birth?

Claire - posted on 06/18/2009

The way i would explain it is... The pain hits a peak then dies off and when its time to push you forget about the pain cos all you wanna do at that point is he he or she out! One thing i will say is dont be scared of the "horror" stories you will hear as everyone is different i was over and done with in 4 hrs and home the same day.



Oh and it cant hurt that much cos im due again in 5 weeks lol

Jacqueline Sakala - posted on 06/18/2009

All i can advise is once you know the reason you're going through that labour, nothing else matters..... keep fit, be ready and just relax...most of all take care of yourself, coz that way u are taking care of the baby, and a healthy baby is all one can ever ask for.. Good health and all the best.....

Kathleen - posted on 06/17/2009

I think it's all a matter of perspective; each person is different. I had my son in August 2008 and I was terrified of the labour process. A few weeks before I was due I started picking up books about the birthing process. One book in particular (the name slips my mind) was all personal birth stories; from the easy birth to the more difficult ones. That was the best resource I had. I think I have a VERY low pain tolerance so the book gave me an idea of what to expect, coping mechanisms, and the recognition that I could control the experience because I knew what I wanted. I've heard all the horror stories, but mine didn't turn out that way. By the time I realized I was in "full" labour, I was fully dialated. Of course, when I heard that I started to freak out because I knew I couldn't get meds and I was scared that it would get worse. It didn't. As a matter of fact, once I started pushing...the pain was gone. I think it's important that you know your body and what you can handle. The rest will take care of itself.

Kathleen - posted on 06/17/2009

I think it's all a matter of perspective; each person is different. I had my son in August 2008 and I was terrified of the labour process. A few weeks before I was due I started picking up books about the birthing process. One book in particular (the name slips my mind) was all personal birth stories; from the easy birth to the more difficult ones. That was the best resource I had. I think I have a VERY low pain tolerance so the book gave me an idea of what to expect, coping mechanisms, and the recognition that I could control the experience because I knew what I wanted. I've heard all the horror stories, but mine didn't turn out that way. By the time I realized I was in "full" labour, I was fully dialated. Of course, when I heard that I started to freak out because I knew I couldn't get meds and I was scared that it would get worse. It didn't. As a matter of fact, once I started pushing...the pain was gone. I think it's important that you know your body and what you can handle. The rest will take care of itself.

Kerry - posted on 06/17/2009

My contractions had no relief between them....one led into the next. For me it was like really intense cramps. I finally gave in and had the epidural and it was wonderful. I was still able to feel pain but there was a break between each contraction so I could concentrate and really enjoy the labour (as strange as that sounds). The bad (and constant pain) did not start until after my water was broken so things were well on their way by then. Women have a natural reaction to labour that as soon as the baby is born the truth of the pain is forgotten so no matter how hard it is, just remember that it will end and be put to the back of your mind in no time. A little tip I found helpful is to massage the perineum in the months leading up to delivery. That is the skin closest to your rectum (the back of the vaginal opening). You can do this through sex, masturbation or have him feel "special" by having him massage for you. This provides more stretch during labour and will cause less tearing during the labour. My physician was amazed by the results I achieved with only a short time to work on it. She could not believe I got away with 3 stitches (all external) when the baby got stuck crowning and had to be pulled out to prevent her from suffocating (cord around neck). Hope these suggestions help you out!

Marianne - posted on 06/17/2009

I have two kids my son was all natural all at home till bout 2 hours before he arrived. i sat in a hot bath most of the time, my daughter was something completely different i ended up having an epidural. I was also at the hospital from the start so not sure if that made a difference to my nerves and stuff. I do advice staying home as long as u can for the comfort factor so u are relaxed. The worst part bout child birth i found was the fact of not having control over your body, i got through it by taking deep breaths through the contractions and having support and positive thinking. plus once u have your bundle of joy in your arms u totally forget all u just went through.

Amber - posted on 06/17/2009

Where are you from, if I may ask?

