Dear ladies,
As you might recall, I had pre-term labor at week 31, and I was on hospitalisation leave to rest at home. I had finally delivered my bb at full term week 37. 2nd pregnancy is very different from the 1st one whereby I had all the time in the world to rest, and to be selective with the food I ate. For 2nd pregnancy, I was often tired physically, and to my surprise, I had pre-term labor at week 31, although I didn't feel the early contractions. Doctors were not able to explain why I had pre-term labor, all the lab test turned out ok. Anyway, it was over. I'd like to share my birth story, it is very brief, but too much excitement for me!
19th Jun morning - went for weekly review, was 36.5 weeks and VE, I was already 3 cm dilated. Gynae recommended to hang in there for a few more days, continue to lie in bed as much as I can, minimal walking as the force of gravity could soften the cervic further and dilation could progress faster. Continue with Adalat, which control contraction.
For my case, since it's 2nd birth and I was already 3cm dilated, once active labor begins, it might progress very very very quickly. At 36.5 weeks, bb was about 2.8kg, which wasn't very big and likely to be easy to push. So it would be a risk to wait for symtoms to appear while at home, coz' likelihood of me not getting to hospital on time was high. Recommended, we checked in early, if my waterbag doesn't break, she could break it for me, and we control the birth situation.
23rd June Wednesday 7am, exactly 37 weeks, bb of full term, we checked in to KKH delivery suite. Things were very organised. I changed into the labor dress, nicely strapped up in bed. Baby heart beat was good, contraction was not yet regular.
8am - Gynae came in and asked if I want epidural. My threshold for pain had always been very low, and I said "yes, please." Did VE, 4 cm dilated. Wow, I can't believe how it happen! Contraction doesn't have to be painful, and it still could cause dilation. Gynae broke the water bag, ordered oxytocin and said, "if you are fast, we can start pushing at noon or slightly after-noon."
8.30 am to 9am, epidural was administered, at very very low dose. Was educated to press this little button if the pain increase, the computerised system will slowly increase the dose within the 15 minutes span. Contraction on CTG looks regular and quite close now. I was still looking neat and composed, no pain !
9.15am - the pain came in suddenly, it was very intense. Ouch, the whole tummy was painful and the back too. The pain came, lasted awhile, reached a peak, went off but came back very soon, almost like at a mere count of 3.
9.20am - hubby said, why not press this little button to increase dosage of epidural. Ok ok, pressed, heard the little whistle, but the pain release was not instant.
9.25am -
me: nurse nurse, is this computer working?
Hubby chip in: nurse nurse, can use the gas?
9.25am to 9.30am - used the gas, pain still intense, VE 6cm madam. Huh 6cm?
9.35am -
Me: OUCHHHH, this gas also seems useless, nurse.
Did another VE,
Nurse: "Oh, you can try to shit now."
Me: Huh, shit? I don't want to shit.
Nurse: It's the same type of sensation, you can push now.
Me in great disbelief: huh, sure or not? Fully dilated liao?
Pushed with guideance from Midwife and nurse. After 2 pushes, midwife said ok stop, can see bb's head, Nurse called the gynae. Gynae on the way up to labor ward. She was here in a flash.
Gynae and midwife: take a deep breath and push.
9.46am - bb was born, 2,9 kg at birth.
So, if I did not follow gynae's recommendation to check in early, I should be delivering at home !