My pregnancy was pretty full on. I had HG (Hyperemesis gravidarum) early on till mid second trimester. Then I was advised I had low placenta previa this resulted in me being admitted to hospital at 31 & 34 weeks. 

At 36 weeks my waters broke. I sat in a hospital bed for 3 days, when I was induced. I went through 7 hours of labour when I started to get severe leg cramping and high blood pressure, my placenta had abrupted, meaning I was now needing to go get an emergency c section 

The c section itself was actually completely stress free if I’m honest. The communication was amazing. We were making jokes and talking the whole time. 

The doctors were amazing. The midwife’s were awesome I couldn’t fault the whole experience at all. 

What do you wish you knew before birth?

More details about what happens and what to expect closer to due date. When people tell you their story they just say it hurt or it was fast/ long. 

No one actually goes into too much detail till you speak to them after you have had your baby. 

I’m not sure if it’s a “don’t want to scare you” situation or they are shy. I’m not sure. 

But now if someone asks me, I’ll tell you all the details. I don’t care. 

If you could, would you do anything differently?

Be better prepared for the arrival home. I didn’t do the whole food prep or anything like that. But I had my family here which made it so much easier. 

What did your partner do that really helped during labour/birth?

Be his usual self. Distraction from what’s happening in the room 

I think we were laughing and making more jokes about him looking like Jonny Sins in his scrubs outfit rather than the fact I was about to undergo a cesarean

What advice/honest truth would give a mama-to-be about birth?

Listen to your body. 

Dont google too much 😂 

Ask the midwife everything. They don’t care how gory the details are. 

Have your hospital bag ready early.