Emely - posted on 06/17/2009

I spent 26 hours in labor with my darling daughter and wounded up with a c-section. To me labor was REALLY bad period cramps and being constipated at the same time. When you look back after having your baby- the pain is not as bad. Like one of the people said in one of the post- Focus on the baby and enjoy being pregnant. You are only pregnant for nine months. I loved having my daughter do summersaults inside and giving me butterflies when she did that. Also, make sure your taking your prenatel vitamins and a DHA supplement (it helps with the baby's brain development), excercise and most importantly RELAX... At the end everything will work out. Also, make sure you make a birthing plan and that you give it to your OB and when you are ready to deliver make sure you take one with you to the hospital.

Maha - posted on 06/17/2009

what about epidural? did anyone try it?

Jolene - posted on 06/17/2009

sorry hun, just thought you might like to look at your post again, it says you were in labor for 6 months.......

Kirsty - posted on 06/17/2009

love ya name hun!!!! my little girl is name kayla.

it is made less painful with gas and air. it was a god send for me. its all worth it wen ya baby is eya n u soon 4get aboutit xxxx

Kirsty - posted on 06/17/2009

love ya name hun!!!! my little girl is name kayla.

it is made less painful with gas and air. it was a god send for me. its all worth it wen ya baby is eya n u soon 4get aboutit xxxx

Lynne - posted on 06/17/2009

Don't worry. . . you will be fine!

Nicole - posted on 06/17/2009

I've had two. I apparently have a high pain threshold which I didn't know. But you will be scared, it's natural, just try to breath and listen to your midwife. Your body really does take over when it's time to push. The pain will take your breath away and you won't be able to talk let alone want to while having a contraction. With most your contractions take the time to build up in intensity and gas makes it easier. If it's not working tell the MW to turn it up because they usually start it really low. It's not harmful and within another deep breath is out of you system, but it helps. Don't listen to anyone but yourself when it comes to what pain relief you should have. You'll know when it's happening whether you think you can try to go natural or if you need meds. Don't be afraid to ask. And it is completely true what they say about how quickly you forget the pain. As soon as your baby is on your chest, it's gone and all there is is this massive feeling of love and bang....your a mother. A truly wonderful experience. Enjoy it as best you can. And don't forget, everyone feels scared but you will look back at it with wonder and happiness.

Jenell - posted on 06/16/2009

its normal to be nervous but don't let anyone's story or stories sway you one way or another. I have 2 children and both births were very different. with my first I planned on having her naturally but after 6 hours of back labor i broke down and got the epideral, i never regretted that decision because the pain was so very unbearable (ive had back problems since i was a child) with my second i had the epideral on "stand by" just in case i couldn't handle it. my water broke and 45 minutes later i was holding my baby girl in my arms. the pain was in my stomach (so glad i didn't have back labor again) but it was bearable. it was nothing like i had planned or imagined though. each persons body reacts to pain differently and i was in total shock with how mine reacted. we all hear how the mother in labor squeezes the nurse or spouse's hand during contractions but that wasn't my case lol every time i had a contraction the only thing i could do was push up with my legs i loss all control of my upper body my husband was begging me to squeeze his hand but my arms were just limp noodles i had no control over. i was planning on watching the birth via a mirror but i couldn't even open my eyes it was like my brain just shut down everything above the waist. i had done all the birthing classes and when i got in there all those breathing techniques got thrown out the window and i was worried i would have to push and push but in my case i pushed once and here came my little girl right into the world. will yours be like that? probably not but try not to worry to much about it. you will have your own beautiful story to tell soon until then enjoy your changing body as best you can and just prepare yourself for his/her arrival. how he/she gets here will be nothing in comparison to when you finally hold him/her in your arms for the first time.

Alexa - posted on 06/16/2009

Don't be scared, it hurts, but it isn't bad. Everyone has their story, I have a good one and I am grateful that I had such a easy birth with my son. I didn't use pain killers it was all natural and I never felt like I couldn't handle it. Relax and remember it's only for a little bit, then you get to take your baby home! There are nurses and people there to help you through it all too. Relax and breathe....thats my advice is to relaxa nd find your rhythm and get in your own zone. I had to breathe and shake my legs. I think my husband was freaked out because I just kept shaking my legs and rocking but it helped me. Also the nurse said good job and to keep doing what I was doing and yeh it worked. Good Luck to you and RELAX!

