Meet Kourtney, a 15-year-old soon-to-be mom in her 39th week of pregnancy. She found herself at the hospital, anxious and unaware of what lay ahead. The reason? Gestational hypertension led to her induction. Elevated blood pressure at her recent appointment prompted a swift move to the hospital to kickstart labor.
Picture Kourtney, nervously preparing to welcome her first child. Upon arrival at the labor and delivery unit, she was escorted to a room, changed into a hospital gown, and lying down, awaiting instructions. Monitors were attached, and a nurse detailed what to expect during the induction. "We'll be monitoring you and your baby," reassured the nurse, "the doctors will discuss the plan of care."
Amid anxiety, Kourtney tried to distract herself with TV as she awaited the doctors. When they arrived, the consent process for her labor and delivery began. After finding her cervix closed, Kourtney, devastated, braced for what came next. The doctors suggested a break, allowing her to digest the information before starting the induction.
Three hours later, Cervidil, a medication softening the cervix, was administered. Kourtney spent the night calling the nurse for support. With no family around, the nurse became her sole ally.
Thursday morning, the cervidil was removed, and Kourtney, anticipating pain, tensed up during the check. Cytotec was introduced to further soften and dilate the cervix. An epidural became necessary, heightening Kourtney's anxiety about the impending pain.
After receiving the epidural and Cytotec, Kourtney faced challenges, irritated by the Foley Catheter. Not even in active labor at her 10 pm check, her water broke spontaneously, marking the beginning of her labor process. She was revealed to be only 2cm dilated. With an Intrauterine Pressure Catheter placed and attempts at a fetal scalp electrode, Kourtney's distress intensified.
Throughout Thursday night, she continually called the nurse, seeking comfort and support. Fearful of tearing and sterile vaginal exam pain, Kourtney resisted progress checks, complicating the labor course. Despite the providers' encouragement, her fear and anxiety proved challenging.
Laboring essentially alone, the absent emotional support exacerbated Kourtney's struggles. The father of the baby eventually engaged, bringing some comfort. By 5:41 am on Friday, Kourtney, after a long night, was finally checked and found fully dilated.
The next stage unfolded as Kourtney pushed for less than 30 minutes, welcoming her baby boy into the world.