As an OB/GYN, my journey to motherhood was anything but ordinary. I faced the unexpected challenge of delivering my preterm daughter via C-section, and the experience was marked by inadequate anesthesia, leaving a lasting impression on me both personally and professionally.
The Beginning of Labor
It was a seemingly typical Friday morning when the contractions began. Having had a previous pregnancy complicated by my daughter’s rare intestinal malformation known as duodenal atresia, I was no stranger to contractions. This condition had led to an excess of amniotic fluid, a situation referred to as polyhydramnios. However, when I hit the 32-week mark, the contractions intensified, becoming both painful and consistent. After some hesitation, my husband, Mark, rushed me to the hospital.
Arriving at the Hospital
Upon arrival, I was found to be one centimeter dilated and experiencing contractions every three to four minutes. Despite various interventions, my labor continued to progress, and soon my water broke dramatically. As I reached eight centimeters dilation, the reality of my early delivery began to sink in, filling me with fear and confusion.
The Shift to the Operating Room
Shortly after my water broke, I noticed concerning decelerations in my baby’s heart rate. As a physician, I understood the implications of what I was hearing. The attending doctor recommended I attempt pushing, but as my baby struggled to descend, we swiftly shifted to the operating room, where immediate access to neonatal resuscitation equipment was available.
Inadequate Anesthesia
Before the C-section commenced, standard procedure involved an Allis clamp test to ensure effective anesthesia. Unfortunately, I felt the pinch during the test, an indication that the anesthesia was insufficient. Despite my pleas for them to wait, time was of the essence due to my baby’s distress. The moment the incision was made, I clutched Mark’s hand, experiencing every painful second.
The Delivery
The delivery itself was swift; my daughter arrived in just over a minute. Although I knew she would be taken away due to her prematurity, I insisted on seeing her first. When they held her up for me to glimpse, she looked like a tiny warrior, her face scrunched as if declaring her arrival to the world.
Recovery and Reflection
Afterward, the anesthesiologist administered what I fondly refer to as “happy drugs.” These powerful medications are typically avoided in C-sections because they can impact breathing in newborns. However, in my case, they provided much-needed relief. I soon found myself in the recovery room, where one of my closest friends brought me fast food—a much-anticipated treat after a long day. That first bite of chicken was heavenly.
My hospital stay was largely uneventful. My daughter underwent surgery three days post-delivery and spent a month in the NICU, but she has since thrived, growing into a vibrant 12-year-old without lasting complications from her premature birth or surgery.
Validation of My Experience
For a long time, I questioned my experience, wondering if I had exaggerated the pain of my C-section. When I had a repeat C-section for my second daughter, the stark contrast was evident. I realized that the pain I had felt during my first procedure was real, validating my experience and reinforcing the importance of addressing patient comfort.
Empathy as a Physician
The trauma of my first C-section ignited a deeper empathy within me as a physician. I am now acutely aware of the importance of listening to women’s concerns during surgery, especially regarding their comfort levels. I always strive to ensure that mothers can see their babies immediately after birth, recognizing how vital that moment is. I never want another woman to endure the anxiety and pain I experienced during my C-section.
Further Resources
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Conclusion
In summary, my experience as an OB/GYN and a mother has shaped my practice. The challenges I faced during my first C-section with inadequate anesthesia have made me a more compassionate and attentive physician. My goal is to ensure that every woman feels heard and cared for during their childbirth experiences.