Terri - posted on 06/16/2009

My son it was painful, but my 4 month old was a breeze...had epidural and felt nothing, was induced due to gestational diabetes so had no labor pains...it is soooo worth it tho..tell your gyno your fears, I did w/ mine and I think that is why the 2nd birth was pain free...

Teresa - posted on 06/16/2009

It's okay to be scared. Know that all new moms are at least a bit scared. It is very painful for some; for others, it is an enjoyable experience. It took four years after the birth of our son before I was mentally or physically ready to even think about having another one. Remember that this is what our bodies were made to do! Prayers with you!

Louise - posted on 06/16/2009

Hi, it's normal to be scared, I was freaking out so much I threw up every time I thought of it! You know what nobody tells you? It's the intense relief you feel when the baby is out. The relief is instant regardless of how you deliver. I would have to say the relief is far more overwhelming than any pain. I only had c-sections due to placenta previa. I was told to expect the worst pain imaginable. And while yeah, it wasn't a picnic, I just felt badly bruised and was up and about the next day. Once up and walking I got better really quickly. Being hooked up to drains and drips over night is a bit of a nuisance but not painful really. Stitches coming out was a big worry for me too... didn't feel a thing! No matter how you deliver, the pain relief available these days can counteract it. I knew one mum who said the pain was unbearable before she even felt a proper contraction, she was given drugs immediately and said she never felt more than mild period pain as a result. That's a bit sneaky but it seemed to work for her. There's ways around it Nobody will let you suffer. Thinking of you.

Kristen - posted on 06/16/2009

As many other moms said, it's different for everyone and you can never totally be prepared for what to expect. My advice is to take a prepared childbirth class from the hospital you're giving birth at (if you're going to be at a hospital) and then approach that day with an open mind. Don't get too far ahead of yourself, you can easily turn into your own worst enemy. I was induced and had no idea what was going to happen until it happened, but I took every moment in stride just reciting my mantra in my head "i'll be able to see her face soon, it'll be all over soon." have some people there that will support you and provide you with the support you need, even if it's just for them to sit there quietly. I also had a wonderful labor nurse (who happened to be a midwife) so that also helped out with the 24 hours of labor. But I was able to labor long enough that they didn't start making me push early and my contractions pushed her down so that when I did actually push, it was only 3 pushes and she was out. Again don't think too far ahead of yourself and enjoy your pregnancy. Best wishes and God bless!

Kelly - posted on 06/16/2009

Its different for everyone, and I don't think its any secret that its very painful. But its also no secret that the majority of women forget about the pain part soon after, especially when you see what you've got out of it! I think its more painful if you try to fight the contractions - try to 'go with the flow' and think of every contraction as one nearer to seeing your baby. Make a birth plan but be prepared to change it if neccessary. Don't be ashamed to ask for pain relief - yes it might be better for the baby to have an unmedicated birth, but in my personal opinion if the pain is unbearable then its not doing either of you any good; you might find yourself getting into such a state that you're unable to concentrate on what you need to do. And besides, if you broke your arm no-one would expect you to go without. It really depends on your personal preference. I know its easier said than done, but try not to worry as its just one day - compared to the overwhelming love you'll feel after, its a drop in the ocean. Have someone with you who is able to keep you calm and focused, and will do what you ask but will also keep to your wishes if the midwives try to change anything without good reason in your birth plan. Practice relaxation/distraction techniques before labour, and during listen to what your body is telling you during - you might not know what to do but your body is made for this and will tell you exactly what it needs. And maybe take a picture of your scan with you so you can concentrate on it and remember why you're doing it! Births do go wrong sometimes, but these are few and far between, and as long as you listen to your body and have had a healthy pregnancy there is no reason why everything shouldn't be great. As for the length of time - I was in labour for 27 hours but to be honest it passed really quickly. Different positions can help greatly - standing or squatting means gravity helps you push. Walk round a lot to help the baby move down. If you can help it don't give birth laying on your back, as it can be longer. Try not to shout or scream as it just wastes energy and you'll need to keep as much as you can. I think most women are terrified of birth to some extent, but the baby has to come out one way or another and I promise - the reward is worth every second!!! Don't listen to other birth stories too much - some women can be mean and just want to scare you, but if it was that bad then surely there would be only single children? Please try not to worry - there's no bigger wimp than me and I did it! You WILL do it, and I promise within a week you'll more than likely be saying that you'd do it again! Take care hon!

