ok..moms, soon is my labor and i want to know everything about it. please tell me your experiences

Tracy - posted on 07/06/2009

Hey,
I have two kids and when I was going to have my first my mum gave me the best advice!. She just told me that woman have been having babies for years and years and that while it will be painful we have an inner strenghth for it and if we listen to our bodies it will be ok. I went into labour and everytime I felt scared or that the pain was getting to much to bear I closed my eyes and blocked out everything else and listened to what my body was telling me. The result was that I didn't need prompted to push, I felt in control and recovered really quickly. With my second baby I did the same and I had only gas and air at the end, didn't need stiches and he was ten pounds!!!. It was painful but it was also bearable and I felt so proud of how I got through it afterwards.

Denise - posted on 07/06/2009

Everyones individual in the way they cope with child birth pain, so you will know what you want when the time comes...please don't listen to any horror stories!!!!

Tabitha - posted on 07/06/2009

wit my first i found out i had gbs so i have to have a grip in labour to stop the baby having so i found i didnt enjoy it as i was worrying to much! how r u high risk? jst try and enjoy it! dont think of the pain think of the yrs of happness u are going to have wen they are here good luck x

Aurita - posted on 07/04/2009

well i finally have my baby...after 24hr of labor...i tried natural but din't open i got only 7cm...so...doctor made a cesarea...was really bad. But i have my little princess with me and i love her so much. Thanks to all of you that answer my question.

Lindy - posted on 06/13/2009

I desperately wanted to have a natural birthing experience and ended up having an emergency c-section (I didn't dilate and my baby went into distress). For about a week I felt hugely inadequate - I worried that I wasn't meant to be a mother if I wasn't able to deliver naturally. Which I now see is rubbish. So here's what I think:

Focus on the prize - a healthy baby. Labor will happen and your baby will arrive. And that's when the fun begins! Oh, and you do forget the pain.

Renee - posted on 06/13/2009

I had my heart set on giving birth naturally with no pain meds. I went to my dr after having a lot of irregular contractions while at work. My dr decided to induce me since she would be going away for the weekend and I was full term anyway. They started me with Cirvidil (which is like a giant tampon soaked in medication) to make me dialate. As soon as they did this, my daughter's heart rate shot up to 186. They removed the Cirvidil, but it did not come back down. They came in and explained that while a fast heart rate is okay for a little while, but if I tried to labor with her like that, she would most likely go into Cardiac Arrest and die. They gave me an hour to emotionally prepare and then gave me a spinal (which stung a little, but went smoothly). When they were ready to take her out, they brought in my husband and we held hands and waited as the dr did the c-section behind the curtain (i could not see, but he was able to stand up and watch). As this was an O.R., he was not able to cut the cord when she came out, but they kept it nice and long so that he could have the option of cutting it shorter on her exam table a minute later. She came out perfectly healthy and my husband went with her to the nursery. The recovery was not nearly as difficult as other people had made it sound, although I was nauseated by something they gave me. I did not take any perscription pain meds after leaving the hospital.

I planned to vbac with my 2nd daughter. My due date came and went and no signs of labor. My dr was concerned about the chance of me rupturing my uterus through the previous incision if the baby got too big. She gave me pitocin to induce me, but after 6 hrs of pit, I was walking around smiling and hadn't even begun to dialate. Not wanting to risk my daughter's life (or my own) because of my stubborness, we went ahead and did another c-section. Again, everything went smoothly and everybody was happy and healthy. I even felt well enoug that we left the hospital a day early.

