TheMamma
15-06-2007, 10:34 AM
I'd had a tough pregnany and hadn't really enjoyed it at all. The first 16 weeks were plagued by terrible morning sickness, I was throwing up approximately ten times a day or more, always nauseous and feeling wretched.
At our 20 week untrasound, we were told that our baby had a pericardial effusion - too much fluid around the baby's heart - which can be a sign of down sydrome, heart problems etc. It was so horrible to be told that there may be something wrong with your baby - but it was just a waiting game.
We had ultrasounds every week and a half to two weeks to keep an eye on things (until the end of the pregnancy) - and we were also told that the blood flow to the barin was also not normal. We saw a specialist a few times - and eventually were told that she thinks everything will be okay as the abnormalities are fairly small variations of normal - though they cannot be 100% sure.
In the last trimester I also got severe fluid retention in my legs, feet, hands and face - to the point where I was almost unable to walk due to pain and my face was not recognisable. It was horrible. I was going to weekly CTG's to check the baby's heart rate too.
I really couldn't wait for the pregnancy to be over to be honest...which I was a bit sad about. Our baby was due on the 20th May - we didn't know if we were having a boy or a girl. We had been told that he/she will probably come early - but with each day that passed it seemed less likely that it would happen.
The 20th May came and he/she still seemed very comfortable in my tummy! The obstetrician had actually booked me in to be induced at 7am on Monday 21st May - as buba was most likely going to be a big baby and also they wanted to make sure everything was okay with the heart. We were both very nervous and excited about the fact we knew that we would definately be Mummy & Pappa on the 21st May!
On the Sunday, I had a few slight pains and backaches, but I'd been feeling that way for about a week or so, and really didn't think anything of it. We went for a big walk (or should I say waddle!) but really spent most of the day just relaxing and talking about the next day!
That night, we went to bed around 10pm. I didn't really fall asleep to easily as I was nervous and excited about the next day. DH seemed to go to sleep pretty easy. At about 11.30pm I got up to go to the loo - and while I was on the toilet...my water broke! (lucky - as I was very worried about ruining the carpet or the mattress!). I wasn't sure at first - but then after I while - it couldn't be mistaken.
Within a few minutes - I started to get some cramping in my stomach. Nothing too serious...but uncomfortable. I decided to wake DH up - I told him that my waters had broken and I was starting to get contractions - though not too bad. I called the hospital - and they said to stay at home as long as I could - as it was only early stages. That suited me fine as I was hoping to run a hot bath and get ready for the "long haul".
Little did I know that it was not to be the case. Within a few minutes the contractions got SO intense and were coming a minute apart. I couldn't really talk too much but remember saying to DH "Wow - it really is painful!" Ha ha. I got DH to call the hospital to say we were coming in now - as the contractions were coming hard and fast! Poor DH - I knew I was starting to snap at him a bit - he must have thought he would be in for a long night.
DH got the bags in the car and helped me into the front seet - sitting on about three towels. We both couldn't believe that I had gone into labour naturally only a few hours before I was due to be induced! The hospital was not far away - and as it was just on midnight the roads were quiet. The speed limit was 60km per hour and I snapped at DH "Can't you at least drive 65kms!". We then got stuck at a red light with no other cars around. It took forever to go green and at one point i told him "Just drive through it!".
We made it to the hopital and buzzed the front door. They asked if I wanted a wheelchair (I probably should have said yes!) but the stubborness in me came out and I told them I was fine to walk to the delivery room.
It took a while I was stopping every minute to let another contraction go by. At this point the pain was so horrible - and I had contast back pain that was like nothing I have ever experienced. It was worse than the contractions and was due to bubs being in a posterior position. I was examined we we got to the delivery suite and told I was already 8cm dilated...the midwife couldn't believe it....as first pregnancies are not normally so quick. She told us that this baby wouldn't take long!
For the next two or so hours (which felt like eternity) I had contractions one on top of another and still the backpain was HORRIBLE. I couldn't have an epidural or spinal or pethadine as it was just to quick, but sucked on the gas & air. It didn't help much - just took the edge off the pain and gave me something else to focus on.
DH was fantastic - and was right by my side the whole time. He was encouraging me to focus on my breathing and trying to get me to relax. I had a fairly active labour - and spent a good half hour hunched over a fit-ball in the shower, with DH directing the hot water onto my back. That really helped a lot.
