Labour questions :)

[mum2b09]

hi girls im 32 weeks and have to write my birthplan as i still havent got round to it..

i know tha needs to go into it etc..

jus wanted to know what labour was actually like, the most painful bits, pain relief do and donts, things i shoud prepare for that they dont tell you lol

details please i dont mind abit TMI haha xxxxxx

thanxyouuu xxxx

Hi Mum2b09,

My dd is 7mo and tbh labour wasnt that bad for me. The contractions were worst just before I was ready to push as they all roll into one.

My advice is to keep moving! I only had gas and air when I was ready to push - Lovely stuff

The only bit that was really bad for me was when the head crowned. It really burns but doesnt last long.

You do forget the pain and its definitly worth it

Good luck x

In my humble experience, you are best to go with the flow. Make sure you have all the information and make it clear to the midwife anything you absolutely DON'T want.

Otherwise, keep your options and your mind open. Because everyone is different and every labour is different. If you don't get yourself preoccupied with small details you have more chance of being relaxed and enjoying the birth.

Good luck.

yeah iv heard that the head crowning is like a burning pain. my MW told me to stretch my mouth using my fingers either side and thats the kind of pain it is but 10 times worse :d shes so onest haha xxxxxxxxxxx

I agree with nigglewiggle, I'm in third pg and not even bothering with a birth plan this time as I never stick to it.

Wrote in my last one 'absolutely no epidural' - told them to get me one NOW while in labour. They couldn't do it and I was SO glad as really I didn't want one at all.

This time I have just told DH to try and talk me out of one if I ask for one and remind me that it will soon be over.

The most painful part for me was the last hour of contractions before the pushing stage, and a bath actually made the pain worse for me. The crowning bit I am dreading again this time but once you get that you know your baby is here

my advice would be just make sure that your partner (or whoever is going to be with you) knows if there are any things that you really want to do or don't want to do so that they can support you in those areas. I really wanted a waterbirth (and got one). it was DH who mentioned it to the midwife as i'd sort of forgotten about it. really glad DH mentioned it as it was great and i'd highly recommend water.

Oh yeah, I wrote a birth plan but didnt get it out of the bag!!

You are likely to change your mind completly! I kicked dp out of the room several times and he nearly missed it! Before I was sure he would be there at all times

Its a great experience, something to be proud of I think x

I was induced - supposed to be worse and epidural def needed, but I did it all on pethidine and G&A. I did have emCS at the very last minute, so can't comment on the ring of fire bit, but the rest was entirely bearable.

PS I told DH his main job was to insist on the epidural if I got to the point of asking for one. Useless fecker spent most of the night doing the crossword and drinking tea with the MWs.

hahaah men are so helpful arent they lol

Iv been thinking about a water birth and there facilities are all available at te hospital im going to anyone got any opinions on that?? xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Um, you might soil yourself when you're pushing. You may think that's bad, but I did so in front of about 15 people including my mum and I couldn't have cared less!

I didn't get the ring of fire thing as had an episiotomy, which didn't hurt as much as you'd think either. Having stitches afterwards did bloody hurt. I had to have two extra injections and was on gas and air.

The transition stage, which is between when your cervix is fully dilated and starting to push, is definitely the worst bit. All sorts of things can happen, like feeling terror, being sick, or like me begging for an epidural. It can last for an hour I heard!

Just try to keep as active and mobile as you can. I walked all round the hospital, then when it got worse just paced up and down the ward with mp3 player on.

Good luck

Have you had a tour of your hospital yet mum2b09?? That is a great way to suss it all out and ask any questions. You can have a good look at their birthing pool too.

Prepare yourself for potentially being completely naked in front of a room full of people. During BOTH my labours I had to get my kit off as I couldn't bear having clothes on . This was particularly difficult during my first labour as I had to get taken down to theatre in a wheelchair. They insisted I put a gown on but I kept saying- 'It's fine, I'm not bothered about people seeing me naked' to be told that the other people may be bothered by it and so I conceded (eventually!). I also couldn't bear being touched.

Also, be prepared for the bit before the pushing bit when you are adamant that you need to poo/ break wind. I kept arguing with the midwife that I knew my own body and I need to break wind and could she remove my husband as I was embarrassed. I 'needed' to deliver a baby not fart! She was very understanding but I was annoyed by it and felt patronised. Afterwards I realised she was right but at the time I was convinced lol .

I also had a birthing pool with DD and I loved it- it really helped keep me off the drugs for a long time so I would recommend it.

Crowning is the worst pain that you will EVER feel and it will shock the life out of you! It does fade really quickly though.

Peeing after you tear is pretty miserable too. Ouch.

Good luck x