Terrified

[finallypregnant]

Is this normal to be all of a sudden terrified of the birth at 38 weeks? Can't sleep for worrying about labour.

[Aero]

It's fairly normal, but you will be fine I'm sure. Try to relax and not lose sleep over it - you'll have little enough sleep once the baby arrives. Labour isn't a walk in the park, but honestly, once you have your baby in your arms, you will forget the pains of labour. if it was that bad, I wouldn't have done it three times! Good luck with it and keep us posted.

[lulumama]

of course it is normal! it is a really big event in your life

do some positive and empowering reading that reminds you that this is a great adventure you are embarking on

[ElenorRigby]

Well I took the attitude there is no point worrying about it.
I planned to get all the help and pain releif I could get my hands on.

[mellyonion]

yes, its very normal!

its too late to back out now though!

try not to think about the negative things....giving birth is a means to an end.
it hurts, yes, but is a different kind of pain to most others...it comes and goes, you know why you are having the pain, you can (by watching your contarction times) almost predict when the pain will start and end, and get a little breather in between each one...

by the time you are feeling anable to go on, your baby will be born, and although, its generally not instant, the memory of it becomes distant and soooo worth doing!

birth can be a really amazing experience...it can be empowering, and positive.....

try looking up some nice deep breathing exercises and listen to your midwife.... she should be able to teach to to ride the waves of every contraction through breathing techniques....

i've done it 3 times now, and oddly enough, really like giving birth!

try to focus on all the positives around birth. people always love to tell horror stories...block them out of your mind, and listen to your body.

good luck when the time comes! x

[mellyonion]

scuse really bad spelling mistakes!

[Tangle]

I enjoyed giving birth as well. And for me I wouldn't even say it was particularly painful - I didn't feel the need to make noise, I didn't need any drugs. I know I was lucky, but don't assume it's going to be agony and you might just be pleasantly suprised!

I also told myself a lot that every single one of my female ancestors had demonstrably managed to give birth at least once, or I wouldn't be here - and if they managed it, why on earth should I have huge problems?

[Thankyouandgoodnight]

Yes completely normal!!!

It's impossible to predict.
We all hear and see bad stuff about it from friends and on the TV.
No-one likes the thought of pain.
etc etc so yes, totally normal to be terrified.

Doing it however is a completely different ball park because your hormones kick in, your body goes in to auto plus there are all sorts of pain relief options if you want them. You will survive and it is just a journey to the most amazing prize that you probably can't imagine right now.

I too had a good birth and I spent the weeks and months after bragging about how well I had managed to DH .

[whomovedmychocolate]

You know when you stub your toe and it really hurts but after it stops hurting you can't really remember what it felt like?

Yeah, that's what I'm hoping birth is like too - I had an induction and cs with DD so this one has got to be better in comparison.

Scared or not, it'll happen. So it's probably better to treat it as a big adventure/experience. Personally I think I'd rather go to Legoland but that's just me.

[Sushipaws]

Very normal, and at the same time you want it to be over because you probably feel like a bus.

It's so scary because you don't know whats it's like and you've heard some horror stories. But it really does go very quickly and when it happens you'll be caught in the moment and when your lo arrives you'd go through it all again just to get that first look into his/her eyes.

My birth was amazing, in a birthing pool with only gas and air. All over in a couple of hours, I'm looking forward to getting pregnant again because I won't spend so long worrying about the birth.

Good Luck

[BCCmum]

I'm 40 weeks today! I go through moments when I'm so excited and looking forward to the experience/ then I realise what Ive let myself in for and panic for a few hours. Ive been on this rollercoaster for about a week now!
I just keep telling myself that she can't stay in there forever and it's got to happen. I'm going to try everything in my power to make it a positive experience.
(So far, everytime I get a remotely strong twinge or pain, I have actually got excited and almost enjoyed it, but they only go so far and then die down again)
PPLLEEEAAASSEEE let it be soon!!

Good luck and stay positive!!