How bad is childbirth.. really?

Amanda - posted on 11/14/2012

flu.... pfft. Flu is for wooses. I had 2 natural births with only gas and air as pain relief. I can tell you it totally was the sort of pain you just want to get away from, and a flu does not even start to compare. It is much more painful but also quite different. The first part of labor might be compared to something you have experienced before - maybe cramp, bad sprain etc. The last stages of labor are incomparable, excruciating, just honestly no words for it. However somehow your body deals with it. It is what we were designed to do, and somehow you deal with it.

Marie - posted on 11/14/2012

Actually, labor is what is painful. I have a neurological disorder, so the Doctor that administered the epidural gave me a really big dose just to make sure it would work. So actual childbirth wasn't that painful. It only took me 11 minuets to give birth, but I was in labor for roughly 18 hours, and that was really painful, so painful that I threw up and I have a pretty high threshold for pain.



Now, you'll more than likely get a regular dose of the epidural so it might be a little different for you than it was for me.

Sharon - posted on 11/14/2012

My personal experience was quick and easy. I had back labor, was giving the epidural twice and still it was nothing worth freaking out about. Contractions suck!!! But once I got the epidural, I could relax and I felt like I could completely breathe. Before I knew it I was ready to push and out came my baby boy. It was nothing like what I built it up to be. It was quick and easy esp once I got the epidural. Good Luck! I promise you're freaking yourself out and have nothing to worry about.

Julie - posted on 11/14/2012

The normal level of pain a human can endure is like 42 and birth is like 55 or something but it's amazing and I'd do it again. I had an alert un drugged baby who rooted immediately and was very healthy. :) its actually much harder to push with interventions than not bc u can't feel where to push. Warm water is very therapeutic and can greatly assist. Also a squatting bar can be used in your hospital bed to ease pain. Squatting helps work with than against gravity to deliver baby. Less tearing and less pain. Delivery is faster as well. Look into a labor doula for additional support education and advocacy. They help and are un biased. It's in their scope of practice. Check cappa.net or the DONA website to check for resources in your area. Beginners are cheap. They meet with u 2 weeks before due date and stay at entire birth and they also meet with you a couple of weeks past.



Epidurals lead to a higher risk of c section bc baby gets sleepy which makes the heart rate go down which makes them give u pitocin. Pitocin literally makes ur uterus contact much harder which can actually make ur uterus rupture. So all this goes on. They think its an emergency. They give oxygen to wake him up. It doesn't work. Would u wake up with more oxygen? I think not. So its time for surgery bc of that just bad news all around. Next time there will be a higher risk for c section and placenta previa bc u have been cut open. The placenta actually tries to grow into other parts of ur body- ur bladder ur stomach ur intestines... big mess. Look it up. Doctors are all about $$$$. You're not a patient you're a number a paycheck. Why do u think they walk in the last minute and leave so quick money money money. A csection is a cushioned paycheck. 25-50% more money made. And its faster and less mess. Also obstetricians started and barbers (yes the hair cutters and shavers) and became barber surgeons. They promised quicker birth for a little more money. OBs arent really trained to do regular births. They are trained to slice you open. They treat it as emergency an unnatural thing. Watch them come in your room with a gown gloves boots and face shield. They look like they're going to do open heart surgery. Kinda scary. While a midwife is much more attentive. If u live in so cal near san Diego ucsd has a midwife wing and will give u pain meds if u want. Only hospital I know with a 4 poster queen size bed... So just think about those things.

Julie - posted on 11/14/2012

Watch the business of being born. If that's your dream birth to lose complete sensation fine but be educated and ready for negative consequences. Lack of rooting groggy baby fussy crying baby difficulty breastfeeding. Lower apgar scores etc.

Melissa - posted on 11/13/2012

Hi Oka!



Wishing you the best, most special birth in the world. I am a doula in Jerusalem, and I have seen medicated births go all different directions. Some of them work perfectly, totally take the pain away, and the woman even GOES TO SLEEP. I had to wake a woman up once to push! On the flip side, I have seen women get medication which only worked partially, medication which wore off quickly, and medication which brought the labor progression to a grinding halt. Medical interventions can sometimes lead to other medical interventions, too, which might complicate your labor, God forbid.



