How do you get over the nerves?

I'm 38w 1d and I'm getting more and more nervous about labor and the hospital. I hate hospitals. Any tips on calming my nerves?

Message edited 4/16/2013 9:33:46 AM.

How do you get over the nerves?

Honestly.....when it all happens there really isn't time for nerves. My water broke so I didn't have time to really think about it.

It all just happens.

Re: How do you get over the nerves?

I never got over the nerves, and I was induced, so I had way to long to think about it! But all I could think about was the worst, and I had a really good experience! Plus, the hospital on the recovery side feels more like a hotel. It's just a different feeling than being on a "sick" floor in a hospital. If you plan on getting an epidural, then rest assured it's amazing! Haha good luck, you will be surprised in yourself!!

Re: How do you get over the nerves?

Re: How do you get over the nerves?

I personally opted for the denial route. Seriously though, I really did. I tried not to think about it. Both times. I kept telling my dr all through my labors "There is no rush here, we can do this later if that's more convenient for you". I was mostly nervous about the baby actually coming out. I was nervous before it happened, as it was happening and even after the fact. I just tried to think about it as little as possible.

What comforted me was the fact that one way or another, that baby was coming out. Also, I know my OB's are awesome physicians with great records and I trust them. That is huge for me. I know it's scary. You will be ok.

Re: How do you get over the nerves?

Denial and scheduled csection

How do you get over the nerves?

I've been going the denial route but Dh made me pack my hospital bag yesterday and I'm been a bundle of nerves since sun. The waiting and not knowing when is driving me bonkers. I'm OCD this is killing me.

Re: How do you get over the nerves?

How do you get over the nerves?

I had a scheduled csection and I literally walked into the the operating room crying because I was so scared. So I can say I never got over the nerves. The midwife that works with my doctor and the nurses were so nice and tried to keep me calm and explain everything, which helped, but I was definitely scared about having a csection. But the great thing is that the second DD was out and I saw her all my nervousness abouy the surgery completely went away and I didn't even care anymore what the doctor was doing to me behind the screen. You'll be ok!!

How do you get over the nerves?

I was extremely nervous about everything and then at one point I just said to myself shes gotta get out and its gonna hurt. I can keep worrying about it and fighting it but its a waste of time. Or I just can just accept it and do what I can to make it as best I can through it. I just accepted it was gonna hurt but women do this everyday and I was gonna do it too. And I just let all the fear go.

And when it finally happens its all so unbelievable and surreal and then your just in the moment. And it kinda seems like an outer body experience a lil bit.

I made sure I packed everything I could to make my hospital stay a comfortable one.

Re: How do you get over the nerves?

Re: How do you get over the nerves?

honestly, DO NOT think about it. when the thought enters your mind - push it out. labor and delivery is going to happen, just let it. take everything one minute at a time. lean on the nurses, ask a million questions. just go with it all - have no preconceived notions of how things are "going to be"

How do you get over the nerves?

There really is no way- it just happens! I was okay the entire time...and then about 2 minutes before my scheduled csection I started crying because I got so nervous. It's just scary, but its all worth it in the end.

How do you get over the nerves?

i kept thinking DD was going to be here and like many said when it happens you just forget about it and do what you have to do

Re: How do you get over the nerves?

I purposely did not take any classes or anything beforehand bc I knew it would make me even more nervous... So I winged it... To be honest, when you are in that much pain, the only thing you want to do is get that baby out and nothing else matters... I wasn't calm at all while I was there... I was literally shaking and they couldn't tell apart my hb from the baby's lol

Anyhoo, mostly everyone goes through it, comes out fin on the other end, and forgets the pain soon after the child is born and goes on to have another... It's 1 day of anxiety... You'll get over it and be fine

Eta: the last few weeks, dh kept saying to me "maybe tonight's the night..." (Imagine dexters voice) and I seriously wanted to kill him and it made it 1000x worse... He didn't have a care in the world of course... I wanted to slap him

Message edited 4/16/2013 12:23:25 PM.

How do you get over the nerves?

I kept on thinking well, there isn't much I can do about it now! It's happening no matter what.

Re: How do you get over the nerves?

I was seriously thinking about posting the same thing - I will be 38w on Thursday. I am really nervous too. I was induced with DD1, so I am afraid of going into labor and I am afraid of having to be induced again.

I will give you the advice I keep giving myself - no matter what labor is like, it is all worth it the minute you hold your child in your arms. I would do it a hundred times over if that is what it would take to have DD in my life. Any temporary pain is worth the joy that your DC will bring into your life.

Just keep your eye on the prize and you will get through it!

Re: How do you get over the nerves?

The worst part was the waiting for me. When I had the epi I couldnt even relax because I kept crying saying I didnt want to push a person out of my vagina ... but once it was go time and I started pushing, I forgot all that nervousness. You focus and push and theres nothing else going on in your head but that, you'll do great!

Id like to say try not to worry but its useless, you'll worry like we all did and youll forget the pain as soon as you see the baby! Well, maybe the next day

Re: How do you get over the nerves?

DS was late...so I was so sick of being pregnant that when he said he was going to induce me I was actually relieved. I think the whole process is just surreal that when you are in the moment, you have so much going on, you don't even have time to think of being nervous.

Don't worry...everything will be fine! Your baby will come when he/she is ready and it's the right time
Good luck!

How do you get over the nerves?

Honestly, I would freak out at the thought of it all but the truth is once you're in labor you just go into lets do this mode. It's pretty amazing how your mind just kicks into gear and you gain this courage! You're going to do this and once that baby is in your arms you're going to feel like such a strong woman!

Re: How do you get over the nerves?

Re: How do you get over the nerves?

I was induced.. when I walked in, I was calm and collected and thank God for that because I camped out at L&D for a couple of days and my mom and DH were anxious and nervous enough. Usually Im the pyscho nervous wreck.

Re: How do you get over the nerves?

I think it is the anticipation and not knowing when it is going to happen that gets to you. I hated the wait at the end...I tried to stay as busy as possible towards the end even though I was so tired.
Once my water broke...I wasn't nervous at all!

good luck!

Re: How do you get over the nerves?

I wish I had something profound to say to calm your nerves
I just kept thinking, women were designed to have babies so I have to do this.
I kept my mind open to anything that may happen. I wanted to do it natural but I was trying to keep thinking to myself that if I needed an epi or a c-section that it was best for the baby & I wouldn't be a wreck over it.
Wound up I was able to have DD natural.
It obviously hurt a lot but it was pretty quick & actually not that bad. There are some good labor stories so just listen to them & put the bad things you've heard out of your mind. Good Luck!!

How do you get over the nerves?

I know how you feel. I am scheduled for a repeat csection and I remember after my last one having a real bad headache from the spinal. I am just looking at the positive in the end which is holding my baby.

Message edited 4/17/2013 7:58:32 AM.