How long was your Labor? Did you choose drugs?

Question

I am 35 weeks along with my first baby, and having false contractions. I am pretty sure I want a natural birth (no drugs or inductions) because I took a class that explained all the risks and benefits of them and they scared me more than the pain of the birth itself. Does anybody have some advise for staying strong/ how to deal with the pain? THANKS

Answer 1

ive had two, my first i had an epidural because it took 79 hrs to get him out and i needed sleep to gain the energy to push him out.....my second i stayed at home for aslong as possible and stayed walking around, this encourages the baby and standing still isnt nice. you WILL know when its time to go to the hospital. i had no pain relief with my second and it was a much more enjoyable labour n birth. just remember theres alot of contries out there that dont have pain relief and do it all the time. good luck its nothing to get worried about, just remeber you will meet your precious baby at the end of it...just focus on that.

Answer 2

mine was 16.5 hours (first baby).

-don't crisp your muscles during contractions, relax them.

-try walking, massage, hot compress, birth ball, bath tub, listening to music, visualizing your cervix opening, put music, etc.

search the web you will find lots of info, but these are things that helped me.

oh yea, and don't look at your watch ! that was my mistake, I expected a short labor like my mom and become increasingly anxious at the end. Instead of concentrating on my labor, I was worrying as to why he was not coming out and that made my experience much worst ! Stay in the present, your baby will come when he or she comes, that's it. I pushed for more than 4 hours and if I didn't have midwives that supported me, I would have ended having interventions at the hospital. It was physically hard, but I made it and it felt so good after !  

Answer 3

My labor was 25 hours.  I was given Stadol, and once contractions became to painful an epidural.  I tried to stay strong, but I think my weakness came more from family that was in the room.  I think I could have held out longer, had they not hung over me, telling doctor's I needed drugs.  I'm sure your class taught you what you needed to know, because I never took a class.  I would just limit the amount of people in the room while you're in labor, that's only from my experience though.  Best Wishes

Answer 4

I have seen so many women change their minds during labor, about drugs. Some choose the epidural and some choose just straight pain killers. All pain killers/drugs during labor affect the baby as well, including an epidural.

You can manage the pain by staying calm and focusing on breathing or maybe an object. Don't focus on the contractions as this will only hieghten the pain. If your partner is going to be in the delivery room with you they can help keep you calm as well. Relax and don't stress (easier said than done)

Answer 5

With my first (my son) I was in labor for 17.5 hours and I did get the epidural, with my second (my daughter) i was in labor for 3 hours, and did not get ANYTHING for the pain. The best way to deal is to relax and do whatever breathing they tell you to do. I never took those classes (wish I had). Either way, good luck!

Answer 6

Well with my first i had to be induced after 10 days over due. My contractions came on very strong and fast. I had to have an epidural which didn't work because my contractions started to come into my back and bottom when baby turned around. I was in full blown labor for 8 hours. With my 2nd baby i was in labor for 16 hours. But in really painful labor for 8 hours. I was using gas and air but kept making me sick so i got morphine and it worked a treat. You still feel all the pain but it makes it alot easier to relax during the contractions. I would keep an open mind about painkillers and stuff.  

Answer 7

I have three children and all of them were born naturally with no drugs. I think its better that way, i would not want to be drugged up and miss anything that might happen through the birth. it just depends on your personal pain tolerance. I am able to handle pain good, Yes it hurt, and if anyone says it doesnt their lying. all i did was concentrate on something in the room and put my focus there trying not to think about the pain, but think soon i will have my baby and its all worth it!

Answer 8

My labor was 36 hours long only to end up with a c-section. I refused drug  until it was time for the c-section. I do have to admit when they gave me the epidural i was in love with the anesthesiologist.  First time in days I was not in pain.  I used relaxation to get through the contractions.

Answer 9

My daughter is now 9 months old. I wont tell you how long my labour was cos thats not helpful - yours will take as long as it takes. Some people take ages with first pregnancies, others the baby flies out, so try not to think about it for now.

I opted for a natural birth also, but had to have an induction and epidural in the end because my baby was late. I would say that you should keep an open mind about drugs and induction as you don't know whats going to happen and you might regret saying no to everything. I wish you all the luck in the world.

x*x

Answer 10

23 hours.

all i used was entonox (gas and air) to take the edge off the pain. i didnt find it too bad. i researched the epi and decided it wasnt the right decision for me.

after 22 hours, they decided on an emergency section due to slow progression of labour and increasing fetal distress, so i ended up having to have a spinal block for surgery.

while i was in labour, i just breathed through my contractions slowly and quietly always thinking ' my baby will be here soon'. i didnt shout scream, swer. i didnt want anyone to hold my hand or rub my back. i was just content closing my eyes and taking deep breaths.