Thursday began like any other day, getting Desmond ready for daycare, going to work. While Anne’s blood pressure was moderately elevated earlier in the week, further test results showed all other levels within norms. Anne had a minor headache persist through the prior evening and the morning, and being one of the signs we were to keep an eye on, checked with her nurses. While the perinatologist’s office said she was likely fine, Dr. Gernhart asked her to stop by for blood pressure check. Her pressure was again elevated during this visit even after a prolonged test, so she was admitted for a what was presumably a 24-hour observation followed by bedrest for the remainder of the pregnancy.
In order for Anne to avoid some of the interventions that complicated Des’ delivery, Dr. Gernhart ultimately made the recommendation to induce. 37 weeks and six days. By mid-afternoon we had shifted into delivery plans. With Des at home with grandma, and Anne’s family joining us at the hospital, her water was broke at 5:10pm.
Anne continued to progress as the evening wained on. Lots of calm breathing, focus and back rubs. By 10:00pm the contractions were both regular and intense, so an epidermal was administered. The nurse was busy at one point when Dr. Gernhart called, so I had to answer the phone and give her the stats- 100% effaced, 0 station, 7cm. She said, “that’s what I was looking for, see you in a bit!”
Dr. Gernhart arrived at 11pm, and after a few minutes of small talk, measured and found Anne at nearly 10cm. She began pushing and we were all just so surprised how quickly we saw our little girl. The second labor really does go that much quicker. Six hours of labor and about 15 minutes of pushing later, we met our daughter, Eleanor Marie Shreffler.
With this being more of a normal birth experience, Anne was able to enjoy the moments following the delivery with increased clarity. We were so grateful as baby Eleanor rested on her stomach for over an hour before getting measurements etc.
Eleanor showing off her sense of humor pretty early 😛
Eight pounds, one ounce. 20.5″ long.
Our new little girl
