Fear Of Birth

[CarinaGavin1990]

I am currently pregnant with my 2nd child and due in august this year. My first born is now 6 and to say the least, his birth was a nightmare. I had only gas and air along with pethidine and his cord was around his neck twice. This ment he bungeed back in and i couldnt push him out. I had to be cut aswell and the suction was used with stitches to follow. I am really not looking forward to the birth of my second and am apprehensive about an epidural however i dont want to experience the same as my first born. Any advice to relieve birth pain or such.. i also know i will tear down there as i have scar tissue from the first and i just cant look forward to it at all...

I'd suggest you look into hypnobirthing. Lots of people say it really helps to keep calm & get past fear. Or perhaps look into hiring a Doula? It may give you that 121 support that could help.

Myself, after having a long labour last time resulting in an emcs & being fearful of the pain & deciding hypnobirthing isn't for me for a number of reasons, I've opted for an elcs. I'm sooo much calmer about the whole thing than I would be otherwise.

I feel the same pretty much, pregnant with number 2 and worried about the birth experience as last time had to be cut and took months before I stopped being in pain. I did have an epidural though and I would definitely have one again. Just took the pain away and allowed me to be 'with it' when I gave birth as opposed to being in so much pain previous to that for so long that I was almost passing out. My baby was also in distress and had the cord around her neck.
I do remember saying to my husband afterwards that if I ever said I wanted to do it again to remind me of this day and me saying NEVER let me do this again. Oops!

I had similar- induction which took 3 days, episiotomy , forceps , pph etc and am 38 weeks with my second. It is scary but....... The MW will tell you the chance of your second being similar is v slim. Hey are quicker and easier generally. ( I'll tell you in a few weeks Hopefullly!!)

Also seconds , despite scarring are less likely to tear so it's not a given. ( the whole area is more stretchy so shouldn't affect scar tissue).

I had a birth debrief and it massively helped. Def consider it. It's hard and it's the unknown, however what happens will all be worth it.

Personally I wiukdnt want an epidural again as I'm sure it contributed to my instrumental delivery but that's personal choice. Just make sure you read up, ask professionals and make a balanced choice as c sec are not an easy option- major surgery and a more painful delayed recovery.

Good luck and try not to worry too much.