Jill Duggar Says Her Labor Lasted for 70 Hours

Jill Duggar of "19 Kids and Counting" recently revealed her harrowing labor and delivery experience with her first child, Israel, saying that she was reportedly in labor for 70 hours.

Jill and husband Derick Dillard were originally planning on a home birth for their son, who was set to be born on March 24.

Although newborn Israel ended up being two weeks late, the couple was still expecting to go through with a home birth. A subsequent strep infection for Jill and traces of meconium caused Jill and Derick to make the decision to have the baby at the local hospital.

The couple then went through with a Cesarean Section after Jill reportedly endured labor for 70 hours. Jill and Derick had been told that the baby was experiencing an irregular heart rate, and the couple decided to go through with the C-Section procedure.

"I was praying to God to give me strength," Jill recently told People magazine of her birthing experience. "I was really scared and nervous, but I was praying."

Following the birth of Israel, grandparents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar posted a video thanking their fans for the support during Jill's pregnancy and labor.

"We wanted to thank you first for the outpouring of support we've received from so many after the birth of our grandson Israel David Dillard," the couple said in their message. "Thank you for you continued prayers and well wishes."

"What a blessed time this is as we've welcomed our new grandbaby little Israel into the world. We are just so thankful for our friends and those out there that have been praying for our family," Michelle added in the video.