How painful is having a child?

Question

Seriously, how bad is it really? How do you get over the fear of actually having the child, labor and all of that? This fear is keeping me from wanting any. Does the epidural really take away some of the pain?

Answer 1

Let me put it this way. I tried to punch my husband (no ex-husband) because I was mad with pain. They kicked everyone out while they did the epidural, and when they all came back in they were frightened because I was so calm. It virtually eliminated all the pain. I highly recommend them to everyone.

Answer 2

Yes, it hurts. It really, really hurts... like the worst period cramps you've ever had multiplied by 100. Fortunately, the worst part of labor is also the shortest part. The epidural takes away all the pain from the contractions. You still feel a lot of pressure, which is not comfortable but not intolerable. It's not as bad as a bikini wax. The hardest part of labor is probably either waiting to get the epidural, getting the lidocaine shot in the back before your epidural, or the pushing part. The pushing part isn't hard because it hurts, though, it's hard because it's a lot of work.

Anyway, don't let fear of labor keep you from having kids. It's only one really hard day and then you have a beautiful baby. All you have to do is hold your baby in your arms one time and it's all worth it. You don't even really remember the pain after a month or two.

Answer 3

don't let the fear hold you back. The child outweighs any pain or fears you have. I Know this because I WAS YOU. i felt the same way. literally by the time you go into labor, you want the baby out no matter what it takes. The pain IS FORGETTABLE.... you are in labor, it is painful, I wont say it doesnt hurt. I had a 22 hour labor ended up on oxygen....I had an epidural..it took away a LOT of pain, but not all of it at all.
You will be ok, Just think of the reward AFTER the pain, it is worth it, and once you give birth, literally the SECOND the baby comes out and you see him/her...you forget every second of pain you have ever had....
Please don't worry it is such a wonderful thing to experience and I assure you, you can do it. Good luck! :)

Answer 4

I have had four unmedicated births using the Bradley method. The labor was a 6 or 7 on a scale of 1-10. The epidural can have complications. A lady in a nearby hospital recently had one and now she is paralyzed from the waist down. A lot of people have back pain for YEARS following an epidural.
Research the Bradley method. Over 90% of those who use the Bradley method do not need pain medication.
Labor feels nothing like cramps for me. It is a totally different feeling.

Answer 5

You want to know the truth? You can't imagine... having a child is akin to getting a 2kg box of cornflakes and pulling it out of your left nostril. Epidurals can work and they can fail and not work. Also some people have an easy birth and some don't. But put it in perspective- if having a baby is the worst pain- hey it doesn't last long- a few hours. And if it was really really bad- well the human would've died out long ago. I have one and I had an awful time- I'm planning another. Actually it's an end to pregnancy and that can only be a good thing at the end of the day as being pregnant is limiting to say the least

Answer 6

Nothing as hard as losing one. And my first was over 10lbs. Epidurals are only good if youre a certain cent. dilated but do help tremendously. I had 2 c-sections after laboring and I hardly even remember the pain. Having the children are so much more of a joy than any silly little labor story someone can tell you. I think the fear of having the child is nothing compared to the fear of taking care of teens LOL. Seriously though, my periods were worse than any 35+hour labor I've ever had. I remember a little girl nurse in training telling me..."don't lose sight of your end product". And it's worth it. One day of labor compared to 12 months of periods. I'll take that any day!

Answer 7

Never had an epidural, so can't comment there.

You get over it, believe me. But when you hold your child, it's all worth it (and wow, are you relieved when it's over!).

You get over the fear because you have no choice. And when labor starts, you just go with it-- you know it's going to end, it's not eternal pain. And the outcome is amazing.

I remember at some stage during my pregnancy I thought, "Gosh, I don't know what I'm going to do about labor!" and of course there was the whole question of whether I'd be a good mother... We all doubt ourselves.

But when I was thinking I was being wimpy in first stage, I was actually in transition (gotta love it, NOT!)...

You'll cry and you'll scream and the baby will come out and you'll forget all about it.

Our bodies were made for this-- you can handle it. Believe in yourself. The rewards are AMAZING!

Answer 8

First of all, for everyone it is different. I know people that have had children and they didn't even know they were in labor. On the other hand, there are people that are on their deathbed(joking..) from the pain. So keep that in mind! EVERYONE is different when it comes to pain and labor. I personally have never had a child, but my mom had a baby last year and I was in the room. She could barely breathe before the epidural, and after they did it, we were watching the world cup while she was pushing and laughing about it. In my opinion, the EPI. is the way to go! You can actually enjoy the birthing process. Hope I helped!

Answer 9

Honestly, it's a very painful process. The epidural is wonderful! Of course it is unpleasant when you are first getting it, but afterwards, it was heavenly. I did end up getting to the hospital too late with my youngest daughter. There wasn't time to get an epidural. I was in so much pain that I didn't even hold her for a few hours. On the other hand, when I had the epidural (didn't wait hours to go to the hospital), it made everything so much better.

Answer 10

The pain is different for all women and the tolerance of pain varies too as well. I had alot of pain. It was almost unbearable just to tell you the truth and I opted for an epidural. I felt nothing at all the rest of my labor and delivery which was great b/c I was able to get some rest and enjoy labor well as much as I could.

I was so scared in my 1st pregnancy. I had no idea what was in store for me. It just came on, I dealt with it b/c I had no other alternatives lol, and as soon as it was over the pain subsided and it was like I never had pain at all. Everything changes immedietly as soon as your baby is delivered.

Good luck to you and your family and congrats!

Answer 11

ah, no problem. I have 2 kids and one is only 4 months old. I do not have your regular labor. I have the kind where I would have literally died 75 years ago. And I don't even remeber the pain. That is no biggy really. It is only a few hours out of your life. I had an epidural for my 2'nd baby as I needed an emerg c-section. I dont' recomment them. He is 4, almost 5 months old and my legs are still not working properly. Before you get it you must sign a waiver that if you are paralyed you won't sue, kinda paper.