The beginning
Amafi’s birth story began unexpectedly in the afternoon of September 14th 2020, which was three days past my due date.
I had gone in to my OBGYN’s office (alone, due to COVID-19 restrictions) for a routine non-stress test (NST). My last NST – four days prior – was normal, as were all my NSTs from the weeks leading up to my due date (September 11th).
This time, however, my OB noted a possible “late deceleration” of baby’s heart rate following my contractions. “The fact that you aren’t feeling your contractions either,” she noted, pointing to the sloping waves on the fetal monitoring screen, “is a sign baby may not be able to tolerate the contractions when you’re actually able to feel them.”
Source: perinatology.com
We followed the NST up with an ultrasound and, sure enough, my OB noted my amniotic fluid had decreased considerably over the past four days. “We need to get this baby out,” she said. My heart dropped.
“Flirting with disaster”
Taking a step back, I had somewhat expected I would be pushed into labor. I had tested positive for gestational diabetes and, though well-controlled through diet throughout my pregnancy, my OB was still concerned that baby would be “too big” (he turned out to be 7 lbs 13oz, just slightly above average, which is 7 lbs 6 oz for boys). Given the diabetes diagnosis, I was anticipating my OB may push me to get the baby out soon after if not on my due date at 40 weeks. Luckily, I had prepared for the possibility of an induction and knew to ask my OB about the benefits, risks and alternatives (all part of the Positive Birthing Company’s B.R.A.I.N. method).
The benefit of inducing labor at this point, according to my OB, was to get baby out before anything else could go wrong. The risks were minimal, she assured me. The alternative to an induction would be to do nothing and wait, but that she highly advised against it and that doing so would require me to sign a liability risk form noting I was going against medical advice. She even went as far to say that if I chose to wait then I would be “flirting with disaster.” Oof. Not the best choice of words.
All of this had transpired in less than 30 minutes, transforming a routine NST visit into a nerve-wrecking decision that could impact the health of my baby. I knew an induction would increase the likelihood of needing a C-section and did not want to do that. Rather than panicking, however, I asked my OB if I could take a few moments and left the office for a walk. Outside, I called my doula, who asked me if I had had any water that day. I realized I hadn’t. “Drink some water, hydrate, and ask to retest to see if your amniotic fluid is still showing low. This happens all the time,” my doula said. I felt reassured and glad (for the thousandth time throughout pregnancy) that I had my doula there to empower me with evidence-based wisdom.
After consulting my doula then checking in with my husband, I decided to go into the hospital for a rescan of my amniotic fluid. Leaving my home, my mom hugged me extra tight and wished me luck. Later, she’d tell me that her mother’s intuition told her I’d be going into labor that night. Trust that mother’s intuition!
We checked into the hospital around 5:30pm that same day. We had everything packed to create a chill, comforting vibe despite being in a hospital. The nurses hooked me up to the fetal monitor and, after 30-40 minutes, my OB came in to reiterate her suggestion that I get induced immediately. I asked my OB to check my cervix again, to see if I had progressed at all. Unfortunately, I was still at 3.5 cm dilation and not feeling anything beyond light cramps.
My OB pushed me again to start the induction and I felt so torn in that moment, wanting to do what was best for baby but knowing in my gut that he would be healthy and come when ready. Ultimately, I opted to move forward with induction after deciding it was most important that baby was healthy, even if it meant pushing him out a little earlier than he wanted. Note: Be respectful, but do your research and remember it is important to understand and feel comfortable with what is being done to your body and baby.
The decision
Once I had consented to be induced, my OB gave me two options: pitocin (a synthetic oxytocin that’s administered via IV), or breaking my water bags. I went with the Pitocin at the recommendation of my MFM, who noted that breaking the water bags early could lead to further issues if my amniotic fluid was indeed low.
At that point, I called my doula and hypnobirthing coach to let them know what my husband and I had decided. My hypno coach was extremely helpful, reminding me to buy some time so I would feel comfortable and ready once the Pitocin kicked in. I had an IV inserted and proceeded to check into the delivery room where, unbeknownst to me, I would give birth less than ten hours later.