Hello. I am 40 weeks and two days pregnant. I feel like I am ready to go, extra crampy, 1.5 cm dialted and thinned, the baby is super low and I think I just had a bloody show but I am not 100% as I did have an exam today. I am being induced on Tuesday of next week if I do not have her in the next few days. I am scared of L&D now that it is so close. I am more scared of being induced, but either way, I am scared. This is my first!! Thanks!!
2007-05-29 12:58:09 · 12 answers · asked by ShanaJ 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Relax. It could come at any time, but it's going to happen, and freaking out will only make it harder!
When I had my first, I was terrified. I didn't know what to expect when they induced me, just that it was going to hurt more than anything in my life. I knew all about all of the risks, and was sure something was going to go wrong and I wouldn't make it, or the baby wouldn't, or both of us . . . I had myself worked into such a frenzy by the time they induced me! But, when it happened, it wasn't anything like I'd imagined it would be. Yes, it was agony. I won't lie. But it had an end, and at the end of it was my beautiful baby girl. She was the most perfect child I've ever seen, before or since. And it was all worth it, every second, to get to that point.
And we were both perfectly fine.
When I had my second, I went into labor in the middle of the night, and almost missed it. I was already in transition before I knew I was in labor. In hindsight, the night was funny (I was just laughing about the things I said, did, and thought while it was happening a couple hours ago, in fact!) Then, I was scared and in agony. But, I managed. I had a completely drug-free childbirth with her (I had an epidural the first time), and, although her delivery was harder on me than her sister's, it was still worth it. She was gorgeous, and sweet, and all mine.
Now, I'm 31 weeks 2 days with my third. I know what to expect, and I'm still nervous, and getting moreso every day. The pain is still fresh in my mind (you never really forget it), but so is the end result. I think of how much it hurt each time, about going through that again . . . and I just see my little girls' faces the first time I looked at them. I see their little hands holding my fingers, and think, "That's what it's about. That's what I'll have again." And the fear goes away.
Focus on what you'll get, not what you'll go through. Picture that baby's face, or what you THINK she'll look like when she's born. Hold that in your mind whenever you start to panic over the next few days, until the time comes. That's your finish line: that little angel face.
And, when they put her in your arms, when it's all over with, you'll do it all over again for that feeling.
2007-05-29 13:12:11 · answer #1 · answered by pernrider480 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My first question to you would be - did you read the materials your doctor gave you? Did you read any books or talk to other friends? These would have given you some comfort in preparation for delivery. I know that each delivery is different for each woman. I was 33 when I had my first and only child. I had been told I would never have a child, but I believed God instead. When I learned I was pregnant - I didn't care what was ahead - all I knew was the Lord has blessed my womb and I would be a mother. Labor can be frightening, but the people who have labored in schools to become nurses and doctors who care for women who have children are the kindest, nicest people I have ever met. There must be a calling upon the lives of people who work in hospitals. They understand everything a mother will go through. There is nothing you can say or do that they have not heard before - so just relax. You are definitely just about there. The first sharp pains you eventually will feel will be your wake up call that your baby is ready to be born. Those pains can be uncomfortable. For me - they felt like extreme cramps and then it stopped. When you cannot take the pain - your doctors will prepare you for an epidural (if you have discussed this). They will ask you to turn over and insert a needle into your spine with pain medication which will numb your lower extremeties. You won't feel a thing after that. Just listen to your instructions to push and when to hold and before you know it - your newborn will be in your arms. You will need to get your rest for sure - and hopefully, you have family and friends who will support you throughout this time. Motherhood was a blessing that I constantly thank God for - and my now 21 year old daughter is still the love of my life and has constantly made me proud. Good luck. God bless.
2007-05-29 13:41:15 · answer #2 · answered by THE SINGER 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am in the same boat as you are...I am 40 weeks tomorrow and i am 4 cm dialated and about 80% effaced...i havent been scared up untill now cuz im starting to feel little pains and stuff. I am hopeing I dont have to be induced...but Im sure everything will go good...walk a lot thats what I have been doing lately...hopefully it works!...but good luck with everything and congradulations!!
2007-05-29 13:09:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't be afraid to call you dr. if your unsure. Better safe than sorry. I just had my first baby a month ago and by the time I got to the dr. office I was 4cm dilated because I was so unsure. Try to relax if you can remember that every womens labor and delivery are different. Don't have your birthing plan set in stone go with the flow and whatever works. Keep your options open!! Good luck and congrats
2007-05-29 13:06:41 · answer #4 · answered by stubsoh 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are induced.. make sure you don't eat a lot before hand. You will be more likely to have an accident, if you know what I mean, when you are pushing. On the other hand.. you're going to be starving before it's over.
2007-05-29 13:02:32 · answer #5 · answered by Holy Macaroni! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
heh of course you're scared and worried, everything changes the moment you have your baby. Make sure to stay focused and breathe - dont panic! Everything will go swimmingly :) Remember, for millions of years women did this without epidurals and without doctors! :) It kinda just works. you're going to have a baby, congratulations :)
2007-05-29 13:09:45 · answer #6 · answered by JaneDo 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
very normal to feel this way, unfortunately nothing i can say will help you feel less anxious or afraid, but you will get through it OK, and you about to fall in love deeper then you ever thought possible, also go for a long walk, and then walk some more
2007-05-29 13:02:11 · answer #7 · answered by melissa s 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am so happy for you!!!
Yes, you are scared poopless, but you will forget it all once the pain starts. God gave us women the strength to indure this pain, and our bodies instant reflects know what to dnd OUT is what your brain will say.
AND THEN< once your child is here.....its awesome !! It gets easier with each child too.
2007-05-29 13:04:07 · answer #8 · answered by Dee 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Everybody gets nervous, but don't freak out. I would go through anything to get the two beautiful girls that I have. It is SO worth it, no matter how hard it is.
2007-05-29 13:07:02 · answer #9 · answered by liz 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You will be fine, just think of what you will have in your arms aferwards.
I wont lie, its not the easiest thing to do but you do forget it all once they are here.
THINK POSITIVE
Good Luck
2007-05-29 13:01:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