However, keep in mind that SO many women get epidurals these days, it really is a great relief to so many.



I want to say - no matter what happens, or what you decide to do, you really do (not being cheesy now, just telling you the facts) have all the strength you need to get through your labor, medicated or not. It is an opportunity to really learn a lot about yourself and be impressed by the well-springs of power you have inside.



Wishing you the very best!

Beverly - posted on 11/13/2012

I have had 3 children and all of them were natural. for me personally my labors were really easy my first child was 7lbs 15 ozs i was in labor for less then 2 hours. my second was 8lbs 10ozs i was in labor for less then 4 hours. and my most recent was 8lbs 10ozs i was in labor for about 3 hours with her she was coming so fast i had to hold her in to wait for the doctor that was the worst part for me.

Amina - posted on 11/13/2012

Well it all depends on d baby, every baby comes with it's own peculiar pain!for me natural childbirth is ur best bet, no postnatal stress of pain n recovery.

While all those other deliveries r an absolute nite mare after delivery. Both ways there is surely PAIN! D choice is urs.

Samantha - posted on 11/13/2012

I wanted a natural birth with no meds. After 24 hours of contractions I still wasn't dilating and had to have an emergency caesar. 5 hours later I was walking around.

Was surprised how easy it was actually!

Cami - posted on 11/13/2012

I can tell you about my experience. I have had two girls. My first child was an unnecessary c section. That was back in 2009. On october 17th, i went to the hospital to be induced. I had a VBAC. I went in at 7, had my water broken at 8:30, and I can say that contractions were very painful to me. At first, they were okay, but when they got to 2 minutes apart, I was in tons of pain. I didnt want to get an epidural but I am so thankful that I did! Getting the epidural made it go by so quickly. I wasn't progressing barely at all. My baby girl was way up and wouldn't engage before I got the epidural. But i got the epidural at 4 and was pushing by 6:30, I had my baby girl at 7:09. I can honestly say the epidural was GREAT! It's not for everyone. I tried natural but just couldn't deal with it. Good luck!

Nerida - posted on 11/13/2012

Every woman is different and every labour and birth is different. I had an epi and a spinal block during my first birthing, all my other were natural. The epi was fabulous but I definitely prefer giving birth naturally. If I can say anything to put your question into perspective for you it would be this - giving birth is the EASY part; raising a child is far, far, far more difficult (and painful!).

Diane - posted on 11/13/2012

It sounds as if you are really frightened of giving birth. Childbirth is an awesome,challenging and sometimes scary experience but if you approach it from a position of fear and helplessness it tends to create more fear, lessons the positive side of the experience( Yes there is one)and can create more complications, a longer, more difficult birth and sometimes long lasting negative feelings about the birth and birthing itself. I have to tell you, as the mother of 6 boys, that you could not find a bigger chicken than me before i gave birth to my first! I decided that if i was going to go through it, i was going to be well prepared. I read, read, read, all experiences, medical, natural and homebirth and decided, for me, natural birth was an aim, see how it goes.



The first birth is usually a shock to the system , for me it certainly was, and yes, the contractions(More than the actual delivery) were hard, but with support and water (Lots of water, bath, shower, towels etc..) it was not that bad. Personally, i found that the bath(I had one water birth) was the easiest, even though the baby was huge and , pethedine is a narcotic, not an anaesthetic, so ive heard you are drugged dopy and cabn lose track of where you are in the middle of a giant contraction( I don't think i could cope with that! Remember, if you have an epidural, it is common to need an assisssted delivery(Forceps etc..) and you will not be up and about as soon. Stiil, everyone is different. I wish you all the best, don't be afraid, be informed and confident, our bodies were designed for this.

Katie - posted on 11/13/2012

I think you can never tell anyone what to do, the best advice is to do all your own research and decide what is best for you!

Stephanie - posted on 11/13/2012

Epidurals are awsome! As long as they work right. I've thought maybe the epidurals that didn't work were done from an anesthesialogist who was new or tired...I dunno just a thought. I paid extra money to get the best. Mine worked perfectly. No lingering back pain.