With my 3rd child, the dr would not consent for me to vbac as she had seen that I did not respond properly to the medications they used. We scheduled a c-section for 4 days before my due date. I wanted so badly to deliver natually that I really considdered not even going- but I did. Everything went smoothly during the c-section. We had a healthy baby boy who peed on me as they pulled him out. That made it rather humorous. The recovery was very differant from my past two. My body temp dropped down into the 95. somethings... They went through several differant ideas over a few hours, but got me back up to temp without ever explaining what was going on. Then I had issues with gas building up inside. I literally went for three days without farting and the pain was the worst thing I have ever felt in my life. They tried laxitives, milk of magnesia, and eventually- suppositories. It was humiliating, and to make it worse, nothing worked. I was not able to walk the halls, pushing my son in has bassinet cuz it hurt too much. My 5 yr old asked if she could walk with me instead, so we left my huband in the room with the baby while my 5 yr old and I held hands and walked the halls together. It was so relaxing to have this cute little person being so sweet to me. The motion of walking without the stress of pushing the bassinet did the trick. Little by little, things worked themselves out.

These were not the experiances I had hoped for, but I have happy, beautiful, healthy children that caused very little pain (the first 2 anyway); so all-in-all, it was totally worth it.

Chrissy - posted on 06/13/2009

My labor felt very fast, though really, it took quite awhile. Start to finish was 14 1/2 hours, I only felt contractions when I got 8 hours in, and the last 1 1/2 hours was waiting for the doctor with the nurses looking at me nervously thinking they were going to have to catch the baby. My water broke at 2:00 am, I was 34 weeks along. Preterm labor and having had my water break made labor and delivery a little more difficult than I would have liked. My intent was to spend much of labor walking or in different positions, but they had to monitor the baby, I had IV antibiotics, and was technically on bed rest (with inflators on my legs to prevent blood clots). I started felling the contractions hours after my water broke, and at first they were like mild menstrual cramps. They ramped up from there, to where I didn't really get a break in between, it was a very strong squeezing in my abdomen and back. I was still technically on bed rest so I wasn't allowed to move or find a good position (and was told to stay still because with every contraction baby moved away from the monitor), and I was freaking out because I felt it was too soon. They weren't checking my progress because of my water breaking. Since I was confined to bed I finally took the epidural they kept offering. I hadn't intended to have one, but it was the best decision in the situation. I was able to rest, and not feeling the contractions helped me to calm down and them to monitor my daughter. Turns out I was in transition and my daughter was crowning not an hour later, but I didn't know. I pushed for three times and she was born.

The best thing you can do is be prepared for anything. If there is something you really want, talk to the nurses and doctors, don't be afraid to try and make it happen. The most important thing is that you end up with a healthy baby, so if you can't have labor the way you plan, accept that. If you want to delivery naturally without drugs, take classes to help you with breathing, and focusing, and finding your happy place. Remember that this is a natural process, and the sensations you feel are what is bringing your baby into the world. You can usually walk, rock, or bring a birthing ball, and my understanding is those things helps tremendously. If you want pain medication, ask for it! Keep open communication with your nurses. Every person handles labor differently, so know yourself, and what is important to you.



One last thing. My husband made a very good point during labor about the level of pain. When the nurse asked me what my level of pain was, I was expecting labor to take about 24 hours (that's what we were advised to expect). So my response was, "well, I still have a long ways to go, so I guess I can only be at a 6". Hubby pointed out that the pain scale isn't where you expect to end up, it's how much you can handle. Be honest with yourself, and if it's getting to be too much, see what you can do to lessen it.

Fabienne - posted on 06/13/2009

i was 10 days overdue, so decided on an induction, but my water broke same day. however, no contractions started. i was given something to help my cervix dilate, but it didn't do anything. then i was started on Pitocen. that was horrible but manageable at first. then all of a sudden got a MAJOR contraction which made me throw up. after that i was in such pain that i decided to go for the epidural (which i was hoping not having to use, as i hate needles). the first time they gave it to me, something went wrong, because it didn't work (maybe i moved while they inserted it??) i was screaming at that point. they came back and redid the whole thing, and then it was wonderful. i got a few hours sleep, and they came in to check me. however, i didn't progress much past 8 cm. 24 hrs had past since my water broke, so they needed to give me meds because i was getting a fever. then my daughter's heartrate was going dangerously high. (usually they only worry about low heartrate, but i guess too high is dangerous too). so it was recommended to do a c-section. i was heartbroken, because i didn't want to, but didn't want to risk the baby.