Tonya - posted on 06/16/2009

For one thing it's not like TV. I think some women talk about their birth experience as if they are trying to out brag other women about how bad it was. I've had four children and very different experiences each time. I loved every experience. It's work and it takes concentration. I would try to stay focused on the experience. I liked feeling each aspect of the labor and birth. I think that labor is more challenging than birth. Pushing a baby out is a great experience. I'm always sorry for women who miss that. Have you ever read the Bradly Method of Child Birth? It offers a lot of good information about the stages and emotions of birth and I found that very helpful. I think that overcoming fear is the hardest part of having a baby for most women. Good Luck!

Mae - posted on 06/16/2009

I just went through this with my daughter, and i have had 4 kids nayural with pain shots only,that's the experiance i have to back what i am going to tell you. It hurts no way to describe it, no way to match it, what you need to get a firm grip on and understand is that your body will do what it was made for, certain functions shut down, and your whole boy contracts to basically expel the baby from you. the advise i give everyone is go natural, when your body tells you you need pain killers take them, if your body says stop and go a different way you always can, my daughter had her first child in 5 hrs, and just about the time she was redy to take the epidural she was 9 centimeters and finished without it. Everyones body is different, everyone labor is different, but she herself was a clean freak and didnt want to lay in all the mess for 3 hrs afterward, she was up and in the shower within 30 min of birth. you may labor for a long or short time, hear everyones advise but in the end it's your body, you know you better than anyone, one thing is a must have someone with your mate that you trust, having someone you trust in there with you will boost your confidence and you will worry less, your full consentration should be on you and nothing else. don't worry about him passin out lol, he will be fine! hope this helps some! Good luck! let me know what happens!

Megan - posted on 06/16/2009

Quoting Dani:

It's amazing. Don't listen to the horror stories. I gave birth at home, without an epidural or any anesthesia, and it was fine. It hurts, don't let that scare you, though. You were made to do it, and you will instinctively know what to do when the time comes. You are in labor for however long before transition happens, which is the most painful, but shortest part of labor (approx. 30 mins. to one hour). Then, it's time to push, and you'll do it without even thinking about it. It's exhilirating and amazing. It doesn't linger afterward, and you forget the pain. Remember, epidurals are for sissies!!!

Kayla, the experience of giving birth is different for everyone. I agree that you shouldn't listen to the horror stories, but just be open to whatever may happen during your own birth experience. Listen to you body. If your body is telling you you can't handle the pain any longer, than go with some pain relief. I was induced at 11 days overdue with my son, i was in hard labour for 23.5 hours before he was born. I got to 9cms without any drugs until he got stuck. I was exhausted so went with the epidural (they do give epidurals at 9cms here in Australia in certain circumstances, might be different in other countries like some people have said in the other posts). He was finally delivered by forceps weighing in at 10 pounds. I am only a small person, they doctors told me there was no way he was coming out without help. But i still felt like a strong woman. Birth is an enpowering experience. I found being in the shower with strong shower pressure on ur back and tummy really helpful with the pain management. Don't be scared, after my horrific birth i am still going back for more babies.

Dani, i find it EXTREMELY inappropriate for you to say that epidurals are for sissies! Good on you for having a great home birth. But honestly, sometimes there really is no other option. Everyone has different pain thresholds and shouldn't have to feel guilty about it. All woman are strong (not sissies) for getting through the birthing process in any way they can. 