Melissa - posted on 11/13/2012

There is nothing "normal" about an epidural! Seriously? This is just bad advice.

Stephanie - posted on 11/13/2012

Medicated childbirth is nothing!!!! I am like you "give me the drugs!!" I could do it 100 times over but the being pregnant part was wayyy harder for me. You don't feel shit!! And I don't care what those baby shows tell you, if your epidural bag runs out of medicine you CAN ask for more. So don't worry its easy!

Katie - posted on 11/13/2012

My first baby was induced, I had every drug available to me because the pain was so bad and there was no break between contractions. Once I had the epidural (after 3 attempts and a lot of bruising) I lay on the bed and watched my contractions on the monitor, it was bliss. However I ended up having to have a C-Section which was not fun at all!!

Then with my second baby I did the best thing in the world, my husband and I did a Hypnobirthing course. I now recommend it to everyone!! It was a beautiful experience with absolutely no drugs whatsoever. The only time I thought I might ask was right before she came into the world. I'm not saying it didn't hurt but I was able to easily manage and deal with the pain.

Jenaida - posted on 11/13/2012

childbirth is very painful experienced,its like having bad cramps but 10x worse it comes and go,had my baby 8 months ago,i told my midwife i wanted a natural childbirth but didn't realized was too painful and feels like i can't make,so i asked for pethidine but didn't worked out,i asked for epidural they didn't give me one.they said I am 8 cm so i have to go through with painful childbirth,as soon as you see the baby its worth it,you will forget the pain!goodluck i know you can make it!

Rayna - posted on 11/13/2012

I had only 1 child and no pain meds. And my total labor including pushing was 4 hours and 20 minutes. I had very little pain and contractions were not that bad. But like someone posted earlier everyone one is different.

Carie - posted on 11/13/2012

Beautiful.



I have 4 children:

#1, complete epidural, no pain, thought it was the most pleasant experience ever...loved it.

#2, wanted epidural again, however, it only worked on half my body. Worst pain ever, b/c one side was numb and the other was rolling with contractions.

#3, water broke naturally, tried epidural again, but same result as #2. She was a quick birth, 45 minutes after water broke!

#4, decided no meds couldn't be worse than half meds. So went all natural. yes, it hurt. But it was probably the best experience of them all. AND my recovery was so much better, faster than with any meds.



As another side note...just had my boobs done =) and THAT IS WORSE THAN LABOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Good luck to you. I think alot of it is attitude and being positive about the experience. It is an amazing miracle, and yes, once you see the baby, it WILL all be worth it!!

Loree - posted on 11/13/2012

I had my first with an epidural only because they wanted me to go to sleep. So if u understand all the risks then go for it especially if u have a low tolerance for pain. It's the only pain management method that lasts through the entire labor. With my second I had a Demoral drip he came too fast for a second dose 5 hours from admitting to birth...my pain is an unusual one because my kids were born face up so I can't help with that part.

Elliot - posted on 11/13/2012

With my first, I had an epidural. It was still very painful because when it's time to start pushing they cut the epidural off. After he was born I was drowsy and had a horrible headache. Before the epidural I was in labor for 10 hours and after the epidural I was in labor for 6 hours.

So 16 hours total.



With my second child by the time I got to the hospital I was already 8cm dialeted so it was too late for the epidural so I had to do it natural. The pain was awful, every part of your body hurts. After I got to the hospital, my second son was born 1 hour later. Afterwards I felt SO much than I did after my first birth and I think it's because I didn't have the epidural.



We are trying for our third now and I plan to have a natural birth. Either way you will be in pain, nothing will ever compare to the pain - but when they hand you your baby, you truly do forget the pain and would gladly do it again if you had to for that perfect little bundle of joy.

Janine - posted on 11/13/2012

So far I have had 1 medicated and one not medicated. Obviously the not medicated was painful, but here's how my medicated was:



I had to be induced, so they inserted some gel which didn't work, then they put me on a drip to induce the labour. The hospital gave me the option of an epidural at the same time as the drip and so I took the opportunity. I'd been awake since 1am the night before fretting about what was coming so I was really tired.



