Austin - Birth

Austin Finley Hansford was born today, April 2, 2009 at 5:57PM at Spectrum Hospital (Dr. Werkema of West Michigan OB/GYN).
8lbs 3 oz
20.5 inches

Delivery

After the cytotex pill that I started with last night at about 11pm, I was given my first round of Pitocin at around 6am. It didn't take long for the contractions to increase (the monitor showed that I was already experiencing contractions, but not enough to be considered active labor). About every 1-2 hours, my dilation increased 1cm, from the beginning dilation of 3cm. After using a "labor ball" (similar to a large exercise ball) for about a half hour, my waters broke. Active labor, with contractions right on top of each other, started at around 4pm, at which time I received the epidural. With Brian and my mom at my side, I had a successful traditional birth with only 1 hour and 45 minutes of active labor.

Delivery

We had another doctor's appointment today and it was quite a shock to Brian and I. My blood pressure fluctuated between 155-165/90s, protein continued to show in my urinalysis, my vision was showing signs of seeing spots and my edema was at an all-time extreme. With all of these symptoms together and the fact that we had cleared the point of being term (we are 37 weeks and 3 days), the doctor decided that it is imperitive that I be induced in order to prevent the complications with preeclampsia (losing too much blood, seizures, stroke, etc).



He set the appointment for induction at Spectrum Hospital for 930pm tonight. Though we are in a state of shock, we are pretty excited that we are going to see our son soon.



The doctor said that it would be okay to eat, so I decided that my last meal would be a quesadilla from El Burrito. After dinner, we will grab all of our bags and head to the hospital where we will meet my mom and Brian's mom and dad.