The pain?

Question

Ok,  so i need to know,  what is worse contractions or the actually feeling of the baby coming out?  I really don't want another epidural this is my fourth child and i chickened out and got the epidural during each labor because contractions were so bad, but if i can make it through the contractions is it really that bad feeling the baby come out?

Answer

Contractions are more intense. I didn't so much feel my baby coming out, but I did feel my vaginal lips go back together after his head was born and his body slipped out. It didn't hurt. I remember thinking "Oh, is that it? That's wasn't bad at all." I also tore, 2nd degree; I was most afraid of that part and it wasn't even a big deal. I didn't even know I tore. As long as I kept bearing down with pressure during pushing contractions I never felt anything. The baby's head will cut off circulation and provide some natural numbing. But transition was rough, when the contractions are right on top of each other. I felt overwhelmed and panicked, I cried some, I told everyone that I couldn't do it anymore, and everyone told me how good I was doing, and the panic soon passed and it was time to push. That's the roughest part, but it's right there at the end before pushing. If you can get though transition, you're golden.

It might help if you stop thinking of the contractions as "pain." Think about them in a positive way. They're only muscle contractions, and it's the uterus shortening and gently pulling your cervix open (I liked thinking of myself "opening like a flower". Sounds corney but it made it feel more delicate.) All you have to do is keep out of the way. Think of them as your uterus helping you, doing what you want it to by helping bring your baby to you. They're good, all of them. When I feel one I thank my body for working. Its all a mind game. Saying "pain" sets you up mentally to expect pain, and interpret every sensation as pain. It's a scary word. Just call them muscle contractions, pressure, sensations...anything except "pain."

Answer

Contractions! The baby coming out only lasts a few seconds ☺️ and you forget it all when it does

Answer

When the baby comes out, it's mere relief. For me, contractions were the worst part. Pushing is hard but know you're about to push a human out makes it easier

Answer

The contractions are worse, by a long shot. And they get stronger and closer together right before pushing.  I really don't associate the pushing part with any of the pain factor, even though I tore both times.  It was more of a relief to be able to push against the terrible contractions, and I think knowing that the end is in sight helps too.

The pain?

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