Birth experiences please

[BabyHope1]

Hi.

I should be around 39weeks. My cervix is closed and measuring 4.5 cm. Doctor is not very confident labor will start on its own.

I'm getting a bit anxious about both alternatives, natural or c-section. And not knowing which way will be, I think makes me even more nervous. I am mostly scared of the tearing. I read about perineal massage, but that looks a bit creepy to me. 🙈🙈

Could you please share how was your experience with birth? Both natural and c-section, during and after birth. I want to be ready.

Many thanks

I was 42 and had a C-section. It was the most hassle free procedure imaginable.

I went home the next day and was absolutely fine. I avoided any heavy lifting for a few days but that was about it. Recovery was easy.

I’d advise planned C-section every time.

First baby I was in the early stage of labour for days, had my waters broken in hospital, then 10 hours later give birth, I was exhausted and suffered a third degree tear. Recovery was very hard mentally.
Second baby I had an elective c section and was shocked initially at how difficult it was to move, but within a fortnight I was mostly pain free.
Both times babies have been happy and healthy.
It is impossible to tell how childbirth will go, it is a completely individual experience for everyone, and I know some people who have had very positive natural deliveries, inductions, and caesarians. However it does go please just try to remember if it feels hard in the beginning, things will improve.

My waters broke a day before due date. Contractions started a few hours after waters broke. Sixty hours of labour later and I was still only 3cm dilated. I managed with only paracetamol and tens machine for first 24 hrs until I was induced to speed things along. Then had all the pain relief including an epidural. Things still not progressing and baby’s heartbeat fluctuating so emergency c section was done. The section was calm and everyone lovely and helpful. Staff took photos and videos of it (nothing too graphic).
Had to spend three days in hospital afterwards due to DS and I both needing antibiotics after getting an infection from being in labour so long. That was the most difficult part as I was so tired and unable to sleep in the noisy bright hospital ward.

It was of course long and painful, and not at all the birth I had wanted (water birth), but I honestly loved the whole experience and it was such a special time. Just enjoy it all, take it all in, and be prepared for anything. Good luck 💐

I gave birth 5 months ago. I noticed my mucus plug slowly coming away once I hit 40 weeks. I had gestational diabetes (diet controlled only), so I had a sweep done at 40+2 ( I was around 1cm dilated, baby’s head low etc). Literally, half an hour later after I left the hospital, I was leaking blood, so so heavily. I had to get rushed back into hospital. This was around 1pm. I was hooked up to the baby heart rate and movement monitor. My actual observations were fine, and they didn’t know where the blood was coming from. But, very mild contractions started around 4pm, not too painful. Because of the unknown reasons behind the bleeding, they suggested to break my waters.

At midnight, I was 3cm dilated, and midwife broke my waters. THAT’s when it hit, I was in active labour and the real contraction pain came along. Towards the end of my dilation, they said baby’s heart rate was decreasing with each contraction. Consultant said they wanted to try instrumental delivery, if not, EMC would be required. At this point, I was 10cm dilated around 5am, and baby was ready for delivery. I was absolutely knackered. Baby’s heart rate kept dropping, so they went for an immediate EMC. I was taken to the theatre, but kept getting the overwhelming urge to push. In the meantime, they were getting the equipment and anaesthetic ready.

I told the midwife that I need to push, and she told me to then keep pushing, and I did. She then said they’re going for a vaginal delivery. I pushed and pushed, and she used a ventouse, until baby was out. I was told to push downwards with each contraction, as though I’m having a big poo, and to breathe whilst doing so. Very helpful advice. I was just screaming at first and pushing front. This happened so fast, within 5 minutes. Tbh, the pain of the contractions were all I could feel, so I didn’t feel myself tearing. I did have a third degree (3a) tear though, and an episiotomy. They then stitched me back up. It seems to be healing well, I hope.

After the birth, I had to stay a couple of nights, as I needed a blood transfusion due to low iron.
I think it’s just something to go into with an open mind, and know all your options. I asked a million questions. All in all, I am happy with how it all turned out. First time for me, so I didn’t know what to expect, but had trust that, whatever happens, will be for the best.

Good luck, and I hope it all goes well. Keep us updated x

Is this a straightforward pregnancy? I'm shocked that a doctor would tell you, at only 39 weeks, that labour won't start naturally. Your baby could have another three weeks of growing to do which is perfectly normal.

Firstly the anxiety of hearing this isn't going to help you get the good hormones flowing that are needed for labour.
Secondly of course labour will start, women aren't walking around with teenagers in their bellies.
Thirdly, things can change so quickly. I went from closed and unengaged at 41+2 to engaged and 2cm at 41+3, baby arrived spontaneously at 41+5

Some babies just need more time.

Thank you all. Really helpful to see that no matter how hard it is, afterwards it all gets better. It will be a short period of my life and totally worth it I'm sure. I just want us to be healthy.

