Unbelievably nervous about L&D...

mommytobe87 · November 2010

Soo I'm being induced Wednesday...definitely happy that the light at the end of the tunnel is visible but boy am I NERVOUS. My blood pressure has been elevated on occasion at the doctor's office from me being nervous (tends to be my nature unfortunately) so I am really nervous this will happen on Wednesday. After my appt today it's all I can think about...all the what ifs of every aspect of it all. Please tell me I'm not alone here Thankfully my doctor is the doctor on that day (she scheduled me that way on purpose) so I will have her who is very familiar with me as a patient and then one of the nurses I know as well and happens to be working that day too and will have me as a patient. I just fear the unknown and ALLLLLL the what-ifs that go along with it...ahh!

kensbride08 · November 2010

Try not to stress to much and think about all the what ifs. Everything will go smooth and Im sure your Dr is very competent and that you are in good hands! Just remember to speak up if you think something is wrong or you want something done a different way. Things I would suggest based on my induction experience;

1. get the IV put in your arm/wrist as opposed to your hand. hand hurts like hell and you want to be able to squeeze your fists when youre pushing and the needle in it will bother u

2. dont wear the hospital gown, super hot and makes you feel claustrophobic. I wore a roll top skirt and a sports bra, much more comfy

3. once they break your water things get 10x more painful so this is when you might consider an epidural if you want

Good luck! Hope all goes well!

krys2729 · November 2010

try to accept that childbirth is something you really don't have a lot of control over. it will be what it will be. focus on the fact that you will end up with your little one in your arms and that is what is most important.

JLB24 · November 2010

You and I may be long lost sisters...all I do is worry about the what if's and the unknowns! I still have 10 weeks to go, but I can guarantee I will be in your shoes...I already am w/ certain things!! I know this sounds almost like common sense, but one thing that has really helped me when I start to get overly nervous is to just "stop thinking." I try to think of other things, or I'll try and do something else or call my mom or talk to DH. When I stop thinking the what if's, my anxiety usually goes away...and then I realize it was just my nerves. I'm sure your doctor is on top of everything and that you will be fine! You aren't alone in the way you feel. Practice lots of deep breaths and "stop thinking!!!" Good luck!

Angel5218 · November 2010

I am right there with ya girl. I suffer from an anxiety disorder (since I was 12yrs old) so I tend to get really worked up over little things and I am constantly thinking of the worst case scenario. I agree with krys, this is going to be one of those times where you have pretty much no control over what is going on. Just know women have been giving birth for centuries and we are pretty much built to deal with it. What I have been doing is focusing on the fact that everything my body will be going through is necessary to finally hold my LO. I also have a few friends in the area who want to come and hopefully they can keep me distracted throughout most of it.

You will be ok, make sure your doctor is aware of your concerns. I am a bit jealous you have your date set, what is getting me more then anything is not knowing when things will start.

mamarazzi · November 2010

I can honestly say that my previous two labors/deliveries were much easier than I thought they would be. I'm generally sort-of a worrier and was terribly nervous about the process of having the baby -- especially the first time -- but it wasn't nearly as painful or intense as I expected.

Just keep telling yourself that even if *you* don't know what you're doing, your body does and the contractions and pushing are temporary and a small price to pay for the end result.

beautifulsin90 · November 2010

I am super sorry to hear that you are nervous but really there is nothing to be afraid of. The doctors know what they are doing and they are going to be able to handle anything.

tapcat63 · November 2010

The best thing you can do for yourself is RELAX. I was very nervous with my 1st, also an induction. There's little you can do to fully prepare yourself. My labor stalled for a few hours until I got my epidural- I was finally able to let myself relax and let my body take over. I delivered within 3 hours of that. Not saying that will happen to you, but realize your body is made to do this. Don't over think it, just let your body do the work. Good luck, let us know how it goes!