Scared & nervous about Labour

[Cricket]

Have a little read through some of the posts in the third trimester section, and the labour and birth section - you'll find some great ideas!
My mother had only c-sections, so there was no real advice or experience about labour and birth there for me. (She would have loved to, but it was not to be.) Fear of labour is completely normal and probably universal for first time mums! You haven't done it before, you don't know what it's like, just that it apparently hurts. And some women tear. I had visions of myself splitting wide open, never to be the same again!
I'm not going to tell you it doesn't hurt. It does. It can get to be overwhelming, between the contractions and the hormones and the fatigue. But that is where mental preparation and good support come in, and help you through the rough spots to the incomparable high of holding your baby. And it doesn't last forever. You'll make it through, with a wonderful prize on the other side.
My personal recommendation would be to second what Kelly said and get a doula.
Also, try water in labour, whether in a birthing pool, bathtub, or shower. It relaxes you, provides pain relief without drugs, helps your perineum stretch, and helps prevent tearing.
Labour is a mind game in a lot of ways. Read what you can about what your body will be doing, and remember you were made to do this, and you can do it! Have someone who will tell you when you get to transition, and are likely to be wanting drugs, that you are almost there, your baby is just about in your arms, you are almost done!!! Don't give in to the fear of the pain. This is a working pain - it's doing good things for you.
Read, or get your DH to read the article here on BB about labour support, with tips on how to actually be supportive. (Actually, spend a bit of time reading though all the articles on labour and birth - they're great! )
All the best!

[Twin Sister]

I was really scared too, especially in the week before I was due. The one piece of advice that got me through it was "yeah it hurts at the time but when you think abou it, it's such a short part of your life, it will pass by quicker then you realize. All that pain is worht it when you hold that new baby in your arms". I don't know why but realizing it was really only one day out of my life made it seem so much more do-able. My labour ended up being three days but it still passed by pretty quick.

[sassy123]

this prob doesnt help but i have never been scared i cant wait. The way i am lookin at it is, yes it will hurt but atleast you get somethign out of that pain. i cant wait to see her little face for the first time and how big or small she may be.
So many people have tried to scare me because i am young but i have done alot of reading both internet and books and i feel prepared. that might go out th window when it all gets closer but right from the start i have not been able to wait.

[Mollygirl]

There are so many good thoughts in this thread, I will just be brief:

Kelly's suggestion of a doula etc, is a great idea. My Mum was overseas for the birth of my daughter and it was only me and my husband and I really noticed the difference from when I had my son and both were there. If you have someone to heat up wheat bags or get you ice etc, then hubby can stay by your side the whole time, which I feel is really important.

I found the bath helped alot in my first labour, as well as thinking about being at home, curled up in bed or patting my dog or hugging my husband, it helped me get through the first part of the labour even though I had to sit in a chair because I was being monitored. So visualising being somewhere else can take your mind off the pain. Then I went to gas for the second stage, which was great for me.

I too had the thought that it was only one day out of my life, and it wasn't going to last forever.

Don't be worried if you are shocked at the pain when the contractions first start, but then try and relax and deal with it as it comes.

You will do beautifully - good luck.

[Snacks]

What Cricket said!
(Sorry Cricket - I've got to share the rep around so can't add to you )
All the very best for a beautiful, joyful, empowering, fantastic birth Your body is doing and will do amazing things.

[Ozziehoffy]

I was really nervous and actually terrified of labour...my first was a c/s with no labour. We did a hypnobirthing course which helped me so much! I did get a bit apprehensive again about a month out as it was becoming more real, but I continued to do my relaxation excercises and that got me through. I ended up having the most wonderful experience and Oskar was born in 3 1/2 hours. I think personally that you would benefit from something like this as it does address your fears and how to deal with them which is most of the battle won All the best!!!!

[blue daisy]

as all the other BBers have said

birth is beautiful

dont be scared, there is so much wonderful info here on BB (as Cricket indicated look in the labor and birth forum)

ask the questions and enjoy the lead up to your baby's birthday

x

[~Belinda~]

Cookie, I faint with the sight of blood, if I cut my finger, I pass out every time. I have to also lie down when having blood tests. I'm just a big woos really.

I gave birth to Madeleine on 2 January and I was nervous beforehand. But...I was induced and blitzed a 5 hour labour with her with only gas and pethedine, no epidural. She was 8lb 13oz too! It was such a beautiful experience and I was up and walking around half an hour afterward. You really just ride those contractions and when you start pushing, you know it's not too far away before you see your little bundle of joy!

You forget about the pain immediately afterward though, especially when you meet your baby! I even had 10 stitches. You'll be just fine!!

Enjoy your pregnancy hun