DreamComeTrue
LIF Adolescent
Member since 1/11 541 total posts
Name:
|
My Unplanned C-Section
This was my second pregnancy. With my first, I had an uncomplicated 9 months but DS gave me some trouble when I was trying to push him out. He was head down but facing up so he was a bit stuck. After 4 hours of pushing, failed attempts to turn his head, and consistently telling my doctor I did not want a c-section, DS1 was born facing the world.
Our second pregnancy came as a surprise yet we were thrilled. We tested Dec 30, 2012 so our entire year has been dedicated to baby number 2.
Once again I was lucky to have an easy 9 months. The worst was some heartburn and a mild backache that came and went. Everything was smooth sailing until, once again, delivery.
At my 38 week appointment my OB said I was 2+ cm and 50% effaced. This has been the case for the past few weeks. She did feel the head and was sure it would be my last appointment. So, to her surprise when I showed up at our 39 week (and 3 days) appointment on August 14 at 11:00am, she was like, "still pregnant?" We were all wondering what was going on in there. The baby has always been active and my left side would constantly bulge out (it was the butt). My OB asked if I was having any contractions and I said no but I did get crampy on and off the entire day before. Nothing consistent that I could time though. So, it was it was time to check my cervix. My OB paused to take her measurement. And then what she said next shocked DH and I. "You're like...... (Pause)..... 5cm and 70%. At first I thought "wow! So, any day now?" But wait, the head isn't there..... I immediately started to panic. The thought of a c-section scared the crap out of me. I laid back so the OB can do a quick sonogram to see how the baby was positioned. Yup, that was the butt sticking out on my left. And the head on my right. I sat up crying. My OB reasoned with me and told me my options. I will go to L&D to see if I am contracting. If I am not, then they can try to turn the baby by pushing on my belly. If I am contracting or they cannot turn the baby, then it will be a c-section. If they can turn the baby then my OB will break my water and induce a vaginal birth. Either way this baby will be born today!
Today?! I was going crazy. We were prepared physically (bags packed) but certainly not mentally.
So to L&D we went. By now it was a little after 12 noon. I was hooked up to monitors and although I had a few contractions it was nothing consistent so they were going to try to turn the baby. I was hoping so bad that it would work. After 4 good attempts, there was just no way this baby was moving. So I had to face reality: C-Section.
Doctors came in to ask me questions and tell me what is to be expected. DH went home to change out of his work uniform and get the bags and camera. Thank goodness DS was in daycare for the day. We made some calls to inform our parents what was going on. Then finally around 3:45/4:00 it was time to walk into the operating room. I cried and kissed DH even though I knew he'd be in with me in a little while. The spinal was done and was not enjoyable at all. As I laid there on the table I felt the numbness. First my feet, then my legs. But then when a doctor asked if I can feel my belly and the sharp object he gently ran across I still felt it. So they sat me up quickly for another spinal and laid me back down again. My DH came into the room and the c-section had begun. I began to calm down and I remember watching the clock. I felt weird pressure especially when the baby was coming out. Then I heard the cries and they let me see DS2 for the first time. He was perfect! Next came closing me up and getting me into recovery. Finally I was able to hold our baby boy and just thankful he had a healthy delivery. Not only was his body everywhere but the cord was around his neck twice. I know my doctor did what was best for myself and the baby and although I never imagined ever having a c-section or any kind of surgery, it went well.
Recovery in the beginning was awful but I was given Percocet since the Motrin wasn't helping. We spent 3 nights in the hospital including our 4th wedding anniversary on August 15. After arriving at 11am on Weds, we went home as a family of four around 2:45pm Saturday. I am feeling much better now but it took almost 2 weeks to start feeling this good. Thank goodness for the family helping out.
So, just like his brother, he wanted to make his entrance much different than I had planned. But it goes to show that every pregnancy and birth is different. Life is full of surprises and you just need to go with the flow.
Caiden Daniel
August 14, 2013
4:39pm
7lb 4oz, 20 in.
|
