really remember) 24 hour urine catches while in the hospital to monitor my proteins and blood was drawn daily to make sure my organs were still functioning.

I felt mostly ok during this whole time, so I guess I didn't know to be more concerned about what was going on.

They decided to induce at 34 weeks. First, there had been a decel or two on the monitors with DD, so they wanted to do one day with pitocin to see how DD responded. She did fine, so they moved forward with the induction. I was hooked up to the magnesium (uuugghhh) after the pit test and strapped in to the compression boots and cath'd, as I was essentially bed bound at this point. This was a Thursday.

They inserted cervadil (or cytotek - I don't remember - the one attached to a string) to get things moving overnight. Spoiler Alert:: it had no effect. I spent the day miserable with a headache, maxing out on pitocin with no contractions. Magnesium slows everything down in your body, so it lessens the effects of pit. They draw your blood every 4 hours to make sure your mag levels aren't reaching toxic levels (suuuper fun).

They stopped the pit Friday evening, then did a second round of cervadil overnight. Nothing changed. Still closed up tight. No dilation, baby was still really high. Doc wants to do another day of pitocin, but I was done. I'd been in the hospital over a week. I was staring down another day of magnesium, and even if they had managed to get labor started, I couldn't imagine then going through actual labor hopped up on mag and completely exhausted. I had been on a clear liquid diet since Thursday.

I knew even after birth I would have to be on the mag for 24 hours. I asked about a c-section. The OB wanted to continue with the induction and basically tried to scare H and I in to continuing. She said there wasnt a bed in the NICU for DD, which we knew she'd need because of her preemie status. She told us she'd have to be transported to Children's in DC and I would have to recover at VHC before I could see her.

This was fairly early in the day and we asked to speak with the NICU doc to discuss our options. It took until late afternoon for him to come by. There had been a bunch of unexpected deliveries needing the NICU, but he assured us they would have a place for DD no matter what. We opted to move forward with the c-section.

I don't remember the time, but once that decision was made they were handing H scrubs and prepping me for the OR. DD was born at 6:13pm, 56 hours after we started the (essentially failed) induction. I was able to see DD briefly in the OR before she was taken down to the NICU with H following. I was wheeled back to L&D about 45 minutes later, hooked back up to the Mag, and settled in to be stuck in bed for another 24 hours.

A little after being wheeled back I realized things felt awfully squishy down below. Nurse checked and I was hemorrhaging. Doctors and nurses came in, no panic really, started pulling out clots, pushing on my belly, and explaining my uterus wasn't contracting. They gave me a Cytotek suppository to stop the bleeding. If that hadn't worked they were going to start a transfusion and wheel me back to the OR. That was probably the only time I felt afraid, and my H was truly terrified and upset because basically the magnesium was the reason my uterus wasn't contracting, but they had to have me on the mag to stave off the effects of the pre-e. I'm pretty sure he yelled at the doc about the absurdity of the situation.

I was finally freed from all the meds, Cath and compression boots Sunday evening and finally got to see DD in the NICU around 11pm that evening and I had FOOD after three days of clear liquids.

I realize this is super long, but I think it's important to share everything, good, bad or ugly. I went in with no plan really, which I feel was for the best given how everything turned out.

[thecatsmeow]

Poof

[Taitai]

cythe I just wanted to respond to your question about what to do if your water breaks before labor starts. Long story short - the standard medical advice is to go to the hospital within a few hours of your water breaking...even if labor/contractions don't start. There are good reasons for this guidance.

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM - aka water breaking before labor/contractions start) happened to me, my sister, and my mom - so might be genetic. Anyways, my doctors were very strict that I needed to come to the hospital as soon as my water breaks - due to the increased risk of infection. I was not even strep-B positive or anything like that, but the doctors were adamant that I need to get to the hospital within a few hours of my water breaking - even if I was not experiencing contractions. I had the typical waterfall/gushing water breaking situation that you see in movies. After my water broke, I took a quick shower, got the car loaded with DH, and went straight to the hospital. My mom and sister had more of a gradual leaking/slightly peeing your pants feeling. So how much your water breaks can vary.

