38 weeks and just getting scared for birth - HELP lol

[rhaena]

Im 21, currently 38+1 expecting my baby girl in two weeks (watch her come late)! I’m not going to lie, I haven’t been scared for childbirth at all throughout my pregnancy. Constantly I’ve had people ask me how afraid I am, but in reality it wasn’t bothering me at all. I was watching plenty of birth vlogs, one born etc…it felt so exciting!
Now? I’m absolutely bricking it. I lie awake at night unable to sleep as my baby bounces off my cervix and I think…how the f am I going to handle pushing a baby out of there if I can’t handle her hitting off my cervix. The cervix pain is the worst atm!! I am ready and willing for any pain relief of course! But then, the more videos I watch, the more I realise that people have needles. In. Their. Hands.* Ever since I had a few surgeries when I was younger, having a needle in my hand or wrist has been a big no-no for me. And now I’m realising that I’ll probably have one in there for pain relief…it’s making me panic like mad
Also, I know it’s completely natural but the thought of pooing myself on the bed I cannot deal with because I just know my partner will joke about it later if it happens ahah.
Anyone else in the same boat? I’ve considered myself lucky for so long for not being scared and now I’m freaking out because it’s not like it’s just something I can put off and avoid! I’m actually going to have to push a baby out of there - HOW?! Yes, I know it’s 100% possible and I will get through it, but how?! I cant handle pain down there lol.
I really needed to get this off my chest as my partner just isn’t understanding the fear ahah!

Didn't want to read and run. I'm currently 39 weeks with 3rd baby and although I'm sooo done with pregnancy, I'm still scared at the prospect of the birth, I think everyone feels that way whether it's a tiny bit or alot. All the preparation and watching/reading things will still not prepare you for your own personal experience BUT it does help to talk to people who can reassure you, your midwife or someone who can have positive things to say. Birth is scary because of the unknown and the idea of the pain but you'll find that a strength you didn't know you had will come out, on the other hand if you want different pain killers, positions etc in birth then say so. I'm not gonna lie it does hurt but it doesn't have to be a traumatic thing. Good luck and I hope it all goes well for you x

OP, I’m 37+5 with my first and been relaxed so far about labour, only now am I starting to worry. Exactly as you’ve said, I know she’s coming out but HOW?!

I’ve actually moved away from negative stuff on TV or dramatic episodes of One Born. I’ve listened to some podcasts, the Clemmie Hooper one and the Australian Birth Stories. Also listened to a hypnobirthing book and the Freya app for relaxation. And the juju sundin book for distraction techniques.

Have you spoken to your midwife about your worries? Did you get any chat about pain relief in your antenatal classes? If not it might be worth checking out the NHS website to see which options you would prefer.

The cannula in your hand is a plastic tube- the needle is gone. Some women don’t need to even have them but it depends on your medical history and how your birth is going and if you are getting strong pain relief. Certainly with an epidural you need one for fluids and in case of emergencies. They will use local anaesthetic to put it in though so don’t worry.

Congrats! Hopefully our babies will be here soon and we can stop worrying!

I'm 37+2 and starting to feel really nervous and anxious now. My little bub has reduced growth so I'm having 2 sweeps done next week and if he doesn't come I'm being induced at 39 weeks. I'm so scared as it's my first baby but I've spent my whole pregnancy in and out of hospital so I'm used to plenty of needles drips cannulas and injections but I'm just scared about the birth itself.

Hi OP, bless you, completely feel your pain as I was booked for an induction and petrified!

Had my first baby two weeks ago yesterday and it was a completely amazing experience. All I can say is nothing can prepare you as everyone has different experiences! My contractions felt like sharp pains in my bum area at first and then pushing was like needing the biggest poo you've ever needed and not having the control to stop it!

He set himself off on the morning of the induction so I had a natural birth with no interventions in the end and only 23 minutes of pushing so it can surprise you!

The more you think about it, the more scared you'll be - definitely fear of the unknown. Like you, I was petrified of needles in my hand but when it came to it, I was so focused on the contractions that when I ended up needing one for fluids, I just didn't look nor care at the time! They tried to give me gas and air but I found it put me off so ended up with no pain relief - not bragging (!) but you might find something comes over you and you just get on with it without really thinking.
Listen to your own body and don't be afraid of what's going to happen. I found my body was just pushing anyway without me really doing anything until right at the end so trust that your body will do this. Easier said than done but if you can try and stay calm, you'll feel more in control and able to cope. It's just about getting through each contraction, it's one closer to baby!

I had multiple toilet incidents 😂 but again, I didn't care because unfortunately there was absolutely nothing I could do to stop it and I just wanted to meet baby at that point. We just made a joke of it and the midwife cleared it away.

Wishing you best of luck, you will do it and soon meet your little one 😊