BABY AURA’S
EARLY ARRIVAL BY: JO FORD
F
or many women, pregnancy is a long forty week journey, full of ups and downs. Physically and emotionally it can prove to be a challenging time, especially for first time mums. But Leah Huf, isn’t like many and most first time mums. Leah’s labour started early…at just 26 weeks into her pregnancy.
“I will never forget that day”, recalls Leah. “It was June 22, 2013. I was 33 years old, pregnant for the first time and excited at the prospect of having my baby in the spring months. But everything changed that day…….” “When I woke up, my body felt different. I had some aches and pains but reassured myself it was all normal and just part of being pregnant. It was a busy day; friends were visiting and I had to get food at the supermarket. As I wandered through the aisles the pain seemed to amplify. I kept arching my back to try to soothe the sensations, telling myself that these must be Braxton Hicks (mild tightening of the uterus) and they would disappear.” “As soon as I returned home, I ran to sit on the toilet. This seemed to relieve the pain for a few moments and went on for about an hour.” It was only when Leah noticed some light bleeding that she began to become concerned that something was not quite right with the pregnancy. Together with fiancée Chris, they drove to the WHAC (Women’s Health Ambulatory Clinic) at Frankston Hospital. “I was seen really quickly and a midwife asked the usual sorts of questions such as name, address, gestation etc. It was as I stood up that the pain really kicked in and I screamed out, arching my back quite violently. Within a flash, an obstetric registrar rushed into the room and examined me.” Feeling bewildered and anxious, Leah could not believe it when the doctor told her she was already 10 cm dilated. “I wasn’t really sure what that meant and it was only when he said that I was in ‘full labour’ did it sink in what was happening.” “Suddenly the small room was full of faces. There were people all around me, maybe 10 or more! I held one of the midwives’ hands and she reciprocated, squeezing my hand tightly. I was so afraid at this point and needed reassurance that I wasn’t going to lose the baby. I was given a shot of steroids which was to help the baby’s lungs. More was to be given 12 hours after.” 48
Peninsula Kids – Autumn 2017
“I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT DAY”