Terrified of giving birth next week

[Nothankyou0]

Hello everyone
I’m booked in for induction at 39 weeks next week and I’m absolutely scared shitless!
It’s my second baby and all I can think about is the horrific pain and panic I had during my first labour two years ago. Nothing in particular went wrong, it was a straight forward induction labour and delivery however I remember being quite shocked and and having a horrible panicky feeling from the pain being so bad.
I’ve been trying to talk myself around but I just can’t help but feel scared. Has anyone else had this and how did you help it?

[TwilightPeace]

Not sure if this is helpful but have you thought about getting an epidural?

[Nothankyou0]

@TwilightPeace I have but I managed to do it without last time and I hate the thought of being bed bound for a period of time after. I would like to get up straight away for a shower. I couldn’t stand laying in “grime” (blood, waters etc).

[borntohula]

It is definitely scarier when you know what's coming, I agree BUT you did it once and you can do it again! Just keep in mind that feeling of relief when it's all over. It's been nearly 8 years since I last gave birth but I imagine some sort of pain relief is still available?

[rottiemum88]

Honestly OP, epidurals are AMAZING. Admittedly I had to have a section in the end, but I'd still opt for one every time. I always remember my labour as a bit of a game of two halves, pre and post epidural. Labour doesn't have to be painful and scary

[Jupiter15]

Look at all your options for pain relief.
Breathing techniques - very powerful
TENS
Massage
Keeping active and upright
Warm water in pool, bath or shower
Massage
Essential oils
Paracetamol
Diamorphine
Epidural
Being scared makes you tense, tense muscles will be more painful, also you will release adrenaline which will inhibit oxytocin, which you want for birth.
Have you done any hypnobirthing?
No 2 births are the same so this birth may be different from your first. If you do decide that an epidural is the best thing for you this time, that’s ok. You can do this!

[justtheonethen]

@Nothankyou0 I showered less than an hour after birth when I had an epidural. It was magic. Induction can be brutal and I was so glad of it.

[Justjoshin22]

Hi OP, I had a spontaneous labour with DD1 and had an epidural. Like poster above, was out of bed within the hour and it was honestly liquid gold! Really felt in control.
With second DD I was induced. Was slow to start but ended up being a very fast process once it got going with only time for gas and air. I remember feeling shocked and a bit panicked / out of control at the time but if you have a good midwife, prepare yourself for quick confections (often the way with a second, especially if you’re induced) and know that you can do it - you’ll be absolutely fine. I think, as with all births, go into it open minded re the drugs, listen to the professionals and try and stay positive. Maybe download some hypnobirth tracks too! Good luck xx

[CoolNoMore]

Liquid gold. Yup. I was also up and about quite soon after squeezing DS1 out.

I'm clinging on to the fact that second labours are usually shorter and easier.

[Jupiter15]

I forgot gas and air too!

[TwilightPeace]

I would say keep an open mind about an epidural, especially as you are being induced. The drip is awful so why go through the pain needlessly.
An epidural doesn’t mean you will be bed bound for hours after the birth or left lying in ‘grime’.
Good luck with whatever you decide!

[duckme]

I definitely remember feeling the sheer panic of the mind bending pain.
I couldn't catch my breath and the panic was real!
But each time was still an amazing experience. Each contraction is one closer to meeting your baby.
I get you drift about lying in the go after though, I really hated that bit. But I wasn't allowed to get up and shower straight away after birth anyway and I didn't have an epidural. So if the epidural is what's going to keep you calm and make the experience more manageable, I would consider that.

[CoolNoMore]

Oh, and re: the goo. First of all, I couldn't see or feel anything down there just after DS was born, and second, the midwives must have cleaned me up nicely, because I definitely didn't notice anything when I had to walk to the recovery ward a few hours later. I gave birth at 4pm and didn't actually think about a shower until the next morning!