I am 24 and 6 months pregnant going into my third trimester. I am becoming more anxious about delivery.?

Question

How bad is it really? I'm scared so I'm trying to find ways to calm myself HELP!!!!

Answer 1

My first birth was hard - I blame the intervention of the doctors (induction, monitoring, etc) which I didn't think were necessary and which made labour more painful and stressful. My second one was brilliant, it sounds weird but I really enjoyed the whole day, labour started naturally, I kept busy at home and went for walks, found a comfortable position and rested when I could. I was due to give birth at a birthing centre and I spoke to them regularly on the phone and they told me when I needed to go in. When I got to the centre I got in a huge bath and stayed there till my baby was born. I had a bit of gas and air at the end but I really think I could have managed without - it makes you feel lazy and tired - but other than that I didn't have any pain relief, unlike in my first where I needed an epidural.

So my advice is - don't stress out (as much as possible) - your body knows what it is doing, but it might get a bit muddled if it knows you are stressed. Find out what your body is doing in labour so you recognise what is happening. Keep active on the day, you don't need complicated exercises, just moving however is comfortable and general walking will help no end. Think about what your favourite relaxing things to do are and do them in the early stages of labour (I watched TV, walked around the park and had a warm bath - be careful you don't spend too long on your back though). Stay in touch with your health carer, make sure you know what to in case the little treasure comes early and drink plenty of raspberry leaf tea in the last couple of weeks before your due date, and don't worry if they are late anything up to 3 weeks past due date is normal. Listen to your body it will tell you the best position to be in for birth - which is unlikely to be laying on your back. I could go on all day but I need to get my kid's lunch. Oh and find out about a doula - they focus on you whereas the health professionals will be focused on the impending arrival.

Answer 2

Have you thought about a doula? Her only job is to support you, help you relax, advocate on your behalf. Often a doula is trained in massage, relaxation techniques and aroma therapy--good stuff!

For calming you now: get a birth ball (exercise ball) and sit on it every day. Also, do your keigles. Both of these will build your muscle tone which will make for a better delivery. It will help to feel like you have a way to prepare. Make sure you understand about the stages of labor so you aren't surprised. Take a class if you think it will help you. Don't if it won't. I didn't and I still remembered to breathe during labor. :) Get a pregnancy massage. Develop a mantra you use to combat the fear (mine was "It is only one day in my whole life, I can do anything for a day."). Ask people not to share their horror stories--run if they try. Read the book "Birthing from Within". Journal you thoughts or write letters to your baby about what you are feeling.

It's OK to be scared. Everyone is. I was scared the second time too and I knew what to expect! I had two wonderful, natural deliveries that I am so grateful for and proud of. They were a lot of work and sometimes painful, but once I was in them the fear went away. And, the pain is different than other kinds of pain because you get breaks in between the contractions to rest. The best thing I learned was when the pain is the most intense, be glad because you are almost done!

Good luck!

Answer 3

I'm 24 and 5 month pregnant with my third child. The first one was really fast and I didn't have any drugs, the second one was longer and I did. My recomendation is not to set your mind on one or the other, when the time comes you'll know what you can handle or can't. Plus remember that there are things you cannot control, and that's ok. Some people get really upset if they have to have a c-section and feel like they failed...they didn't that baby is here just the same. I think we all build it up in our heads, be it the first or the fith baby. It's a way of psyching ourselves out too, when it happens and you're thinking...ok so this is it huh...I can do this. You'll be just fine, just remember to breathe and not to eat before you go to the hospital because you'll probably throw up. (I ate tuna before my second baby and that my friend was gross)

Answer 4

It seems to me that the anxiety is causing you to blow your ideas of birth way out of the water, listen when i was pregnant i was just like you, but you know the fear is worst than the real experience you will have all the medical team there to help and support, you need to learn to relax more, like listening to calming music or your favorite music, take time to do slow breathing exercises these really help to calm yourself. A woman's body is amazing when preparing for birth everything expands to make allowance for that sweet bundle of joy that's coming, don't be afraid, your body will only be tensed, this is the most exciting experience any women can have, instead of being scared look forward to having your beautiful baby. Good luck and stay calm.

Answer 5

It really isn't as bad as you are imagining if it was why on earth would women have more than one child, yes, it is painful but there are drugs and other ways to handle it, having the father there to punch helps a lot lol.
I can remember how scared I was and I'm the worlds worst when it comes to pain but I'm hoping for another baby so if I can do it you can.
You should calm yourself down tho cos all this worry isn't good for the baby, talk to your midwife if you can she can put some of your fears at rest
Believe me honey you CAN do it and will even want brothers and sisters for your child even with having to give birth again

Answer 6

It hurt really bad with my first, and I couldn't relax or remember anything I learned in the birthing classes I took. I was put on pitocin which makes your contractions really intense. I got an epidural, but I think my labor was really not a good experience.

So I was really scared again going into my second labor. I really took it seriously to prep- learn how to "breathe" etc. What ended up working for me was to rock in a rocking chair almost my whole labor, and concentrate on my breathing (nothing special, just nice long breaths in and out). It was like meditation, and kept me relaxed. My second labor was actually really good! I asked for an epidural right at the end, but really didn't need it because by the time they gave it to me I was ready to push. And I say if you want to scream, do. Do what feels right for you. But practice relaxing techniques ahead of time so that it will come easier when you are at the hospital.

And in the end it is all worth it because you have your baby.

Answer 7

every birth is different. some people have long labors and others dont. i am 21 and had my first son at 19, i was freaking out when i went to the hospital in labor, i thought the worst, but i ended up only pushing for 14 minutes and he was out. unfortunately, i wasnt able to have an epideral either, they tried 5 times and couldnt get it to take! every birth experience is different and special. i had a c-section when i turned 20 for twins and depending on which way you are going to give birth it is a different experience. i calmed down by reading as much information on the birthing process that i could and watching the birthing show so i felt like i was prepared.

Answer 8

Don't stress to hard. Women have been having babies for a long time.
You will be just fine, just don't scream because every time you breath in it pulls the baby back in.
Oh, be real nice to your nurses too! They can make it a lot easier or harder on you. Listen to what they say because they are there to help you.
You will do just fine.
I will not lie to you, it hurts. It is the worst pain you will ever feel but the quickest pain you will forget.
Just think after all of that you get to have a little one crying and feeding off of you and your life will change forever.
Good luck.

Answer 9

Dont worry about it. You will never be able to imagine what'll be like so dont even try. When I was in labor I told my hibby that we were not having anymore children because I was in so much pain. I was 100% serious when I said it. An hour after my baby was born I was already talking about the next time. The point being even women who have just given birth cant fully remember the pain. A baby is worth it though.

Answer 10

I enjoyed everything about my labor and delivery. Although I had a very easy one. the only thing that I hated was the burning you feel when the baby is exiting your body.. and it burns. Make sure you know what you want going into the delivery. Episotomy, iv's, epidural, etc. And make sure you know that if something happens things will change. You want to make sure that the delivery of your baby is safe, healthy, and undercontrol.