On Friday, May 25, 2001, with only 3 days to the due date, Jenny and Ken saw Dr. Schutte for a stress test and another check-up prior to the holiday weekend. The stress test revealed that Jenny was having some very mild contractions, but without any regularity. While examing Jenny's cervix, Dr. Schutte unintentionally broke Jenny's waters. Jenny was then admitted to the hospital.
With hopes of having a natural birth, Jenny avoided any drugs for inducing labor. Instead, she and Ken tried a few different exercises, hoping that they might encourage active labor. However, after about 7 hours without any change in the contractions, pitocin was started.
Over the next 8 hours, labor greatly intensified, but dilation was VERY slow. Around 1 AM Jenny asked for an epidural. With the administration of the epidural, Jenny's blood pressure dropped and Alek's heartrate slowed. Adjustments were made to bring Jenny's blood pressure back up to normal, resulting in Alek's heartrate returning to normal.
Contractions continued through the wee hours of the morning, but to no avail. Jenny was experiencing a great deal of edema, including swelling of the cervix. At 11 AM Saturday, May 26, Dr. Singh informed Jenny and Ken that a c-section would be necessary.
Alek was born at 11:53 that morning--a very healthy baby! Jenny and Ken couldn't have been more proud!
