Page 150 of Playing For Keeps
The two guys who tell me they’re nurses get me into the wheelchair, trying to calm me down with words of encouragement. I can’t concentrate because my contractions seem to be folding over each other relentlessly. I swear I’m going to pass out from the pain.
One of the nurses pushes me into the hospital, speaking to me in a soft tone. “Dori, you’re in good hands now, and your husband is here.”
The other one says something to Jami in a low voice. “My guess is she’s in full-blown labor. Sometimes it can happen fast like this. Good thing you got her here in time.”
That sends panic screeching through my veins.
Jami nods. “You guys will take her straight to labor and delivery, right?”
“Yes, sir.” The nurse gives me a once-over. “You said she’s only been in labor for about thirty minutes?”
“I think she’s been in labor since last night, but she thought the contractions were Braxton Hicks.” Jami takes long strides beside me, continually glancing down at me with worry filling his eyes.
I’m in so much discomfort that I shift around and moan as I cry through every excruciating squeeze.
“Jami, I don’t think I can do this.”
“Yes, you can. You’re the strongest woman I know.”
He continues to encourage me as we find our way to the labor and delivery floor. Once we finally get to it, my room is already set up.
Jami organizes the area with comforting things that were supposed to be part of my birthing plan, but I doubt spa music is going to help me now.
The team of nurses has me in a gown and is hooking me up to monitors as Dr. Maddox comes in.
“Hi, Dori. From what I’ve been told, you might be in the transition phase. Let me do an exam to verify.” She gets situated at the bottom of the bed and directs me to a position for her to check me out.
Jami paces near the side of the bed with one arm around his mid region. The other one is bent with his hand running over his chin.
Dr. Maddox starts her exam. “Fill me in on when this started.”
I’m groaning and wailing, so Jami answers.
“We had sex last night, and she lost her mucus plug right after. Her contractions started about an hour after that, but they were sporadic. She thought they were Braxton Hicks because she said they didn’t hurt that much. Every time I checked on her today, she was having one, and then her water broke about forty-five minutes ago.”
“Some women in early labor don’t think they are because it can mimic the same feeling as Braxton Hicks. Sex can spur on labor, so I suspect you’ve been going through the stages since last night.” She feels around inside me. “Dori, you’re one hundred percent effaced and almost ten centimeters dilated.”
“But I haven’t had an epidural yet. I can’t do this without one.” I turn my head to Jami.
He knows what I need without me saying it. He hurries to my side, wiping my hair from my face.
“Do you want me to pull your hair up?” His gentle tone soothes me. “Or I can rub your back. Whatever you need, I’m right here. And I’m sure they’ll get the epidural placed soon.”
Dr. Maddox finishes up. “Dori, you’re too far along in theprocess. By the time an epidural is placed and working, it will be too late.”
“I need one though. Please. I seriously think I’m going to die.” I reach for Jami’s hand.
“You’re progressing fast, so unfortunately you won’t be able to get one.” Dr. Maddox addresses one of the delivery nurses. “Make sure everything is prepared. I think she’ll be ready to push in a few minutes.”
Jami takes my hand, and I glare at him.
“Tell them I need the drugs. We’ll pay extra.”
“Sweetness, they said it’s too late for that, but I’ll be right by your side.”
Another contraction hits. I squeeze Jami’s hand, about to break it as he tries to help me do my breathing exercises. They do nothing to help.
I cry, hoping someone will give in to my begging. “I think something is wrong. It shouldn’t be going this fast. I was supposed to get drugs.”
