Continued…
Zac: (shocked) what do you mean she's crowning??!
Dr Athena: crowning means that I can see the baby's head. She is having the baby now.
Fatima: (crying/ hyperventilating) I c-can't breathe (panicking). I feel like I'm about to pass out.
Dr Athena: yes you can breathe, Fatima. Just look at me and try not to focus on the situation. Rather focus on my voice, I'm gonna guide you through everything okay?
Fatima: (still panicking) I have been drinking alcohol for months! I've never even been to a checkup–
Zac: (takes her hand) baby baby… now is not the time for all that worrying. Just focus on the doctor's orders.
Fatima: (calming down some)
Dr Athena: thank you Mr Taylor, that was good. Your job will be to stay by her side and try to keep her calm. Me and the nurses will do the hard part, and then I'll call you to cut the umbilical cord, okay?
Zac: (also freaking out but trying to stay strong for Fatima's sake) okay got it.
**The nurses come back with all the necessary equipment**
Dr Athena: (smiles) okay! It's almost time to have your baby. How are you feeling Fatima?
Fatima: like I'm living in a literal nightmare.
Dr Athena: (chuckles) that is absolutely normal and expected. What about you daddy-to-be?
Zac: same as her.
Fatima: (gets a contraction) ahhhh *she screams* when can I start pushing??! It hurts really bad and I just want this nightmare to be over.
Dr Athena: I'll give you the signal on when to start pushing in a second. I just need the nurse to quickly check the baby's oxygen levels, in the meantime just focus on doing some breathing exercises okay?
Fatima: (breathes out slowly) -nods yes-
After a few moments the nurse was done attaching the elastic band around Fatima's stomach– which was still flat by the way. She looked bloated at most but definitely not pregnant. A few more seconds later, she turned on the screen monitor and took note of the baby's oxygen levels before whispering something into Dr Athena's ear. Zac and Fatima immediately took notice of the worried look on both their faces.
Zac: is there something wrong?
Fatima: (panicking) it's dead isn't it??! -starts crying- my baby is dead!
Dr Athena: woah woah, remember what I told you about staying calm? Focus on those breathing exercises, you're doing good Fatima.
Zac: doc come on, if there's something wrong then you need to tell us. We deserve to know so that we can at least be prepared for the worst case scenario.
Dr Athena: (heavy sigh) okay um… the baby's oxygen levels are alarming because they are dangerously low so we need to hurry and deliver him/her so that we can place him/her in the NICU.
Zac's eyes instantly turned red and Fatima's eyes hadn't stopped watering ever since they discovered the pregnancy.
Dr Athena: (sincere) hey you two, now is not the time to get discouraged. I need this room to be filled with nothing but positivity. I know it's easier said than done but you need to at least try.
Zac & Fatima: -reluctantly nod-
Dr Athena: okay Fatima it's time. Remember to focus on the sound of my voice. Do not focus on the pain or the worst case scenario. Just think positive and listen to my instructions okay?