In my case, I ended up giving birth to DS vaginally 27 hours after my water broke, thanks to pitocin. No infection or complications from the PROM. I was 38 weeks when my water broke. Same with my mom.

However, for my sister (also 38 weeks), the PROM ended up bringing an infection into the womb and into my sister during labor. Both my sister and her baby ended up with fevers and elevated WBC counts...the baby was born vaginally after 18 hours of pitocin assisted labor, but was having trouble breathing due to the onset of bacterial infection. As such, her baby was in the special care nursery for 8 days after birth, needed a spinal tap, and had to be on IV antibiotics. My sister also needed to be on IV antibiotics for a few days, as the infection spread to her uterus. If my sister had labored at home for a while (10-12 hours), waiting for labor to start, the infection might have gotten worse and could have been deadly for the baby.

Therefore, that's why I think it's recommended you go to the hospital once your water breaks, just so they can monitor you for infection. You/baby might not get one (like myself and my mom), but you also might have a sudden infection come on (like my sister), which necessitates urgent action on the part of the doctors/pediatricians.

I don't say this to scare anyone - just to give you an idea of why the guidelines are what they are.

[versed]

I'm a crazy person who loves labor and birth.

Baby #1:
First contraction was at 7:15pm at 37w even. I knew this was real, but I didn't want to worry DH at all, so I didn't tell him. We watched a movie (Nine Months), and I painted my toe nails. We went to bed, and I tried to sleep, but didn't have much luck.

I got out of bed at about 11, and made sure everything was packed. I took a shower, and the contractions progressed to about 4min apart. I woke DH up at about 1am, and I told him it's time to go. He was moving slowly since he thought it was a false alarm. I told him, no, we need to move quickly.

We got in the car, and it was a very uncomfortable 4mi trip to the hospital. I got checked in, and Dr checked me: 8cm. I wanted to go med-free, so we let labor progress. Little guy arrived at 3:44am after 15min of pushing.

Baby #2


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[versed]

Posted too soon ...

Baby #2:
This little troublemaker had me in the hospital early (33w and 34w) with regular contractions. Turned out to just be irritable uterus, and little guy stayed put until 38w.

Since I had irritable uterus, I'd pretty much been timing contractions since 33w. Then there was one morning, I woke up, cleared the contraction app, and decided I was done counting and baby would come when he was ready.

I put DS1 in a "big brother" shirt and invited a friend over. We hung out, and she kept me distracted. At about 5:45pm, I felt a contraction that I knew was the. Real thing. I called my sister to come by and watch DS1. We got him ready for bed, tucked him in, and headed to the hospital once my sister arrived. (They wanted us to head in early since first came quickly).

I was only at 2cm, but after walking, I was at 4, so they let me stay. I walked some more and then got in the tub. Dr checked me after a bit, and broke my water. After that, things went quickly. Baby was sunny-side-up, so I had back labor. I stayed med-free and started pushing shortly after my water broke.

Between presenting wrong and having the most broad shoulders, he had a tough delivery and a mild case of shoulder dystocia. He was born at 12:08am at 9lb3oz.



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[codex320]

Jun 19, 2017 18:46:37 GMT -6 cythe said:

Jun 19, 2017 18:36:37 GMT -6 rachydc said:

Ps: is cythe our only FTM here??

Yeah, I'm pretty sure lol. I know this is actually a good thing because I have access to everyone's expertise but I feel like an AW for asking a million dumb questions!

Edit: so if any STM+ have any dumb questions, good Lord ask them lol

I'm also a FTM! I will have plenty of "dumb questions" down the road, don't worry

[duskymonkey]

Goody! This will help keep me entertained! I'll have to remember mine and will post later.