Terrified of birth

beachbaby_2

Pawpurrs, I would say read up and get all the information you can get and speak to your midwife (although thay are not always the most helpful). Knowledge is power! Also try not to listen to all the horror stories - I'm sure some women like to up the gory details (I may get slammed for this comment). I was terrified like you and am not great with pain, but my two were born with no problems, no epidural, no stitches for me and all within 2 hours each! There is also just 12 months between them I was that keen to do it again. I tried to stay positive and kept myself fit and active throughout each pregnancy which I am convinced helped me.
Congratulations on the pregnancy and hope all goes well for you too.

gratefulforhelp_2

beachbaby you are right!

squirrelchops

I know how you feel OP. I am not even pregnant but would like to try soon. However the thought of childbirth brings me to tears even sat here now. I truly am petrified. I did though find the post regarding the 'thumping crescend0' really interesting.

jazzyjustlaw

Just say to yourself that you will worry about it when it happens, it worked for me. That way you can get some sleep in the meantime xx (it will be fine though xx)

kathy206

Hi and congratulations!!
Already some very good advice given here so here's my two pennorth:)
Have a tour of the hospital and if you don't fancy that then have a chat to your midwife about a home birth, I am sure there'll be a way of getting a birthing pool in your cottage- like a previous poster says:A
Keep as mobile as you can, try walking or swimming during your pregnancy and when your contractions do start make sure you keep as mobile as possible. It helps things move along.......:D
The pain will go away, yes it hurts but believe me when that little bundle is put in your arms you forget the pain in a heartbeat.
Don't listen to friends who regale you with stories of their "nightmare birth" don't read too much -just enough to make sure you know what's happening to your body and why.
Take advantage of ante natal classes (although I didn't:o)

Hope all goes well, good luck xxxx

AnnaLicious_2

Once I did the classes, read the books and visited the maternity unit I was a little less terrified. I opted for the maternity unit as I hated the hospital when I did the tour. the RUH in Bath looked like a prison hospital to me, and I was in a state when I left. I went to the maternity unit and everyone was so nice and calm. I'm so glad I went there.
I was still worried and upset, up nights and fretting. I did my will, had all my affairs in order as I was sure something horrible would happen.
I was in labour 18 minutes, pushed 4 times, and had the most perfect baby in the world. gas and air and breathing exercises only.
Honestly, afterwards you'll wonder why you were so worried.
If we did decide on another baby I would have a home birth.
It's hard not to fret when you're already fretting. But it will be okay, honestly. It's all instinct during the birth, your higher cognitive functions seem to switch off. You will be fine. x

AnnaLicious_2

Oh!! And if anyone starts a story to you with the words 'when I was in labour I almost died...' kick them in the shins and walk away!!

LilacPixie

AnnaLicious wrote: »

Oh!! And if anyone starts a story to you with the words 'when I was in labour I almost died...' kick them in the shins and walk away!!

Oh I agree with that. WHat is it with women being determined to scare the living daylights out of pregnant women with horror stories about giving birth.

Some people have straight forward births other people don't it's as simple as that. Both my births were what you would term to be 'complicated' as I have a clotting disorder but i'm returning for my 3rd so obviously was not a near death experience. IMO it was worse for hubby as he was left holding the baby.

Weird as it sounds births don't bother me but the pain relief class with antenatal did. In ours they had the epidural pipe thingy and my reaction ( which hasn't changed over the years) was there is no way they are putting *that* in me. Losing 2 litres of blood i am fine with, epidural is enough to make me vomit. Oh I agree with don't google, I tried it about blood loss and found lots of sites saying I should be dead when I was just a bit washed out and pale for about 6 weeks.

My current freak out is I go into labour at home and deliver at home then heamorrage again. I want a nice medically managed induction :rotfl:

Just shows we are all different