Friday evening, 38+4, my irregular contractions started coming a little closer together. I thought that it was more prodromal labor, which I had been having for two days. I went to bed and tried to sleep- in retrospect, that was early labor, but I truly did not think so.
I couldn't sleep from 11pm till 1am, as the contractions were just enough to wake me each time. I didn't time anything, since I didn't think it was real. Around 1 o'clock, I decided to try the tub. By 2am, things were really painful and I realized this was the real deal, so we called my MIL to come over and watch my DD. She got to the house at 3- I was really hurting by then, contractions were coming so close together.
We made it to the hospital at 3:30 and I felt pushy- I also felt more pain than anything I've ever felt before. When we got into L&D, the only way I could make it thru a contraction was by pushing against it. I was 9cm on exam at 3:40am, and Claire was born in 1 contraction at 3:48am. She just flew out- maybe the fetal ejection reflex was partially in play? They also only ruptured the membranes in the instant before she came. I didn't even feel myself pushing at that point. 2nd degree tear, although I honestly don't even feel it, 2 days postpartum.
If there had been daytime traffic, we would have had a car baby.
So, I had a completely natural birth, even though I had no strong feelings againt pain relief. 8lbs, 7oz, 21.5". At least I know I can do it now.
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