@Originalusername89 thank you for the support. I have history of stillbirth in my family (grandma) and the dr is concerned about passing 41 weeks. On Friday I will return for them to try open a bit the cervix. And they said it could help start labor in about a week.

Unfortunately, I do have several friends that had inductions at around 42w, but didn't manage to vaginally deliver the baby, so c-section was needed.

I will go with Dr's recommendations and pray for health.

Many thanks again!

My waters broke at 37+4 on a Sunday morning with zero warning. I went into hospital and was given the option of waiting for contractions to start, or getting induced. Having had a decent night's sleep the night before and being naturally impatient, I opted for induction.

They popped a pessary in and told me it probably wouldn't work and I'd need the drip to get things moving. But DD was ready to be born! Contractions started within a couple of hours and next thing I knew I was in active labour and begging for an epidural! After some false starts, they managed to get it in and blessed relief... after that, the birth was a doddle.

I ended up getting taken to theatre for a forceps delivery and they did an episiotomy. With a single big push, DD was born. Recovery wasn't that bad.

Best of luck - you'll meet your baby soon!

With DD1 I went into labour at 39+6 and she was born on her due date. I didn't need any interventions but did have a tear. I didn't feel this happening, which was good as that thought had worried me. It was fine really. I didn't have any pain relief - the gas and air made me queasy so I stopped using it after a few puffs and I didn't particularly feel like I needed anything else.

With DD2 I was induced at 37 weeks after my waters broke at 34 weeks. I just had some internal gel which kicked things off straight away and then I didn't need anything else. She was born in about 11 hours. Again I had a tear but again didn't feel it happening. Similar story with pain relief, although when I found out I needed an induction I decided (based on things I'd read) that under no circumstances was I having the drip unless I had already had an epidural physically administered.

Both were fine. Not experiences I'd wish to repeat but equally not traumatic either.

I had emergency C-section at 37 weeks and it was very straightforward and quick. Not sure how much harder the recovery was as don't have other experience. Good luck with everything!

I had a long labour that ended in a c section as her head just wasn't fixed so although I was contracting every minute she wasn't moving down. In hindsight I should have requested/been advised to have the c section sooner in the day as by the time I was in there (around 4pm on the Monday when my contractions had started the previous Friday) my womb was very floppy and hard to get back in haha! Was all sorted and I was feeding my baby while being wheeled out of surgery to the ward, the first few days you're understandably a bit sore (definitely take peppermint pills/tea and stool softeners as that was the only thing I found painful wind/going to the toilet). But I was walking about the day after my section and by the end of the week was pretty much fine. If you're able to manage a few stiff days and not driving for a few weeks then it's a good safe option that I will be electing for with my next one 😊

I was introduced at 41 weeks. Things happened very fast: they put the gel in at 6 pm, broke my waters at midnight and contractions started right away. Ended up being on an epidural - wish I asked for it earlier ( I should of straight after breaking my waters) as the pain was unbearable and the epidural only worked for the third try.
I pushed for a little bit over two hours - no complications.
The recovery was surprising to me- they sent me home with painkillers but I didn't have to take any. No problem going to the toilet afterwards either- pain wasn't so bad, no constipation etc.
I loved the introduction part - I knew what to expect, they explained to me everything, always had a midwife near by and I could see the baby's heartbeat on the monitor though the whole time.
My suggestion is: if you go in for an introduction, ask for all the drugs they can offer!

First birth - 41+1, was only 2cm dilated at 40+5! Had a sweep at 40w which did nothing and another at 40+4 did nothing. Spontaneous labour started 41w and took over 30 hours. Dialed quickly but then stalled at the active pushing stage and was actually pushing for upwards of 2 hours all on just gas and air as they refused me a spinal "because you're doing so well without one". Waters exploded allover MW who was gearing up to manually burst them at 10cm dilation- thick with meconium. During prolonged pushing stage, I was too exhausted to continue without assistance so episiotomy and suction. Needed a couple of superficial stitches to repair the episiotomy. Baby ended up in NICU around 24hrs old because of breathing difficulty - inhaled meconium during birth which damaged one lung. Stayed in hospital for a week before discharged home. Pushed to the car in wheel chair and in agony walking to the shops about 2.5 week later still!

2nd baby: refused sweeps and examinations. From first twinge to babe in arms about 8hrs. Waters went at home, DH drove to hospital, baby was born within 15mins of arriving at the A&E drop off. No complications, a couple of puffs of gas and air, superficial tear that didn't really require a stitch but one was given just in case. 10mins of pushing. Birth happened around 9am, discharged mid afternoon - home in time to receive the supermarket delivery and to collect my eldest from nursery. Recovery very quick and was up and about within a few days.

I had a c section and it was the best thing ever. Recovery takes a bit of time but it was controlled. The risks of natural birth aren't discussed. C section isn't the easy way out though. It can take time to heal and you have to take it VERY easy.