Julie - posted on 06/15/2009

I had my kids without any drugs. No epi or anything. I would suggest lamaze and walk as much as possible. I walk till the day I went into labor and with my second I labored standing. My first was born 4 hours after the doctor broke my water, (6 hours total) and my second less than an hour. it wil be ok. good luck.

Jean - posted on 06/15/2009

OK so the truth.... The contractions were the worst for me. 5 hours of intense contractions and soon as they let me push I as like aahhhhhh...that feels good. Then about when you think you can't do it anymore you give that final push and are holding the most beautiful thing in the world and NOTHING hurts anymore!!!! Remember women give nirth MULTIPUL times so it can't be all that tramatic right....

Clariza - posted on 06/15/2009

its too early to start thinking about that....chill out n cross that bridge when u get there. Its not as bad as u think.

Heather - posted on 06/15/2009

my experience with childbirth was great! Giving birth, for me wasn't anything like what I had expected. I was in labor for two hours, pushed for 10 minutes and my son was born! No drugs, tearing, stitches, difficulties, it was great. Just set your mind to it, that people are doing it everyday. It is uncomfortable, but just try to relax and await the arrival of your baby.

Amy - posted on 06/15/2009

Everyone is definetly different!!!! My labour was 17 hours long, THANKS goodness for the epidural, Once I had it i was sooo relaxed, and I was able to get some rest before the big moment!!! It is painfull but soo worth it, You pretty much forget all about it, because your so busy with baby!!!! Youll do just great, Just remember not to clench up and make sure you breath, that helped me out sooooooo much when I was breathing slow and often!!!!! Congratulations :)

Hayley - posted on 06/15/2009

it is not that bad i had my second about 6 months ago and my first was 4 years ago and to tell ya the truth its not that bad as soon as the baby is out all the pain is just gone

my sister had her baby about 2 months before i had my second and she had a hard time because she wouldnt listen to the nurses

the only advice i can give you is listen to what they tell ya to do and ask for pain relief if ya need it now day and age there is nothing wrong with havein the drugs why go through all the pain if there is no need for it

Amber - posted on 06/15/2009

I gave birth to my son a month ago (16th may), i was in labour for 44hours and yes it was painful! But.. As soon as the baby is placed in your arms, the pain completely disappears and you realise that every second was worth it! Until a few days ago i was saying that going through that again is out of the question. But thinking back now, it was an amazing experience and my little boy is the best thing in the world so i would definately consider doing it again in the future! Good luck.. you'll be perfectly fine! x

Desiree - posted on 06/15/2009

i have 4 children now i can tell you that a birthis a wonderfull thing of course it's gonna hurt but when you see your child in your arms you'll forget the pain that was befor! wishing you all the best for your little familly. :-)

Amanda - posted on 06/15/2009

Hey, I'm not gonna lie! I was scared to death the day I was scheduled to go into the hospital. All that morning and on the drive to the hospital I was like "please can't we just turn around, I don't wanna go!" Anyways everything is alright during the whole process except for those damned contractions!!!! They hurt like I don't even know what to explain them like! But don't be scared! As soon as you get that epidural it's better! But it kind of starts to dull during the pushing process. I wish I could tell you if that parts gonna hurt but I can't cause I had to end up getting a c-section cause my daughter was to big! I hope all goes well though and once it's all over the only thing your gonna be worried about is how many little toes and fingers they have and if they're healthy! It's all worth it once you hear them first cry!!!!! :) Good luck! When are you due by the way and what are you having? O, lol, my names Amanda by the way!

Aimee - posted on 06/15/2009

its really not as bad as you imagine! yes it does hurt but u dont really mind coz u know its worth it! you will be able to cope coz u simply have no choice not to! you need to think positive and it really wont be as bad as you think!! x

Laura - posted on 06/15/2009

Where I live you don't have the option of an epi. Make sure you take childbirth classes. I think a lot of it depends on the attitude you have going in. Be positive and your breathing is everthing. I had 3 babies all natural and my longest labor was 20hrs and shortest 14. As long as I had a good focal point and kept to my breathing(it helps to have a great partner)I could handle the pain. It is amazing how fast the pain is gone when that bundle of joy is placed in your arms.

