One big push and a third-degree tear

Sarah tells her birth story: 'I started getting contractions on the Thursday evening at 5pm. I was 8 days overdue and due for an induction the following Monday. They were coming every 15 mins or so, but some were coming every 5 mins.

I have to say at this point they were very painful but a bit irregular. Still I tried to have lots of baths to ease the pain and took paracetamol. Needless to say, I didn't sleep and they continued into the next day.

I phoned the hospital who advised me not to come in until they were 5 mins apart and lasting at least 60 seconds. They continued all day on Friday, and then started to come every 6 mins lasting a minute, and at this point I couldnt bear the pain any longer, so I went to the hospital.

I was examined and told I was only 3.5 cm dilated and had to go home. I was in a lot of pain and was advised to take co-codamol and hot baths. This was about 6pm on the Friday.

I went home again and breathed through until I couldn't bear it any longer, went back to the hospital at 4am and when examined I was still at 3.5 cm. I was given a room on the ward, but no pain relief.

A doctor examined me and gave me another membrane sweep (number 5) and told me to wait until they came round again. At 11am I was given a tens machine which didn't really help.

At 12pm I was transferred to the delivery room, but was still 3.5cm dilated. At this point I was finally offered gas and air and this helped a bit. I breathed through the contractions and at 4pm was examined again, and was still at 3.5 cms! I think the doctor realised the baby was stuck and broke my waters.

I was given pethidine which helped a bit, and waited till 6pm when I had progressed to 5cm, at last! I was examined again at 7pm and was still at 5cm.

I was put on a drip to speed things up and given an epidural - as they then realised the baby was in the OP position and they put a head monitor on her.

By 11pm I was ready to push, had finally gone to 10cms! Pushed for an hour, but the baby was stuck. The doctor advised she would need to be delivered by forceps, and possible an emergency C-section so the epidural was topped up and I was transferred to theatre.

I was aked to give a massive push, and with help from the forceps Emily was born at 12.26 am. I had a 3rd degree tear and was stitched up.

She was placed on my tummy and she was absolutely gorgeous and screaming her lungs out! The staff said they were convinced I would need a c-section, and it was a miracle she was delivered without it!

I stayed in hospital for 2 nights, and although I am very tired and very sore I am very lucky and proud to have such a beautiful daughter!

I hope I haven't put anyone off, as I wouldn't change having Emily for the world, and she is everything to me.

I am sure to be in labour this long is not a common thing - and I will do it all over again some day!'

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