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During my pregnancy with my son, I envisioned a perfect birth plan. I imagined myself walking into the hospital at 39 weeks, dressed in a stylish yet comfortable outfit, sporting freshly manicured light blue nails and a full face of makeup (for the photos, of course). My mom was set to arrive two days prior to provide emotional support and take care of our dog while we were away (she couldn’t come to the hospital due to COVID restrictions).
In my ideal scenario, I would pass the time watching Harry Potter movies on my laptop while awaiting induction. My husband would be there, giving me shoulder massages and praising my strength—cue the inspirational music. I would endure contractions until they became unbearable, at which point I would receive my lifesaving epidural. Finally, I would welcome my sweet son into the world, followed by a heartwarming family hug.
Oh, how naive I was.
Have you ever heard of precipitous labor? I hadn’t, until I experienced it myself. Defined as labor lasting less than three hours, it’s exceptionally rare for first-time mothers. In my case, I went through it all in under 90 minutes. Let me take you through the chaos, minute by minute.
March 18th, 3:30 AM
I wake up, battling pregnancy insomnia. I decide to read “Sense and Sensibility” in the living room, hoping to keep my husband, Mark, asleep. Our dog accompanies me, being a great little buddy.
3:40 AM
I’m engrossed in my book when I realize I need to use the bathroom. I’ll be right back, Marianne!
3:45 AM
Well, there goes my mucus plug. Should I call the doctor? Losing it doesn’t mean I’m in labor, right? I read somewhere that it could still be days. Exciting, nonetheless! Baby Jay could be on his way. happy dance
3:46 AM
I’m feeling tired; maybe I should lie down and tell Mark about the mucus plug. He’ll be thrilled.
3:50 AM
As I settle back in bed, I suddenly feel a jolt inside me. Did the baby drop? This can’t be normal. Cue mild cramps.
3:51 AM
MARK, WAKE UP! I think I’m in labor. I call the doctor, thinking there’s still plenty of time since first labors usually last around eight hours.
3:55 AM
SEVERE CRAMP Mark, hurry and get the car ready! The nurse said the doctor would call back in 40 minutes. Maybe we should head out early, just in case.
4:00 AM
We’re in the car. Mark is cracking awful jokes that aren’t helping my pain. How dare he try to make me laugh? More painful cramps.
4:35 AM
We finally arrive at the hospital. I tell Mark I can’t walk from the parking garage, so we should park up front. I stumble out of the car, pressing my face against the hospital door, desperately trying to get in.
4:45 AM
Somehow, I’m in a wheelchair. I have no recollection of how I got there. My water breaks as Mark talks to a receptionist. I’m wet! I need the epidural! I shout at the receptionist, who looks like she’s having a tough day.
4:50 AM
I’m in a room now. Mark is trying to get me into a gown, but I’m in too much pain to cooperate. I dash to the bathroom—am I going to vomit? Nope, just some unfortunate diarrhea. Mark is still trying to help with the gown and…oh my gosh, he’s actually wiping my backside. Just leave me alone!
4:55 AM
Finally, the doctor arrives. I NEED DRUGS! Where is the epidural? I’m pleading and screaming. They check my progress, and it turns out I’m already 7 centimeters dilated.
5:00 AM
I’m wheeled into another room, begging the nurse to find the epidural guy. I’m sweating and panicking; I see blood everywhere. My IV fell out, and I’m clinging to the nurse, crying for relief.
5:05 AM
The epidural guy arrives, but as he explains the procedure, I start feeling the urge to push. I deny it, insisting I need the epidural.
5:06 AM
The nurse isn’t buying my denial. She pushes me back against the bed and calls for the doctor. No time for the epidural!
5:09 AM
Mark returns to my side, holding my hand as I feel fiery contractions. After just two pushes, my beautiful baby is born.
And yes, he was worth every second of that chaos. However, I’ve never been one for natural childbirth. Since I was 16, I’ve always promised myself I’d take all the pain relief I could get. I firmly believe every mother should have the right to choose how they bring life into the world.
Yet, my experience left me unprepared for the reality that I might not always have a choice. Labor is a natural process that doesn’t wait for anyone or anything. It just happens.
So when people ask if I plan on having another child, I can’t help but make this face…
Summary
The author recounts her unexpectedly rapid and chaotic labor experience, contrasting it with her carefully planned birth. Despite her desire for a medicated birth, she faced precipitous labor, which forced her into an unplanned natural delivery. The narrative highlights the unpredictability of childbirth and the importance of understanding that labor doesn’t always go as planned.
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Keyphrase: precipitous labor experience
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