Bethan's birth story 11/02/10

**creamcracker** · 21-02-2010, 12:47pm

It still seems surreal to think about everything that has happened in the last 2 weeks!
Monday 8th Feb we had a follow up growth scan at the hospital where it was noted that Bethan was small for dates and had appeared to of stopped growing. The placenta function was considered good so we went on our way and then came back on Wed 10th to meet with our consultant.
During our consultant appointment he felt that perhaps Bethan might be better off out than in so advised that plans be made for a c section the week after. We were asked to go back on the Friday for monitoring and for a date to be made. As we left his offce he said 'Of course, feel free to go in to labour before then as that would be ideal!' I jokingly said 'ooh sex is back on the menu then!' as DH and I had been to scared to go near each other since a threatened labour at 30 weeks. Consultant laughed and said 'go for it! Try walks, curry's, whatever floats your boat!'

Away we came excited that we would be meeting our little one soon. We had no idea how soon!

That afternoon we decided to DTD as it had been ages and I had posted on here about my appointment and how mad it would be if I went in to labour!
Anyway, fast forward half hour and I'm back on here posting about whether or not the large trickle of fluid was actually my waters!

We couldn't believe that it was, denial I think, so we went to my parents for food with a pad in and bags sort of packed in case. At my mum's I stood up and there was a gush of water and there was no more doubt! Our baby was coming!

We were advised to go straight in due to gestation so got there within the hour. I was starting to feel period type pains but not too bad. I was examined and found to be 1 cm. I was a bit gutted as I knew this could be a long process but resigned to the fact that the inevitable was happening!
We were then put on the antenatal ward were I bounced on a birth ball and ate beef hula hoops! Pains began to increase and become definate contractions but I was coping and felt in control.
Three hours after first examination I was found to be 4 cm and was moved to a delivery room at midnight. I had to be constantly monitored which I didn't like but I was still feeling ok in between each pain.
I started with the gas and air then, wasn't sure if it was making me feel worse but I wasn't about to let it go either!
DH was fantastic, talking me through each pain. Midwife said she wouldn't examine me til 4am. By about 02.45 I was begining to ask for an epidural. In between pains I was ok, but during them I just couldn't focus and I felt like I was freaking out.
Our midwife said at 3am she would examine me before she called the aneathstatist (sp?) and when she did I was 8-9 cms and she said there was no time for epidural.
I was starting to get distressed now and each contraction seemed to roll in to the next. As the midwife went to open the delivery pack she said, try not to push yet. Well, there was nothing I could do about it! My body was pushing my baby out regardless!
Another midwife and a paed were called and I was begging for help! I was asked if I wanted to feel my baby's head and when I did everything changed. I got the focus and energy from somewhere to finish the job in hand and within 2 controlled pushes in between contractions our baby was born!

She cried immediately and DH cut the cord. We had skin to skin

before the paed took a quick look at her and she was weighed, 4lb 3oz.
On examination it was found that our lovely lady did no damage on her way out so no stiches needed!
After spending a few hours together I showered and we were moved to the post natal ward.

I am so glad that I got the opportunity to labour and deliver my daughter, although as long as she was safe we didn't car how she came! I am still in awe of how our bodies work so well when it comes to child birth!
On notes established labour is documented at 3hours 17mins!

With pushing stage of only 7mins!

Thank you for reading! xxx