Birth Story #1

My birth story began on 3/28/24. I woke up at around 5:00am that day to use the bathroom. I'm not sure if this is just me but I ALWAYS look in the toilet after I pee. So that I did and I noticed what looked like clumps of dishcharge tinged with bright red blood. I went back to bed googling what the hell that was and it said to go to the doctor. Around 9:00am I went to labor and delivery and they told me it was what's called "bloody show." They said it was the first signs of labor and sent me home saying to watch out for contractions and/or water eruption. The nurse mentioned it could take anywhere from 24hrs to a week to happen. So I went home unfazed.

Fast forward to 3/29/24, I woke up around 3:00am tossing and turning. Every time I flipped sides, I noticed a slight gushing sensation. I didn't think much of it, honestly, I thought it was the bloody show still so I went back to sleep. At around 9:00am, I called my mom and told her what was happening and her immediate response was "OMG your water broke, go the hospital!" I was so stubborn and was adamant that that wasn't what was going on but proceeded to L&D anyway around 10:00am. I told them that I was checking in because I thought my water broke. The nurses checked my cervix and said I was dilated 1cm and was having mild contractions (which I wasn't feeling). They called my doctor down and at that point I was gushing more and more. She took one look and me and my amniotic fluid soaked sheet and said, "a 5th grader could've told you your water broke!" I chuckled and was admitted.

My doctor put me on pitocin right away despite my questions and concerns. I guess my water had broken too long ago and not much was happening. In my mind, I thought I was still okay to go ahead with an unmedicated birth but was soon humbled by the last-four-hour contractions. I could not handle it and asked for an epidural. Honestly, it was great. I was able to nap and relax and felt much better overall. Once I awoke, I was 9.5cm dilated and nearly ready to push.

I was terrified. I'm not sure exactly what I was afraid of but I was TERRIFIED of the pushing part. It's about 3am now and they're setting me up. I start to push and the nurse calls in another nurse and asks her, "should I call the doctor now?" The other nurse vehemently agrees and they tell me to push once more before they call the doctor. I was abruptly stopped and was told to 'hold it' while we wait for the doctor. It was a rainy Saturday morning; it took her about 30-45mins to arrive. The most uncomfortable feeling ever. By the way, it's true what you hear, it indeed does feel like you have to take the biggest poop of your life when 10cm dilated!

Doctor shows up and I push my little boy out in about 5-10 minutes! I was relieved. One small tear and all done. I couldn't be happier and more thankful. Also, what no one tells you - the cramps afterwards! Like, what the hell! Was not expecting that.

Needless to say, I think I know now what to expect with my second! In terms of early labor signs at least.. I don't know if I'm more confident this second time around or more terrified. How did you feel the second/third/fourth time around?