First timer, can you talk me through labour I'm bricking it

[Scotgirl88]

I'm 34 weeks so still got bit longer left. But labour is all I worry about.
I'm trying to get as much Info as possible to I'm prepared.
Can you describe the start of labour. Was it over a few weeks building up or was it more sudden.

I feel the more I know and the more I'm prepared I will feel a bit more at ease with it.

I don't think it's usually over a few weeks starting... My first was 11 hours first pangs to baby out and my second was 20 mins. Have you signed up to NCT classes? Alternatively your local hospital may run some free classes on childbirth - it sounds like you might benefit from attending. Ina May Gaskin's book "guide to childbirth" makes a good read. If you can get past the hippy aspect, there are a lot of birth stories in there, which certainly helped to reassure me.

I think it's different for everyone and every baby. My first one I started with mild contractions that quickly became regular and I had a 7 hour labour start to finish. 2nd one I had a 'warning' day of feeling labour-ish that never came to anything, then when contractions started properly it was v intense, v quickly and he was born within 2 hours.

I found Natal hypnotherapy CDs very helpful, it may help you feel less anxious about it. Try to stay upright and active as far as possible, it will help labour progress. Be positive and let yourself go with the process, but keep an open mind on what pain relief you will or won't use. A flexible attitude will serve you better than a rigid birth plan.

I am 31 weeks with no 3, my birth plan this time is "get to hospital PDQ"