10 weeks until due date and absolutely terrified!

[Babybear1117]

I know this sounds so stupid but it's suddenly occurred to me that in around ten weeks time I have to give birth and it's terrifying me. The thought of the pain and not being able to control what's going to happen. Please someone reassure me that I'm just being silly and women give birth every single day!

[Saturdayselling]

Hypnobirthing Op! It's not my usual thing but I listened to the CD a lot in the final 8 weeks and it helped so so much. Really helped with giving birth and keeping my nerve.

[Kirta]

Congratulations!!
What you're feeling is TOTALLY normal! I gave birth on Saturday morning and I can honestly now only tell you the positive/funny bits about birth. Have you got a supportive birth partner? When the time comes, I guarantee you will cope. You'll be so excited to see your baby. It's a speck of time! Exciting!

[RubyFlint]

Try not to panic OP, you will still be in control and if you want pain relief you have lots of options available if you're in hospital.

I think most people are terrified in the run up to their first, I know I was. Have you been to antenatal classes yet? Or is that coming up? Sorry mine was 8 years ago so a distant memory now! Chin up, yours will soon be in the past and you'll have your lovely new baby.

[RLOU88]

I could have written this. I’m being kept awake at the moment with palpitations as have 8 weeks to go. Yikes.

[M5tothesouthwest]

Take a deep breath and think about how many ladies have more than one child. If it was that bad, their firstborn would also be their last!

[LillianGish]

Don't worry - I was exactly like you with my first DC and in the end the birth was so easy my first words were "Was that it?". I really wish I hadn't expended so much time worrying about it. Go to the classes, be prepared, be realistic (i.e. take pain relief if offered), but don't start worrying until you have something to worry about. Women do give birth every day - it's harder for some than for others and you really won't know until you do it, but weeks of worrying will make no difference whatsoever to the outcome. I wish I'd looked forward to it more, I'd have enjoyed my pregnancy so much more and I certainly did with my second. Good luck

[Talith]

I loved giving birth, especially the pushing bit. Its the most mind bendingly amazing process. I recommend practising relaxation and meditation or even hypnobirthing (same thing really). Youre dead right the process isn't something you can totally control but the calmer and more relaxed you are the more in control you will feel.

[Babybear1117]

Hi everyone, thank you so much for all your replies it's definitely made me feel so much better!!
I will definitely have a read about hypnobirthing and get a CD!
By the sounds of it I'm making it into a massive obstacle in my head and it's not half as bad as I'm thinking.
I've not watched one born every minute or anything like that since I've been pregnant just incase it shocks me into panic HHaha!!

[spanky2]

Giving birth happens to you iyswim. The best bit is after all the pain you get to have your baby at the end. Get a tens machine. I did the whole of the first part of labour with ds2 at home. Also practice meditation. I meditated a glass of cold Chardonnay! It really took the fear away. I didn't watch any birthing programmes because I was terrified. Research some relaxation techniques and practice often so when you need to use them they are familiar and comforting.

[mellongoose]

I was like this prior to my first. A good friend who lives on the other side of the world gave me some really helpful advice.

Listen to lots and lots of positive birth stories. So many women have a good experience but these stories are told less often, for whatever reason.

I did this. She sent me hers. I began to trust that my body was capable and that it would look after me.

My delivery was really straight forward because I was mostly relaxed. It hurt (of course) but my body just did it. Bloody brilliant, looking back!!

[Harry2006]

You only hear the bad experiences but mine was a good one. It was nowhere near as bad as i expected your body just gets on with it. You will be fine.

[AmyInman]

@Babybear1117 I also feel I could have written this. I'm 32 weeks on Monday and also terrified. People keep telling me women have done this for thousands of years so I'll be fine - guess we just need to start believing it. I'm worried about the pain mainly. Ideally I just want a water birth and gas and air, but guess we'll see what happens on the day. I think it is fear of the unknown when it's your first. I found antenatal classes helpful for information. I'm also trying pregnancy yoga so hope I remember the techniques on the day! Hope it goes well