Christal - posted on 06/15/2009

well i cant speek for everyone, but i was in pain for about 30 minutes, after i had to deal with 2 contractions (didnt like) i got an epederal. after that i felt NOTHING and i was literally laughing and making jokes the entire time i was pushing.



I started pushing at 3:15 and my daughter was born at 4:02

Diane - posted on 06/15/2009

im not gona lie 4 me it was the most painful thing i ever went through,both my births lasted only 2hrs 32mins but for sum it varys a lot but once u have ur baby all that pain is 4gotten wen ur lookin in ur babys eyes and say "hello little one" it helps if u have a birth partner to hold ur hand and rub ur bk cos ur gonna have some mager bk ache. hope all goes well and gd luck x

Michelle - posted on 06/15/2009

With my 1st son i was in labour for 5 and a half hours didnt really find it painful until i got to about 9 cms and i just had a puff of gas and air it felt like having a big poo pushing him out and when his head crowned it felt like ok but with my 2nd son i was in labour for 23 hours but again it wasnt to painful until i was about 9 cms but the head crowing hurt more it felt like a really bad burning and felt like i was gonna split in to....lucky i didnt have any stiches with either .....The best advice i can give is be open minded about the pain and if at any point in your labour you feel your not coping there are great forms of pain relief from gas and air to an epidural.

Simone - posted on 06/14/2009

and just remember if it gets to much for you there is always pain relief available

Simone - posted on 06/14/2009

i was 17 with my first and had an epidural os it was to much for me and that was fantastic but got really itchy.

with my second i wanted another epidural but she came to quick 2.5 hours.

its like the worst peorid pain you can imagine until your pushing i think it gets easier but then as there coming out its a real stinging sensation think they call it the ring of fire i didnt know until i asked the midwife what was going on with the stinging.

everyone is different and when i have another one im going to go naturally but with gas again, its a different sort of pain if you stub your toe it keepshurting but with contractions as soon as there over you cant feel a thing till the next one comes.

but yes still bloody painful but its all worth it. good luck hope your pregnancy goes easy for you.

Emily - posted on 06/14/2009

The important thing i can say after having two children myself with some difficulties here and there alot of people are going to tell u stories but u really carnt listen to them because u hace to experience it for yourself. When u give birth its not meant to not hurt. Just keep your chin up otherwise u are going to get to stressed out at the end of the day u are bringing a beautiful baby into the world no matter how much it hurts. and there is alot of pain relief that can help sometimes hope that helps

Missy - posted on 06/14/2009

Well i had a really hard pregnancy and birth but like alot of woman have already sed when you see him / her it is so worth it!

Ita - posted on 06/14/2009

My labour lasted for 24 hours. I had very mild dilation and the doctor had to break my water. then the real pain started. It was really painful, like if you have a very bad stomachache. I used to have stomachaches during the last month of my pregnancy, but the pain of my labour was almost unbearable because although i thought the intensity was the same, the pain of my labour went on and on for a very long time, without a break. the doctor gave me a painkiller (not epidural though) but it didn't work. Plus, I shivered very badly. however, the midwives told me try to relax, tense body or muscles tend to make the pain worse. Have your husband or partner or a family member to be with you and rub your back often and talk with you. it really works. It made me calm and relax, though it's still painful, at least I did not notice it too much. Think not the pain as something bad, the pain is necessary to mark your progress. The more painful, the sooner your baby out :D As soon as your baby out, that's the end of the pain. It's completely gone. For the time being, please don't stress yourself with something that does not happen yet. You might have a very easy labour and delivery. who knows? One of my friend even didn't notice that she was in labour and her baby was almost born in the car on the way to the hospital. Pregnancy exercise, e.g. walking, kegel exercise helps a lot, yoga, etc, really helps. there are many birthing methods you can choose which will help to ease your labour pain. Discuss with your doctor. Hope you have a safe delivery.

