How can one prepare for this?

Question

I will give birth any day now to my first child, and I never had the time to take classes. I am scared to death of giving birth and labor. How can I emotionally/mentally/physically prepare for this pain?

Answer 1

Stop trying to prepare for the pain! You'll worry yourself to death! Just ask the nurses to help you through the parts you missed. The pain is worth it and its easier when you dont let them numb you. Its easier, but more painful. Either way, you cant prepare for the pain, it wont change how bad it hurts. But you will be so proud to pull thru

Answer 2

I went into premature labor at only 22 weeks and had to go through all the labor pains and everything. If you didn't take the classes to help you learn how to prepare, then there must be some info on the computer some where to help you learn how to be during labor. Directions or instructions and such. But honey, its a natural thing to know what to do when you are in labor. You WILL know when to push be cause your body will let you know. You will feel it.. Its kind of like a bowel movement in the wrong area, you know how to push for a bowel movement so you'll know when to push for your child. Take short hard quick breaths and you'll do fine. good luck..

Answer 3

Do some research on pain managment, there are lots of different ways to deal with pain - breathing, meditation, medications, massage, etc.

On the plus side, your body is already preparing you for this - your endorphine (natural happy pain-killing chemicals in your body) levels have probably already begun to rise to help you through the process.

Truth is, this is my first, and I'm scared too, but I've already been through some pretty dang painful stuff (lower back spasms) which a lot of women say is just about as bad as labor gets - I know I survived those, so I feel better that I can survive this.

Answer 4

First, congratulations on the upcoming birth of your first child.

It's a shame you never took birthing classes, they would have helped tremendously. Have you been seeing your OBGYN or Midwife? Had all your prenatal exams? Been taking your vitamins, eating healthy, and exercising?

If so, you should be fine. Just listen to the instructions the Midwife or birthing nurse gives you. Find a focal point to stare at. Breath! Bring along music to listen to.

Answer 5

i was just like you, the soon as i found out i was pregnant i worried the whole time, and i didnt have any birthing lessons. fact is it does hurt, but not for long and you get the biggest pressent after! with my first son i was only in labour 1hr, he come that quick i had him at home on the floor outside my toilet, (nearly down the toilet lol) my second son was quick too luckly i made it to the hospital that time tho.personally i think your first pregnacy is better as you really dont know what to expect, apart from you know its goin to hurt, the second time round (for me anyway) was horrible bcuz i knew what to expect. and my second was alot bigger then my first (9lb 3oz) which hurt lol you will be fine, just stay strong and keep thinking about the little bundle of joy you'll have soon.
good luck

Answer 6

Just remember the end result of all the pain - the birth of your baby!!! You'll get to hold him/her for the first time, feed him/her and bond with the baby. You will forget how painful it was once you see your baby!

Answer 7

Don't fret so much over it. Sure childbirth can be painful but if it were THAT bad why would people have more than one child? You will be fine, just try to be as relaxed as you can. That really helps.

Answer 8

Get plenty of sleep now, while you can. Be open to all options during L&D. You can research all that you are interested in to know. This way you will be a little more informed.

Answer 9

thinkin that the pain will go away soon/ and that ull see ur babys face for the first time and hold him/her in ur arms =)

Answer 10

try meditation. I know it sounds corny but I believe in its special ability.