Anyone else out there petrified of labor and epidurals ?

Question

I have 13 weeks left and I'm so so so scared. What if I can't do it? The epidural itself looks like enough to kill you...can someone comfort me at all?

I wasn't afraid at first, but now that I'm 27 weeks it's like woah I'm almost there!

Answer 1

Don't be afraid....It may sound insensitive and I was petrified too....My husband gave me some wonderful advise....I was mad at him at the time, but it's the truth...he said..."millions of women have gone through this before you" Oh, I could have hit him!!!

Let me tell you, it does hurt when they put the needle in, but you will get through it....Really you don't have time to think about any of this stuff because everything is happening for real and very fast... The relief you feel after the epidural is WONDERFUL!!!! :)

Relax, and do not stress over this, enjoy your last 13 weeks...another piece of advice I offer which is advise I did not listen to....sleep while you can now! In 13 weeks you will no longer have the luxury of defining your own sleep hours! Best of luck to you, Congratulations in advance, and may God Bless you and your family with the birth of this beautiful little baby!!!

Answer 2

I am a horrible pain coward and lived through 47 hours of labor before getting an epidural. The epidural was WONDERFUL!!!!! Thank God there is such an option for you. Believe me, once the labor starts, you will be glad that you can have an epidural. It doesn't hurt at all really and makes sooooo much difference in how you feel - you can even doze during labor afterward.

After I had my baby by planned c-section, the epidural catheter line was left in place for a couple of days while I was in the hospital so that I could give myself more epidural if I wanted it. It fell out on its own after about 12 hours and I didn't even notice.

Believe me, the epidural doesn't hurt at all and having one is the least stressful thing about childbirth. The whole experience is fantastic, though it can be pretty uncomfortable. By hey, my "baby" is now 17 and THAT"S uncomfortable!

Answer 3

I have had two children and I had the epidural. i was so scared with my first child. The epidural is not as bad as you think. They numb you first and then you don't feel them putting the epidural in. After they get it in you will be numb from the waist down. You won't feel the labor pains at all. Labor pains are just like a real bad cramp.

You can do it because once you go into labor all you can think about is I am going to have a little miracle in my hands soon.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

When I was pregnant with my daughter (she is now 6) I was terrified of going into labor - I think it was the fear of the unknown. I would lay awake at night and cry - I really was that nervous. Then when I went into labor it wasn't too bad at first. After a few hours I went to the hospital and got an epidural - the contractions at this point were very uncomfortable - I couldn't even feel the epidural go in - not even a pinch. I think your body is like in another state or something when your giving birth. Try to relax and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy!! Congratulations.

Answer 5

I was scared to death with my first son. I got pregnant when I was 20 and I just didn't know how I was going to handle it.

I wound up with a very long and painful labor because it was back labor (he was turned so his spine was against mine). It lasted 43 hours and it wasn't a walk in the park but I did it NATURALLY with no drugs.

I've never been more proud of anything in my life. It's an amazing, empowering thing. Realize that you do NOT necessarily have to get an epidural. Also, it can cause a domino effect of other interventions and problems. Many, many women give birth naturally and we live to talk about it. :)

Don't assume that you'll need drugs. It's nice that it's an option if you do need it, but you might just want to try it without. You might surprise yourself with what you're capable of!

You will be alright. It only lasts a day or two at the most and then you're rewarded with that sweet little baby. Get good support, take prenatal classes so you'll know what to expect, and try to have a doula or good friend with you during labor.

Good luck to you!

Answer 6

I know that the epidural seems scary, but it really isn't that bad...and the relief that it brings is amazing. I remember tellling my anethesiologist that I loved him! Some people are pro natural childbirth, but I've had two with epidurals and I wouldn't have it any other way...as a matter of fact, I wish they could give you the epidural in the 8th month! ;) Just do whatever seems right for you in the moment, and try not to worry over it too much. Focus instead on the wonderful result! Best of luck.

Answer 7

the epidural wasn't bad at all and actually helps a lot during the labor. the only downside for SOME women who got it is back pain after the labor. However it could be solve my regular exercise later on.
Do not worry about the labor. the more you scare, the more you feel. it wasn't really that bad at all. You just have to prepare yourself mentally and physically and knowing the fact why they calling it labor. and you'll forget all the pain after you see the baby.

Answer 8

RElax...I was absolutely petrified also. I discussed things with my Dr so she was aware of my fears. She knew that I had to have the epidural right away...especially since I was being induced and the contractions where going to hit hard. The epidural really wasn't that bad..just a little uncomfortable at first...but once it starts working...what a relief!! Just relax...getting yourself all worked up isn't good for you. Just make sure at your next Dr's appt that you discuss your fears.

Answer 9

Labor is hard, yes. But, with an epidural, it's smooth sailing. I should know. Between my 2 girls, I had 5 epidurals. God bless my anesthesiologist!! I had the same one with both girls.

I'm now 34 weeks pregnant, and looking forward to another wonderful labor, however drug-riddled it may be.

And when they tell you "big stick," right before they insert the needle, they lie. I didnt even feel it. I kept asking, "Is it in yet?" after they had removed the needle!

Answer 10

Actually, the epidural is no big deal. I had the same worry and couldn't believe how much of a big deal it wasn't. Labor wasn't too fun -- the epidural helped subside the pain, but didn't help the backpain. But, you forget all about it -- its amazing how much your body can take. Don't spend the next 7 months worried about it -- it will ruin the joy of impending parenthood.