At one point I said to the midwife "I need to push". She got me out of the shower and examined me - and found I was still 8cm! How frustrating. At this point my back was SO sore I was crying a bit and I said to DH "I don't think I can do this...." (like I had a choice!) but he encouraged me and gave me the strength to keep going. I was just exhausted though as it had been non-stop for so long. Soon the obstetrician arrived and when he examined me...he 'fiddled around a bit' downstairs and within a minute said "Right - you can start pushing now". I was in love with him for that! I was pushing for around 40 mins (i think) and finally bubs came out - but with an elbow next to her head......which caused some pain and damage.
The first question of course was "Is it a boy or a girl" and when they told us we had a baby girl - DH and I both got very emotional and teary and right away asked "is she ok?". She scored 9 on her APGAR test and we were told her heart was very strong during labour.
From there DH cut the cord and she was put on my tummy for cuddles. It was such an overwhelming feeling having our little girl in my arms and seeing her healthy and strong. I got to cuddle and feed her for some time as I delivered the placenta and the obstetrician was stitching me up (got 2nd degree tear - ouch!). After all that was done - I managed to run myself through a shower and wash my hair - which was very hard as I was very tired and weak. It was good for DH as he got to cuddle DD.
After I had freshened myself up a bit - we went to the nursery where DD got weighed - a whopping 8lb 14oz (4.04kg) and 50.5cm long and got injections and a check over from the midwife. She also got a bath and then we all went back to our room where we spent our first night as a family! I was very shaky and very weak - which the Dr said it common after a quick birth. He was still shocked that the whole labour was under 4 hours - and said I should be very proud of myself!
I tell you - its a great feeling to go through labour and birth - its very empowering - especially without drugs! I can't wait to do it all again (well - I can wait....but I'm definately not deterred! Though at the time I think I told DH that if he wants anymore children we will adopt!)
I still can't believe I am now a Mum - and everytime I look at Tehya my heart just wants to explode. She is such a precious little thing and the pregnancy that I really didn't enjoy and the pain from the labour was all worth it - I would do it again in a heartbeat.
DH is a fantastic Dad and I know that DD will grow up to be completely besotted with her father. I think that every ounce of pain and worry is worth it and I love my little family more than life itself. God has been watching over us....especially Tehya who seems to be a strong and healthy baby. She has an echocardiograph done on her heart a week ago and all seems to be okay - we are going for a final appointment with the Paediatrician on the 29th June!
Sorry it was so long - but I wanted to share my amazing journey!
At our 20 week untrasound, we were told that our baby had a pericardial effusion - too much fluid around the baby's heart - which can be a sign of down sydrome, heart problems etc. It was so horrible to be told that there may be something wrong with your baby - but it was just a waiting game.
We had ultrasounds every week and a half to two weeks to keep an eye on things (until the end of the pregnancy) - and we were also told that the blood flow to the barin was also not normal. We saw a specialist a few times - and eventually were told that she thinks everything will be okay as the abnormalities are fairly small variations of normal - though they cannot be 100% sure.
In the last trimester I also got severe fluid retention in my legs, feet, hands and face - to the point where I was almost unable to walk due to pain and my face was not recognisable. It was horrible. I was going to weekly CTG's to check the baby's heart rate too.
I really couldn't wait for the pregnancy to be over to be honest...which I was a bit sad about. Our baby was due on the 20th May - we didn't know if we were having a boy or a girl. We had been told that he/she will probably come early - but with each day that passed it seemed less likely that it would happen.
The 20th May came and he/she still seemed very comfortable in my tummy! The obstetrician had actually booked me in to be induced at 7am on Monday 21st May - as buba was most likely going to be a big baby and also they wanted to make sure everything was okay with the heart. We were both very nervous and excited about the fact we knew that we would definately be Mummy & Pappa on the 21st May!
On the Sunday, I had a few slight pains and backaches, but I'd been feeling that way for about a week or so, and really didn't think anything of it. We went for a big walk (or should I say waddle!) but really spent most of the day just relaxing and talking about the next day!
That night, we went to bed around 10pm. I didn't really fall asleep to easily as I was nervous and excited about the next day. DH seemed to go to sleep pretty easy. At about 11.30pm I got up to go to the loo - and while I was on the toilet...my water broke! (lucky - as I was very worried about ruining the carpet or the mattress!). I wasn't sure at first - but then after I while - it couldn't be mistaken.
Within a few minutes - I started to get some cramping in my stomach. Nothing too serious...but uncomfortable. I decided to wake DH up - I told him that my waters had broken and I was starting to get contractions - though not too bad. I called the hospital - and they said to stay at home as long as I could - as it was only early stages. That suited me fine as I was hoping to run a hot bath and get ready for the "long haul".
