Hannah M: Prodromal Labor, Birth Center Birth, Prolonged Pushing Due to Nuchal Hand

Hannah had a smooth pregnancy besides nausea during the first trimester and restless leg syndrome in the third. She switched providers midway after learning that her OB wouldn’t accept birth plans. She switched care to a midwifery team at a birthing center. She experienced prodromal labor for a few weeks before her real labor started. She labored at home for a bit then headed to the birth center to labor in the shower and tub. Hannah used hypnobirthing techniques to help her through contractions but was internalizing and blocking out her pain which in turn made her not able to vocalize when she thought something might be wrong. She progressed quickly but ended up pushing for four hours due to baby having a nuchal hand (hand by face). She had a supportive postpartum experience with her husband as they learned to work as a team.