How does birthing a baby work??

Question

I’m 33 weeks and ive been avoiding reading up on how birth works bc I don’t want to freak myself out and cause anxiety. My plan was to honestly just go in and wing it lmao. But now Idc and I’m curious! When you go into labor can you feel your vagina stretching when you push the baby out? Does it loosen up weeks or days prior to giving birth? Also which is more painful, the contractions or pushing baby out?

Answer

I have been there 3 times and not one time is like the other. With my first one I got pain killers they don't easily do epidurals where I come from. So the first one took a few hours contractions are painful but they come and go you always get a break. I didn't feel my vagina stretch, but I thought the crowning just before the head comes out is the most painful part. After that it's basically over. My 2 and 3 one came so fast that they couldn't give me anything against the pain because it wouldn't have worked on time. I thought listening to your body and to the midwives around you is very helpful not so much about others experience because not everyone is the same. One thing I would do differently is I would have a doula, because my 3rd birth was a nightmare the midwife was so out of line and it would have been good to have someone there that knows what to do. My husband was there but he just trusted that what the midwife was doing was right, because he didn't know better. Also if you have a doula if anything is wrong and they have to take the baby to another unit your husband can follow them and you aren't left alone. But I pray this won't be the case for you🙏🏼. Just one of my friends had a emergency cesarean and she said when they left with the baby and the husband followed, this was an agreement they made beforehand, the worst part was being left behind. So I hope this can help a little, I wish you the best of luck.

Answer

So I’m not a mom yet but my friend told me the actual act of birthing (pushing) wasn’t that bad, she didn’t use an epidural. But she said the contractions were really bad.

Answer

I’m curious too lol
I’d also planned on winging it 😂
I do know you’re meant to pant when the face is coming out because it reduces your risk of tearing, but they’ll tell you when to do that, they basically just fall out once the shoulders start to come out

Answer

For both births i had naturally, during my contractions you feel alot of pressure down there as if you're needing to do number 2s 🤧 but thats just bubs head ...so personally when bubs head was coming out i could feel a burning sensation 😭 which is most likely the stretching and bubs head tryna squeeze out 😅 and that would be the worse pain ever for me, once that head pops out you just feel a sign of relief 😅 😌...

Answer

With my first I basically did wing it it was my first pregnancy I didnt know what was what all I knew was that contractions are the weirdest feeling in the world especially further on having ur water break and thinking it was just pee but also I learned that pushing thru a contraction is about the best feeling I've ever felt in my life 🤣
With my second I realised contractions arnt so bad and I could easily breath thru them with my second I learned I didnt need pain meds with my second I learned im stronger then I thought I was with my second I was more prepared

Answer

Every birth is different. I didn't use an epidural and I think pushing stage was the easiest of all. I felt the stretching at that point and how the baby descended. Long latent phase was the most exhausting, active labor very much bearable but being in transition was the toughest. It varies so much from birth to birth and person to person.
I would encourage you to just get all the information you can about birth and the female anatomy during birth! That helped tremendously with getting rid of my anxiety and fear of giving birth. In general, the more you know what's happening in your body, the easier it is to relax during birth (meaning less pain experienced) and the less anxious you feel. Of course everybody's different and what worked for me might not work for you. ☺️ But this is just how people usually behave - the unknown scares more than the familiar. 💛
Also having some preferences and wishes how you would like your birth to turn out (like what positions, medicine or pain relief methods you are most interested in trying) can increase the chances of having a positive birth experience. Many women find it reassuring to have an active role in the birth and to be able to make informed decisions vs. the more traditional role of a patient who is the object. Alltho I agree that it's important to keep in mind that nothing is set in stone when it comes to birth and all or even any of your wishes might not come true, educating yourself on all the possibilities usually helps with mentally handling the outcome easier - what ever the outcome is! 😊
I hope you have an amazing birth. 🙏🏻

Answer

I think transition contractions are the hardest part so like 7-10cm where you can’t do anything about it but they’re super intense and painful. With my first pushing was such a relief to be able to actually DO something! The ring of fire is also legit but at least you know it’s almost over when you feel that. That’s the vagina stretching around baby’s head and yea it burns pretty darn bad. My second the transition phase wasn’t as long and pushing wasn’t as much of a relief as it felt with my first but still love getting to that stage because it’s the last stage! Almost done!

Answer

I did the same. Just went in blind which totally works for my personality. I was open to anything which you have to be becauee they could say u need a csection and you dont want to panic or you could be in a ton of pain and want the epidural!  Best case scenario is your nurse is amazing!  My nurse was so amazing i will always remember her!  Just listen to them and ask them any questions you have. They are there to help and are super helpful. Remember this is what they do everyday!

Answer

I'm winging it 😂 I feel like if I try and plan this and it doesn't go to plan I'll get stressed.
My partner has 3 kids and has been present for the births so I have a knowledgeable birthing partner at least... He might be better at this than me 😂

How does birthing a baby work??

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