Anyone else terrified of labour?

Question

I am 36 weeks 2 days with my first and I am absolutely terrified. I experience a lot of pain during pap exams and even have pain when having sex with my husband we have to take it very slow at first. I just can't imagine how painful labour will be. Also my doctor is trying to convince me not to do an epidural and to try other methods for pain first. Does anyone have any positive advice ? Or are in the same boat?

Answer

I'm honestly too excited to be scared. I'm anxious but it's because of the not knowing when labor will happen. I just trust that my body will know what to do. We were made to do this! And with all the support I'll have from my husband, my doctor and nurses I just feel like there's nothing to be scared of. I know it will be painful bu itIt'll be over eventually and you'll have your baby :) try to set up your mind to be in a positive space because I do believe your mindset can help make labor easier. Also start doing the perineal massage if you want. As far as the epidural, my OB said it's a safe option for pain help. So during labor if you feel like you need it, then get it!

Answer

This is my 2nd pregnancy. I will be telling them to get my epidural ready when I'm on the way to the hospital lol. With my first they said It was too late to have an epidural by the time I asked for it x

Answer

I loved that my hospitals epidural class (1 hour easy class) made me feel at ease with it. They were so kind & reminded me that there are no metals at the end of the labor for suffering threw contractions & labor without an epidural ;) The Nurse from the anesthesiology department said to get it sooner rather than later as there is no need to be in pain longer then necessary. She also pointed out that after the epidural you will be more relaxed leaving you more energy for the final pushes & meeting your little one. 
Just some thoughts from my class. I personally plan to follow my L&D nurses advice!

Answer

I am terrified of labour 😨 no real reason but a just complete fear of all aspects of it! I try not to think of it often as I get really anxious and upset! 😢

Answer

When I get nervous I think of this quote. I'm even going to print it out to have in the delivery room with me. And this is my second baby!

Answer

This is my fourth and I have no.idea why but I'm more scared this time than I ever have been. My.last labor and delivery was awesome but my second was absolutely terrifying so I think I just have the scary I've stuck in my head. It'll be.ok. just cannot wait until it's over

Answer

Contractions *are* the 'taking it slow' part, they allow everything to open up. It's a muscular ache, like running up and down steps or running along a beach. My contractions aches were easily halved when I was standing upright compared to lying down. But to be honest, there is very little risk and no shame in having an epidural the whole time. It can slow labour down and it doesn't guarantee a completely non-scary labour because honestly, the scariest part about labour is not knowing, minute to minute, what's happening next. But it sounds like it would eliminate a lot of issues for you.

It sounds like you hold a lot of tension so even if you're going the epidural route, I think it would be good to look into hypnobirthing (positive self-talk) and calm birth techniques and depending how you feel, binge-reading birth stories. They helped me see that even the most non-typical births followed a pattern and could be managed by medical staff and that the fear of labour was always worse then labour

Answer

I was terrified with my first for the weeks leading up to it, then by the time it arrived there was too much going on to be scared. Do not let your doctors try and talk you out of or into anything you don't feel is right for you. You know your body and this should be an incredible experience, not a scary one. I heard horror stories about labor and delivery, especially with first timers. I was only In labor for 6 hours, no tears or extra measures were taken and I hardly bled afterwards. Everyone is different.

This pregnancy, I've had some health issues and problems with clotting. Because of blood thinners, this time around is a lot more stressful. They plan to induce me, if I go before a certain week I can't have an epidural or certain medications. I just keep pictures the aftermath. Holding my little one in my arms and introducing him to his big brother :)

Anyone else terrified of labour?

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