I'm really nervous??

Question

This is my 1st and i'm just over 30 weeks (30+3days) and I'm getting nervous - i dont really know wat to expect, wat to feel, etc..

Could ppl please share experiences??

Thanks

PS i have opted for an all natural birth ... so advice there as well pls?

Answer 1

Go Girl Go!!! If you have chosen natural birth well done!! I think it is a lovely experience that you will only have a couple of times in your life (depending how many kids you want!) and you shouldn't miss it. I am not going to lie....it is painful BUT not as painful as you hear many women say. I walked from the hospital entrance to the maternity ward, and yes I had to stop when my contractions started and breath but it wasn't a I-will-kill-my-husband sort of pain. Its similar to a very very strong period pain. Pushing pains, even though they are painful, they are a relief. Once you have your baby with you, you forget all the pain and it has all been worth it.

It will be fine and you will do great. A mother's instinct is stronger than what we think. Just remember if it were THAT painful, why almost every woman repeats the experience!!!? Good luck, I hope it all goes well!

Answer 2

You don't HAVE to get an epidural. I had my first son when I was 16 and I had him with midwives. The don't use any painkillers or anything and I loved it. Its not so bad. You just have to be calm and think that as bad as it gets, your baby is doing work too and it will all be over soon. I had the epidural with my last son and although I didn't feel a thing, my back now hurts all the time bad. I can't even wash dishes without taking a break. I really recommend trying the natural way. Try this tips

Get in the tub with warm water. That will help speed up labor without the pain.

Take some of your favorite cds to the hospital.

Make sure to only have the people you want to have during your labor and delivery. You don't have to invite all your family and friends until the baby arrives. This will help you stay calm and you don't have to deal with noise and people coming in and out.

Have your husband massage your back when you get contractions. Talk to someone while you are in labor to take your mind off the pain.

Just think about the end result and you will see that all that is worth it when you have your precious little baby in your arms.
Good luck!!!

Answer 3

It is kind of a nerve-racking thing, especially if it's your first. Just remember that the more relaxed you can keep yourself through labor, the quicker and easier it will go. Those cheesy "he he hoo" breathing techniques really do work. It's very painful, but manageable.

I didn't have a natural childbirth with my son - after 50 hours (total) of labor, I'm not sure that I could have done it without meds. I do have to say, the epidural was a God-send. I was so tense and nervous - it helped me relax enough to take a nap while I was contracting. I would say to keep your options open regarding pain medication. If you are determined to go natural, that's great & more power to you, however a medication on stand-by might not be a bad idea - just in case it doesn't go as easy as you would expect it to.

Answer 4

Epidural.

Learn that word. There is no medal or award for not getting one.

Other than that, I would suggest going over to http://www.babycenter.com/ In their community section, they have what are known as 'birth clubs' of women who are going to have a baby the same month as you. It is an EXCELLANT resource that you should tap for every question you have. You'll find other women *just like you* in this final few weeks.

On a practical matter, you should be finishing up the baby's nursery, buying the last items. You'll definitely need a car seat (you cannot leave the hospital without one) and a crib is a good thing. You should check to see if the hospital offers a "welcome to the hospital" class that will walk you through every step of the delivery process (it's very good--tells you what to expect).

I'd also suggest going to see a movie, going out to dinner, and a few other things social. You won't get a chance for the first few months of having your baby around, so catch up now.

Good luck

Answer 5

nervousness is natural. i have given birth to three kids, and every time i was nervous. all three times was natural, but that is only because MY pain toleration is really high. tell your ob that you would like to the birth as natural as possible, but to put the epidural on reserve. my sister didn't have it on reserve and when she went into the hospital there were 4 other women having babies at the same time. by the time she asked for the epidural..... she was told that she would have to wait her turn, that some of the other women had already asked for it and they would be first. she ended up in a lot of unnecessary pain.

if you want some advice for the natural birth.......keep on top of your contractions. from the first sign of a contraction, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. focus on this so you don't focus on the pain. you will feel a tightness low in your back that will increase and run to the front. it will be a lot like a menstrual cramp but intensified. your level of pain tolerance is a major factor as to how intensified it will be. i went with my sister-in-law when she gave birth to her daughter, and she could not take any level of pain, she got the epidural as soon as the doctor said she could have it.

Answer 6

All you have to know is that your body is going to take over, you have to go along with every impulse that you have, each natural urge, and know that whatever pain you experience is temporary, and productive.

Listen to your body. Don't forget to breathe...sounds a bit daft, but really, I kept forgetting.

The only pain relief I had was gas and air, and my daughter's birth was great...apart from her heart rate dropping and the urgent need for an episiotomy because her head was too big to come out without it.

I got through it with just focusing on breathing and using the gas and air when I needed it.

It is one day out of your life, it's going to be painful, but it's going to be the best thing you ever do.

Answer 7

I had an all natural birth with my 4th child...If you want the truth then I would have to say I would never do it again.......I would definitely get the epidural like I did with the first 3.....I would say leave the option open just in case you feel you need to have one...Good Luck!

Answer 8

oh my u better get u an epidural...there great! i've had 3 and getting another one w/this pregnancy...i've never had any trouble out of them...im 29 weeks today...good luck!

Answer 9

one bit of advice: get the epidural....trust me. i didnt feel a thing. theres no sense in putting your body through pain if you dont have to..