Does anyone have iBS?

Alliebooberz

I'm almost afraid to ask this because I don't know if I can handle the answer... But does anyone have IBS ?

I have planned med free/intervention free birth at a very NB friendly hospital and after another awful IBS episode last night I am second guessing myself. The cramps that come with the severe diarrhea are miserable and the intense throwing up that joined the party since I've been pregnant is just exhausting. 

 

Can anyone tell me from experience how this compares to labor?  I am weak today and fully spent after a sudden attack in the middle of the night last night.  

aliska

I've been treated for IBS, but it actually got better for me during pregnancy (no episodes!!).  I would say that the cramps with IBS are sharper than contractions (at least for me).  Contractions were duller but felt all over as opposed to IBS cramps that are sharper and more localized.  I'm sorry that you had an episode last night.  Don't worry too much about labor, you'll do great!

Kristinmo

I have IBS (which like PP thankfully I have very few episodes of during pregnancy).  With DS, I got an epi when I was 8-9 CM- planning to go med free this time.

When I'm having those intense IBS episodes I commonly think "Just kill me now."  I never got to that point with contractions, transition was the only time I came close.  While it similar in that it comes in waves, I still felt more in control with my contractions.

aliska

Kristinmo:

I have IBS (which like PP thankfully I have very few episodes of during pregnancy).  With DS, I got an epi when I was 8-9 CM- planning to go med free this time.

When I'm having those intense IBS episodes I commonly think "Just kill me now."  I never got to that point with contractions, transition was the only time I came close.  While it similar in that it comes in waves, I still felt more in control with my contractions.

This.  Also, besides transition, the pain completely goes away between contractions like nothing ever happened.  You get breaks.  When you're sick with IBS, it is pain on top of pain. 

Alauren4

I have pretty awful IBS but it definently won't cause me to second guess my natural labor. Actually with my second pregnancy having IBS helped me because the night I went into labor my body emptied my bowels and I didn't poop during the push stage. The pain of labor is not comparable to diarrhea IMO. Labor is such a distinct feeling. I'm sure with the preparation you have done thus far, you will be fine. Don't let it discourage you, it may work in your favor as it did for me...

Cheekers2010

I have pretty severe IBS.  I didn't have any attacks during pregnancy (which was AWESOME).  It's a little hard for me to compare because I had back labor which tbh was incredibly painful in a way I didn't expect.  However, I've had some IBS attacks which were equally as bad.  I thought about it this way...if I can get through an IBS attack then I can get through labor.  It was almost like preparation. 

edhid1

I have severe IBS - my advice and an unpopular opinion for this group is get an epidural!   Sorry