So afraid..am I alone?

So I went to L&D this morning b/c I was unsure if I was leaking amniotic fluid. Turns out I'm not, but being there almost sent me into a massive panic attack. I am 39 weeks so the end is very near (there's even the possibility that I will be induced in the next few days) and I am freaking out. I mean, I knew this was coming but now that it's imminent I have to admit I am petrified of labor and delivery, and everything that goes along with it ( like the epi). Please don't get me wrong, I prayed and worked so hard for this baby and I thank God every day for her. I want her more than anything in the world, I just can't seem to get past my anxiety or fear. I don't even know the point of this post. I just needed to vent. Thanks if you read this far.

Re: So afraid..am I alone?

Re: So afraid..am I alone?

It's very normal to have those fears. Just remember- there's a reason people go on to have one more child. It sucks while you're going through it, but once it's done you'll think, 'that wasn't so bad!'

DH thinks i'm nuts because i'm actually sad I can't go through L & D this time around.

Re: So afraid..am I alone?

don't worry, i think everybody feels this way! You'll do great!

I'm sure I will be there when I'm close (i'm already somewhat terrified and i'm only 9 weeks!)

Re: So afraid..am I alone?

I think it is normal also to have these fears...and I've had so much going through my mind...very similar things.

I could make you a list of all my worries but then I'd give you more to worry about!

I keep having to reassure myself that everything will be JUST FINE and it will be for you also!

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I think this is totally normal, I can foresee myself freaking out as it gets closer. I think for me it's the fear of the unknown, even though I am reading as much as I can and taking classes I think I am still going to feel lost and very afraid. Sending prayers your way. Stay positive and think of the end result, you will get through it just fine

Re: So afraid..am I alone?

thank you for posting this.

i feel alot of people make me feel umm foolish for being so worried.
maybe its becasue we did work so hard to get pg who knows...but i feel very much like you do!

the good news is you dont have toooo much more time to worry in advance.

being pregnant is a very out of control feeling for me...and being a control freak..makes for interesting moments.

thinking of you..and maybe knowing you arent alone will help and i am sure when baby gets here things will feel soo much better xoxo

Re: So afraid..am I alone?

Re: So afraid..am I alone?

It's normal to be nervous but let me tell you it's not tht bad. I got my epi late and made it through the contractions. And I'm a big baby when it comes to pain. I pushed for hours only to have a section. I would do it again tomorrow if it would bring me the amazing little guy that I got


Just keep your eye one the prize and you will be just fine.

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Honestly I didn't think labor was nearly as bad as people said/I expected.

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You have every right to be afraid, it is all the unknowns! Getting an Epi is not bad at all. If they have to break your water that does not hurt either. I had such anxiety about these things.

It is not a walk in the park, but just try to remember, women do it everyday and some go back 2, 3, 4 or even more times. You will be ok

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I wasn't afraid to l&d until I was actually in intense labor and I freaked out and I am pretty sure I was having panic attacks at some point. I'm not ever like that either, I feel like I tolerate pain well. There was a point where my midwife and dh had to talk to me, calm me down. I focused on my breathing and just kept thinking of the outcome.

Once I cleared my head and allowed myself to feel safe I was much better. I think its really normal to feel afraid its something you have never done. There are all these unknowns. You just have to remember you are in good hands, you should trust your dr and the hospital you are in. Know that these people deliever babies everyday.

As far as the epi goes I swear to you it doesn't hurt its like a little pinch and if you are intense labor like me you won't even care about the pinch!!! As soon as my epi kicked in I was on cloud 9. I told the anthesologist that he does god's work on earth. I ended up needing a c-sec after 22 hours of labor and although I was a little afraid all I kept thinking was I am going to meet my little girl in mins. I was so focused on seeing her and hearing her cry I didn't even think about my c-sec.

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I am feeling the same way and I still have 72 more days. I am glad that I am working because it keeps me busy and not thinking about it. When I am home I get into long bouts of crying. I keep trying to tell myself that millions of women do this everyday and that I can make it through. I have a large support system so hopefully they will keep me grounded. Good Luck!

Re: So afraid..am I alone?

You are not alone..I think everyone freaks out when they reach the end. Im def. getting there...its on my mind ALL the time. I totally scared..but remember, this is what your body is meant to do. You'll be fine and before you know it you'll have that precious little baby in your arms

Re: So afraid..am I alone?

Message edited 4/4/2012 2:34:05 PM.

Re: So afraid..am I alone?

Thank you all for your replies.

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Im so glad you posted this. Im SO scared of L&D and Im only 10.5 weeks. Its always on my mind. I watch a Baby Story and I cry hysterically every time because it scares me so much.

Im glad we are not alone. I look forward to reading everyones birth stories and I hope everyone has a safe and fast delivery

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When the time comes you will really surprise yourself and you will do AMAZING...watch, you'll see

Re: So afraid..am I alone?

You have every right to be nervous. It's a huge thing, and is different for everyone.

What calmed my fears the first time is knowing that billions of women have done this and they survived. It's natural.

As far as the epi, you will want it so bad, that you won't even worry about it. They numb the area before they out it in, so it just feels like pressure. Then, BLISS.