Will I be ok?

[crackers24]

I've only got 2 weeks left for my due date and lately I've been feeling very anxious about preparation for labour.Although I've done quite a bit of reading on the subject i still feel so umprepared.

My belly was hurting on and off last night, what could that have been and this morning it's slightly better... maybe this is BH? I have no idea when to call my midwife/hospital, I don't know how i'll be when contractions start... would i need to call the midwife then too? And what if my waters don't break? I've read it's good to be at home for the best part of labour if i'm at home how will i know when i need to go in2 hospital?

Am I worrying myself for no reason? Someone help. I apologise if i'm just being a pain. I guess i'm just nervous.

xxx

 

[Becky]

Oh god don't apologise - we all feel nerves and axiety! I hate the waiting and not knowing when it's going to happen! I've got to the point where every little twinge I'm hoping it could mean something I think I'll drive myself mad at this rate, and I've been here before - you'd think I'd be more calm!

But what I can say is that when labour does start you'll handle it fine, if your waters don't go, there'll be other signs that you're in labour and if you're not sure then ring the hospital. The labour itself is strange because you don't need to "do" anything, your body takes over and your instincts kick in and somehow things just work.

I think the hardest thing about labour is that really there isn't anything you can do to prepare, it's not like taking an exam where you can revise etc.

I'll tell you not to worry but I have the same worries, and I've been there before lol. Try not to worry, trust your body and if you're not sure about anything, then ask!

 

[Laura_James&Amber]

Don't worry hun (easier said than done!), you will be fine. If you think you may be in labour just give the labour ward a call and they will advise you on what to do and if they need to see you they will ask you to go in. It is a scary time but you will handle it fine, just try not to panic as that can make it worse, stay calm and breathe through the pain and if you really do struggle with it then you can have pain relief. I definatly recommend Gas & Air, its fab stuff!!
You'll be absolutely fine

 

[IsaB]

You WILL be ok hun! Sounds like you're feeling BH's at the moment - if you poke your tummy when you feel the belly hurting thing you'll feel it go really hard if it's a BH then softer again once it's over. When you're in labour the contractions will be a lot more regular (sounds like they're only happening on and off at the moment). Depending on how far away you are from the hospital - if you can hang in there at home until they're down to about 5 minutes apart it's a LOT nicer at home than hanging around at the hospital - but as has already been said - ring your labour ward if you're unsure and they'll guide you.

With regard to preparing for labour - the best thing you can do for yourself is to do exactly what you have done, and be informed about your options, and different types of delivery (e.g. vaginal, ventouse/vacuum, caeser, forceps, induction) - that way you are prepared for any eventuality and nothing will be a surprise. It's one of those things that you just don't know how you or it is going to be until you experience it, which is why it's sooo natural to be anxious about it. I personally was surprised at how calm I felt about the whole thing - I went in there well informed, but prepared for anything. I basically went in with a 'what will be will be' attitude and came out of it with a positive birth experience (not what would be considered an ideal one!) but I felt good about it. I found that the anticipation of birth was worse than the reality because there were so many unknowns. When the time came I was so focused and in the moment that anxiety didn't really play a part.

In short - you're going to be great!! Best of luck hun