After deciding that Friday (5th Jun) was the last day to report to school for work (it was school’s holidays already), Hannah decided to ‘pop’ the very next morning. What a transition from all the kicking sensation in my tummy for the last 3 months to holding a real baby, our baby, in my arms. I was tearful when Hannah was brought to my side!
My first sign of labor was called ‘show’. It was actually a release of the mucus plug that prevented germs from entering the water bag, hence protecting the baby, for the past 9 months. It was watery and bloody. After informing my gynae about it, he told me to report to the labor ward at Thomson Medical Centre.
Once at the labor ward, I felt my first contractions. They were bearable and so I thought I could go through it bravely without epidural. However, the gynae ordered for prolectin to induce the contractions. I was too dazed to think then. Wah, the next phase was simply unbearable – the contractions became fast and furious. They were coming at every 30 seconds to 1 minute. I was in such a painful state that talking or responding to others was difficult. I must have the epidural!
The anesthetist came soon enough but since I was in such pain, he had to pause and wait patiently during my contractions before he could successfully finish the entire procedure of injecting a tube into my spine to infuse the drug to numb my lower half of the body. Once the drug was in, relief came within 10 minutes. I was thanking God in my heart then, for living in this day and age of patient care.
For the next hour or so, I could close my eyes and rest throughout the contractions until my gynae arrive. My cervix was dilating real quick in the meantime. I was already 1-2 cm dilated upon admission at 10.45am. By 3.15pm, it was 8 cm. The gynae decided to start me on pushing the baby and with 2 experienced nurses assisting me and Yang feeding me with the oxygen mask, Hannah was out in no time. The gynae used forceps to assist in the delivery too.
Okies, so much for now. Need to rest a bit now :)
congratulations Ling and Yang. just in time for father’s day celebrations.
had wanted to recommend “supernatural childbirth” for your reading pleasure. had not count on Hannah popping out a week earlier than expected! :D
once the body is relax and not fighting the contractions, the dilation will proceed very quickly. good to know you had a smooth and fast delivery. rest well and wishing you a good recovery.
Hi hi. Thanks for your well wishes :D
About the book, my colleague has lent me hers. I managed to read a bit and Hannah came. :)