Here's what happened... ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz until I woke up and felt the need to push and then I woke up pushed the baby out like I was 'having a poo' and the baby was born, my partner had to hold her because I had fallen asleep again haha.. I woke up to birth the placenta and get the stitches (which didn't hurt even after all the meds had worn off)



So there ya go, my medicated labour.. I slept all teh way through it ;)

Kristel - posted on 11/13/2012

Wow for starters, chill out. Your already working yourself into a frenzy and aren't even in labor yet. Believe it or not your emotional state will play a role. I recommend you take some birthing classes to help you with your anxiety and also with what to expect. If it was traumatic no-one would ever have another child. Not even a thousand replies would help because every delivery is different. Prepare for the unexpected with an open mind is the best thing you can do. I see some have experienced pain with epis some comparing it to worst period cramps personally none of these were my case. I waited until 7 centimeters before asking for my epi because I want ed to be sure it was still affective for pushing time and I can say it was more then the worst period cramps I've ever had. And as soon as the epidural went in I didn't feel a thing. It was hard for me to push because I couldn't even feel myself pushing. I didn't know the baby had come out until she was in front of my face! Good luck!

Linda - posted on 11/13/2012

I would defintely recommend the pain meds. I had my 1st with meds and the 2nd natural. Talk with your doctor and ask about durning the pain meds down when you get ready to push helps give you the best of both worlds.

Jen - posted on 11/13/2012

I was in labor for 40hours with contractions about 5 min apart the entire time. It was constant pain and I was home for most of it. I was stubborn about not taking drugs but about hour 30 I was so hysterical and exhausted from the pain that I took a shot of nubaine. It didn't do anything except make me sleep in between contractions. When my son crowned, I woul have gladly killed myself at that moment.



I did all the natural childbirth classes, etc. It didn't help. I was in pain, not discomfort, I was in PAIN, PAIN PAIN.



I have always been jealous of the women who had that beautiful magical labor where they had zero pain and it was so wonderful.

Shauna - posted on 11/13/2012

Here's my experience- my first pregnancy, I did not go into natural labor, so they induced me two weeks after my due date. They used a suppository that is supposed to kick your body into labor. It kind of did that, only it was soul-crushingly painful BACK LABOR. I spent all morning moaning in horrible pain and by the next morning when the epidural person came in, I felt like I was going to die. The epidural was not bad at all, just a bit of a poke in the back, then warm spreading happiness all over the place as they ramped up the nasty Pitocin (which I have heard hurts like hell, but thank goodness I never felt it without the epidural). I was able to sleep until I was able to push, when they back off the pain killers so I could feel the pushing sensation (it feels like an intensely large bowel movement). Pushed for about 20 minutes, and I gave birth to a "sunny side up" baby (that's why all the back labor, her head was turned upwards instead of down).



My second pregnancy, I was a week late and a couple days later I was scheduled to be induced, when I started feeling crampy and horrible. I was having contractions, but they were never super close together, and they were never unbearably strong. Since i had gotten sent home from the hospital before when I went in about them, I just suffered through it (it was basically as bad as a bad period cramp), but they never got closer together. Finally, when I was having them fairly regularly, even though I was laying down, I went into the hospital and when they checked, I had somehow dilated to 9cm without knowing it (I did not have my water break- the doctor had to do it right before i started pushing), and within 10 minutes of pushing and two tiny tears that healed within a couple days, my second daughter was born. The pushing was the worst part being unmedicated (I felt like my clitoris was being split in half even though it was not, but OW), but your body also pumps out crazy amounts of endorphins and dopamine/seratonin, so it's kind of like a natural drug high. The second my baby was born, I didn't even feel the doctor sewing up my little tears, even though she was doing it without painkillers. I wanted an epidural with my second- I called it "my unexpected natural childbirth"- it just was too late for the anesthesiologist to get there and would not have taken effect in time anyway. The one nice thing about the unmedicated childbirth was that I did heal faster and after labor was over and my baby was born, I had this weird natural high that, even though I'd been in labor for most of the day and it was 2AM, I was full of energy and could not have slept even if I had wanted to. This energy has persisted even into my baby's first month of life, which is curious.



