My Birth Story: Navigating a High-Risk Pregnancy and Preterm Labour
Bringing my second child into the world was a journey filled with unexpected challenges, emotional highs and lows, and ultimately, the deep satisfaction of overcoming adversity. My pregnancy was far from straightforward—marked by early complications, hospital stays, and a tough postpartum period—but it was also the experience that strengthened my passion for helping other women navigate pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
A Complicated Start: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Pregnancy Risks
From the very beginning, my pregnancy required extra attention due to my diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Hypermobility Type. This connective tissue disorder affects the body’s ability to produce strong, stable collagen, leading to joint hypermobility, fragile skin, and increased risk of complications during pregnancy. For me, this meant weakened connective tissues in my cervix, increasing the risk of cervical insufficiency (a term I find problematic and outdated, as it unfairly places blame on the birthing person).
EDS can make pregnancy more complex due to:
Cervical shortening and incompetence, leading to preterm labour.
Increased risk of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) babies due to compromised placental function.
Delayed wound healing and increased risk of postpartum complications.
Because of these risks, I arranged for private antenatal care early in my pregnancy, working with a consultant who also practiced at my local NHS hospital. We agreed on regular cervical monitoring and frequent scans to track my baby’s growth and overall wellbeing.
Bleeding, Cervical Shortening, and the Emergency Stitch
From the beginning of my pregnancy, I experienced consistent unexplained bleeding, leading to regular anti-D injections due to my rhesus-negative blood type (my baby was rhesus-positive). At first, we weren’t sure of the cause, but later it was attributed to cervical changes—a direct result of my connective tissue disorder.
At around 17 weeks, a routine cervical scan revealed that my cervix had shortened to just 17mm (anything under 25mm raises concern). Within hours, I was rushed to triage, and by the next morning, I was undergoing a cervical cerclage (stitch) procedure under spinal anesthesia.
The risks of the procedure concerned me. I was told that accidentally rupturing the amniotic sac could lead to preterm labour or pregnancy loss. However, the risks of not having the procedure were greater. Lying there, cold and alone in the theatre, I remember feeling incredibly vulnerable—but I also knew this was the best course of action for my baby’s survival.
The cerclage held, but the next few weeks were a blur of constant contractions, hospital admissions, and cervical checks to ensure the stitch wasn’t tearing or causing irreversible damage.
Growth Concerns and the Decision to Induce
By 28 weeks, my baby’s growth had started to slow. While this is not uncommon with Ehlers-Danlos pregnancies, it was a major red flag. She had been measuring just below average, then dropped to the 20th centile, and then further down. I wasn’t happy with her movements, which led to twice-weekly fetal monitoring and additional growth scans.
At 34 weeks, another growth scan confirmed my biggest concern—her growth had now dropped below the 10th centile, and her femur length was only measuring in the 3rd centile. My consultant and I agreed that while keeping her inside as long as possible was ideal, the risks of continuing the pregnancy now outweighed the benefits.
The decision was made:
✅ Steroid injections to help mature her lungs.
✅ Cerclage removal the next day.
✅ Induction via artificial rupture of membranes (ARM).
Labour: Finding My Strength and Taking Control
On February 13th, I was moved to the labour ward, nervous yet determined. Once the cerclage was removed, I was already 4cm dilated, and my waters were broken soon after.
My wonderful midwife created an incredibly calm and relaxing environment. To encourage labour, we started colostrum harvesting, which naturally triggered regular contractions within 30 minutes.
This time, I felt completely in control. Unlike my first birth, where fear took over, I knew what I was doing. I was determined to trust my body and embrace the experience.
I knew that I only wanted gas & air
I repeated my affirmations that I was strong and capable
My husband was by my side, grounding me with every surge.
After just 7 hours of labour, at 1:00 AM on February 14th, my beautiful daughter, Ivy, was born.
She was small but strong, but she arrived safely, and that was all that mattered.
Post-Birth Complications: A Difficult 10 Days
While the birth itself felt empowering, the postpartum period was challenging. Ivy’s bilirubin levels were concerning. Further tests revealed E. coli in my placenta, which possibly contributed to her spiking a fever shortly after birth.
She needed intravenous antibiotics, and we spent a rough 10 days in the hospital. It wasn’t the peaceful postpartum period I had envisioned, but the incredible NHS team provided endless comfort and support, making those difficult days bearable.
One Year Later: Reflecting on the Journey
Ivy has just turned one, and looking back, my pregnancy and birth were far from easy, but they were life-changing. They shaped me, gave me resilience, and ultimately, led me to my passion for supporting other women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
I share my story not just as a reflection, but as a message to anyone going through a challenging pregnancy you are not alone. Whether it's advocating for the care you need, seeking antenatal education, or just knowing that your experience is valid, I hope to use my journey to help empower and support others in theirs.
Key Takeaways from My Birth Experience
✅ Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Pregnancy
Increased risk of cervical insufficiency and preterm birth.
Higher chance of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) babies.
✅ Cervical Cerclage: What to Know
Helps prevent preterm birth
Close monitoring is essential to prevent tearing.
✅ The Power of Informed Birth Choices
Colostrum harvesting helped kickstart contractions naturally.
Breathing techniques and positive affirmations gave me control over my birth experience
✅ Postnatal Challenges
Unexpected complications like E. coli in the placenta can happen.
Postpartum hospital stays can be tough—but support makes all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Birth is unpredictable, but knowledge, preparation, and the right support can make all the difference. If my journey has taught me anything, it’s that strength comes from within, and every birth story—no matter how challenging—is beautiful in its own way.
💕 Happy First Birthday, Ivy. You made me stronger than I ever thought possible. 💕
