During my pregnancy with my little one, I had a vision for my birthing experience. Picture this: I’d arrive at the hospital at 39 weeks, dressed in a chic yet comfy outfit, my nails painted a lovely light blue, and my makeup perfectly applied for those inevitable photos. My mom would come over two days before the big day to support me and watch our dog while we were away, as she couldn’t join due to COVID restrictions.
While at the hospital, I imagined watching Harry Potter movies on my laptop, with my husband giving me shoulder massages and reminding me how strong I am—cue the inspirational music. I would monitor my contractions, and when the discomfort became unbearable, I’d simply request an epidural to save the day. After welcoming my sweet baby into the world, we’d share a heartwarming family hug.
Oh, how naive I was.
Have you heard of precipitous labor? I hadn’t either until I experienced it firsthand. Defined as labor lasting under three hours, it’s quite rare for first-time moms. In my case, my labor lasted a shocking 90 minutes. Let me take you through the whirlwind of events, minute by minute.
March 18th Timeline
3:30 AM – I wake up, frustrated by pregnancy insomnia. I decide to grab my copy of “Pride and Prejudice” for some light reading without disturbing my partner, Jake. My dog, Max, follows me into the living room.
3:40 AM – Settled on the sofa, I’m engrossed in my book. Just as I think I need a break, I realize I have to use the restroom.
3:45 AM – Whoa, is that my mucus plug? Gross! Should I call the doctor? I read somewhere this might mean labor is approaching. How exciting! Baby Leo could arrive soon!
3:46 AM – Feeling a bit tired, I consider heading back to bed to share the news with Jake.
3:50 AM – As I lie down, I feel a sudden drop inside me. Did my baby just shift? What is happening? Cue mild cramping.
3:51 AM – JAKE! WAKE UP! I think I’m in labor! I call the doctor, thinking we still have plenty of time since labor typically lasts around eight hours.
3:55 AM – INTENSE CRAMP Jake, hurry, get the car! The nurse said the doctor would call back in 40 minutes. Maybe we should just go now to be safe.
4:00 AM – In the car, Jake tries to lighten the mood with jokes, but I’m in no mood for laughter. INTENSE CRAMP AFTER INTENSE CRAMP I can’t even time my contractions because my hands are shaking.
4:35 AM – We arrive at the hospital. I don’t think I can walk from the parking garage, so we park up front. I press my face against the hospital door, desperately seeking help from the security guard. Jake fumbles to find the right entrance.
4:45 AM – Somehow, I’m now in a wheelchair. I have no clue how I got here. I feel my water break while Jake talks to the receptionist about our IDs. I’m WET! I NEED AN EPIDURAL!
4:50 AM – I’m in an exam room. Jake is trying to help me change into a gown, but I’m in too much pain. I rush to the toilet, and, well, let’s just say things didn’t go as planned. Jake is still trying to assist me, even helping with cleanup.
4:55 AM – The doctor arrives. I’m frantic. WHERE IS THE EPIDURAL? I scream. The doctor smiles as the nurses prepare an IV. They check to see if my water broke, and suddenly, they confirm I’m 7 centimeters dilated.
5:00 AM – I’m moved to another room on a stretcher. I’m begging the nurse for the epidural, feeling a panic set in. My IV falls out, adding to the chaos.
5:05 AM – The epidural specialist arrives, but just as I’m about to receive it, my body starts pushing on its own. I can feel my baby coming! I insist I’m not pushing, but the nurse knows better.
5:06 AM – The nurse pushes me back against the bed, calling the doctor. No time for the epidural. It’s time to have a baby!
5:09 AM – Jake is back, holding my hand as the doctor arrives. After just one contraction and two pushes, my beautiful baby is finally here.
For the record, he was absolutely worth it. However, I’ve never considered a natural birth. Since I was a teenager, I made it clear I would opt for all available pain relief options. I firmly believe in supporting mothers in their choices for childbirth.
But the reality hit me—birth is not just a medical procedure; it’s a natural process that doesn’t wait for anyone. When the time comes, your body takes over, regardless of your plans.
So, whenever someone asks if I’ll have another child, my expression says it all…
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In summary, my experience with precipitous labor was nothing like I envisioned. It was chaotic and intense, but it ultimately led to the arrival of my precious baby. It’s a reminder that while we can plan, life often has other ideas, especially when it comes to childbirth.