Well I am ready to have the baby now, and I think I will go into labor sometime tonight or within this week. However, I have become really scared. I am new to all of this and so I dont know what to expect. We were ready for a baby and ttc and I am excited for him to be here but it seems that now that everything is happening and I am about to go into labor I am getting really scared. Is this normal? Is there anything I should know to expect that might help me out? I mean I know tons of women do it everyday and I know that I can do it..its just scary to me i guess.
2006-10-10 07:55:53 · 16 answers · asked by ? 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
THANK YOU EVERYONE! this is helping me and thanks for being so supportive!
2006-10-10 08:27:07 · update #1
I found a website that you might want to look at. It says this:
"Overcoming Fear of Labor
Education
The most important thing to do to help overcome fear of labor is to become educated. Learn what to expect from a normal labor. Understand how to tell the difference between what is normal and what is not normal. Learn about the options you have, and what their potential risks and benefits are. Learn techniques to handle the parts of labor that frighten you the most. Simply learn.
Support
Women in labor tend to be highly suggestible, the way things are said will have an impact on how you handle your labor. Comments that were not meant to be negative can send a laboring woman into fear and self-doubt. Choose coaches and caregivers who are supportive of the way you want to handle your birth. Surround yourself with people who will provide emotional support and encouragement that helps overcome fear of labor.
Take Control
A laboring woman has many options for the way she handles the situations that surround her, but if you don't know your options, you don't have any. Find out what options are available to you and learn their risks and benefits. Write out a birth plan to help caregivers who attend you at your labor understand the options you have chosen, and respect your decisions. Hire professional labor support to help you follow your plan as your labor progresses.
With a little preparation, you can overcome your fear of labor. Overcoming the fear of labor is the first step towards a natural birth. "
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Good luck! Just keep reminding yourself of the joy and happiness after the labor is over! I wish you, your family, and your baby all the best!
2006-10-10 07:58:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
What you are feeling is VERY normal. With my first one months had been put into the perfect nursery, I read all the books and was so sure I was ready and then about a week before she was born I freaked out and was terrified. When I went into the hospital in labor I was almost hysterical and crying. There was a nurse there that sat down beside the bed and told me to one dry up the tears I would need all of them when the baby turned 16 and that she knew I was scared but to focus on what life would be like once the baby was here. That everytime I started to get scared or to worry to instead think of what it was going to be like to hold my baby. Those words got me through. I had my daughter 100% natural no drugs no nothing and I won't lie to you it is probably the worse pain you will ever go through but as soon as you hear him cry the pain is forgotten. Honey be scared that just shows that you care and are worried it doesn't mean you are weak or nuts you are normal.
2006-10-10 11:47:05 · answer #2 · answered by Martha S 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am surprised your not scared to death from some of these posts! You poor thing. I have 2 children and both labors were different. With my son I had "dry labor" my water never broke. I was in labor for 10 1/2 hours. With my daughter I was in labor for a hour, no anesthesia. So remember every labor is different. I wasn't scared about the labor its self. Funny thing I was more afraid of them putting the IV in my arm (I worried the whole pregnancy about that). If you have had bad menstrual cramps then you can stand labor. To me labor is a breeze compared to menstrual cramps. Remember with labor you get some what of a break between contractions. There also will be a machine in the room to tell you when you are getting ready to have a contraction to prepare you for the discomfort. When you go into labor all your fears will go away. You wont even remember what you were afraid of because you are going to be in the moment. It is the fear of the unknown that you are afraid of. Trust me you will be fine. Its not as bad as it seems. Your right, women have been doing this for years. Even before pain medication (lol) so think about that. I wish I could give you a big hug to comfort you because I can imagine the fear in your mind.
I pray you have a easy delivery and a healthy baby boy.
2006-10-10 09:05:36 · answer #3 · answered by sweetie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hell yeah that is normal! My baby is due next month, but I am already 35 weeks and 37 is considered full term. I was put in the hospital last week for contractions, but my cervix was still closed so I was sent home. I cannot sleep at night because all I think about is going into labor. You should buy a book, like "What to expect when you're expecting". It really gives you a step by step of what to expect during labor, and it calms you down.
2006-10-10 07:59:05 · answer #4 · answered by not2nite 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone will tell you it will be OK and it will. Every ones labor is different the only thing you can do is have a good support person or people and there are tons of different drugs to help with pain so good luck and know once it's over know you will be holding the best thing you ever held and you will be in love like you never have before and you won't remember any pain
2006-10-10 08:02:17 · answer #5 · answered by mymail55350 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to relax; it's not as bad as you think, but yes, it does hurt.
When I gave birth to my first daughter, I was so scared at the prospect of how much childbirth would hurt---it was an unknown quantity---that I got the epidural far too early. I spent most of my labor lying on my back, which delayed labor and made the birthing process unpleasant.
When I gave birth to my second daughter, I told myself that I would only get the epidural if the pain was unbearable. With the exception of the actual birth, the labor itself was not unbearable. Yes, it was painful, but it was manageable. I kept telling myself, "Okay, this hurts, but I can still do it. I don't need the epidural right now. Maybe later." But later never came.
What I'm trying to say is that yes, it will hurt, but you can do it. You can manage the pain. Tell yourself that you'll get the epidural when you can't take the pain any longer. And when that moment comes, if it comes, get the epidural. You can do it.
2006-10-10 08:07:54 · answer #6 · answered by Mag999nus 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
its all normal...you are a new mommy!
Speaking from both an induced & natural delivery...for inducement you have the drugs to help relax you. you know that you wont feel it so you are ok with it.
as for natural...i was schedule to induce on a friday and went into labor 2days before..the contractions (i wont lie) hurt and your stomach stiffens up...we headed to the hospital and half way there my water broke. my husband (at the time) went from 55mph to 100mph...and i guess my "OH MY GOD" real loud didnt help the matter...we got to the hospital and I popped ot a beautiful baby boy 20min later.
the point is that even though you are scared...everything works out. If you pop them out like I do...it will be over before you know it. If its a long one they will give you meds to help. you just have the last minute worries that most mom-to-be's get...
2006-10-10 08:23:31 · answer #7 · answered by Get_R_Done_n_Dallas 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's okay to be scared. I've had kids and it hasn't been fun. Especially cause I couldn't get pain killers. Not cool. Just relax and et nature take it's course. You'll see that once you are in the delivery room everything will be fine. Plus the joy of your new baby helps you forget the pain.
2006-10-10 08:02:57 · answer #8 · answered by mich 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every women goes through the same fear. It is normal to feel like that. But, as you already know, everything will be fine and when you see your baby's face for the first time, you'll forget about all the pain. Congratulations and God bless you and your baby.
2006-10-10 09:07:45 · answer #9 · answered by cb56br 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's scary stuff! Nothing will prepare you like doing it. My best advice would be to listen to your doctor or midwife once you are in the delivery room, and don't be afraid to tell them you need help or encouragement.
Your body knows what it's doing, and will take over if necessary (women in a coma can give birth). Try to remember to breathe, and rest up while you are in the beginning stages, because you'll need your strength later!
Best of luck!
2006-10-10 08:02:13 · answer #10 · answered by Chickgeek 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