i wasn't knocked out for the c-section, but wish i was, because again they messed up the meds and i was in such pain during the entire operation. by the end i was so doped up, i was in such a dream state and in & out of conscienceness. my memory of that time is VERY foggy. but i remember them showing her to me, telling me it was a girl and placing her on my chest as they wheeled me to the recovery room. my husband was there also, and he was sooo wonderful and helpful. thank God!

i am hoping to have a VBAC next time round, and hope i don't need pitocen or epidural, but i know i do have a low tolerence for pain. one thing i must say, NURSES ARE WONDERFUL!! they didn't pressure me, or make me feel awkward.

One nurse told me she was so stubborn to not have a c-section that she tore each way all the way, and that they used forecepts to take out the baby. the baby ended up with an injury, and to this day has a twitch in her eye from it.

there will obviously be pain, but try and enjoy the experience as much as possible. don't beat yourself up if you decide you can't handle the pain, or if you need to have a c-section.
REMEMBER, the most important thing is a healthy mom & baby.

Maree - posted on 06/13/2009

Oh and by the way get as much sleep as possible before bub is here... Have some kind of idea what u want to happen before going to the hospital and discuss it with ur partner and or support person so that if u cant speak up someone else will... I then spent 2 days in hospital and couldnt wait to bring the lil bundle home.. Just enjoy!!!! Hope everything goes well!!!

Maree - posted on 06/13/2009

Hi, first off congrats on ur upcoming bundle of joy! My son is now 7 weeks old so i remember my labour like it was yesterday. My labour story isnt the best but if u prepare urself for the worst then u should be fine! I was meant to be induced at 8am on Fri 24th April, we were there with bells on as he was already 10 late. They hooked me up to the machine that monitors bubs heart rate and were just waiting. At 9.30am they came to me and said that they would have to send me home due to being under staffed which really pissed me off... I was told they would call me as soon as they had a bed free. My contractions started 30 mins after leaving the hospital but were irregular so i didnt worry too much about them, all they felt like at that point was period cramps. By 5 pm I still hadnt heard anything so i called them back and they asked me to come in so they could assess me... I was only 3 cm dilated so they wouldnt be going through with the induction. I was so upset i just layed there and balled my eyes out. Theysaid i could stay in hospital if i wanted but i prefferred to be at home with my loved ones. At 9pm i was back at the hospital as my contractions had become soooo much more painful. I ended up staying in the ward then as they gave me a shot of pethidine. They sent my mum and fiance home and said i could call them when we felt it was time. At 2.30am i woke up feeling more pain (peth had worn off) and asked for more pain relief. They assessed me again and i was 4cm dilated and was able to go to the birthing suite. My fiance and mum came soon after and i got into the shower and stayed in there for what seemed like hours. (highly recommended) I had the gas and another shot of peth and had also planned on having an epidural. Unfortunately, i left it too long and when i was assessed again was 8cm dilated which is the cut off for an epi. After that i only stayed on the gas. When it was time to push they said i would feel what can only be described as wanting to do a poo (thats all i kept saying lol :)) I had been in labour for 7 hours and was absolutely exhausted by the end of it. I was crying and just felt that i couldnt do it by myself an longer and asked for some kind of assistance.. I had no idea what they were going to do for me as i was kinda off my head on the gas and peth. My fiance had to agree to everything. The dr came in and put a vaccuum cap on bubs head to pull him out. I wouldnt recommend this unless ur absolutely exhausted...Before this happened the dr performed an episiotomy so that i wouldnt tear. The cap came off twice and thankfully they pulled bubs head out on the third. At this point all i felt was utter relief but that was short lived as i then had to get the rest of him out.. When he came out the dr took him straight away and my partner was unable to cut the umbilical cord as the baby dr had to check him straight away. He was blue and wasnt crying or anything. We thought he was dead, thank god about a minute later he was giving those little lungs a work out. I was in labour for over 24 hours...



