Nervous about Birth and Labour?

Question

I am now almost 28 weeks pregnant. I havent had a discussion yet with my doctor about my birth plan mainly because I have no birth plan! I know that since this is my first child I should be able to deliver vaginally. Im just very anxiuos and a little apprehensive about it. Mainlly because when I was 13 I was hit by a car and even though I am now 22 I still have back pain. Its been a h**l not being able to take Advil or Tylanol extra stregnth while pregnant but I am doing this for my child. Im just not sure Ill be able to hold up well with labour pains. I have also a very small down there area. It used to hurt to put a tampon on there. And I couldnt actually put one in till after I had s*x a couple of times. Im so anxious and I know that a c section itself is another round of pain and scars. I can deal with scars believe me. I just dont think Ill be able to handle my back splitting in half for what may be hours. How should I approach this with my doctor? Anyone else have this problem?

Answer 1

My sister had her back broke in 2003, since then she has had 3 babies. She did the first one without the epidural. The second and third she had the epidural. I had epidural with both preg. It did not effect any of our children and it takes away most of the pain. Most times your body will adjust for delivery, even if you are small women are made for having babies. You should really talk to your doctor. Write down all your questions so that you don't forger anything during the hustle of your appt.  

Answer 2

Sweetheart, I think the best idea would be for you to get into a childbirth education class.  There, they will explain everything clearly, from what happens to your body to what pain relief options are available.  The instructor can answer all of your questions and the other women in the class can help calm your fears.  If you talk to your doctor about this, I'm sure he will be able to refer you to a good class associated with your hospital.

Answer 3

You can take Extra Strength Tylenol... I prefer Advil, but doc said Tylenol, and that Extra Strength was fine. (When really needed.)

Anyway, have you considered the epidural? Sometimes it causes a sore back, afterwards, for days, weeks, even months, but, it's a trade-off.

Answer 4

Hello,

Yes some women find labour a very daunting prospect. I am due any day now with our 3rd and am still a little apprehensive.

I would advise you try and keep an open mind. Every body copes and reacts differently in labour and i can hear that you think you have a low pain threshold, and thankfully, we live in a day and age where there are the best pain releivers at our disposal.

You may surprise yourself and not need to use any of these options, however if you keep an open mind and tackle the situation as it unfolds you may find you worry less.

It would be a good idea as previously suggested to talk all these things over with your Dr. I have found alot of comfort in doing this, these Dr's deal with this day in day out and can give you the best advise.

Good luck, and remember that our natural bodily instinct is to survive. So your body is already naturally programmed to get you through this!