Welcoming a new life into the world is a momentous journey, filled with anticipation and unexpected surprises. For many, the path to parenthood is characterized by a blend of excitement, nervousness, and awe-inspiring moments that leave an indelible mark. My own experience of childbirth was no different, yet it unfolded uniquely, with a mixture of calmness and unexpected ease that defied the typical narratives often associated with labor.

Incompetent Cervix or Dilating with No Contractions

In the end of my first pregnancy, what I thought were contractions turned out to be sciatic nerve pain. At times, the pain would be so severe that I had to stop walking suddenly or lean against a wall for support. If I was in the bathroom when this happened, I had to stand to manage the pain! It truly felt as though she was trying to make her way out.

Pre-Labor Progress

A few weeks before my due date, I mentioned this pain to my doctor, who decided to check my cervix. I was found to be 2 cm dilated and informed that labor could start at any time. The following week, I was at 3 cm, then 4 cm the week after, and by my appointment at 39 weeks, I was 5 cm dilated.

Doctor’s Appointment

I had a doctor’s appointment with my OB, starting with a non-stress test. They attached two bands to my stomach to monitor the baby’s heartbeat and track any contractions I experienced. I loved hearing her strong heartbeat. The doctor noted that I had some mild contractions. After that, we proceeded to see the doctor.  

He checked my cervix and was surprised to find I was dilated to 5 cm, soft, and stretched. He mentioned he was on call that night and I could either head to the hospital right away or wait until around 10 PM to get admitted.  

We decided to return later that night. Once home, I attempted to rest but found it difficult. I packed my belongings and took a shower to prepare. At 10 PM, we called the doctor to update him on how I was feeling; I had minor cramps and some heavy spotting since my appointment. He informed me he would notify the hospital about my cramping.  

At the Hospital

We drove to the hospital with my mom, parking in the ER lot and entering through the ER. The receptionist seemed hesitant to admit me, doubting I was far along enough to be in labor. Eventually, she realized I was indeed having a baby that night and let me through, but initially, she seemed skeptical.  

Once upstairs, they assigned me a room. By this time, it was around 11 PM. It took about an hour for the nurse to ask questions. She provided me with clothes to change into and mentioned, “We’ll see if you’ll stay.” I began to worry that I might be sent home since the nurses didn’t seem to think it was time yet. The nurse then checked my cervix.  

At 11:24 PM, I was found to be 6-7 cm dilated. The nurse was surprised by my dilation since it was much more than what the doctor had noted, and I was not experiencing any contractions or pain. I truly felt nothing except for some sciatic nerve pain and the sensation of the baby moving down.  

An hour later my mom informed everyone that I was still having contractions without any pain. The nurse began my IV.  The nurse told me the doctor wanted to let my body do its thing. If I hadn’t delivered in a few hours they would start the Pitocin. She said I could request an epidural if I felt uncomfortable. I expressed my desire for an epidural before it got too intense.  

Three hours from the last check, I was 7-8 cm dilated with still no pain. The nurse called for an epidural, as she anticipated that once my water broke, I would experience pain. She asked if I would regret not feeling labor pains, and I confidently said no. Meanwhile, the woman in the room next to me was screaming in pain. The nurse pointed out that we were at the same dilation, but I was unmedicated and had no pain, which surprised everyone. A nurse noticed my contractions were increasing, so she decided to check my dilation since my case was unusual. I had dilated further.  

The nurse brought in the anesthesiologist for the epidural. He assured me that the needle entering my spinal cord would hurt less than contractions. The nurse chuckled, noting that I wasn’t in any pain at all. I was shivering from the cold, but once the epidural was administered, I felt warmth and tingling in my legs. My legs felt heavy if I stayed on one side for too long. I also had a catheter inserted, so I couldn’t get up to use the bathroom. The nurse encouraged us to sleep, but I couldn’t due to the lights from the monitors. Time passed quickly.  

Two hours from the last check, I was now 9 cm dilated, and my water broke. The nurse later explained that my water had broken high, so they needed to break it lower. They placed a pillow between my legs, which I didn’t like, as I felt it stalled my contractions due to lying down. It also made my legs feel heavy and difficult to move.  They now started the Pitocin.  I was incredibly hungry and tired, longing for solid food, but I could only have ice chips. I kept sucking on those to stave off my hunger.  

After a few hours they called the doctor in and 15 minutes after he arrived she was born!