Birth

[Sophiejanex]

I’m only 17 weeks but can’t stop thinking about giving birth I am so scared any tips etc 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

[Hidden]

I am going to wait until about 30 weeks to start thinking about it - I am 15 weeks now and avoiding the thought. Even told friends with kids to keep quiet about it!

I know how you feel.

Xxx

[Hidden]

I know how you feel- I’m almost 20weeks and as a doctor I’ve seen lots of deliveries.

I’m planning on going to a hypnobirthing course- not to avoid painkillers but I have heard that the breathing exercises can be helpful. If it really worrying you, then have a chat with your midwife.

Speaking to my friends who have had babies- they say it is hard but that you get something wonderful out of it. You get through it because you have to xxx

[kt_11 in reply to Hidden]

I would definitely recommend hypnobirthing. Really didn’t think it would be my type of thing but the breathing exercises helped me so much & also helped my partner to be able to support me properly.

I was induced, which meant labour started quite suddenly and intensely, and the stuff we’d done in the hypnobirthing class enabled me to get through it really quite calmly. The midwife was really surprised by how calm I was. Using the breathing techniques with the gas & air helped me to avoid an epidural, which was something I really didn’t want to have unless it was medically necessary.

Sophiejane - maybe speak with your midwife about ante-natal courses. I did NCT (which were pretty good) as couldn’t make the NHS ones but there should also be something available in your hospital or health centre in your area. Try not to worry your way through the pregnancy. You’ll get through it and when you get there the most important thing to you will be getting to meet your baby x

[must92]

I’m same I’m 18 weeks and since I found out I was pregnant I think about it every day I am so scared and dreading it xxx

[Cheekymonkey85]

Practice your breathing (it really does work once you get in the zone), have faith in your bodies ability to do what it needs to do, and make sure you have a really supportive birth partner.

My second was born 13 days ago, a whopper at 8lb 15oz. It was a very relaxed water birth managed by breathing & entinox.

Don't worry about it, you've got this!! xx

[Sophiejanex]

Thanks everyone for the advice I’m never been in hospital before & bfirst time first time having a baby so scared. Only had blood tests so scared as 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

[jenna01 in reply to Sophiejanex]

I’m 30 weeks with my first and every time I have a little freak out I just tell myself that he has to come out, one way or another!! For every horror story there are thousands of happy ones and these days there are so many birthing options that help you take control of it. You’ll be surprised at what your body can do 💪🏻

[Hopful85]

I was terrified too and it’s 100% normal. I gave birth 17 days ago (ftm) and now it feels like a distant but amazing memory, seriously I feel like I can do anything now 💪🏽. Something that worked for me was counting to 10 through the contractions and remaining calm. Music was good too and making conversation with the midwives. You can do it! Xx

[Hidden]

I was terrified about this so much as I’m such a baby when it comes to pain. Even with needles I pass out. I tried a natural birth but she wasn’t budging so they tried forceps then in the end c section and she was 10lb 1oz so no wonder she didn’t budge but I honestly forgot about it as soon as she was in my arms and I won’t hesitate in doing it all again. You’ll be amazed at what you can do xx

[roxannacar]

Maybe try go on a NHS or nct course so you know a bit better what will happen. If it was so awful very few people would have a second!

Holding your baby for the first time is the best feeling ever!

[Hidden]

Watch one born every minute that’s as real as it get.

[clearslug1985]

I’m a FTM and had my son a year ago now - the birth was actually absolutely fine. He was 7 weeks premature so the focus was just to concentrate on getting him out quickly and safely.

I mean - It’s called labour because it’s bloody hard work, it really is exhausting, but I didn’t find it painful really - just uncomfortable and very tiring - but everyone’s experience is different. As everyone has said, work on your breathing (it will help ease anxiety about the birth now doing breathing exercises but also is amazing during the birth itself).

Just don’t listen to any horror stories, I was told plenty ahead of having him and my experience, albeit a little scary as he was so early, was amazing - the midwives, the aftercare, everything. And remember, if you feel you need them, just take the drugs! But trust your body, and remember the amazing reward you’ll get at the end! (I’m referring to your little bundle of joy, but the tea and toast the nurses wheel in is also the best thing you’ll ever eat in your life!)

My husband and I hope to do it all over again in the next couple of years and I can honestly say, as long as this next one doesn’t try and scare me by showing up early again, I’m almost looking forward to the birth! X

[Cheekymonkey85 in reply to clearslug1985]

I second the tea & toast 😂 it really is amazing!!

[ncroud89]

I am on the same boat - 16 weeks and worried about birth. I spoke to a lot of my friends who have had babies and I came to the conclusion that I will try hypnobirthing. Just put it that way - your body is ready to give birth, we've done it for hundreds of thousands of years, we just need to get our own minds ready as they are the ones stopping us through fear.

They say it's advised to start it between 20/30 weeks so maybe look into it sooner rather than later.

Good luck to us all 😂☺️

[EM95]

To be honest with you, the best way to look at it all is holding your baby in your arms. I knew what was coming as I had to be induced with my first, but I focused on holding her and our first moments together. Never worry yourself (even though it's hard to do) I never thought about it during my pregnancy or labour x

[Tgum]

I would say don't get too fixated on a natural birth. I really wanted one and it was all I had planned for but unfortunately my little lady was breech so I had to have a c section. This was only discovered once my waters had gone and contractions started. I am still disappointed almost a year later. Just plan for all scenarios. And congratulations! Xx

[Taby345]

The only advice i can give to you, is not to think about it and dont google anything. You will just be putting yourself under pressure.

[Georgina_D]

Easier said than done but please try to relax, make sure you are well rested especially in early labor as you will need the energy towards the end.

You can also have an elective c section.. if you are denied, contact Birthrights x

[Georgina_D]

I was more afraid or tears, cuts and incontinence rather than the birth itself. Unfortunately I had all the above

I know everyone is different but if I could go back, I would say don't allow an episiotomy, refuse forceps/ventouse and don't allow them to break your waters. I wish I had C section x

[Sophiejanex]

I got offer a C section as I’ve got high blood pressure etc & at risk from giving birth I’m gonna go for the c section but I’m scared of the needle going in the back and I’m scared of the after pain I’m gonna have dont cope with pain that well xx

[Sooikim]

Hello Sophie, I’m 15 weeks and this will be my first. I spoke to my sister about labour and thinking of doing CS. She’s like 😒 (she got 3) and told me If no complications pls go for vagina birth. Attend some hypnobirthing classes if you're scared of pain. I donno if this helps but I will be looking out for this classes. I donno if this helps but we are in the same boat 😓