Disregarding My OB Could Have Ended in Tragedy for Me and My Baby

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My initial pregnancy was nothing short of a whirlwind. From IVF treatments to twins, a first trimester scare with a blood clot, and ultimately an emergency C-section five weeks early, it was a rollercoaster ride. Thankfully, we all emerged healthy, but it wasn’t the serene experience I had envisioned. Despite everything I went through, including the subchorionic hematoma and the challenges of carrying twins, I had my heart set on a natural delivery—no epidural, no medication—just me embracing the magic of childbirth. When I had to have an emergency C-section, I was crushed.

Fast forward less than two years later, my husband and I were overjoyed to discover we were pregnant again. I was convinced that the complications from my first pregnancy were solely due to the fertility treatments and the twins, and that this time would be different. With just one baby to focus on, I felt confident about pursuing a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). I found a supportive team of doulas and communicated my desire for a natural delivery to my new OB, who didn’t specialize in multiples. Everyone was on board, and my confidence soared.

However, things started to take a turn during my second trimester. I became severely anemic, losing weight faster than the baby was growing. My skin took on a yellowish tint, and I felt utterly drained and weak while juggling the demands of twin toddlers. My OB began suggesting a C-section, but I wouldn’t hear of it. My resolve to have a VBAC was unwavering.

As my due date approached, my doulas and I managed to get my anemia under control, and I began gaining enough weight to feel stronger. I thought I was finally on track for my dream delivery.

When my due date came and went without a single contraction, I wasn’t concerned. My doulas reassured me that my cervix was untested, and it was normal to go past my due date. But my OB had his doubts. He informed me that the baby was in a breech position and suggested we schedule a C-section.

“Can you give me the weekend?” I pleaded. “If I can get the baby to flip over the weekend, can we wait for natural labor? If she’s still breech on Monday, I’ll schedule the C-section.” He reluctantly agreed.

That weekend, I spent hours hanging upside down off the bed, playing music, and shining a flashlight at my belly—believe it or not, this is supposed to help flip the baby! I even tried gently nudging her. By Monday, she was head down, but my doctor wasn’t entirely convinced.

“It’s unusual for your uterus to be this flexible. Your muscle tone is quite poor. Honestly, I don’t think you’ll avoid another C-section,” he said.

“Is the baby in any immediate danger?”

“No,” he replied.

“What about me?”

“Not yet,” he said.

“Then I’ll keep waiting. Just give me a few more days.”

He agreed. Every two days, I returned to his office, my cervix unyielding, the baby shifting positions with no contractions in sight. My doulas gently suggested that perhaps another C-section wouldn’t be the worst outcome, but I ignored their advice. I tried various methods to induce labor, including eating pineapple and spicy foods, even spending a day on nothing but fudge—though I didn’t truly believe it would help. I eventually convinced my husband to give acupressure a try.

That did the trick! Within hours, I began experiencing contractions that felt anything but normal. The pain was concentrated around my old C-section scar. As the night progressed, the pain intensified, and by midnight, I knew it was time to head to the hospital.

Upon examination, the doctor explained I wasn’t having regular contractions—my uterus was tearing along the old C-section scar, and my baby was trying to exit my body in a way that could have been catastrophic. They rushed me in for another emergency C-section.

I was fortunate; had I waited until morning, I likely would have succumbed to internal bleeding. After five grueling hours of pain, even with an epidural, I finally held my beautiful baby girl in my arms.

The recovery was brutal. It took days before I could lift my legs, and even after being released from the hospital, climbing the stairs to our third-floor condo was a struggle. By insisting on the delivery I wanted, I could have put both our lives at risk.

What truly matters isn’t how you give birth, but that you and your family are healthy and can go home together. It’s crucial to listen to your medical professionals. Letting pride or your ideal vision cloud your judgment can have dire consequences. A perfect delivery isn’t worth risking your life.

If you’re interested in learning more about the journey of home insemination, you might find this resource helpful. For more information on artificial insemination, check out this site, as they are an authority on the subject. And if you’re looking for pregnancy information, the CDC has an excellent resource here.

In summary, always prioritize health and well-being over the idealized vision of childbirth. Listen to your healthcare team, as their guidance is crucial in navigating the complexities of pregnancy and delivery.