Hi Welshgirl and everyone!

I'm really interested in the birth experience so it's fascinating reading all these replies.

It hurts like hell, but you forget it instantly and you can cope if you trust yourself. The more you read and find out the better, and having your baby well positioned is something you can take steps to control. I remember spending ages on knees and elbows whilst watching tv, wiggling my hips trying to encourage baby to settle the right way round.

I've had tattoos too, and was fine with the pain, but it's quite a different kind of pain.

You need to accept the contractions, and see the increasing intensity as a good thing, bringing you closer to birthing your baby. If there's no drip going on, which can make them come on too fast to adjust to, you get used to it gradually. The contractions are like a really bad period cramp, you can feel your uterus contracting. Think about the good those contractions are doing.

The important thing I tell myself now (I've had 3 so far) is that when I get to the stage where I'm whimpering and thinking I can't do it any more, and I'm getting really cranky, that means I'm in transition and very close to pushing.

When it gets to the pushing stage, a miraculous thing happens with me. The contractions are less intense and further apart. The pushing is something that just happens by itself. The discomfort of stretching is quite tolerable compared to the contractions I've been having. Seriously, this is the bit I was most scared of, and it's the easiest! Much quicker too. A little tear is not even felt, but there is always a stinging sensation near the clitoris. Just pressing your hand or a warm wash cloth over the area helps. And by the time you're at this stage, if all is OK you're already starting to relax.

Once the head is out, it's downhill from there. You will start to relax, and as soon as baby is born, you will suddenly feel invincible and alert.
Seconds later you'll be thinking, "yeah, I handled that"

Knowledge overcomes fear!

And if the whole 'experiencing it fully' thing is just not you, read up on epidurals instead, and just make a plan based around that. I'm considering having one for the twins, but I'm worried about the increased likelihood of intervention associated with it.

Yvette