Is anyone else scared to give birth?

I am so excited that I only have 20 more days to go and I am already 1 cm dilated. I just can't seem to shake the fear of giving birth. I am so worried about the pain and the epidural. I know everyone does it again and again and you forget about about the pain once you see the baby but I'm just so scared to go through it. Anyone else?

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

i am! i think it's natural to feel apprehensive about it, it's an experience we've never had before, and most people tell you horror stories about pain, etc...so what else would we feel???

I try not to think about it...but I'm sure once I am in labor, and heading to the hospital I'll be a nervous wreck!!!

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

I am more nervous for after birth - I hear it is pretty sore and painful down there.

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

I wasn't until now! I have 16 days left and prayed for this moment for over 2 years and I am FREAKING out now. I didn't take any birthing classes or watch any videos. I decided that I would just go with the flow, but now I am getting nervous. I think it's normal but I am really nervous.

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

Me!!!!

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

I was literally terrified to give birth. I also had in my mind that I wanted to try natural birth. I am not going to lie labor is painful. After two hours of contactions 2 mins apart I begged for every drug they had. I was afraid of the epidural too but let me tell you its the best thing that can happen to you when you are in all that pain.

I didn't take any birthing classes not sure if that worked for or against me. The nurses really tell you everything you need to know and do. They taught me lamaze breathing right there on the spot and it actually helped to focus on breathing because I did start to panic. I think its wise to go in with an open mind because you just know what is going to happen during labor and delievery. When I had to have an emergency c-sec I was ok with my failure to have a vaginal birth. I know I had tried my best and the drs had done everything they knew how to do. All that matters was the health of my dd.

I think the key is to remember millions of women have done it before you, some without any medical help. Remember everyone who is there wants to help you. Don't be afraid to ask questions or for drugs if you can't tolerate pain. Most of all focus on the thought of holding your baby.

ETA: After birth you are sore and in some pain but you're so focused on the baby that the pain really doesn't seem that bad. At least for me.

Message edited 1/2/2012 6:27:33 PM.

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

I was, and still am a little nervous. Every birth is different. I was lucky to have 2 great labors and 2 quick deliveries. But I know that things could be different wit this one. Anything can happen. But we all get thru it. And at the end, you will be holding that beautiful baby in your arms. So try not to worry. You'll be fine.

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

All I can say is don't be scared. I was scared a bit before but when it all happens you don't have time to really focus on being scared.

I took a class but it was really no help and the nurses I had (I had 2) were amazing. They told me when to push and breathe. The told me exactly what to expect. I had an epi and that took much of the pain away. I also ended up with a csection. So I kinda had both worlds.

And the recovery has bee not bad at all. My csection pain is minimal (I think its cause I had an amazing OB)

Once you have the baby your mind will focus on the baby and not about any pain you have.

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

I have 217 days to go and I'm already scared. I know I'll have some high anxiety and that usually gives me a bad stomach ache and the sweats so I know I'll have to try and be super calm. It is very true to think about the millions of women who have given birth and soon you will meet your LO

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

Me! Im skeered!

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

I am petrified!! And it doesnt help that all i do is watch youtube videos of childbirth! And it scares the cr@p outta me

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

I am so terrified, but I am just going to try and focus on the end result, finally having my baby (& finding out the gender, since we're team ).

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

I was PETRIFIED with DD. It honestly turned put to be less scary than i ever imagined. This time I kinda know what to expect but every birth is so different. I think the fear of the unknown is freaking me out this time (how will it happen, where, will there be complications). But I know at the end of it all the feeling of holding your new baby is something so magical and indescribable so I'm keeping my mind on that!

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

Thank you ladies! It makes me feel better to know I'm not the only one scared. It definitely is fear of the unknown. I wish I knew or someone could tell me exactly when and how it will happen.

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

This will be my 3rd time and i'm not scared at all.....that should tell you something Don't worry!

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

I am only 5 weeks but I'm already scared (this is my first). Honestly, I think if we WEREN'T scared there'd be something wrong with us, lol.

How could we not be with the horror stories. Plus I'm a nursing student and got to assist with births in the maternity unit though I'm not sure if that helped or made it worse!

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

I am TERRIFIED!!!!! I try not to think about it too much...but when I do think about it, I scare myself!

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

I think everyone is! I was and got more scared as it got closer (excited too!).

I think a lot of it is the unknown! Prepare yourself the best you can by reading about it, trying breathing exercises, watching a video about it, walking, yoga, etc to prepare your body physically.

I feel like I didn't fully prepare myself. I had no idea what pushing was going to be like or how to do it! It was also the most physically demanding thing, so walking, squats, yoga really can help.

Good luck!!!!! It's scary, but soooo amazing and you'll do fine in the moment!!!

Message edited 1/3/2012 5:59:02 AM.

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

I was PETRIFIED to give birth... absolutely petrified. But, as a BTDT who was induced, I can safely say, it's not that bad. Sure, the pain of a contraction is intense. BUT!! The relief from an epidural is worth every ounce of trepidation. I was in hysterics about getting an epidural, but a friend of mine put into perspective... when you get to that point (and you'll know when it is, as it's different for everyone), all fear of the epidural goes right out the window. You weigh the "pain" of the epidural with the pain of the contraction and it becomes an easy answer. The epi does NOT hurt AT ALL. They shoot you up with some numbing agent and then there's some pressure and a zing that shoots down your legs (that lasts about .15 seconds).

You're smooth sailing from there. No pain, just pressure when you're pushing.


Another thing, once you realize you're in labor, all your fears go away and adrenaline takes over... You'll be so excited to meet your little one!


No worries... just excitement!! :) :) :)

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

Terrified

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

I try not to think about the birth. My imagination only takes me as far as driving to the hospital. Then it shuts down

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

Giving birth is my biggest fear But I'm sure I'll get through it!

Re: Is anyone else scared to give birth?

I was soo scared with DD#1 because I had no idea what the pain was like. Now, I am a little nervous but my labor with DD wasn't that bad that I am ok with it. I just hope this labor was as good as the first one. I only did like 45 mins of pushing..which isn't bad. Plus I got the epi, which was the best invention ever and was heaven!!!!!!