Pregnancy and Labour

Well, where do I start? I always knew giving birth was going to hurt but I honestly didn’t anticipate what happened!

All labours are different. Each woman has different circumstances. Me? Well, I have a condition called Spina Bifida Occulta. Usually this causes no pain and only 5 percent of the population has this condition (according to a specialist), but I feel very unlucky now. We discussed pregnancy and labour and how my condition would affect it. We knew the pain would get worse due to the additional weight my back had to carry, only at this point I cannot control it with painkillers. I got on with it, plenty of rest, nothing too strenuous.

I found out my baby was a girl. I was over the moon to be having a daughter. They checked her for my condition and it seems as though I haven’t passed it on to her—great news! Then for some reason, I was passed on to a consultant with no information as to why. I was frightened, worried about what they were going to tell me. Is my baby okay? The waiting was horrible. I’ve never been so terrified in my life! My name was called; it felt like the longest walk to the consultant's room. All was fine, I was told—she was just weighing ahead of her age! With my back condition, could natural labour be impossible? I wanted my baby to arrive in this world in a calm environment naturally!

Fast forward a few weeks, I met with a back specialist again. We discussed labour in depth and he agreed that natural labour is a possibility. However, I was only to push for 6 hours max! That’s fine, I thought, how long could it possibly take to push a child out? Oh, how naive was I!

37 weeks and 2 days, I had a growth scan! My daughter was still weighing big! An estimate of 8lb 2oz to be exact. The doctor suggested to give me a "sweep" the next day to try to get things going to deliver as she was so big for my little height and build, creating a risk of getting stuck.

The next day, I was sat waiting for the sweep. How bad could it be? I was about to face labour! WORST EXPERIENCE EVER! So uncomfortable and awkward. It didn’t even work! However, I did lose my "plug" so things must happen soon, right?

38 weeks and 1 day, it was time to have my water broken and be induced via the hormone drip! 4 hours into labour, 3cm dialated, I was not being allowed to eat, only being allowed to drink water! It felt like I was constantly having a wee—my waters didn’t stop! I was having gas and air for the pain but it wasn’t helping. The midwife gave me diamorphine which was great! I felt like I was on cloud 9, had a little nap. I was woken with the urge to push! So it all started here; 5 hours into labour! I tried to stay calm but gosh did it hurt! 19 hours later, an epidural and a lot more gas and air, I was exhausted, drained. Through all the pain relief and the energy I had put in throughout the hours, it became clear to the doctor, midwives, and the pain specialist on hand that I couldn’t do it anymore! My back was in the most pain I’ve ever experienced in all my life. My heart rate was rising. My daughter's was dropping. It was time for the dreaded emergency cesarean.

I’d signed my consent form, and slept on the way to the theatre, where I was woken to sit up for the spinal block before the procedure could start. Luckil,y my mother was by my side. As soon as I sat up, I screamed in agony. My baby’s head was so close to entering the world, my back was hurting. She cuddled me and held me tight as they put the sharp needle into my back. The liquid sent a cold sensation into my back. I laid down and instantly fell asleep. They tried to bring my daughter into the world via forceps and suction cup, but it was no use. She was just too big! They had to push her back into my stomach before making the incision; I’ll spare you the gory details!

My mother woke me as my daughter was brought to safety.

Welcome to the world Ariya. 08/01/2018. 12:11 PM. 8lbs 11.5oz.