Not The Worst Pregnancy Ever...

by Lyla
(Virginia Beach, Virginia)

My pregnancy had gone relatively smoothly. One morning I woke up feeling a little funny and extra "goopy" but thought it was just the mucus plug and sent my husband to work. An hour later my water broke and GUSHED all over my couch.

I called a friend to take me to the hospital where they confirmed that my water had, in fact, broken. Once admitted I was able to reach my husband at work (he is military and difficult to get hold of). The most frustrating part was that I was admitted about 9AM and hadn't eaten breakfast yet, and while in active labor you cannot eat. After 8 hours I was sneaking M&Ms and anything else my friend could sneak in for me!

We spent our day playing cards and watching movies (most hospitals have Wi-Fi now also!). Every 45 minutes or so a nurse would come in and check my contractions. I had an IV of Pitocin put in as well as a blood pressure monitor that regularly checked. There was also a monitor on my belly for contractions that was constantly recording. It was difficult to walk around, but not impossible.

After 18 hours in labor I finally got an epidural. I was still only about 3 centimeters dilated. For me, the epidural hurt, but I am also terrified of needles. Only my husband was in the room with me for that and it took maybe 15 minutes because I had a panic attack during it. Once it was finally in I also had to have a catheter placed since I was totally numb from the waist down. I was finally able to rest a little.

About 4 hours later I was feeling an immense pressure and called the nurse in. Trinity was already starting to crown so they called the doctor and had me start pushing. Only took about 6 pushes and she was out in 15 minutes or so. The doctor did have to make an episiotomy but I didn't feel it and it was done quickly.

After my daughter was out and I was sewn up, they removed the epidural pretty quickly as well as the catheter and IV. 20 minutes later the nurse had me up and walking to use the bathroom and get some feeling back in my legs. The next morning I was able to shower and basically do whatever I wanted.