But after u have read all this just remember that every labour and birth is VERY different. If u want pain relief ask for it... in many hospitals they will not offer it to you. In my opinion i would take the gas, pethidine or epidural or u can always have all 3 if need be. Make sure u also have a great support team no matter who it is. Just also be aware that they may see alot more of u than ever before. haha ( my poor mum got an eye full) Also if u have been paranoid like i was about doing a number 2 whilst in labour i can guarantee u that it will be the very last thing on ur mind and u may not even know that it happened.

Shivonne - posted on 06/12/2009

My experience was very different....in some ways I lucked out and in others it was horrible. My water broke Friday the 13th just before 6am, we were at the hospital by 9am. At 1:30 we were sent home because even though I was 31/2 cm dilated I was perfectly comfortable and not feeling any of the contractions, which were still irregular. I then had to be back in by 6am the Saturday to receive antibiotics through IV just due to not delivering 24 hours after my water broke. I was then 4 cm. They started inducing drugs through my IV at 9am and by 9:30 I had intense contractions that were a minute apart. I received a 5mg shot of morophin to allow me to relax between contractions. They greatest tool for labor if you ask me. My son was born at 12:27 with only 7 pushes and no other drugs. I spent the 3 hours either sitting upright in my bed or sitting hunched over on the toilet....gravity does wonders. Quick is good...mostly. Because everything started off so slowly and then speed right through suddenly....I tore an artery while pushing that was difficult to control the bleeding....and the hemroides were horrible. I took 3 and a half weeks to heal but left the hospital with my son in 24 hours....feeling great. He is now 4 months old and amazes me everyday. Congrats and enjoy every minute of it.....they grow so quickly.

Denise - posted on 06/11/2009

Congrats!!!! Well all I want to tell you is that everyone has their on level of pain tolerance and my pain tolerance may be higher than yours. So if you can take pain then you should be fine. If you are a not able to handle pain then you will have an eventful time.

Kelly - posted on 06/11/2009

I had a 36 hour labor. I had 2 epidurals, and I had to deliver at 8cm. I have heart problems, so they played a huge part in my labor. The only thing I want to say is take it easy...If you know you want an epidural, keep an eye on how fast you are dialating and decide with your doctor when you should have it. I was so concerned about having it as soon as my pain started, so I asked for it. 12-15 hours later, it stopped working, so they gave me another one. By the time I delivered, the 2nd one wore off too...I should of just went natural...but I will say that it got me thru 36 hours of tough labor.



I know that people have their opinon about drugs for childbirth...when you do the research to see the side effects to the baby and yourself, also look at the side effects of a vaccum extraction. If you are in too much pain and too tired to push at the end (or the baby just gets stuck) the docs could help with the vaccum. There are many harmful side effects to that, so just understand that no matter what you choose for your birth plan, there are possible side effects to everything.



Good Luck!!! It's the most amazing experience a woman can go through!

Julee - posted on 06/10/2009

My first son was born with little epideral left in my system. I had to have it turned off because docs thought I wasn't pushing good. He was stuck and had to be delivered with the vacuum device which I had a major episiotomy. It hurt like hell but only during the pushing which I did for 3 hrs. Finally I delivered a huge baby boy. Healthy! Second time around was induced and epideral was wonderful. Delivered boy # 2 pain free. Third pregnancy was twins and delivered them natural as well with an epideral. We welcomed boy #3 and boy #4 pain free. I would say to go with the epideral and get it as soon as you can have it (usually 4cm) My first labor was the worst experience because my epideral didn't take on both sides and they turned it off. As my husband tells women who contimplate the epideral: "You wouldn't go to the dentist and have your tooth drilled without novicain would you? Why have a child without pain meds when they make them available?" I was able to nurse every one of my babies right after and had no problems. I did hear that demoral is bad though. Kind of makes you groggy and relaxes muscles. I wouldn't go with that. Good luck!