So anyway, it's great that you know what you want- just be sure that you know what to look for- they won't let you get an epidural until you're at least dilated to 4 or it can stall your labor and lead to C-section, so there are other pain management options available. If at all possible, avoid pitocin before geting your epidural because it will make the pain a hundred times more painful.

Annie - posted on 11/13/2012

It's not bad at ALL!! LOL I've had three children all with medication and an epidural. All you feel is pressure. I didn't go to any lamaz or breathing classes and all three were actually very relaxing. Just keep your focus on breathing and control how many family members you allow in the delivery room. You'll want things quiet so u can focus. I had a Newbain drip which is synthetic heroin- so it's strong enough! They even gave me a hand held button I could push that would dispense more medication whenever I wanted it. (There was a limit of course but it worked just as they said) You'll be fine! My family tried to scare the crap outta me too. I was so nervous that I kept waiting for it to get as bad as they all said....it never did!

Zandrana - posted on 11/13/2012

I had a scheduled c section on 10-26 and it really wasn't that bad. For me the worst part was the nurse trying to put the IV in 3 times. I didn't feel much when they gave me the spinal block just pressure and a tiny pin prick when they put the numbing shot in before the spinal block. After they get you numbed up they put in a catheter which I couldn't feel. They wait until you can't feel anything in your lower abdomen then get to work. Honestly I didn't feel anything just pressure. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Just make sure you walk as much as you can after a c section it makes the recovery so much easier from what I hear from other people and it was easy for me. I was up and walking through walmart 4 days after the surgery prolly wasn't a good idea but got to do what ya got to do. Also after the procedure make sure you ask for pain medication when you start to feel it. Best to stay on top of the pain. Once I got home from the hospital I didn't take any pain meds except for ibuprofen for swelling. I would just ask your doctor to schedule a c section and make sure you get a spinal block. The epidural can be spotty in pain coverage from what I hear. For me the whole procedure took about 30 mins. The reason I had a c section was medical baby wasn't dropping which was later found out was due to umbilical cord wrapped around her neck and she was suspected macrosomic. Anyway good luck. I was pretty scared about the whole thing going into it but it really wasn't that bad. Helped that I didn't go into labor before hand though too I think.

Nichole - posted on 11/13/2012

I had my first two medicated and there was a HUGE difference for me. My last one came too quick to be medicated. The biggest problem with having the epidural was I didn't know when to push. Without the epidural it was quicker and hardly any effort. It's something you should discuss with you're doctor. My first time they gave me too much and I think it made everything harder and last longer. They give you pain meds afterwards and that does help. But with the epidural I had to wait to be able to get up our do anything.

ShellyAnnette - posted on 11/13/2012

It's not that bad. Honest. I just did it 12 days ago! I labored naturally for 10 hours and got the epidural at 7 cm (which is really the ideal time to get it to avoid delaying labor and risking c-section... It's also typically the "wall" women hit... That seems to be the typical threshold for pain tolerance. You get the epidural and relax and labor is a piece of pie from there. Truly. Don't go into labor fearing the pain. You're a tiger made to do this... It will amaze you!

Bonnie - posted on 11/13/2012

I had 2 epidurals...the first one worked..but they had to call him back in while I was on the operating table ready to have an unplanned C Section...my nurse was FANTASTIC..she told me one more push and make it count..the labour itself was not bad..I went for 27 1/2 hours..and mine was ALL back labour. It is exhausting for sure...thats what I remember most..is how tired I was..and when I heard the Dr telling them to lay the baby by my head.Trust me...it is worth every last second of the 9 months you carried him/her..just think of it as the end of a chapter..but the beginning of a beautiful journey!

LaDonna - posted on 11/13/2012

Everyone is different. I thought it was going to be bad, so I automatically said yes to an epidural. Due to it being New Year's weekend, my nurse was delayed in hooking my meds up and I went to 10 cm while she had to do something else. She checked me and saw that the meds would do nothing for me at that point. So start to finish was 6 hours with only 2 hours of pain that I don't remember now. My second was only 45 minutes of pain. I decided to try an epidural on my third to "see what it was like" and didn't like it. It did delay birth so my mom was able to make it into town for the birth. I found that I preferred to feel everything so I knew what was going on...plus it goes quicker because you're feeling everything. My last child was back to the natural method and was quick. You have options.

