I'll be 41 weeks on Wed, I'm getting induced Tue night at 8pm. And hoping she will be here by Wed. I'm a FTM and I'm already scared of labor and giving birth. And even getting the epidural. I know I want it BC I don't want to be in pain. I'm a huge sissy when it comes to pain. I was hoping my baby girl would come on her own but she isn't showing no sign of it. So we decided to be induced due to hubby starting school on the 30th and I know I'll want him home around for a while before he starts. Is labor that bad, dose the epidural that bad? I just don't know what to think and feel about the whole thing. Just plain scared. Lol
If you need an epidural you will likely not even notice them sticking you because of the contractions being distracting. I have no idea how long I went without one because I absolutely couldn't think straight at all. Couldn't even start a timer to time them! I even had an ap for that.
Birth is really complex and a lot more emotional than some caretakers realize. Good for you in articulating your concerns now! The more you can be open and trust your body, the less it will hurt. It's kind of like sex - it can be amazing when you are ready but if you are not open or willing to participate, it can be quite excruciating. Trust your body and you instincts. I think with epis the main thing I hear consistently is that they are numbing. So if that doesn't bother you then either way there's very little to fear. You are going to great !
I have the lowest pain tolerance ever... I too was terrified of labor but sure enough my water broke and I didn't have time to be scared. I had an epidural and I built it up in my brain to be a lot worse than it was...it was a burning prick in my back and I felt nothing else... My epidural helped with early contractions but then those stopped and I was given pitocin... Those contractions were hard and strong but... I survived with the worlds smallest pain tolerance. I never believed anyone when they said your body will take over. My labor was so fast and strong I didn't have time to think about the pain. I was focusing on pushing my daughter out so I could meet her. Two weeks post delivery and I barely remember the pain.
I think we build things up to be horrible in our minds based on all the horror stories you hear... Just know that the epidural may not numb you the way you think it will BUT no matter what you will survive it. And snuggling that baby when is over is a moment you will never ever forget!
@Jsalt503 I'm being induced Tuesday also, at 6:15 a.m. If she comes before then or if I have her within a few hours I'll try to remember to let you know how it goes...I am also so scared. My pregnancy has been pretty great to be honest *knock on wood*, and I was really hoping I'd get to experience going into labor naturally. There's still a chance but right now I don't see her making an appearance. I'll keep my fingers crossed for both of us!!
I was induced 2 weeks ago today. From induction to baby was about 10 hours as opposed to the 27 it took me with my first when my water broke. I also had an epidural after several hours of labor- at about 4:00- I delivered at almost 8:00. It was a good experience over all. I would do it all again in the exact same way if given the chance next time.
I've never been induced or had an epidural. Had a natural labor experience with no pain killers. It was an intense experience but all very worth it! Your body and mind go into a different mode when in labor. It's not like day to day pain experiences. Hormones kick in and when it's all over you move past it quickly.
I've also heard great experiences from ladies who've had inductions and epidurals. My mom was induced as had an epidural with all five of her kids.
It's definitely scary to go into the experience but you'll forget it all once you hold that precious baby.
My first was natural and my second was an emergency c-section. Both weren't as bad as I expected. Vaginal birth was easier than I imagined. Ended up with 3 stitches, but recovery was quick. With my second, the epidural felt like a bee sting - very manageable (pain wise). Read up on the process, the more educated you are, the less scared you will be.
Thanks everyone for the great positive feedback. I've been having really bad contractions all day today. And been pretty close together. If she don't come tonight, I'm hoping I'm at least dialed
By the time I get to the hospital tomorrow at 8pm... I'm so nervous and scared, these pains I've been feeling today have been the worse yet. So I'm deff scared for labor..
Answers
I've also heard great experiences from ladies who've had inductions and epidurals. My mom was induced as had an epidural with all five of her kids.
It's definitely scary to go into the experience but you'll forget it all once you hold that precious baby.