Tanya - posted on 06/10/2009

Well I've had a few children and each delivery was very different!! 1st was vaginal delivery 2nd I was in labor quite a bit of hours and then had to have emergency c-section and 3rd was a VBAC so expect everything and just know you'll have a beautiful baby soon * Don't like pain? get an epidural girl you'll be glad you did :) I wasn't that smart when I was in labor but I know better now!

Kristina - posted on 06/10/2009

I had a 42 hour labor and I will say this, trust yourself and know your body. I was trying to go natural and waited way to long to except an epidural which was heaven. Next time I will no my limit of pain better. Plus you need to rest at some point because it takes energy and a lot of strength to push. The first thing I did after the epidural was sleep. If I hadn't there's no way I would have had the strength to push. I didn't really feel it in my back for me it was like (extremely strong) menstrual cramps. The cool thing was that when it came time to push part way through I felt her pushing too. It was nice to have her help.
2nd tip and I know some people are uncomfortable with how many people they want with them, but I would not have made it without my husband on one hand, his sister on the other and my parents alternating. The more strong support you have the better!
Tip 3 when the last month comes and you feel like a ticking time bomb, go out, do something fun, no matter the time, even if you go into labor you'll feel so much better doing (Something.) We went to a movie, it was a great distraction.

Betsy - posted on 06/10/2009

I have long labors, and I won't lie, it's pain, but the one thing you can count on is not being able to plan or predict childbirth. I have had 5 births. The first I was in hard labor for days and it was a natural birth. The second was the same. The third, I had an epidural and labor only lasted 28 hours...my goal was under 48, so that was awesome. I figured I was a pro at this and knew what to expect. Fourth delivery, after 24 hours, I had a severe abruption, resulting in an emergency c/s. Fifth was suppose to be a vbac (vaginal after prior c/s). I was having twins, both were perfectly in position, and after 18 hours of labor, the bigger twin turned breech, so another c/s.

Go in with the expectation that you can't control all circumstances and you'll go with the flow with what circumstances arise in that individual birth. We have a tendency to hold our breath when in pain. That intensifies pain, which is what all those breathing exercises are about. You don't need a class; just to remember to breathe through contractions.

As for meds, Stadol and Nubain are meds sometimes used to ease pain, but I wouldn't recommend them. They don't dull any of the pain, but make you so groggy that you can't express what you need well and feel horrible while in that same pain. Also with epidurals, the newest med used is Duramorph. It is a longer lasting Morphine. It causes so much itches you would rather be dying in pain. Every mom I know who has had it since it came out has said the same thing. Epidurals can cause some itching, but very tolerable. Every mom I have talked to has had my experience. They never had any trouble with epidurals, but the Duramorph was torture and ruined the entire experience, and the itching was horrendous even the next day, so bad you can't stand it. You can get an epidural and just request Duramorph not be used.

I never had hemmorhoids with any of the 5. You can have back labor or have it more in the front. Walking helps to move things along. I have delivered naturally twice, and honestly my favorite birth was the 3rd, a vaginal birth with an epidural. Afterwards I felt great, and JUMPED off the bed to the shower right after nursing. I felt like I could run a marathon after that birth. The first 2were so long with no pain relief, so I was basically hallucinating from exhaustion. I also felt more disconnected due to exhaustion with my atural births, and very aware and an active participant with the epidural birth from start to end. See how yours is going and make the decisions by your circumstances. You could have a very fast delivery for your first. No one can predict it.

Jenifer - posted on 06/10/2009

My son was born last September. I still felt great, even after my due date, never had a contraction, up to the day before my induction was scheduled, so I continued working full-time up to that day. Got home from my last day at work, and my water broke at home around 7pm.

I had plans for a completely natural birth, and wanted to labor at home for awhile, but decided to go to the hospital when I couldn't feel movement anymore. Nurses checked the baby, and he was fine - so then the waiting game began. Did lots of walking of the maternity ward hall, and finally started feeling contractions around midnight.

