Waters were broken at about 1815, and Oscar is well on his way, but contractions aren’t very long so Caroline’s having a hard time pushing. We’re considering having a drip to make them stronger.* *
He’s pretty chilled, still 🙂
Waters have been broken
February 4th, 2012The quiet before the storm
February 4th, 2012
Caroline is still in the birthing pool and is much more tranquil. Her contractions aren’t very long, but she’ll be onto the pushing stage soon, and Oscar should be out by 1900 (but as with all of pregnancy, there’s no guarentees!)
At 6 she’ll be examined and probably start pushing. I’m very excited. Caroline is tired (after a long week of contractions and struggling to sleep). She’s doing so good 🙂
Oscar is on his way!
February 4th, 2012
Turns out Caroline is fully dilated and will be pushing soon. We were expecting to be sent home again. The midwife was very surprised to find Oscar’s head when she examined Caroline!
We’re in the delivery room and will probably start pushing at about 6.
Caroline has done so well to have gotten this far at home. She’s in the birthing pool now, enjoying floating around.
Let down by the car
February 4th, 2012The last hour has been the scariest. Caroline and Oscar are fine and hooked up to a monitor. It says Caroline is in 40% pain. And Oscar’s heart is going at 147 beats/minute.
I went to get the car and it wouldn’t start!! I think the battery is flat. Our fantastic neighbours came to our rescue and got us to the hospital.
After they’ve monitored Caroline and Oscar for a while they’ll examine Caroline and see if she’s in full on (i.e. no-going-back) labour, or if the contractions will ease off again…
Caroline is being really brave, but it’s all quite scary and unknown.
We’re going to the hospital
February 4th, 2012Contractions are about every 5 minutes, but still in her back, and not so strong she can’t talk… So still not sure that this is it!
She’ll be examined and I’ll update with the result of that.
Still no news
February 4th, 2012Caroline had contractions until 4 this morning, and has managed to get some good sleep since then. Still no sign of Oscar!
I think she’s going for the record of longest labour in history.
No news
February 3rd, 2012Caroline managed to get a few hours sleep this evening. And I watched Jeremy Clarkson and James May drive to the North Pole.
She’s having contractions again, but still irregular, so probably try and sleep again soon.
Thanks for your prayers and well-wishes.
Explanation of stages of labour
February 3rd, 2012This whole pregnancy thing is soo complicated, and explanations are soo varied. We’ve pieced together what’s happening.
This post sums it up pretty well. There are three stages to labour.
- build up
- pushing and birth
- delivering the placenta
The first stage has multiple phases (2 or 3 depending who you ask), but given how variable it all is, the distinction between the two phases of the first stage seems somewhat arbitrary.
Anyway, Caroline has been having irregular contractions for a few days, but because Oscar is a little bit back-to-back she feels the contractions in her back, rather than her front. They’ve been fairly strong since yesterday evening.
We don’t know how long it’ll be before we need to go to hospital. It could be in a few hours, or maybe I’ll be back at work on Monday and we’ll still be waiting! (Every day this week it’s been a surprise that I’m at work.)
For now, we’re gonna chill and play Lego Star Wars (in short bursts between contractions).
Labour has started! (Sort of)
February 3rd, 2012The midwife confirmed that Oscar is fine (phew! Is this what the next 18 years are going to be like?!) and tells us Caroline has entered the first phase of the first stage of labour. Her body is getting ready, and contractions are irregular. Oscar is a little bit back-to-back so that’s why she feels the pain in her back.
Caroline is trying to get rested before the next phase.
Labour yet?
February 2nd, 2012Caroline has been having twinges and progressively worse back pain for SIX days. Tonight we started to worry. By pressing my ear to Caroline’s belly, I could hear Oscar’s heartbeat. It’s strong and regular and a huge source of relief.
Tomorrow, Caroline will see the midwife to get an update on progress.