Eavan - posted on 11/13/2012

Pretty painful, that's why it's called labour!! Generally when you feel you cant take any more it's about to get better. Although it's painful, it somehow doesn't feel wrong, it's like your body knows what to do so takes over your mind. I had my first with no meds 3 months ago and I'll be doing it again altough while I was in labour I wondered how does anyone have more than one baby!

Nicole - posted on 11/13/2012

Focus on the beautiful experience! Not the pain. I had epidurals two times, and it makes it all better! Don't worry-you will remember the birth of your child, not the pain.

Heather - posted on 11/13/2012

i would say no it does not help medication you can still feel its warm bath water birth hot water bottle nothing except those helps trust my unless you are having a c section trust me but its a pain that i cant put into words it kills mate trust me i have had every bone in my body broken and nothing i have gona throw in life is that pain full trust me

Jana - posted on 11/13/2012

One of God's many blessings are the children He puts on loan to us. Take the classes and be prepared for natural childbirth. My experience was that during the last weeks of your pregnancy, your body gets ready for birth. Natural childbirth is a "natural thing" it is simply true, that unless you present complications, natural is so much better for the baby and the mother. So, have faith, do not be afraid, trust God and give the baby, your little one, the best chance at entering the world in a natural way.



Best advice I have ever heard for childbirth is everyone is different, no one pregnancy or birth is the same. All the advice people will give you, may or may not happen.



God bless you and enjoy this time.

Kat - posted on 11/13/2012

Ive had both. Honestly I think everyone's different. My first I was induced so.obviously a long birth. He was 9.2 lbs so the recovery afterwards was way worse than child birth..I.had a good 20 stitches. You are so in the moment and the adrenaline is pumping. Your body just knows what to do! I delivered my second from the time I felt a contraction to the time he was out was 40 minutes. The pain killers definitely make it more comfortable and i didn't feel any bad side effects. Everyone says you feel terrible after but even when i was medicated I used a bed pan the whole time didn't need a catheter. It.really isn't that bad

Mia - posted on 11/13/2012

I didn't choose to be natural I think instead of being afraid of your own pain you need to decide what's best for the baby... Sometimes the risk isn't worth it, what happens if it all happens to quick? My 4th was recorded as phase two of labour being 3min and my 1st was 16hrs and the epidural walked it the door 2mins after she was born. I never felt that instant bond with mine... That took time cos I was tired and in pain but I did fall inlove with them! I'm petrified of just having an injection but if I can get through 4 and survive then you will be fine. Prepare yourself! You are giving birth but medication isn't always an option nor is it always healthy for baby and having it purely for pain reasons is kinda selfish... Sorry if that's rude but I think it should only be used in extreme circumstances... And what will you do if it doesn't work? I've heard stories of an epidural not working.

Carrie - posted on 11/13/2012

I had pain meds with both my 8lb deliveries, I wasnt into having something stuck in my spine... So I had gas with both demerol with 1st fentenal(?) with 2nd.. If you can control your breathing and focus on something during contraction that helps a lot.. I personally think the breathing part of it Is super important I went through a lot of contractions simply breathing, no meds!! IT'S YOUR BODY your day do what you think is best for you! And baby of course!

Ps I've had eipesiotimy 1st and tore natural second give me scissors any day!!!! Lol GOOD LUCK!

Kelly - posted on 11/13/2012

I know you say you are going to get an epidural,but that may not happen. I didn't have time for an epidural and I was VERY clear I wanted one. I ended up asking for something anything and they gave me Nubain which only made me feel drunk . The nurse gave me the Nubaine and then I had my DD 10 minutes later which compromised her temp and made her very groggy. she would never latch on and slept the entire day that I was in hospital. I know you want an epidural but I would take a class or learn a few pain management techniques before giving birth just in case. Yes it hurts but you can do it!!!! We women are powerful life giving forces! P.S I plan to have a natural birth next time around.

