Is anybody else petrified of giving birth?

[Screamingcats]

I've been petrified since I found out I was pregnant. I keep having nightmares about it!
I'm sure it can't be THAT bad, otherwise people wouldn't have more after the first baby. I'm still scared though.
Tell me it's normal and other first timers feel like me please lol.

I need to really keep away from Google and reading all the horror stories, but I can't because I want to be prepared for the worst, just incase.

I'm petrified but not of the pain - more worried in case of complications with me and the baby. I'm 31wks and having nightmares every night!

I was terrified each and every time .

Just take the drugs if you need them . There's no medals for being brave .

I'm happy for those of you who had amazing , wonderful, beautiful experiences with endorphins but I didn't . It was still worth it though

I'm more petrified of having an actual baby to look after

Pregnant with my first and terrified! I've heard some right horror stories (the colleague who broke her pelvis giving birth being notable), but countered by some very positive ones (mostly involving hypno-birthing)!

MetalMidget - I've also heard stories about fractured pelvis! Any idea why/how and how it can be avoided?

I had excruciating births. But, if I had a time machine then I'd relive them again and again, as it's THE most amazing experience.

I was. I can honestly say it wasn't that bad.

It was awful but totally manageable.

Agreed it's ONE bad day

Agreed it's ONE bad day

I wasn't bothered with my first. Delivered naturally and had a 20 hour labour, meconium staining and stitches.

This time around in petrified! Even though I know a little more of what to expect

I was terrified to the extent that I had put off TTC for years because I was so scared.

I used a hypno birthing CD religiously which really helped me, as did preparing the most beautifully stocked hospital bag known to man (and despite everyone laughing at me I did use each and every thing in it) and having a doula with me.

Although things didn't go as planned I still feel that DS's birth was an incredibly positive experience and I'm proud of myself.

I'm apprehensive rather than petrified. I like to be in control so I need to deal with the fact that I can't control how my baby chooses to arrive.

I am not writing a birth plan as such because ultimately what matters is that the baby is delivered safely and I'm okay - for me having a plan includes:

Delayed cord clamping
I'd prefer not to have forceps
DH can speak on my behalf
DH wants to cut the cord
Skin to skin straight away

All of this is obviously depending upon a number of factors!

I am with a PP - I was actually really confident first time round (having read The Good Birth Companion - highly recommend it - and using natal hypnotherapy cds, along with some antenatal pilates). Then I had a horrible experience - not because of the pain, which was totally manageable and fine, but because of rude, uncaring, dismissive hospital staff not treating me with respect or dignity. So now I'm panicking more second time round!

To help me prepare (I'm 26 weeks) I'm getting the Ina May Gaskin book, and hiring a doula. Not for everyone, but for me it is going to be invaluable to have someone there besides DH to advocate for me and give me support, especially as he'll likely be busy with DD for much of it. Anyway, since I made the decision to hire a doula I am feeling about 4000% calmer about the whole thing!

A friend also recommended a website - www.tellmeagoodbirthstory.com which might be worth a look