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When I found out I was pregnant, a whirlwind of questions flooded my mind. Am I ready for motherhood? Is it safe to indulge in sushi? Can I still enjoy iced tea? And what about exercise — is running allowed? Alongside these concerns, I had more specific medical inquiries: How much weight should I gain? Is my blood pressure within the normal range? What about my blood sugar levels? Yet, the question that preoccupied my thoughts the most was, “What does labor actually feel like?”
I was genuinely curious, but after hearing from doctors and other parents that I would “just know” when the time came, I stopped my internet searches. This decision led me to experience labor twice without any awareness. I was having contractions every 90 seconds without realizing it.
I can only imagine the disbelief you’re feeling: How is that even possible? Typically, contractions come with discomfort, cramping, and pressure. However, my experience was quite different. There was no pain or bloody show; my contractions were irregular and manageable. I could breathe, walk, and even run through each one.
Around 3 PM one day, I started feeling a strange sensation in my abdomen — it felt like tightness and loosening, similar to straining for a bowel movement. It might have been Braxton Hicks contractions, I thought, so I dismissed it. I went for a run, enjoyed dinner with buffalo wings and fries, and then headed to the movies with my husband. Just before the trailers, I experienced a small fluid leak and was advised by my doctor to go to the hospital. To my surprise, I was informed that I was in labor at 4 cm dilated, and I was swiftly moved to the delivery ward.
The next several hours were calm. I watched the contraction monitor move consistently but felt nothing. I walked the halls, played video games with my husband, and nurses frequently checked on me. “You don’t feel that?” they asked, clearly puzzled by my lack of sensation.
Eventually, after stalling in progress, my doctor and I decided to intervene with pitocin. That was when the sensation changed dramatically. The painless contractions I had experienced transformed into intense pressure. I felt like someone was hammering my spine. Now, this was the kind of labor pain I had been expecting.
From that point on, my labor followed the typical course. I focused on my breathing and cursed my husband quietly. I quickly abandoned my “natural birthing” plan and opted for an epidural as I progressed from 6 cm to 9 cm. Before I knew it, it was time to push, and after 36 hours of labor, I welcomed a beautiful and healthy baby girl into the world.
Now, regarding my earlier mention of experiencing phantom labor twice — the same thing happened with my son five years later. I had contractions for a full day before I even realized they were consistent and close together.
While many people will experience “normal” labor with typical contractions, it’s essential to listen to your body. If something feels off during your pregnancy, it’s always wise to check in with your healthcare provider. Labor can be unpredictable, and it doesn’t always align with what you see in movies.
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Search Queries:
- What are the signs of labor?
- How to manage labor pain?
- What to expect during contractions?
- Tips for a smooth delivery?
- Understanding Braxton Hicks contractions
In summary, my experiences of unknowingly being in labor twice serve as a reminder that each pregnancy journey is unique. It’s crucial to trust your instincts and seek medical advice when something feels off.