By Tracey Boone, MD U.S.
. Delivery at 36 weeks + 4 days.
Story added: 2002-08-20

As you all know on Saturday I went to L&D with contractions. I was 1 cm dialated and 80% effaced (100% effaced before cerclage removal). They decided to give me 5mg of Brethine to stop labor and try to hold me off until 37 weeks. I went back to the doctor Monday for my regularly scheduled visit. I was then 3cm dialated and 90% effaced. The doctor told me to continue taking the Brethine, but that I would probably going into labor in the next day or so because Julie was in position. I went home and during dinner I started having contractions. I then called the doctor and he said he would meet me at the hospital. When I went to L&D they acted like they did not believe I was in labor and that my doctor was on the way. They checked me and I was 4 1/2 cm dialated and 100% effaced. They said I was in labor and they would call my doctor. DUH! I told you I was in labor. When they came back they said the doctor was already on the way. DUH! I told you that also. Once they wheeled me into the LDRP suite my contractions were 4 minutes apart. My doctor decided to break my water because they weren't real strong. By that time they were 2 minutes apart and I was 6 cm dialated. My contractions still were not that strong so they decided they wanted to give me some pitocin. I decided to get the epideral. Of course, it went one-sided and I could feel everything on my right side. Before I knew it I was 9 cm dialated and then I was pushing. I was in labor for about 3 1/2 hours and pushed for a half hour. Since she was early they checked her first and then Daddy held her first. Julie weighed 5lbs 13oz and is 18 1/2 inches long.