Contractions hurt, and it was mostly back labor for me. The other thing that took me by surprise was throwing up with each contraction - not fun. By 7am, I was nearing 7cm dialated, but absolutely exhausted. I asked for an epidural, and wouldn't let the nurses talk me out of it. I wish I'd made through natural, but it was so nice to get some rest.

I dialated quickly to 9.5cm in about an hour, but stalled out there for quite awhile. I had an epidural that I was able to control the dosage, so I turned it way down when I knew pushing was getting close. I was able to push with the contractions and also watch my baby crown in a mirror (this helped a lot!). I think I was probably pushing for an hour and a half though, and my son was born at 2:40pm. He was 9lb 5.4oz and 22 inches long. Have to say that recovery was not a big deal - I felt great right afterward, and had very little discomfort (despite tearing).

Nicole - posted on 06/10/2009

I felt great after a drug free birth. I'm with Jamie- I started to push on all fours then popped up to squat for the crowning. My baby flew out. Pushing only took ten minutes. Hooray for gravity. Hot bathes and showers worked wonders for contractions. Remember, listen to your body. I knew exactly when to push. I would have been clueless if I had an epidural.

Aurita - posted on 06/10/2009

Thanks alot to everyone :) I'm nervous, scare, and excited....Hoping that everything go fine with me and the baby since i'm high risk. God will be with me:)

Melanie - posted on 06/09/2009

All labour is very different thats for sure, I have 4 daughters & well my 1st was 16 1/2 hours & ended in an epidural, my other 3 births were no more than 4 hrs long, i had pethodine with 1 of them & gas with another & all natural with the other & really I must say out of all i will lean towards the all natural birth this time with a heat pack as that worked well with all my births, but we are all capable of handling pain differently !

I wish you the best off luck & remember as soon as that baby is born you will forget all the pain you just went through anyway :)

Stephanie - posted on 06/09/2009

Forgot to mention, I had No drugs with either. All natural...Depends on how high your tolerance is for pain? Contractions for every woman feels different. Again, Good Luck!!

Stephanie - posted on 06/09/2009

Congrats!! With my first daughter I was induced. It was a total of 2 hours that I was in labor and she was out. The contractions were a bit hurtful, but I got through it 3 pushes and she was out. Now, my second daughter Last June 2008, I started having period like cramps and lower back pain. I thought it was because I waled a lot that day, bit I called my doctor went in and I was already 6cms dilated. I was in labor from 4:15am she was here 5:32am. Not bad for me huh?? Hope yours goes that quick and easy as well....Good luck!!

Alex - posted on 06/09/2009

Firstly I found it good to have a birth plan. I wanted it all natural, and unfortunately it did not turn out like that. My hind waters broke 10 days before she was due, so I was enduced at 9am. After four hours I had only dialated 1cm, and I have to admit, by that point it was getting quite painful.

I tried the pethadine, which I found completely useless. It didn't lessen the pain at all and the only difference from nothing, was that I felt like someone had drugged me. An hour after that I had an epidural. Then it was a waiting game. Stage two arrived at 11.45pm, by which time the epidural had worn off. Second stage was 45 minutes (lucky), but there were some minor complications. I had an episotomy, and I still tore significantly (3 1/2 degree tear out of a possible 4). However the main problem was the bleeding. I lost a litre of blood from the tears and the attempts to stitch me up. After an hour of them trying to fix it, I was taken into theatre and given a general anesetic so they could do a proper repair.



It's hard to convey that no matter how easy or hard it is, it is so completely worth it, and you'd do it all again in a heartbeat. My little Lucy is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I'm glad that you will be feeling that joy soon too, there's nothing like it :D

Kimberly - posted on 06/09/2009

Quoting Amanda-Lynn:

Amazes me that the first 3 posts, all suggest drugs. I suggest you look up information online or speak to your doctor about any drugs you can take and the side effects of them on you and the baby.

