Scared...

[Jo91]

This might sound like a pointless post, but I am absolutely petrified of going into labour and giving birth. Like, I don't know what to expect. Before I got pregnant I was a size 8 UK but I ate and still do eat loads. I just don't put on any weight. Baby is normal and everything, I'm just petrified of what to expect to feel during labour and giving birth! My Mum is going to be my birth partner as my baby's father left me 3 weeks ago so I have support. I just don't like anything medical being done to me...

 

[kinkers]

Jo, I have a terrible fear of labour. I considered asking for a c-section but I feel I'd be cheating myself it I didn't give myself the chance to experience a natural birth. I don't deal well with pain, hospitals or feeling sick and I feel like labour and the effects is something I won't have much control over and I think that's what scares me the most.

Have you looked into hypnobirthing? If you look on Amazon at the Maggie Howell Effective Birth Preparation book it lets you have a preview at some of the pages (there's actually loads!) and the reviews are fantastic. One of the chapters is about overcoming the fear and she talks about how it is a natural process that our bodies are designed to do! It makes so much sense when you read it - the human body is a truly incredible thing!! You can get CDs too and you can ask your midwife if there are any classes local to you that you can go to - your mum can play a role too. There's also some videos on youtube of some hypnobirths.

I have only read the preview pages so far as my book isn't here yet but it's already made me feel loads better.

 

[ChloeNat]

I was terrified at the thought of giving birth and the biggest wuss when it comes to pain and I managed labour with no pain relief and just used gas and air for pushing. Its true your body just takes over and knows what to do. You'll probably be very surprised at yourself x

 

[inky]

Try not to stress our bodies were made for this, and nature will very much take its course. I'm rubbish with anything 'medical' too, but when the time comes you'll just go with it, you'll probably surprise yourself when you find out what you're capable of good luck! X

 

[fao]

Try not to stress our bodies were made for this, and nature will very much take its course. I'm rubbish with anything 'medical' too, but when the time comes you'll just go with it, you'll probably surprise yourself when you find out what you're capable of good luck! X

∆ WSS

Also, fear and panic produces adrenaline and adrenaline slows labour as it interferes with the hormones that progress it, so do try to be more relaxed and accepting of the process. It is a very primal, natural and animalistic process, and I marvel at how other mammals give birth with no pain relief, no fuss or trauma and no overthinking! We are just as well designed biologically as horses, dogs, cats, etc to give birth. As humans, esp in the western world we overcomplicate everything! Whilst on the one hand birth is an everyday occurrence, it is also always a magical miracle each time.

You have to trust your body, go with the flow and you will be totally amazed and proud of yourself.

Birth classes are good. Try Lazy Daisy for breathing techniques and an active natural labour preparation. Also a good way to meet other mums and share worries and experiences.

 

[Toria111]

Years ago I decided I wasn't having kids as the thought of labour scared the life out of me. When I found out I was pregnant I actually cried my eyes out for weeks as all I could focus on was the pain to come. I ended up having my son with just gas and air as the thought of needles freaked me out. It was nothing like I expected. It was achey rather than what I would consider pain. I'm now on baby number 3, my last and this one will be c-sections. And the worst bit I can think of with them will be the needle in my hand.

 

[Sarah13]

I did hypnobirthing with my last and its wonderful, I did the Maggie Howell cds. Its important to remind yourself that women have given birth since the beginning of time and our bodies are designed to do so, size 8 or size 28. This time I've started a pregnancy and birthing relaxation class which is a mixture of yoga, labour movements and hypnobirthing, maybe look to see if there is something local to you? Also ignore all tv births, most is a load of hyped up rubbish and never watch one born either, you need to only fill your mind with positive birth stories, if people start telling you a scary one ask them to stop, remember people always exaggerate! I've had two very easy births with no medical intervention, its mainly pressure which you can breath through, its about relaxing and not fighting against what your body is doing. Staying mobile is also a big help. Its totally natural to be worried with your first labour as its so unknown try to stay positive and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy x

 

[mummywanabe]

I was really scared but to be honest it was a lot easier than I thought, I had a good labour two paracetamol and gas and air (and I dont cope well with pain) it wasnt like a pain more like really strong cramps, I just went with it, the midwife was great and before I knew it I was holding my son, if I was do do it all over again id want a normal delivery Id always wanted a section because I was afraid I have no fear at all now and hoping you will not have any either just look forward to that gorgeous little baby youre going to have in your arms