Freaking out about labor...

The last few days I've been so nervous thinking about the pain I will be in. I want this baby out ASAP but I'm getting more and more afraid of the pain. The dr. is going to induce Wed or Thurs if I don't go into labor on my own and I'm already freaking out thinking of how long I will be in pain and how long before they give me an epidural.

I'm trying to keep my eye on the prize but the sharp pains in my vajayjay keep my mind on torturous pain.

Anyone else scared out of their minds?

Re: Freaking out about labor...

I definitely worried about the pain before having my son.

I was induced with my first child, my dr told me I could have the epidural whenever I wanted it....and he told me that before they even began with cervadil. When I asked for pain medication before the epidural, it came very quickly.

Re: Freaking out about labor...

I was induced with both kids.

With my first, the started the pitocin Monday at 7 am and turned it off 7 pm. They started it up Tuesday at 7 am and I deliver about 12 hours later.

I did not ask for the epi until several hours into it on Tuesday. All day Monday, no epi. It felt like really bad menstrual cramps but the pain wasn't severe enough to overcome my fear of the needle.

My point is, don't be afraid of it, if you plan to get an epi just ask for it when it is starting to get rough, you will be fine

Re: Freaking out about labor...

I worry about the pain of labor all of the time! I worry that I wont be able to handle it (even though I plan on having a epidural). I worry that I'll have a panic attack! But.... Im so ready the have this little guy!

Re: Freaking out about labor...

Ever have really, really, really bad diarrhea? Then you've experienced pain equivalent to labor. It's like those cramps in your stomach when you've got food poisoning... only with labor, they come and go so you get breaks in between which are wonderful.

You'll be fine!!!

Some say it's like really bad period cramps, but they come and go. I never had really bad period cramps so I don't know about that.

I didn't find labor that bad. Delivery, on the other hand, was HORRIBLY PAINFUL. But if I'd just sucked it up and pushed harder, she would've been out faster and the pain would've been less. But since you're planning on getting an epidural, you don't have to worry about any of that.

Re: Freaking out about labor...

Being induced tomorrow and I am scared out of my mind. I am sure it will all be ok but still I am so nervous!!!!

Re: Freaking out about labor...

I was induced just last month and honestly - it was a long process but it went FINE! Go and read my birth story if you haven't already. I was brutally honest in it and didn't sugar coat a thing. With that said - I think you will see that it wasn't so bad at all - I would have said if it was. You'll be ok. Try not to stress out about it.

Re: Freaking out about labor...

Posted by Ever-After

I was induced just last month and honestly - it was a long process but it went FINE! Go and read my birth story if you haven't already. I was brutally honest in it and didn't sugar coat a thing. With that said - I think you will see that it wasn't so bad at all - I would have said if it was. You'll be ok. Try not to stress out about it.

Re: Freaking out about labor...

Of course it is natural to be nervous! But try not to focus on that...focus on seeing your little boys face for the first time holding him

Labor is what it is, I have never done it, but I will soon enough. I figure it can't be THAT bad or people would not have more than one kid

Re: Freaking out about labor...

I've been through many things worse than labor (ie dental work). Don't be a hero and get an epi when you need it!

It's not as bad as ppl say. I was 3 cm and induced and it was quick. I got an epi at 8cm and barely used it. Everyone is different but I hope you experience the same thing!

Re: Freaking out about labor...

Posted by babylove628

Posted by Ever-After

I was induced just last month and honestly - it was a long process but it went FINE! Go and read my birth story if you haven't already. I was brutally honest in it and didn't sugar coat a thing. With that said - I think you will see that it wasn't so bad at all - I would have said if it was. You'll be ok. Try not to stress out about it.

I just read it! Amazing story and I love that you were honest throughout! It brought tears to my eyes how you describe your daughter recognizing you and automatically stopped crying at the sound of your voice.

I'm already 3 cm and my cervix is soft, I'm praying once the dr. breaks my water that they will give me the epi and things will somehow or another get moving!

Re: Freaking out about labor...

I am due on April 22nd, & I have absolutely been freaking out about L&D as well... the freaking out comes & goes (much like the actual pains of labor, as I understand), but when I am in the midst of a freakout, it is def the worst. I try to calm myself by reminding myself that if it was really that that horrific, people wouldn't go back & have more kids. I've never heard of someone say that they didn't want more kids b/c of the pains of L&D. Where are you delivering? I'll be at Winthrop.

Here's hoping for an easy & minimally-painful L&D for both of us!

Re: Freaking out about labor...

it's definitely the fear of the unknown and what you can't control.

I will say this, that baby IS coming out, one way or another. So try to have the mantra that what ever happens is going to happen, you kind of have no other choice than to just roll w/ it

Also, if it was THAT bad, women wouldn't do it multiple times .........

I will tell you it was not fun, and I had to wait a long time for the epi .......but it didn't kill me - and I'm back for round 2

Re: Freaking out about labor...

Posted by MarisaK

it's definitely the fear of the unknown and what you can't control.

I will say this, that baby IS coming out, one way or another. So try to have the mantra that what ever happens is going to happen, you kind of have no other choice than to just roll w/ it

Also, if it was THAT bad, women wouldn't do it multiple times .........

I will tell you it was not fun, and I had to wait a long time for the epi .......but it didn't kill me - and I'm back for round 2

Re: Freaking out about labor...

Oh yeah!!!
And the more i read up on it, the more scared I get! and i want to try to do it without an epi But I just try not to think about it... it is gonna go the way it goes and that is that. Hard for someone who is a planner and likes the familiar!!

I ma much more scared of having a c-section and the repercussions off that than I am of the labor part.

P.S. I love how everyone everywhere says it's like period cramps... i haven't had my period in 9 months, I don't remember what period cramping feels like lol The other day my back was hurting and i was trying to figure out if it was a contraction, and i couldn't remember if period cramps were in the back or the front So I guess that is similar to hoe you forget how much pain labor is!

Re: Freaking out about labor...

I totally agree with the OP who said that the fear of the unknown is the worst part. I was induced also and was so nervous but to be totally honest it wasnt that bad. Def get the epi! I got it at 6cm and it was amazing lol! Once you are holding that little baby in your arms all the pain you went through will be worth it!!! Good luck!