It has been 20 days since I gave birth, and I finally found time to write about my experience. Since I am a doctor, I know the signs of labor already and know when to go to the hospital and when to stay put in the house. Should know anyway.
On the friday before I gave birth, I thought I had an episode of leaking bag of water but my contractions weren't regular. But upon check up, everything was fine and I was sent home, my IE or internal exam showed my cervix to be 1 cm, high which means it's a long way to go yet.
So in the meantime, I tried eating dates, walking around a lot, doing acupuncture and electroacupuncture on myself, and even tried to get some massage (and eyelash perming but not related to inducing labor) but wasn't allowed because they don't want to risk me going into labor (which is what I wanted anyway). I also tried the evening primrose oil, which I inserted vaginally.
On July 31, I had an episode of bloody show and knew this is one of the signs but my contractions still weren't regular. So I went for an ultrasound, a non stress test with amniotic fluid index. There was no problem with the NST but my amniotic fluid showed decrease amounts, also known as oligohydramnios. Complications of that include mecomium stained birth and fetal demise. So I went to Cardinal Santos Medical Hospital to be admitted.
My internal exam showed me to be still at 1 cm, good results in fetal monitoring via NST. Since I wasn't in active labor yet, they just put me in my room, had my vital signs and fetal heart beat monitored, and inserted 6 caps initially then 4 caps of evening primrose oil intravaginally every 4 hrs, with internal examination monitoring also done.
In the morning, my IE was still 1 cm but it was soft and doesn't hurt as much as the previous. I was brought to the labor room after breakfast at around 8 to 9 am where I could be monitored via NST continuously.
I was given oxytocin at 10 am when they saw that my contractions weren't regular. Eventually I could feel the contractions closer every 2-3 minutes. And I could feel myself bleeding and gushing out during and after contractions.
At 2 pm, IE was done, where I was at 5 cm but my cervix was paper thin already. My doctor said I could suddenly fully dilate anytime. At this point where my previous IE were just 1-2 or 4 cm, I was thinking if I may eventually end up with a cesarean section. But that gave me hope. Anesthesia was then given because I was officially in active labor... And that the labor would progress quickly so I better have the anesthesia already in.
At this time, contractions were getting intense with my hip pain eventually at 7/10. At first, I can describe the hip pain as numb, which doesn't really hurt at all. Then it became tingling or feeling of "nangangawit." Eventually, it felt like I was being grounded (as in a small electric current). So I was a bit glad that the anesthesia is being prepped already.
I was put in a fetal position for the spinal anesthesia. They might had a bit hard time putting the needle in because I felt several pricks before it was successful. Yes, imagine doing a fetal position to extend the back, but I have a huge uterus in front that is contracting and giving me electric shocks to my hips! It was sooo hard to kept still but I had to because I also know the consequences if the needle hit anything else.
Eventually, it was inserted successfully and, I can feel the pain going away. I was even able to take a nap. But the medicine only lasted for 2 hours. So I may have to be given more if needed.
At 4 pm, IE was repeated and showed I was fully dilated. Yes! But... My doctor wasn't around yet. I was given anesthesia again 2x before I gave birth.
At 6 pm, I was wheeled to the delivery room. My legs were a bit like jelly and numb from the anesthesia. My hips were also numb. I couldn't feel the contraction anymore. I was a bit scared but anxious thinking, "this is it!" my whole 9 months has been preparing me for this ultimate moment!
My husband was called in because he was going to cut the umbilical cord hehe I was bit anxious for him because he's scared of blood but well atleast he didn't faint hehe I cannot feel my contractions so I was just coached when should I take a deep breath etc. The anesthesiologist also did a fundal push. I felt like I was either going to vomit or cough. And I did. My OB suggested vacuum assisted so it would also be easier also. After 4 tries, at 6:11 pm, Maple was out and crying even though I have yet to see her it my abdomen yet.
When Maple was put in my abdomen, she had her eyes open and was looking at me, but she didn't want to breastfeed or atleast suck. She was just staring at me.
