so after a slow build up with irregular contractions, show, waters breaking etc, finally went back to hospital on Saturday evening - after mowing the lawn!
Didn't want another false alarm so didn't call until contractions getting painful and close together.
8pm - Arrived at labour ward and examined. Only 1-2cm dilated, cervix still thick, lots of contractions - talked of me going home - nearly fainted!
8.45pm - Examined again. Cervix completely thinned and 3 cm but stretchy. Contractions every 2 mins. Told baby was back to back and to be prepared for pain!
9.15pm - asked for pain relief - given Paracetamol! Told could go to delivery room once floor mopped. Cleaners didn't arrive, was nearly writhing around off the bed when MW said she'd go and mop floor herself! Doctor arrived, put in cannula (as previous c/s), started full blown conversation about why i hadn't been to clinic, couldn't answer, wanted to punch him.
10pm - Finally in delivery suite on bed, gas and air being set up - examined 8.5 cm, could stretch to 10 cm. Baby facing upwards and CTG baseline worrying so Registrar called, said everything was okay for now.
Times are a bit hazy now but I asked for Pethidine, was told it was too late as baby would be born in an hour. But then baby didn't progress down the birth canal very quickly as was facing the wrong way and heart beat began dropping so was put on a drip. Pain immediately intensifies and Registrar called back. She told me I had 20 minutes to get the baby out myself or she'd have to get the forceps. Grabbed the gas and air, told DH to get cold water on my head and literally bore down for all I was worth. Registar told me to forget the gas and air, and put my all into getting the baby out. She got stirrups out, they talked me through each contraction, made me do three long pushes with each one, then pause, pant etc, i did exactly as I was told as I was SO terrified! I made some very wild animal like noises, grabbed DH and the MW and literally pulled them into each contraction with me! Registrar was turning babies head at the same time and at 0053 on Sunday morning, my gorgeous little girl was born
She is 8lb 2oz but was very shocked at birth and took a while to cry. DH stood rubbing her while placenta was delivered, and she was fine. Had a second degree tear, tore up and down but was only skin so she said I could have a couple of stitches or she would leave it. I opted to leave it.
We cuddled in the hospital all night and then came home later that day.