pregnant and petrified?

Question

Hi i am pregnant with our 2nd (first is nearly 5yrs old) im only 17weeks and this pregnancy came as a bit of a shock but we are all so excited, yet i can help but feel petrified when i think of giving birth. with our first i had an epidural,(ah pain free) this time round the hospital do not do epidurals and its more about natural 'water birth' pethidine etc i do like the idea of a water birth but i keep having nightmares that i am in severe pain and that i die from the pain!! i want to laugh but i genuinely am petrified. can anyone offer any advice whatsoever.
Best wishes X

Answer 1

The baby has got to come out. There's no way round that. It WILL be painful. But the pain is the easiest part! You've got to get real, get on with it and accept it.

Answer 2

I think it's scarier the next time around, as you know just how painful it truly is, whereas the first time there is always an element of blissful ignorance.

I'm sorry you don't get epidurals in your area. I sympathise greatly, as the hospital near me doesn't offer them either.

It's not just a case of changing hospitals though, as this is the only hospital within an hours drive. *sigh* and even saying that, women around here generally go to the midwife run birthing center rather than the hospital. Even less pain relief :(

Ah well, I'm having a home birth anyway. Same drugs as the birthing center and the comfort of my own bed :)

I've heard that second births are generally quicker and easier. 'Shelling pea's' was the expression my mother used, lol.

It will hurt, undoubtedly so honey, but it won't last forever, and you'll be being monitered so there's no chance of dying from the pain :)

best of luck to you.

Answer 3

Is this the only "hospital" in your area? There have been a lot of bad reports and bad media on the natural water birthings. I would not do that without a lot of research first, i-net and talking to other moms who have done so! And as far as them telling you they do not do epidurals that is total hogwash. You have the right to have your baby the way you want to have it and not the way they want you to have it. You really need to check the credentials of this establishment and find a secondary choice! Or talk with the director of the hospital very soon and explain to him that while you can appreciate the natural theory it is not for you and you will take your business elsewhere if there are no alternatives available. I am sure you will find out what they have to offer in a hurry! Do not be pushed into something that you are not comfortable with, this is your right to the decisions in your health care!!
When I had my baby they were just coming out with the epidural thing and I had him naturally. Highly NOT recommended! That would be why I only had one.
And, Congratulations! How wonderful for you and your family!!

Answer 4

Hi, X.

I can't imagine a hosiptal refusing a woman an epidural, despite the current preferences for 'natural' childbirth. Are you sure this is the hospital policy and not just a rumor? For example, if a woman needed an emergency C-section, they'd have to do an epidural, so I can't believe they don't have any to give out. If this really is true about your hospital, can you go to another hospital?

If the issue is really your doctor, and not the hospital, who does not want to work with epidurals, you should feel very justified in seeking the advice and care of another doctor -- and one who will help you find the right hospital to meet your needs.

You'll be OK. :)R

Answer 5

i wish you all the luck in the world! I had the epidural with my first as well, and relied on it with my second and it didn't work. Two adjustments and it just wasn't working. I ended up with a c-section anyway because she was huge, 11lbs 4oz, but knowing you have the option gives you that security. you need to find a way to psych yourself into believing you will be ok because you will. it will just hurt more, but also, a lot of women give birth naturally and have hardly any pain! it could happen. try to find something else to rely on than an epidural adn you get through just fine. The water does feel great and helps a lot b.t.w. good luck to you dont be afraid, youve been there before and did it right?

Answer 6

Find a different hospital! It is your body and you should labor the way you feel most comfortable. If you arent comfortable then the whole thing will go downhill. My first child was natural and the second was with a epidural. I am currently 24 wks pregnant and I know for sure my birthing plan includes an epidural. Why suffer when you dont have too?!

Answer 7

I had diamorphine with my first and was in labour for 12hrs, I thought it was soooo easy! I wasn't in pain at all, I just thought the contractions were annoying so I wasn't too worried about having my second baby ten years on...........
When I went into labour I was in such pain!! This time it was a different hospital and they gave me just morphine which made me sleepy but it didn't take the pain away! The labour was shorter thankfully so that was the bright side.
You will at least have a shorter (hopefully) labour but whatever option you take make sure you are getting as much anaesthetic as they will allow. I also had gas and air which took the edge off the pain and I thought it also took my mind off the pain as well, I concentrated more on the breathing than pain relief and contractions.

Good luck, you know it's all worth it in the end xx

Answer 8

If you're not 100% comfortable with a water birth, don't feel obligated to do it! Or, ask the doctor if there will be an epidural there just in case you can't handle the pain. But either way, make sure there's somebody there to hold your hand. Good luck!

Answer 9

first of all, keep the toddler,please, even if this is not a sturdy difficulty by utilising the time you've it then there is continually adoption...(by no ability say you'll extremely kill your toddler than supply it to someone who would love them?) 2d... plenty can ensue contained in the 40 weeks of being pregnant... you'd be a millionaire, get pregnant, and by utilising the time you've the toddler you'd be homeless... or vice/versa. third your "freaking out" probably has plenty to do with hormones. once you've issues financially in the course of the being pregnant, and /or after the toddler is born.. there are various issues that would want to help a million.welfare has an coverage and nutrition stamp application for pregnant women people 2. WIC grants a application the position women people can get milk, cheese,cereal, and different ingredients at the same time as they are pregnant and as a lot as 6 months postpartum...and the youngster can obtain advantages till they are 5 years previous. they ought to purchase you a breast pump, or formulation on your toddler besides. 3. searching on you region there are various being pregnant centers that grant loose elements together with parenting instructions, birthing instructions, emotional counseling, besides as maternity and toddler clothing, diapers, or maybe furnishings!!

Answer 10

Find another hospital! You might not use the epidural, but you have gotta have it there if you need it! You probably wont die from the pain, but its gonna hurt, and you should be able to have every choice & oppportunity. Its your birth, your body & your baby, so its YOUR choice, and dont let anyone tell you what you can or cant do!!

Answer 11

Oh bless you well I have four sons myself and I used a tens machine That did help with some of the pain.
The second tip is to breath now this many sound daft but oxygen in your system helps keeps your muscles working and reduces pain so go to an antenatal class and learn your breathing it does work.
Gas and air I found to be great and I had the odd shot of pethidine.
but you must remember the law of gravity what goes up does come down lol..
good luck and I hope you have a well and beautiful baby.