Honestly, I didn't feel like a mother at that instant. But it did feel weird and kind of incredible still that a little baby came out of me. It was a surreal experience, that's for sure!
On the friday before I gave birth, I thought I had an episode of leaking bag of water but my contractions weren't regular. But upon check up, everything was fine and I was sent home, my IE or internal exam showed my cervix to be 1 cm, high which means it's a long way to go yet.
So in the meantime, I tried eating dates, walking around a lot, doing acupuncture and electroacupuncture on myself, and even tried to get some massage (and eyelash perming but not related to inducing labor) but wasn't allowed because they don't want to risk me going into labor (which is what I wanted anyway). I also tried the evening primrose oil, which I inserted vaginally.
On July 31, I had an episode of bloody show and knew this is one of the signs but my contractions still weren't regular. So I went for an ultrasound, a non stress test with amniotic fluid index. There was no problem with the NST but my amniotic fluid showed decrease amounts, also known as oligohydramnios. Complications of that include mecomium stained birth and fetal demise. So I went to Cardinal Santos Medical Hospital to be admitted.
My internal exam showed me to be still at 1 cm, good results in fetal monitoring via NST. Since I wasn't in active labor yet, they just put me in my room, had my vital signs and fetal heart beat monitored, and inserted 6 caps initially then 4 caps of evening primrose oil intravaginally every 4 hrs, with internal examination monitoring also done.
In the morning, my IE was still 1 cm but it was soft and doesn't hurt as much as the previous. I was brought to the labor room after breakfast at around 8 to 9 am where I could be monitored via NST continuously.
I was given oxytocin at 10 am when they saw that my contractions weren't regular. Eventually I could feel the contractions closer every 2-3 minutes. And I could feel myself bleeding and gushing out during and after contractions.
At 2 pm, IE was done, where I was at 5 cm but my cervix was paper thin already. My doctor said I could suddenly fully dilate anytime. At this point where my previous IE were just 1-2 or 4 cm, I was thinking if I may eventually end up with a cesarean section. But that gave me hope. Anesthesia was then given because I was officially in active labor... And that the labor would progress quickly so I better have the anesthesia already in.
At this time, contractions were getting intense with my hip pain eventually at 7/10. At first, I can describe the hip pain as numb, which doesn't really hurt at all. Then it became tingling or feeling of "nangangawit." Eventually, it felt like I was being grounded (as in a small electric current). So I was a bit glad that the anesthesia is being prepped already.
I was put in a fetal position for the spinal anesthesia. They might had a bit hard time putting the needle in because I felt several pricks before it was successful. Yes, imagine doing a fetal position to extend the back, but I have a huge uterus in front that is contracting and giving me electric shocks to my hips! It was sooo hard to kept still but I had to because I also know the consequences if the needle hit anything else.
Eventually, it was inserted successfully and, I can feel the pain going away. I was even able to take a nap. But the medicine only lasted for 2 hours. So I may have to be given more if needed.
At 4 pm, IE was repeated and showed I was fully dilated. Yes! But... My doctor wasn't around yet. I was given anesthesia again 2x before I gave birth.
At 6 pm, I was wheeled to the delivery room. My legs were a bit like jelly and numb from the anesthesia. My hips were also numb. I couldn't feel the contraction anymore. I was a bit scared but anxious thinking, "this is it!" my whole 9 months has been preparing me for this ultimate moment!
My husband was called in because he was going to cut the umbilical cord hehe I was bit anxious for him because he's scared of blood but well atleast he didn't faint hehe I cannot feel my contractions so I was just coached when should I take a deep breath etc. The anesthesiologist also did a fundal push. I felt like I was either going to vomit or cough. And I did. My OB suggested vacuum assisted so it would also be easier also. After 4 tries, at 6:11 pm, Maple was out and crying even though I have yet to see her it my abdomen yet.
When Maple was put in my abdomen, she had her eyes open and was looking at me, but she didn't want to breastfeed or atleast suck. She was just staring at me.
Honestly, I didn't feel like a mother at that instant. But it did feel weird and kind of incredible still that a little baby came out of me. It was a surreal experience, that's for sure!
