I am 38 weeks pregnant. I am sooooo tired of being pregnant, and I can't wait for my baby to be here. But I am so scared of the labor and delivery. I don't have a high threshold for pain. I don't know if I'm strong enough for this. I know you get pain meds but I'm scared of getting the epidural too. I have everything planned and have educated myself on how things can and should go. I was feeling like I was ready, but now when I think it is really going to happen any minute, it scares the hell out of me! I'm afraid I won't be able to do it and I will fail my baby. Does everyone feel like this before labor? If you have, how can I try to ease these thoughts?
2006-10-02 21:40:21 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
To Emma: I do not regret getting pregnant. I am just nervous about the labor. If I could go back I wouldn't change a thing.
2006-10-02 21:59:50 · update #1
I felt the same way when I was near delivery time. It is scary, because this is a major life event. I threw myself into 'nesting' and making final preparations, and then I sat down and knit. Knitting helped calm me and focus my thoughts on good things.
If you don't know how to knit, this is a good time to find someone who does and learn it. The soothing action of making loops with yarn helps develop patience, and if you pick something pretty (and simple) to do for yourself or for the baby, you can get lost in the project and have the time fly.
Good luck and best wishes to you and your little one!
2006-10-02 21:44:55 · answer #1 · answered by nora22000 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Welcome to the last bit of pregnancy! You just have a normal case of nerves. It's almost as if it's all been a dream up to this point, and now the reality of it is sinking in. I remember thinking "oh man, what did I do this time? I can't change my mind and get out of it, I'm going to be a mom except I have no directions book, what if, what if, what if!!" Wonderful stuff to run through your mind on those sleepless nights, isn't it?
So relax, you're normal. You just have to remind yourself that this is something you can do. Yeah, okay, there's some pain involved. No point dreading it, or making it something more than it is. You've done the preparation, so you have some idea what's going to go on. I take it you have discussed your options for controling your pain, and made a decision. If you trust your doctor, and your coach- then there's really no point in worrying anymore about what hasn't happened yet.
There is no final exam, and nobody gives delivery grades. Regardless of how it all goes, you get a beautiful baby in the end as your reward. It's the same reward for all, whether you go "au natural", do analgesics via IV, or the epidural. Don't listen to all the horror stories about "how awful my labor was". I don't know what is up with the ladies who have those kind of competitions going on. Tell yourself there is just one more hurdle, and when it's done you get to see your Womb mate face to face. You can do it, and you will do just fine- however it goes and whatever you do.
2006-10-03 04:56:45 · answer #2 · answered by The mom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just try and concentrate on what it is going to be like to hold your baby in your arms. You are not alone, you can feel that way even with your second or third baby. I'm pregnant with my third and I feel that way even knowing how it will go. One thing is for sure though don't worry about the epideral, if you are in labor and are having pain you will be so anxious to get that taken care of the needle will be nothing. Mine didn't hurt at all. And don't worry about failing your baby, hun you can't not do it, you have no choice. There is no going back now it will happen regardless. I'm 20 weeks and I'm so tired of being pregnant, I envy you, being as close as you are lol. Enjoy the time to sleep while you can, although in my last few weeks I hardly slept. Once this baby comes you will not be getting much sleep so enjoy it while you can. Take nice long hot baths. Oh and here's somethign that helped me, get a note book, a nice journal of some kind. Start writing your baby letters. Even if you don't plan to give it to her/him it helps. I have kept a journal to each of my kids and I continue to write in it often and plan to give it to them someday. But as I said you don't have to plan to give it to the baby. But it can help, you know to get things out to write it down even if no one ever reads it. Good luck!
2006-10-03 04:51:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are experiencing anxiety of the unknown. You will do just fine. Your automatic maternal feelings will kick in during labor and you'll be stronger than you think because all you'll be thinking about is how to get your baby out safely. They will give you something for pain you do not have to have a epidural. You have the right to choose what pain control they use on you. I know you will be great in the delivery room! Congratulations!!!
2006-10-03 04:54:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is completely normal, i felt the same way but its all worth it when that little one gets here. i worried so much that i would have problems with labor and delivery but i didnt and the epidural isnt bad, but with mine i was too close to delivery when i had it and it didnt have time to take affect, my husband thinks im a chicken and knows i cant handle pain but the only think that bothered me was the pressure of my daughter while in labor & delivery. just dont worry about it and let everything happen on its own, stress can trigger early labor, so just relax and daydream about your baby to be. i didnt think i would fail my baby but i understood that its a partnership between mother and child and made myself understand that and it would be the best for the both of us
just dream of your baby and what they will look like and relax and get your mind off the negitive thoughts
good luck and congrats ;)
2006-10-03 05:25:52 · answer #5 · answered by winnie_d_pooh2002 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the fear of the inknown.
Some women virtually pop their baby out with very little labour, and others have a long labour.
There are all the pain meds . epidurals, gas, pentathol.........
I had an emergency c/section for my first and when the second one was nearly due, I was worried about a natural birth. As it turned out I had to have another c/section.
It is so normal to be nervous. Take heart sister, you will be fine and the pain and discomfort (LOL) will fade.
Good luck with it and if you feel you need to .... scream during labour ..... it helps and scares all the idiots who make inane comments about unprotected sex ....
2006-10-03 05:19:17 · answer #6 · answered by Feline Female 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm 37 wks pregnant i felt the same way you did i was scared but then i thought about it if it really was that bad why do people have like 3 or 4 kids don't worry you'll get through it... just keep saying to your self you can do it.... Good Luck!!!!
2006-10-03 12:28:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my pregnant friend is feeling like that right now. personally, i was sick of it from the begining cuz i was so sick. dont be scared, you will love the epidural. i didnt feel it one bit, i swear to god. i had to ask if they were done or not, and he was already done and taping up my back. good luck, god bless, and remember, women have been doing this from the begining of time. if it was so bad, no one would have more than one child! yeah, it hurts, but its over before you know it, and a child and the joy lasts a lifetime.
2006-10-03 04:44:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think everyone goes through this, you are not alone. There's nothing you can do about it now, so just try not to think about it. Remember it won't last too long and then you will have your child. Try to keep busy, it is the best way to keep anxiety at bay and you know anxiety is bad for the baby.
2006-10-03 05:03:44 · answer #9 · answered by TC 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
GIRL GET THE EPIDURAL, IT WON'T HARM THE BABY. YOU WILL FEEL MORE RELAXED.
2006-10-03 04:44:46 · answer #10 · answered by tinkerbell 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