Little did I know that it was not to be the case. Within a few minutes the contractions got SO intense and were coming a minute apart. I couldn't really talk too much but remember saying to DH "Wow - it really is painful!" Ha ha. I got DH to call the hospital to say we were coming in now - as the contractions were coming hard and fast! Poor DH - I knew I was starting to snap at him a bit - he must have thought he would be in for a long night.
DH got the bags in the car and helped me into the front seet - sitting on about three towels. We both couldn't believe that I had gone into labour naturally only a few hours before I was due to be induced! The hospital was not far away - and as it was just on midnight the roads were quiet. The speed limit was 60km per hour and I snapped at DH "Can't you at least drive 65kms!". We then got stuck at a red light with no other cars around. It took forever to go green and at one point i told him "Just drive through it!".
We made it to the hopital and buzzed the front door. They asked if I wanted a wheelchair (I probably should have said yes!) but the stubborness in me came out and I told them I was fine to walk to the delivery room.
It took a while I was stopping every minute to let another contraction go by. At this point the pain was so horrible - and I had contast back pain that was like nothing I have ever experienced. It was worse than the contractions and was due to bubs being in a posterior position. I was examined we we got to the delivery suite and told I was already 8cm dilated...the midwife couldn't believe it....as first pregnancies are not normally so quick. She told us that this baby wouldn't take long!
For the next two or so hours (which felt like eternity) I had contractions one on top of another and still the backpain was HORRIBLE. I couldn't have an epidural or spinal or pethadine as it was just to quick, but sucked on the gas & air. It didn't help much - just took the edge off the pain and gave me something else to focus on.
DH was fantastic - and was right by my side the whole time. He was encouraging me to focus on my breathing and trying to get me to relax. I had a fairly active labour - and spent a good half hour hunched over a fit-ball in the shower, with DH directing the hot water onto my back. That really helped a lot.
At one point I said to the midwife "I need to push". She got me out of the shower and examined me - and found I was still 8cm! How frustrating. At this point my back was SO sore I was crying a bit and I said to DH "I don't think I can do this...." (like I had a choice!) but he encouraged me and gave me the strength to keep going. I was just exhausted though as it had been non-stop for so long. Soon the obstetrician arrived and when he examined me...he 'fiddled around a bit' downstairs and within a minute said "Right - you can start pushing now". I was in love with him for that! I was pushing for around 40 mins (i think) and finally bubs came out - but with an elbow next to her head......which caused some pain and damage.
The first question of course was "Is it a boy or a girl" and when they told us we had a baby girl - DH and I both got very emotional and teary and right away asked "is she ok?". She scored 9 on her APGAR test and we were told her heart was very strong during labour.
From there DH cut the cord and she was put on my tummy for cuddles. It was such an overwhelming feeling having our little girl in my arms and seeing her healthy and strong. I got to cuddle and feed her for some time as I delivered the placenta and the obstetrician was stitching me up (got 2nd degree tear - ouch!). After all that was done - I managed to run myself through a shower and wash my hair - which was very hard as I was very tired and weak. It was good for DH as he got to cuddle DD.
After I had freshened myself up a bit - we went to the nursery where DD got weighed - a whopping 8lb 14oz (4.04kg) and 50.5cm long and got injections and a check over from the midwife. She also got a bath and then we all went back to our room where we spent our first night as a family! I was very shaky and very weak - which the Dr said it common after a quick birth. He was still shocked that the whole labour was under 4 hours - and said I should be very proud of myself!
I tell you - its a great feeling to go through labour and birth - its very empowering - especially without drugs! I can't wait to do it all again (well - I can wait....but I'm definately not deterred! Though at the time I think I told DH that if he wants anymore children we will adopt!)
I still can't believe I am now a Mum - and everytime I look at Tehya my heart just wants to explode. She is such a precious little thing and the pregnancy that I really didn't enjoy and the pain from the labour was all worth it - I would do it again in a heartbeat.
DH is a fantastic Dad and I know that DD will grow up to be completely besotted with her father. I think that every ounce of pain and worry is worth it and I love my little family more than life itself. God has been watching over us....especially Tehya who seems to be a strong and healthy baby. She has an echocardiograph done on her heart a week ago and all seems to be okay - we are going for a final appointment with the Paediatrician on the 29th June!
Sorry it was so long - but I wanted to share my amazing journey!