Deanna - posted on 11/13/2012

I gave birth naturally and to be honest it hurt sooooo bad. Like stubbing your toe HARD x 50 all over your entire body every 2-3mins. But my labour was very fast (got to hospital 845am had my baby at 1030am).



I was peeing like a champ by afternoon and home by 6pm. If you get an epideral you'll need a catheter inserted:(



If you are getting an epidural and everything goes well with the needle it should go very well. I heard you can't feel anything so that's good!



I'm thinking of taking meds for my 2nd labour. But my labour goes so fast I probably won't get the option to have meds!

Carol Louise - posted on 11/13/2012

LaJoyia I really liked what you had to say and may God Bless you.

LaJoyia - posted on 11/13/2012

i have to agree with Heather because you will definately remember any type of pain that you will experience for the rest of your life..because there is NO PAIN LIKE CHILD BIRTH!!! i think its important to go thru tho because you will always be and feel stronger than your man any man for that matter!!!!! Congrats and i wish u a comfortable happy birth...just dont let anyone tell u u wont feel a thing..because u have to go so far before the ep is administered and hey CONTRACTIONS do grow to be a bit like the ACTUAL delivery so just remember to breath and trust in your higher power( dont want to offend anyone ) to see you through the whole ordeal.

Marissa - posted on 11/13/2012

Honestly I was completely terrified of delivery. I had heard horror stories of all kinds. Once I had my epidural I didnt feel a thing. Best decision I ever made. I didnt have anything else but the epidural. No medications and no pain killers. I know its different for everyone but that was my experience.

Heather - posted on 11/13/2012

its different for every one and every one has there own story to tell all i can say its pain like no other pain you will have in your hole life trust me

LaJoyia - posted on 11/13/2012

well let me tell ya hun...iv'e birthed five babies. four of them were natural births and the last one was an c-section. first time pain unbearable with the ep couldnt feel that med at all the doc said my body was rejecting it or whatever that was 15yrs ago, second time was expecting the pain but still unbearable and delivered with the ep half way in my spine, third time was ok but yes it hurt like hell, forth time went so fast he jetted out literally with a jet pack on and left this unbearable burning sensation in my thighs....whooo!!! that birth there i thought my legs would never stop burning..and lastly my fifth child i went into labor and that pain was like the first but ended due to the fact i had to have an emergency c-section and child the pain after i had awakened...i thought that i was still in labor..then when i found out i wasnt i was in recovery by my lonesome i started to laugh thinking i was still in labor and OMG unspeakable pain..no laughing, coughing nothing so YES child birth is a REALLY REALLY BIG DEAL!!!

Shannon - posted on 11/13/2012

Every labor and delivery is different. As for me, having the epidural was as close to being paralyzed as I hope to be as far as feeling anything. I didn't feel a thing. Dr. said, "The baby's head is out" I couldn't feel a thing. Only knew he made a cut from the snipping sound of the scissors. Never felt him stitch me up or anything. It was great! However, the labor pains up until that were pretty bad. Way worse than any menstrual cramps. If you are induced, it will probably be even worse. At least that's the way it worked for me.

Sarah - posted on 11/13/2012

Also, the level of pain you will have is not something you can predict. Every woman's body acts differently and I have MANY friends who have given birth and some found it ok and some awful. I have a high pain threshhold but my body had to go through a lot to get my son out (you don't want to know how long my labour lasted) and it was very painful. What you feel now may well not be the same as when you are in labour. I will be giving birth to my second in January and despite an awful experience last time, I will try without epidural this time.

Heather - posted on 11/13/2012

you know the worst bit of childbirth for me was getting stiched up after wards it werent the labour the labour didnt hurt well saying that its a little white lie its a pain i cant put into words its amazing its a buzz i had gas and air which does fuck all my i add and pain killers which also does fuck all but the bit that hurt the most for me is getting stiched up after wards every child birth is different let tell that for sure and every one has completely different story i would suggest water birth really really that takes the pain away cause lord knows there r no pain killers in the world that can get rid of child birth trust me on that one