Scared about labor

JenLaur0525

I'm a ftm, due 10/24, and suddenly I'm terrified of labor. I don't want the baby to come out ever because it's going to hurt but idk what it's going to hurt like. I'm planning a natural birth. I've been to birthing classes, I have a doula, I feel prepared for everything but the pain. When I think of crowning a feel nauseous...anyone else worried about the pain?

Limie

I'm also a ftm due the 27 th and yes I'm scared of labor. But it's going to happen and you can't really stop it so I try not too think about it. You're way more prepared than I am too. I waited kinda late for birthing class and I'm hoping baby will stay in until after class lol.

Casseylemon

I'm due the 24th too and plan to go med free! I'm scared but I'm as prepared as possible with a lot of pain management techniques! We can do it!! Good luck :-)

Knottie16288692

I think this is normal. Lord knows I'm scared to death of any kind of pain whatsoever. I've already asked my husband to tell the person administering the epidural to not let me see the needle. What helps me is to read as much as I can about what to expect. Maybe read birth stories. Also remember babies are born every day. If it was absolutely horrible, women wouldn't have children lol Its also ok to change your birth plan should the pain be too much. I've had several women tell me you forget all about it once you hold the baby. Chin up! We are all in this boat with you!

cmjn94

Had my baby yesterday, and I promise you will make it. it is hard and it does hurt, but you find a way to make it through. The nice thing is contractions come and go so you get breaks and an epidural will take away the pain completely; I had no pain during pushing whatsoever.
If you go med free make sure you can get into a rhythm for breathing, walk before they get too painful, and use a bathtub or shower. you can do it!

VioletandRose

I'm super scared...have never really been in the hospital or had any type of major medical procedure (thank goodness). I'm also normally a worrier, but the way I look at it, the baby has to come out. Women do it every day, a lot of whom aren't as strong as me or who don't have the same medical resources. Every mother I know says that you forget all about the pain once the baby is here. Crossing my fingers that is the case with me, too!

CocoR04

I think the anticipation of pain is more stressful than the actual labor. When you are in labor, and while it might be the worst pain of your life, you just need to remember that it will be over soon. It will not last forever and one day you will forget it even happened.

JAZsax

It is not as bad as you anticipate. Remember that the pain is worth it and it is easily forgotten. Just focus on the end result...your little one! Also, you get breaks! It may be painful or tiring at times, but it is so short lived. I ended up having 14 hours of active labor and 3 1/2 hours of pushing...she ended up being stuck, so I did have to have a C-section. Her head was wedged sideways in my pelvis. But, even though I pushed for a long time, it was never that painful. It actually felt good to push. The worst part was not pushing in the way to the OR. Take advantage of your breaks and your comfort techniques (take a bath, use the birthing ball, change positions, et cetera). I did it completely naturally until the C-section.

kstitt0830

I'm actually super excited for labor..I'm looking at it as an amazing bonding experience for my husband and I because he is my unofficial doula...I'm excited to feel the pain and accept it for what it is and not try to fight the pain, watching birth stories on YouTube and the business of being born really have me amped up for a natural birth!! Just remember that this is only one day and it's what we as women were literally made to do! Embrace it!

JenLaur0525

Thanks for the encouragement! I think reading birth stories will help me a lot. I've had a very easy pregnancy and zero fear until now. I think I'm just anxious because I have no idea what to expect, anything can happen and I just have to go with the flow.

clairesmommabear

Try not to worry about what crowning will feel like. To be completely honest pushing DD out was the easiest part of labor for me. I don't know if it was just me seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for that part or what, but the moment I was able to start pushing it completely changed how I felt the pain. It was kind of a stretching feeling but it was not by any means as painful as my contractions had been up to that point. And during that time I actually felt the contractions as helpful rather than just pain. It was just my body guiding me through the process, which was quite empowering in the heat of things.

You can do this!!! And going without the epidural really is worth it in my opinion because you can change positions so that gravity works with you rather than against you. Not having it made it such a good experience for me purely for the mobility aspect of things. (Though don't take this as anti meds. If you need them you go for it! You know what is best for you.)

Rikki_5

I was going to go unmedicated until I was told my baby could be almost 9 lbs.  Now I'm thinking epidural heh...

beckles112

I feel like the odd man out because labor is honestly the least of my worries. I'm more scared of the first poop after I have the baby. Not sure why....