As for labour, its hell I wont lie, but each time it is different! My first was 100% back labour (and i would not wish that on my worse enemy), but as soon as it was time to push that pain was over with. Yes it burns like a bad bladder infection during pushing, and I suggest you listen to your doctor, if he/she says stop pushing, then stop. They are telling you that to prevent you from ripping. My second child was easy compared to the first, he was what I would consider "Normal contractions", much easier then back labour. And my 3rd child was a mix of both, before the doctors broke my water, it was "normal contractions" and after they broke my water, my labour went from 0 to 100 in under 60 seconds, she then became all back labour, and I thought I might die, but as soon as I saw her head, I knew it was almost over! Like another poster stated once the baby is out the pain stops! The lenght of time for my childrens births (in order of birth) were 4 hours, 3 1/2 hours (he was born in an ER), and 12 hours (someone lied when they said the more children you have the less time it takes).

Dont worry so much, you will survive, you will be a stronger woman when is all done and said, and it will be the most amazing day of your life, no matter what you decided to do for your birth.

The first three posts don't "suggest drugs." I had an epidural. That's how it went. If she wants to do natural child birth, awesome! If you see an ad I placed endorsing epidurals, please let me know.

Jessica - posted on 06/09/2009

I went into labor a month early. I was scheduled for a c-section due to reconstructive surgery I had shortly after I was born in the rectal area my OB didn't want to risk tearing anything. I had contractions with NO DRUGS until I was brought into surgery to deliver my son when I got a spinal which mind you my water broke at 2 a.m. and my son was born shortly after 7 a.m. and that's when I finally relaxed b/c I wasn't in hellafied pain anymore. I had very bad back labor pains. The hospital was 30 minutes a part and I literally walked to the labor and delivery floor b/c that was the only thing relieving the pain at the time was walking. If I could have had a natural birth with my son I may not have had drugs.

Krystal - posted on 06/09/2009

i had very short labours i had gas and pethidine for my first just the gas for my 2nd and nothing at all for my 3rd it was very painfully but i felt much better for not having the drugs and i used the shower and bath alot,i was home within 24 hours of giving birth. just go with what your body tells you and i hope all goes well

Amanda - posted on 06/09/2009

I was only in labor for 4 1/2 hours and I did not get the chance to recieve and pain meds at all, I did say that I hate you to my husband and it did hurt but I would have to say that it was not the worst pain I have ever had. I realy did not think that the pain was that bad but everyone is different and has a different level at wich they can handle pain. I wish you the best and hope that you have a quick and speedy delivery as I did. Keep everyone posted on how things go! I think the worst part was after the baby is born, all the bleeding and stitches if needed is the worst part of the whole thing. GOOD LUCK!

Amanda - posted on 06/09/2009

Amazes me that the first 3 posts, all suggest drugs. I suggest you look up information online or speak to your doctor about any drugs you can take and the side effects of them on you and the baby.



As for labour, its hell I wont lie, but each time it is different! My first was 100% back labour (and i would not wish that on my worse enemy), but as soon as it was time to push that pain was over with. Yes it burns like a bad bladder infection during pushing, and I suggest you listen to your doctor, if he/she says stop pushing, then stop. They are telling you that to prevent you from ripping. My second child was easy compared to the first, he was what I would consider "Normal contractions", much easier then back labour. And my 3rd child was a mix of both, before the doctors broke my water, it was "normal contractions" and after they broke my water, my labour went from 0 to 100 in under 60 seconds, she then became all back labour, and I thought I might die, but as soon as I saw her head, I knew it was almost over! Like another poster stated once the baby is out the pain stops! The lenght of time for my childrens births (in order of birth) were 4 hours, 3 1/2 hours (he was born in an ER), and 12 hours (someone lied when they said the more children you have the less time it takes).



Dont worry so much, you will survive, you will be a stronger woman when is all done and said, and it will be the most amazing day of your life, no matter what you decided to do for your birth.

