anxiety about birth second time around..

I am starting to feel a lot of anxiety about giving birth the second time around.. is anyone else experiencing the same thing? I keep thinking about it and worrying I guess because I know what to expect! Don't get me wrong, it's been a long road and I feel so lucky to have gotten this far.

Does anyone have any advice on how they deal with anxiety about giving birth and the emotions of being a mom second time around?

Thanks!

Re: anxiety about birth second time around..

I'm only 7 weeks and already feeling some anxiety about this. Plus I wound up w/ a C last time and will most likely opt for it this time, but the entire thing has me stressing out! It's gonna be a long 8 months...

anxiety about birth second time around..

you aren't alone. i am 38 weeks and have been paranoid about birth this pregnancy which shocks people since this is dc#2. i agree i think its because we know what to expect. i am soo looking forward to meeting dc#2 and i know we are super blessed but i am anxious. with delivery happening any day now i just try to take a deep breath and remember it all worked out with dc#1.

anxiety about birth second time around..

I'm having my fourth c/s on Tuesday and I have more anxiety with this one than any of the others! I'm freaking out!

anxiety about birth second time around..

I'm 17w and pretty calm so far. Ready to go. Well not yet, you know what I mean.

Re: anxiety about birth second time around..

I really try not to think about it but when I do I get nervous bc now I know what to expect. I keep trying to tell myself that 2nd deliveries are typically quicker and easier, although not always true. The first few months always worry me bc those are always difficult. With the first I think you are just sooo excited and although people can tell you how it might be you really don't know any better until you experience it yourself.

Re: anxiety about birth second time around..

Yes, there is def more anxiety this time around- especially with the birth and recovery (c section for me again) and then also the whole change of routine with the addition of another child.

Re: anxiety about birth second time around..

Yes a bit anxious here too, due in 4 days with my 2nd. Trying to have a VBAC this time and knowing how my life will change again, it's making me anxious. Plus I never labored last time so I'm nervous about labor too.

Just going to do my best, that's all you can do!

Re: anxiety about birth second time around..

I feel anxious this time around, but more prepared. Like, I know to tell the nurses to push all meds slowly because if they push them too fast I get very nauseas and I want to avoid any chance of throwing up. I will also be requesting a ton of anti-nausea meds. So while I feel anxious, I feel like I have a bit more control over the situation unlike the first time.

anxiety about birth second time around..

Usually second labors are easier and faster than the first, so don't worry! I know everyone's experience is different, but with DD1 I was induced and it was 48 hours and an hour + of pushing. DD2 I only had painful contractions for one hour and got the epi and had DD2 an hour later after 10 minutes of pushing! I found recovery to be easier too. No sense in stressing it, so try not to worry. I also told them to give me the epi slowly and that made a huge difference.

anxiety about birth second time around..

I am freaking out because I discovered that my mom's LONGEST labor was FIVE hours. . . I think my labor was made longer by my epidural. . .but now I am panicking about making it to the hospital LOL

Re: anxiety about birth second time around..

Your not alone, im def freaking out.
She is breech right now, so if she doesnt turn that means csection my doctor said, and if she does im having an early induction, and i had that with DS, and it was a rough delivery, so im hoping for a smooth ride this time lol

Re: anxiety about birth second time around..

Thanks for the replies.. it is good to know I am not the only one who is feeling this way!

Good luck to those mommies having their little ones soon!!

Re: anxiety about birth second time around..

I'm only 28 weeks but I'm having a lot of anxiety. My first experience was not great and I'm terrified it's not going to go well again. I'll be having a repeat c-section so I just keep telling myself that at least it will be over quickly.

Re: anxiety about birth second time around..

anxiety about birth second time around..

I'm having anxiety over whether I'll have a VBAC or not. I want one but part of me has a gut feeling I'll have another C-section. (Even though my pregnancy with DS#1 went perfectly smooth I always knew I would end up with C at the end.)

Plus I was induced the first time and when I got there, they anticipated it would end up in a Csection so they put me on an epidural very early even though I waited 24 hours before going ahead with it. I never felt a contraction, water breaking, nothing. So all that makes me nervous too.