As an OB/GYN, my journey into motherhood took an unexpected turn when I found myself delivering my preterm baby via C-section with insufficient anesthesia. It was a typical Friday morning until those contractions began. I had a history of them due to our daughter’s duodenal atresia, which led to an excess of amniotic fluid — a condition known as polyhydramnios. On that fateful day, however, the contractions felt different: they were both painful and regular. Despite some hesitation, my husband, Jake, rushed me to the hospital.
Arrival at the Hospital
Upon arrival, I was one centimeter dilated, very effaced, and contracting every three to four minutes. Despite attempts to halt the labor, my water broke dramatically, and I quickly progressed to eight centimeters. Panic set in as I grasped the reality of delivering my baby eight weeks early. Overwhelmed and scared, I felt like I was in a fog.
The Urgency of the Situation
Things escalated when my baby’s heart rate began to show concerning decelerations. As an OB/GYN, I recognized the urgency of the situation. The doctor suggested I start pushing, but when that didn’t yield results, we had to move to the operating room, where the resuscitation equipment for preterm infants was available. I gave it my all, but my baby’s heart rate continued to drop, leading to the decision for an emergency C-section.
The Procedure
Before the procedure began, they conducted an Allis clamp test to assess the effectiveness of the anesthesia. This involved pinching my skin to determine if I could feel it. I did, but the urgency of the situation led them to proceed anyway. I distinctly felt the incision, clutching Jake’s hand as I moaned in pain. The delivery itself was swift, lasting just over a minute, yet it felt like an eternity.
First Glimpse of My Daughter
Seeing my daughter for the first time was a bittersweet moment; she was whisked away immediately due to her prematurity. I insisted on a glimpse and was met with a tiny creature that looked like a little monster, scowling and ready to take on the world. Afterward, the anesthesiologist administered some strong pain relief, often avoided during C-sections due to potential risks for the newborn. As the medication kicked in, I started feeling woozy and the next thing I knew, I was being moved to recovery.
A Bittersweet Evening
Later that evening, my friend brought me fast food, and it was the best meal I had ever tasted after a long day of fasting. My daughter underwent surgery three days post-delivery and spent a month in the NICU, a chapter for another time. Fortunately, she is now a vibrant 12-year-old without lasting issues related to her premature birth or surgery.
Reflections on Pain and Empathy
For a long time, I questioned whether I had exaggerated my pain during that first C-section. However, my subsequent experience with a planned C-section affirmed that my previous pain was real. During that later delivery, I felt tugging but no pain, validating my earlier trauma.
Lessons Learned
Ultimately, that experience has made me a more empathetic OB/GYN. I pay close attention to my patients’ comfort levels during procedures and ensure they can see their babies immediately after delivery — a sentiment rooted in my own urgent need to connect with my child during that chaotic time. If you’re interested in more about pregnancy and birthing experiences, check out this other blog post on our site.
In summary, my experience delivering a preterm baby via C-section with inadequate anesthesia profoundly impacted both my personal and professional life. It taught me the importance of listening to patients and ensuring they feel supported during childbirth.
Keyphrase: C-section with inadequate anesthesia
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