The day my son came into the world

5am

I woke up with a sudden urge to pee. Before I could get out of bed, I felt a warm trickle gush out of me. I should have been doing those Kegels more diligently.

I called the labour and delivery hotline and told them either my water broke or I just peed in my pants. They advised me to put on a pad and see if it gets soaked within an hour.

I went back to sleep and wake up five hours later. My pad is still fairly dry, except every time I go to the bathroom, I see tinges of blood coming out.

I called​ the hotline again. They told me to come in for an exam.

We packed our overnight bags for the hospital just in case.

12pm

We arrived​ at the hospital and it's confirmed that my water broke. Fluid was now coming out of me at a regular flow. They're admitting us to the hospital.

The triage nurse came to collect information for my hospital admission. I felt the tears coming as I answered the questions. I'd be seeing my baby possibly today, two days into week 38 of my pregnancy.

Due to testing positive for group B streptococcus, I knew in advance that I'd be getting intravenous antibiotics during labour. That doesn't deter my resolve for a natural birth.

They strapped​ an external fetal heartbeat and a contraction monitor on my belly and started the IV line.

Shortly after that, I developed fever and chills. My body was shivering and I felt weak.

The doctor explained that I likely have an infection from the ruptured amniotic sac. They needed to introduce a second antibiotic. They also advised that we induce labour as soon as my condition is stabilized to minimize the infection affecting the baby.

5pm

We were transferred to the labour and delivery room. They started giving me pitocin to induce labor.  A few minutes into it, I start feeling minor contractions. Then the contractions got more intense and closer together. Each time a contraction comes, I would curl up into a ball, rock myself, concentrate on my breathing, and repeat to myself "I can do  this". I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Hubby was a great labour coach and support, applying pressure on my back, whispering encouraging words in my ear.

We also had a wonderful nurse, Veronica, who did everything she could to ease my pain without offering drugs.

Three hours later, the contractions were getting so painful. I asked how much longer before we go into active labor. I think I might want that epidural.

The OB/gyn came and did a cervical exam. I was 5 cm dilated. That was faster than they expected. Not much longer now. I decided to push through without intervention.

8:30pm

Our nurse Veronica noticed how each time I'd get a contraction the baby's heart rate would drop. At first she thought the monitor was coming loose every time my body seized up from the pain. She tried securing the monitor, holding it in place. Same result.

The OB/gyn came and put in an internal fetal heart rate monitor to get more accurate readings. Baby's heart rate was dropping from 150 bpm to 60 bpm every time I got a contraction. By this time I was 10 cm dilated but the baby's station was not low enough.

Suddenly there were about a dozen people in the room. I got a shot of something which would slow down the contractions. They wanted to see how the baby would react to that.

I was transferred to a stretcher. They moved me to the OR in case an emergency C section was needed. I looked around for hubby and he was no longer by my bedside. They told me he was gowning up for the OR.

Lots of activity in the OR. I was in so much pain I think my brain just shut off. Someone was whispering a whole load of information in my ear. Baby is in distress and is not getting enough oxygen. We can't wait too much longer.  Do we have your consent to proceed with the C section? Do you consent to getting a blood transfusion if it is needed to save your life? Do you consent to getting a spinal, possible side effects...?

"Where is my husband? Could you discuss this with him?"

"We already informed him of the situation. He's getting dressed to come in."

Okay. Yes.

Without wasting any time, the anesthesiologist worked on inserting the spinal on my back. She explained that I will still feel pressure even though my pain receptors are blocked.

They started the procedure. I felt a few pinches, then a sharp edge slice across my belly, then some strong tugging, pulling at my insides.

I cried out to the doctors that I can still feel things. They said I'm just feeling pressure and kept working anyway. I gripped the hands that were holding mine. A male voice, not my husband's, tried to calm me down.

A few minutes later, I heard a cry. It didn't register what just happened. I just closed my eyes, relieved that it was over.

Later I see my husband beside me holding our beautiful son. They asked if I wanted to hold him.

Yes I would like that.