Samantha - posted on 06/14/2009

Hi Kayla! I know how you feel, because I was completely freaked out before my daughter was born (she's now almost 10 months old). My labor was a total of 28 hours, but I didn't even know for like the first half! My water had broken, but was only a small tear, so I ignored it for a long time (mainlly b/c my doctor said I was nowhere near delivering like the day before that). Once I got to the hospital, because my water had been broken for so long, they had to put me on Petocin (contraction inducing drug) b/c of risk of infection to my daughter. I have to say, w/ Petocin at least, I was pretty uncomfortable. of course, the drug makes contractions start really suddenly instead of a slow buildup, so it seems worse than it probably is. but I def. got an epidural, and it was the most amazing thing ever! I know natural birth is like the fad now, but no thanks for me!! Good luck w/ ur pregnancy, and if you ever want to talk, I'm more than happy 2 do so :)

Nikki - posted on 06/14/2009

Quoting Jill:

The only vaginal birth I had, I had an epidural so it really wasn't too bad. I got really nervous when it was time to push, but it really didn't hurt, the epidural worked wonders!Try not to worry too much, as soon as the baby's born, you'll forget most of the pain, and what you do remember and still feel, will be SOOO worth it!

My epidural was wonderful. I decided not to do it until I had already gone through many hours of contractions. I just have to say that it was the most wonderful thing. Some people chose to do it without meds which is commendable, but after choosing to have an epidural child birth was a piece of cake! Okay maybe not that easy but it was a heck of a lot easier! You will be just fine what ever you choose.

Nikki - posted on 06/14/2009

My best advice is that you should take care of yourself now and try to keep your pregnancy as stress free as possible. Nothing is so important that you need to stress over or freak out about it during this time. Take time out for yourself because there will not be much time for that later and you will need to be ready for the adventure that awaits you. Being a mom is the most amazing thing you will ever experience. Childbirth is difficult and I was in labor for many many hours but the truth is that I really dont remember much except when I got to see my beautiful little girl and meet the little person responsible for my nausia and all those kicks that kept me up at night. You will be fine and you will also be scared. That just prepares you for being a mom. Dont worry this is after all something you were made to do. ;-)

Tamara - posted on 06/14/2009

my advice is not to expect your birth to be perfect. your body will handle it in its own way and what u want and what u are going to get a two different things. u might be thinking u are going to have the worst birth in the world..and it might be a great birth! for my whole pregnancy i kept thinking 'so many women have done this before, and so many go back for seconds, thirds and fourths and even more so therefore it must be all worth it.'

i had my baby five weeks ago so it is all pretty much still freash. i was in labour for 20 hours (i got induced) and my contractions werent that bad until they gave me the drip. i had to have a c section but your body is built for this and u can do it!!!

once u have your baby in your arms u will know the feeling of everyone saying it is all worth it and the pain goes away ones u have that baby in your arms...it is so true.

good luck and dont let the fear of labour ruin your journey through your pregnancy because the pregnancy is a beautiful thing aswell and ones u arent pregnant u will regret it if u dont enjoy it now..good luck again, u will be fine :)

Jill - posted on 06/14/2009

The only vaginal birth I had, I had an epidural so it really wasn't too bad. I got really nervous when it was time to push, but it really didn't hurt, the epidural worked wonders!Try not to worry too much, as soon as the baby's born, you'll forget most of the pain, and what you do remember and still feel, will be SOOO worth it!

KELLY - posted on 06/14/2009

birth is a wonderful thing but can be really painful as my experience will tell you! i have two children, my first being when i was 17 yrs old,had an epidural but still painful because they had a student do it and they missed and scraped my spine! my second child i went into labour at 24yrs old and i had a contraction that went for about 3hrs and didnt stop, the most painful thing that ive ever experienced in my life! love them to death, dont regret it but wouldnt have any more! 2 girls are great!

Cherie - posted on 06/14/2009

It depends on the Hospitials policy,talk to your doctors.