Emma Diane Wassel: A Birth Story

If you have read my previous post, you'll notice that Sunday, February 12, was my induction day ... things started out a little different but the end results are the same.

1 A.M. Sunday: my first labor contraction started. Mom was right - you'll know when you're in labor. Immediately, I knew that this was the real deal. I tried to quietly breathe through it in bed, trying not to wake Greg up but he woke up, knowing it was time. From the beginning, contractions were 5 minutes apart. We waited until 2:30 A.M. to call the doctor;  for the 1.5 hours, Greg was holding me during each contraction, helping me breathe through each one. The doctor asked me if I was sure that I was in labor - I'm not an expert but I expected it was time. We headed to the hospital around 2:35; Greg was excited to drive through Athens right after the bars closed - he just knew that we were going to get pulled over since he was driving a little too fast.

3:00 A.M. We arrived at the hospital's emergency room. Even though we had preregistered online, the registrar had to chat with us a few minutes. I was calmly smiling and talking through each contraction, even though I wanted to scream. Greg and I went to the triage room in the OB wing, where the nurse said I was 5 cms dilated and 100% effaced - they decided to send me to a L&D room. The nurses at the desk were surprised that I was being admitted because I had walked past them smiling, and they thought that I wasn't in labor. They were wrong & once I was uncomfortably lying in bed, I asked when I could receive an epidural. The Anesthesiologist had already been called to the OB department and I was second in line. They also started an IV for fluids - the IV in the arm was uncomfortable the entire time.

5:30 A.M. The epidural arrived and worked wonderfully. The most painful part was the numbing shot. From my waist down, I was numb but could still feel the contractions, even though they were now painless. The RN said that it would make the pushing process easier since I knew when I was having a contraction. Contractions were still about 4 - 5 minutes apart at this point.

After receiving the epidural, it was almost boring until around 12:00 P.M. Pressure started and the grandparents were called because it was about push time! (I thought that pushing wouldn't take too long since everything was going so well, but I was wrong.)

Pushing started around 12:30 P.M. Emma's head was turned sideways, and I thought very little progress was being made. It was hard and the pressure never went away! After about an hour, the doctor came in & said that she could use the vacuum after 3 hours, but then there is a higher chance of having a c-section - this was about 1:30 P.M. Both Greg and the RN said that progress was being made, but I didn't believe them. I was getting tired & frustrated. I kept pushing during each contraction and Greg was able to see Emma's full head of hair. Around 2:30, I was ready to quit and ask for a c-section but Greg talked me through it and Emma's head turned and pushed through the pelvis. The pressure was unbearable when Emma crowned but sweet relief soon followed.

Emma was born 2:57 P.M., approximately 14 hours after my first contraction and 2.5 hours of pushing. It was exhausting but I am very proud of myself for sticking with it. A HUGE thanks to my husband, Greg, for helping me through this spectacular day!

Emma Diane Wassel, born 2.12.12, weighing 7 lbs 14 oz and 20 3/4 inches long.

40 Weeks 3 Days

This is just going to be a short recap from my doctor's visit yesterday.

I had to have a NST or fetal stress test done due to Emma being past her due date. 20 minutes after being strapped to the monitors, Emma passed with flying colors. I honestly don't know what they were looking for, but it was interesting to see her heartbeat rise with her movements.

I told the doctor that I am uncomfortable and ready, and asked if my membranes could be stripped. I was 4 cms dilated and 80 percent effaced. She stripped the membranes and thinks that I will go into labor today, Saturday. If not, she will induce me tomorrow, Sunday; however, she thinks she'll see me postpartum.

It's now Saturday afternoon and, although I've had a few contractions, I think that Sunday will be the day. Greg and I are more than ready!

39 Weeks 5 Days

How Far Along: 39 Weeks 5 Days (2 days until due date)

Size of baby:  over 20 inches long and weighs 7 pounds (a mini watermelon)

Gender: Girl - Emma

Maternity Clothes: Yes, I like to switch to pajamas or "casual wear" as soon as I get home, though, since it's much more comfortable.
Weight gain: + 20 pounds (No weight gain or loss this week.)

Movement: Emma is slowly moving around; she's running out of room!
Symptoms: less cramping. tired then bursts of energy. appetite.
Sleep: sleeping much better.
 What I miss: not too much. the end of the pregnancy quickly approaches.
Cravings: not much. increased appetite, so eating whatever's in front of me.
Best moment this week:  Good doctor's visit. Lazy weekend.
What I am looking forward to: Emma's arrival - when is it going to happen?
Doctor's appointment recap: Blood pressure: good (didn't get numbers). Urine: good. No weight gain. The cervical check was uncomfortable but found out that I am 2 cms dilated, 50 % effaced, and - 2 station. Emma still has a ways to go, and she hasn't dropped yet. The doctor did ask if I wanted to be induced, and I told him no - he mentioned the chances of c-section increases and I'm feeling pretty goodso I figured that I could wait it out another week. I did say that we can discuss induction if she hasn't arrived by this Friday's appt on 2/10. I also am having a NST, which is a fetal non-stress test, to see how well Emma is coping in utero.

The Balloon

This balloon has been around since our baby shower in early December; Greg and I have joked about it, saying that Emma's not going to arrive until it deflates. Let's hope that's not true because, while it has deflated a little, it's still floating and this Mama has about run out of patience, waiting on Emma's arrival. I'm about to encourage the deflation process along by sticking a straight pin through it ...

Greg and I have had the house prepared for weeks, waiting on our bundle of joy to arrive. Here are some pictures from around the house that has Emma's presence already in it:

Our office/workout room has turned into a play/workout room: we have the treadmill and rowing machine to the left of the door and Emma's half is on the right. The playpen, bouncer, and activity mat are in here for easy access. (The desk has now moved upstairs to a guest bedroom.) I love this set up; Greg and I are still looking for a cute toy chest, but it's not a top priority.

The living room has Emma's swing in it:

Emma's room with a few additions:

38 Weeks 6 Days

How Far Along: 38 Weeks 6 Days (1 week 1 day until due date)

Size of baby:  over 20 inches long and weighs 7 pounds (a mini watermelon)

Gender: Girl - Emma

Maternity Clothes: I've packed my hospital bag so my clothes are even more limited!
Weight gain: + 20 pounds (Yes, I lost a pound last week; must have worn lighter clothing at the weigh in.)

Movement: Emma is still constantly moving around; she's a bundle of energy.
Symptoms: more cramping (false labor per doctor), going to the restroom constantly, appetite, tired.
Sleep: sleeping okay; there are a few nights that I haven't slept well and that makes the next day miserable!
 What I miss: bending over without hurting.
Cravings: hot chocolate - it's been a bit too hot for that.
Best moment this week:  Good doctor's visit. Enjoyed being outside and doing some yardwork, although I did pay the price of picking weeks - my legs are so sore!
What I am looking forward to: A cervical check on Friday, going to Provino's this weekend to eat the eggplant parmesan, which is supposed to help jumpstart labor ... we shall see!
Doctor's appointment recap: Blood pressure: good (didn't get numbers). Urine: good. Weight gain: - 1 pounds (yay!) No cervical check this visit but the doctor said that they will do one this friday (39 weeks 2 days). The doctor that I will see this Friday is my regular OB doctor; we haven't seen him since my first appointment in June.