I laboured for two weeks

Regina Apiny, mother to baby Reign Mwenda shared her labour and delivery experience with Pregnant’s staff writer.

I started feeling the labour contractions two weeks before my due date, which was the 26th of June. I was patient until I got the real labour contractions. By then. I had taken leave from work so as to rest. The genuine contractions came two days before my due date. I woke up at about 10am and sat down to have breakfast. While at it. I experienced nausea and period like cramps, like I was having my menses. I felt a need to rest but I sat still till I finished my breakfast.

My water bursted, letting out like a period.

My labour pains felt like a stomach upset so I went and visited the washroom. I felt my water burst, letting out like a period. That was enough to confirm that I was about to have my baby. I informed my husband immediately and he suggested that we go to the hospital. But I was still undecided, wanting to hold on until the pains came at regular intervals of at least five minutes. Then I made up my mind to head to the hospital, where I was admitted on arrival at about 2pm.

I was expected to give birth by 10pm. At 8pm, my pelvis had opened but the baby’s head was still high up and had not descended: the doctor suggested we be patient. But two hours later, with the contractions still on and the baby not crowning, the doctor ordered that I be prepared for theatre fast. I truly did not want a C-Section but still, I wanted my baby safely delivered.

I felt the sharp blade cut through my womb

The surgery was done quickly because the doctor felt that it could get risky if there was further delay. The anaesthesia had not taken effect before I felt the sharp blade cut through my womb. Despite the sharp pain though. I was thankful that my baby was being saved.

It turned out that, despite having an uneventful pregnancy. I had fibroids. These growths were blocking the baby from making its exit, thus the need for an urgent operation. The fibroids were never detected during the ultrasound scans I had carried out while I was expectant.

In a few minutes time, the baby was out. letting out a healthy cry. I heard the doctor pray in a loud voice, thanking God that he had saved both the baby and I. Intrigued. I asked him whether surgeons also believe in God and not entirely relying on their science. He revealed that all along he had been anxious, and that he was grateful for the successful operation. Meanwhile baby Asea Reign Mwenda was in the nursery as I recovered from the anaesthesia which had finally taken effect.

END: PG25/39