Breanne - posted on 06/09/2009

i was induced and honestly, the contractions just felt like painful period cramps. after about 12 hours i decided to get an epidural and immediately the pain melted away!! when it came time to push i had no pain, just pressure( kindove like when you need to poop!:)) i had to push for 3 hours though because my little one was stuck on my pelvic bone and the doc had to use a vacuum extractor, but out she came! afterward there was pain because all of my muscles were weak and the doc had to cut me (an episiotamy) so i had stitches. pain meds helped with that as well as looking at my beautiful baby girl! good luck, and don't worry, the pain is not as bad as you think it will be!

Christine - posted on 06/09/2009

I was in labor about 15 hours with my first child when I had only dilated to a 4, even with the pitocin and they were about to send me home. Then my blood pressure dropped and the they couldn't register the baby's heart rate. That's when they sent me in to have a c-section. It wasn't that bad, they gave me some good nursing care and when I came home I had to take it easy, and worry only about feeding the baby.
My pain was also mostly back labor, and while it isn't pleasant, it does go away. It isn't a constant pain. I did end up having an epidural since I had the section.
With my second, I had a scheduled c-section and a spinal block. That was the worst part!
Mostly, you will be tired and sore and so exhilaratingly happy you cannot stand it. The adrenaline will take over and some of the pain will subside everyt ime you look at your beautiful child.

Corinne - posted on 06/09/2009

hey! i actually had a pretty decent experience! i started labor at 11:25 pm and so i called the"on call" dr and she told me if they didnt subside after about an hour to head to the hospital! i lived about 30min from the hospital so i was certainly not going to wait around the house! lol we got to the hospital around 2 am! i was actually getting pretty hungry at this point! the nurses told me to eat now bc once they officially declared me in labor it would be too late! unfortunatly my lackies (aka hubby and his mom) forgot to bring me something when they ran to smoke outside and by the time they got back, i was "officially in labor"! worst part was...about 5 or 6 am they brought in breakfast for my hubby! HOW RUDE! lol she was born on halloween at 12:25 pm (13 hrs total) i opted for meds and they worked VERY well! i didnt feel a thing and my labor was painless and very calm! my daughter made a small little peep when she came out but that was about it! the nurses tried a lotto aggitate her but she wasnt interested! as soon as the dr started tugging on her limbs, to check her, she started! only small problem i had..they had to cut me bc the cord had wrapped around her neck and it was pulling her back in everytime i pushed! she is perfectly fine though! no worries!




it may sound kind of weird and gross but when my contractions started, i felt like i had to go number 2! i even sat on thetoilet fora while just to make sure i didnt go! lol




just dont freak out at every tiny little thing! its important to keep yourself and your body calm so not to stress out your baby! i personally highly recommend drugs and a natural birth! also followthe drs adviceto keep your feet up for a little while after! i didnt listen and my stitches wouldnt heal bc i wouldnt stay off my feet! they did eventually heal justfine but it took longer than usual!





good luck to you and congrats!!! its truely an amazing feeling!

Kimberly - posted on 06/09/2009

Epidural, little to no pain from it, but pressure. Hemorrhoids were the worst part of the entire experience! I never had them before, and I got them from pushing. I can't tell you how scared I was the first time I went #2 because I had no idea what the pain was from. Prep H will help it BIG time!

Amanda - posted on 06/09/2009

I had two induced labours with natural deliveries, one with an epidural and one with nothing. I say go for an epidural. :o)

Jamie - posted on 06/09/2009

well first off congratulations...Ok labour..Hmmm i dont want to scare you so ill decribe it as painless as possible lol.Its very painful and hurts like hell.Most of the pain is in your back and all you want is for someone to ripp your spine out.

when your in labour just do what feels best for you,i stayed in the shower for nearly the whole time and when it came to the actual birth i did it doggie style hahaha it is way easier than laying on your back because gravity pulls the baby down.I didnt have and pain killers with mine but i reccomend you do.Just remember the second the baby is out the pain is gone just like that..i hope i havnt scared you