With my first pregnancy, the sign to me that the labor process had begun was that I “lost” my mucous membrane/plug. At this stage of pregnancy, the urge to urinate comes often so the plug came out during a trip to the bathroom. It was thick and gooey, but not painful at all. It was a couple of days earlier than expected, but I knew that the birthing process had begun and there was no turning back now! However, that labor was 36 hours long and she was born vaginally even though they threatened a C-section.

With my second pregnancy, the labor process and delivery went much quicker. The evening before our second daughter was born, the nesting mode really took hold of me. I was intent on cleaning the shower of our master bathroom and making sure everything in the room sparkled – especially the shower, toilet and all! Contractions soon began and got closer and closer through the night. We barely got to the hospital on time the next morning. I was under the assumption that my second labor would be about half as long as the first, so about 18 hours when in reality it was only about 8! My husband had gone out to run an errand and returned home to me waiting in the driveway ready to go! My water broke as soon as I got my gown on and maneuvered up onto the bed. Our daughter arrived just hours later.

Just a note: If you are counting on pain killers during your delivery, you need to get to the birthing center sooner than I did. As you’ll see with my third delivery, being at the birthing center on time – or even early, doesn’t guarantee a pain blocked delivery!

Baby #3 arrived three weeks earlier than expected. My water broke while I was on a tour of the new maternity wing as part of a birthing refresher course. I was wheeled to an area where they hooked me up to monitors, and I gave birth to our son within just a couple of hours. Again – no pain relievers and this time, not even a toothbrush.

As you can see, each labor experience can begin quite differently, but hopefully with the same results – a bundle of joy.

At the Resource Center, we are here for you throughout your pregnancy.  We provide free pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds, free baby supplies, and free classes.  We recently have added a labor and delivery class…again for FREE and open to EVERYONE!!

You can sign up today online or call (970)353-2673.