ive heard about the pain too by friends n family...but is it always painful? im 31 weeks with my 1st child! n im really scared...also do u start feelin the contraction right after ur water breaks?
2007-02-13 08:04:23 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Contractions can start at any time, not necessarily after the water breaks. My doctor had to break my water both times I gave birth. It didn't break on its own.
It depends on your pain threshhold how painful contractions are. I was used to having menstrual cramps every month and birth contractions are very similar. I felt like someone was squeezing my middle lower back in his fist. It was a dull pain that I could lessen by putting my back straight against the wall and sliding down into a squat. For some reason, this made it feel better. I learned later this is something Native Americans did only against a tree.
My daughter in law gave birth the first week in January and she used one of the Homeomedic massage chairs whenever she felt a contraction and it helped her quite a bit. You could try that.
Don't be afraid! Women have been giving birth for thousands of years and if you have the right attitude about it, it is not that painful and there is no feeling more wonderful than when you look at your first child. The feeling of absolute love is worth every minute of discomfort.
2007-02-13 08:17:47 · answer #1 · answered by realst1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't speak for every woman out there, but mine weren't bad at all. I had fast labors though. My longest one was only 5 hours. I didn't need medication because by the time the pain got that bad, it was time to push. I've heard all the horror stories, but I can't relate. I get more upset if I stub my toe. It's different for everyone I'm sure. I bet if I was in labor for 24 hours or longer I would've needed medication. The only part I remember hurting was the episiotomy, which I had done with all 3 kids. The needle that "numbs" you hurts really bad.
For the second part of your question, You can have contractions before your water breaks. I did. I wasn't sure if I was actually in labor until I got to the hospital. I got lucky there too. The doctor had to break my water all 3 times because I was dilating fast and my water wouldn't break. I'm sure you'll be fine either way though, women have been having babies for thousandssssssssssssss of years and we're fine. It's normal to be scared, but once it's over you'll say "that wasn't so bad". Good luck hun and just make sure you shave your legs before you go to the hospital!!!
2007-02-13 08:14:44 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Relax..you don't know what your body is going to do in labour. I ws petrified of the pain. I discussed different pain options with my Dr. I decided on a epidural right away when the contractions started, because I was so scared. MY labour was pain free. I was in labour for 6 hours, and pushed the baby out in 33 min. Just relax...discuss your options before and make your decision when the time comes. TV is going for the drama...it isn't that bad.
2007-02-13 09:39:35 · answer #3 · answered by mommy_2_liam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have went through labour by being induced with cervadex. They brought on contractions slow at first but then they got painful. But you know that at the end it is a forgotton pain when you have your new bundle of joy in your arms. So yes it is painful but if you want children we do have to go through the pain. No some people don't start having contractions right after there water breaks. My sister didn't start having them untill about 5 hours after hers broke.
2007-02-13 08:10:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
you may feel contractions long before your water breaks, or not for some time afterwards. It does hurt more than anything I've ever done, but as soon as you hold that baby, you feel fine again. just get the epidural, it helps (it can be spotty, mine only worked on my back and belly, felt every hair on her head, let alone ears and nose go through!) but don't be too scared, easier said than done, just bear in mind that if it was that bad, we'd all be only children! lol. Good luck!
Ps - depends what show - try watching birth stories, it's real, therefore gives you a good idea.
2007-02-13 08:11:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had contractions first and they had to break my water (totally painless). I think maybe it is that bad for some people but mine was easy. I even joked after having my daughter that I could do that again two or three more times that night. It was not as bad as I expected because I thought that crap on tv was how it would be. Good Lick and speedy delivery.
2007-02-13 08:09:15 · answer #6 · answered by BooBoo 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes it is painful, but it is pain with a purpose. Contractions begin slowly so you can work yourself up as they increase in strength. Just remember it is not forever, and the reward at the end makes it all worthwhile. would anyone else have 2 (or more) children if it was that bad?
2007-02-13 08:09:05 · answer #7 · answered by horsinround2do 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes you feel them pretty soon after your water breaks, and yes it really hurts!!! I didnt feel any pain with my son, because of an epidural. But with my daughter I didnt have one and the pain was horrible. thank god I was only in labor for 4 hours. But afterwards you forget about all the pain and its really worth it!!
2007-02-13 08:09:00 · answer #8 · answered by kristinad21 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
they make it look so easy on TV, my water broke when i was having small (not really any pain), then 4hrs later it really started to hurt, I was in labor for 16hrs after my water broke. But it is so worth every bit of pain you get before, during, and after labor.
2007-02-13 08:10:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I hope not!!
They do have meds (epidurals) if you don't want to feel the pain. Talk to your doctor to see what is right for you.
Congrats!
2007-02-13 08:08:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