When and how did you find out you were pregnant?
I use the Flo app to track my cycle. When the app notified me that I was 17 days late, I figured I was pregnant. I did not experience any symptoms that would lead me to believe I was pregnant. My husband jokingly said I was using the app incorrectly.
How many pregnancy tests did you take?
After convincing my husband that the app was correct, he raced to the pharmacy and picked up three pregnancy tests: two standard tests and one digital. I went to the restroom alone and took the first test. The test was positive, but the lines were faint. I shared the results with my husband, and his response was, “I can’t see it!” So, I took another one, positive, again. We thanked God for our blessing and saved the last test for the following morning since HCG levels are higher in the morning. The next day came, and I took the third test. NEGATIVE. I was devastated because, just those few hours, I prepared myself mentally to be a mom. However, I was in disbelief. I decided to schedule an appointment with my doctor to confirm that I was pregnant. I had my blood drawn and learned that I was eight weeks pregnant!
Were there any signs before finding out you were pregnant?
No, I did not experience any signs before finding out. I didn’t experience any morning sickness, increased appetite, or any of the usual symptoms.
Who was the first person you told about your pregnancy?
My husband. We decided to keep the news between us until after the second trimester. When I was in my second trimester, we visited Texas to give our family the news in person. First, we told my mom by giving her an envelope with my ultrasound photos. It was funny because I handed her the envelope and she just placed it aside. I had to force her to open it. Then we surprised my in-laws with the news as an anniversary gift.
What did you want the gender of your baby to be?
I wanted the gender to be a boy, and God blessed us with a boy!
What was the worst experience during pregnancy?
The worst experience during my pregnancy was being diagnosed with a short cervix. As a result of having a short cervix, I had to take progesterone throughout my entire pregnancy. One would think that taking a pill once a day isn’t so bad, but the progesterone had to be inserted vaginally and caused a discharge after insertion.
How much weight did you gain?
Initially, I lost 10 pounds and later gained 15 lbs.
When was your expected due date, and when did you give birth?
My son’s due date was August 16th. However, I was hoping that he would be born on August 21st, my uncle’s birthday. The 16th came and went! He was born four days after the expected due date on August 20th.
Walk us through the day your water broke or the birthing process?
Interestingly, my water didn’t break until I was 9 centimeters dilated while a nurse was doing a cervix check.
I started having contractions at about 7:30 pm on August 19th. I timed the contractions, and when they were 4 minutes apart, I texted my doctor, and she instructed me to head to the hospital. I arrived at the hospital and was roomed immediately at about 8:30 pm. The nurse performed a cervix check and discovered I was only two centimeters dilated! I was told if I wasn’t four days past my due date, I would have been sent home. The nurse encouraged me to get some rest and try to sleep. I was in and out of sleep as the contractions came and went. The following morning, as the contractions intensified, I was ready to explore all non-medicated options to cope with the pain. My nurse recommended that I start laboring in the shower. Initially, I was standing in the shower, and as the contractions intensified, it brought me to my knees! Although being in the shower didn’t completely alleviate the pain, it made it more bearable. As the water ran down my back, my husband held my hands and encouraged me to stick with my plan. The nurses saw how much pain I was in and would occasionally suggest that I get an epidural, but I was determined. From the shower, I moved to the tub. The tub was a bit more soothing than the shower. There I was able to relax and deal with the contractions more. After being in the tub for a while, I felt like I was ready to push. However, the amniotic sac was still intact. The nurse moved me back to the bed to do one last cervix check. As she was checking me, MY WATER BROKE all over her arm! Suddenly I felt some relief! That was followed by good news. I was 9 centimeters dilated! It was almost time to push, and I was ready. The nurses called my doctor to give her an update on my progress. My doctor was in labor and delivery with another patient, and when she was done there, the doctor raced to my room right in time for me to start pushing. I pushed for about twenty minutes. I pushed so hard that a blood vessel ruptured in my eye. After 19 hours of labor, Alas, all the pushing, screaming, and crying, my baby was born at 3:47 pm!
Did you get an epidural?
No, I did not get an epidural. Growing up, I always said I wanted to have a natural birth as I desired to experience all the physical intensity that comes with childbirth. So, I did not get an epidural. Although the nurses asked me several times if I wanted one, I never give in.
Do you remember your first words to your baby?
I told him, “Aww, I love you!”
Did you have any health complications during or after childbirth?
Yes, everything was going perfectly until after the placenta passed. My doctor’s attitude quickly shifted from excitement to concerned when she noticed that I was hemorrhaging. My sister was recording the birthing process, and when she saw how much I was bleeding, she was in such disbelief that she asked the doctor if it was normal. It wasn’t! My doctor had to act fast to stop the bleeding. To do so, she inserted an internal packing. My doctor handled the situation so well that I did not realize I was in a life-or-death situation.
What’s the best thing you enjoy about being a mom?
The best thing I enjoy about being a mom is watching my son grow and learn right before my eyes. Every day I have the opportunity to experience the joy in his eye.
What has been the most challenging part of being a mom?
The most challenging part is being constantly concerned if I’m parenting correctly. You only have one chance to get it right.
Anything outrageous happened at the hospital?
No. I gave birth at a small hospital. It may sound strange, but I felt like royalty while there.
Any do-overs or regrets:
With my birth plan in mind, I do not have any regrets or do-overs. Things went just as I wanted them to.
Any takeaway or advice?
I would advise future mothers to have a birthing plan; however, you may have to deviate from it for the sake of yourself and your child. Also, discuss what you expect from your doctor and nurse before going into labor. Make sure everyone is on the same page. Do not leave it up to the hospital to create the experience you want.
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