Re: How bad is labor and delivery?

I never pushed a baby out, but I was in full active labor with DD #1.

Contractions every minute. Really, really painful. I never progressed past 4 cm's and sice I was only 32 weeks, they didn't give me anything to help me along. So after about 3 hours of labor, I had a c-section. The recovery from that was worse.

But I got pg again so it couldn't have been that bad. Or at least I blocked the pain part oot.

With #2, I never went into labor at all. She was also a c-section, 9 days before my scheduled date. Second recovery was much easier then the first, and that's with having my tubes tied.

But in all honesty, everyone is different. You will hear the gammet on here and no one can tell you what to expect. Only this, contractions are like period cramps on crack.

Re: How bad is labor and delivery?

For me the contractions were worse than the acutal delivery...thank you epi

I chose to walk around for 2 hours to dilate faster instead of laying in the bed. DH & I walked the quite halls of the hospital until 2:30 am.

I pretty much just grabbed DH's arms and cringed everytime a contraction came on. He was reading the donation plaques and patting me on the arm nonchalantly saying "good job bey..." I wanted to rip his arms out of their sockets - actually I ripped his t-shirt near the collar

I only lasted to 4 cm before I BEGGED for the epidural. It felt like my insides were getting slashed apart by a crazed knife wielding mad man. They are worse than menstrual cramps once they get closer together.

I was in so much pain while waiting for the epi that my eyes started to roll into the back of my head and I was shivering cold. DH was standing over me slapping me (gently) asking if I was ok.

Honestly, I was too distracted from the pain of the contractions to notice the epi needle going in. I just needed relief. I did feel them move it from left to right to make sure they had it right. But that was more of a weird sensation.

Once it kicked in - 10 minutes or less I was in pure heaven.

Labor was easy IMO. 2.5 hours later My water broke in bed, I was 100% dilated and effaced. I pushed for 50 minutes before DS was born.

After, they gave me DS I didn't feel anything but pure endorphins running through me. I tore, so them stiching me up is a complete blur to me.

Message edited 3/4/2011 2:12:52 PM.