An inflammation was found in my placenta
Was I pregnant?
The pregnancy of our second child took a long time to happen. When my cycle started, I quickly thought I was pregnant again, as my period was 'missing' for two months. Unfortunately, after those two months, my period started again. This time, it only happened twice and then my period was absent again. This time it was successful! We were pregnant again.
I was there early
I told my friend by means of a little card with a message from the baby. Our joy was unbreakable! I called the midwife to schedule an appointment. It turned out I discovered very early that I was pregnant, as the 'little shrimp' did not yet have a heartbeat. Fortunately, the following week it did. Every ultrasound and check-up was fine.
The pregnancy was physically and mentally demanding
This pregnancy was also very tough on my body. I had to vomit a lot and ate very poorly. This time I bought a pelvic belt to relieve my hip. Fortunately, it helped and I was able to keep working until my maternity leave. I told the midwife that I wanted to be induced because I couldn't handle it mentally and physically anymore. I also developed gestational diabetes during this pregnancy. Multiple ultrasounds were done and it turned out that our baby would be heavier and larger than his brother.
The hospital suspected a large baby
A week before my boyfriend's birthday, I got the green light for an induction. However, I was told that the delivery could be intense because it was going to be a large baby. It didn't matter to me, as long as the baby would be here and I would no longer be pregnant. November 11, 2022, was my boyfriend's birthday. My mother and sister were going to come for his birthday anyway, but they would also stay overnight for our son Twan. So that he could just be at home during the delivery, that's what I really wanted.
The balloon suddenly shot out in the morning
On November 11th, we had to report to the hospital in the evening. The balloon was inserted and then we were allowed to wait. We tried to get some sleep, but it was almost impossible. My partner slept on a fold-out chair and I was in the birthing bed, which was uncomfortable. Fortunately, the next morning, November 12th, I really needed to use the bathroom. While on the toilet, I had a coughing fit and the balloon popped out. I woke up my partner and alerted the nursing staff. The nurses confirmed that I was sufficiently dilated and that labor could start at any moment. First, we had a calm breakfast. For my partner, it wasn't enough and he went to the restaurant to see if he could get some more breakfast.
While my friend was away, the contractions became more intense
Meanwhile, I stayed in the room where the contractions also started. My boyfriend came back quickly because the restaurant was still closed. I told him what was happening and that he really couldn't leave now. The contractions became increasingly intense and I couldn't bear them anymore. I asked for a morphine pump. What a relief that was. I could still feel them, but the worst pain was gone.
I had to give birth sideways because of the pain in my hips
Around a quarter past 8, the contractions started and at a quarter to 11, I was allowed to lie on my side to start pushing. Giving birth sideways was better for my body because it put less pressure on the hips, pelvis, and back. At 11:27 AM, Tristan was born. Born weighing 2760 grams, half as light as his brother. And Tristan was born with a length of, what we suspect, 45 or 46 cm. Quite a bit smaller than his big brother. We thought they had seen it wrong on the ultrasounds, because why a big baby? Fortunately, we were allowed to go home the same day.
I immediately felt very energetic
I walked as nimbly as a lapwing and felt full of energy after giving birth. I gave birth on Saturday and by Tuesday I was already in the car on my way to the pharmacy. I just had to get out for a bit. The maternity nurse allowed me to leave, but on one condition. I had to call if I couldn't manage, and she would come to pick me up. Everything went perfectly. I got home safe and sound.
My placenta had an inflammation
After a week, the hospital called. They asked how I was doing and how Tristan was doing. Things were good. Tristan was drinking well and his diapers were full of pee. The only thing Tristan struggled with was getting rid of his poop. He had a lot of cramps and I took Tristan to the osteopath for his intestines. The gynecologist told me that they had sent my placenta for research because Tristan was born too small. They found an infection, which probably inhibited his growth.
Tristan has grown well
What the future holds we do not know, and neither does the hospital. There are too few children born with an inflammation in the placenta to properly investigate what can happen in the future. Tristan will turn one year old on November 12th. He has caught up well with his 'growth damage' because I will soon be able to get size 80 from the attic. At nine months, he learned to crawl within three days. He babbles, in a baby way, our ears off. He walks holding two hands. And he likes to play with his big brother.
BRIGITTE
