fast births & pain relief

Ok, now I'm 37 weeks the fear of labour has set in, (this is my 5th baby). I've had a really rough pregnancy, APH at 25 weeks, flown to RPA, (1 week stay) then bed rest, 34 weeks prem-labour sent to closest major hospital (2 weeks stay). I have a history of really fast births, last baby was 1hr 50mins. What can I say to my doc to help me?? I'm so scared & anxious, if he could say, "I'll induce you then put in an epidural", I would be so happy. Are they able to do that especially if you are not coping?? Thoughts please....appointment is tomorrow.

Yes they can do that. Just talk with them. They CAN do lots of things to help.
I know my own fast deliverys were intense.
I was given some pethadine or similar with my daughter but found it made us both no able to focus properly and made her "lazy"
I found if my hubby lightly brushed my arm-almost like a tickle that helped to balance the sensations I was feeling and I could breath better.

Fast does mean its over quickly right?
I had 2 inductions and didn't like them. I was very happy for a spontaneous 3rd. It felt better when the body and baby were doing what they should.
you can do it. You know you can.
Relax and breath. It will be ok.

My gf had two very fast births but her third was alot slower with SROM and nothing happening until early the next morning. I'd discuss your fears and perhaps consider writing down what you are happy with in relation to pain relief etc.... Can you access a counselor at the hospital you will be birthing at.

I've had two fast labours, the first one induced due to GBS, bubs was born 3hrs after induction and DDs labour was 1hr25 mins (SROM with contractions starting minutes after my waters broke). Both were very intense and the pain went from nothing to everything very quickly but I'd do the same again as it was over quick and the recovery time was almost instant so there are massive advantages to consider too. I had no time for pain relief either time, but that also contributed to the quick recovery.

All three of my births have been under two hours from first contraction, natural onset labour. The first 1 hr 50min the second 50 minutes the third was just on 2 hrs. For the third I decided to birth at home to take the stress off all the what ifs, I was able to lay down when the labour began which slowed the intensity. Also I got to make it to a birthing pool (first one) again this helped slow it down a bit and the pain relief was awesome, which resulted in my longest labour yet. I could have had her very quickly the urge to push was there quickly, staying calm and laying down really helped. My birth team was really supportive of trying to help me slow down the labour.

I would say talk to your team and ask the options you have, not all have to include inductions or drugs for that matter. Is there a pool at the hospital you are going to?

Hi all, thanks for your replies..no doulas or birth pools out here in the bush!! We are considered lucky to have a hospital that delivers!! They can do epidurals. just don't have the staff to do the monitoring that is required. Which makes me wonder if I should ask for an induction at the major hospital an hour away. I know they can induce with an epidural as I've been told by staff, however the doctors are saying no epidural until active labour, which means I have no chance. I know you recover quicker after a natural birth, but I just don't want the stress and the feeling of being out of control!!.

Lol wait til you have a baby Nel, everything is about letting go of control ;) Its a good warm up to whats coming. Trust your body and your baby... They know what to do - just need to tell your fears that :)

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Ok, now I'm 37 weeks the fear of labour has set in, (this is my 5th baby). I've had a really rough pregnancy, APH at 25 weeks, flown to RPA, (1 week stay) then bed rest, 34 weeks prem-labour sent to closest major hospital (2 weeks stay). I have a history of really fast births, last baby was 1hr 50mins. What can I say to my doc to help me?? I'm so scared & anxious, if he could say, "I'll induce you then put in an epidural", I would be so happy. Are they able to do that especially if you are not coping?? Thoughts please....appointment is tomorrow.

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Nel, I totally get what you mean. Sounds very similar to myself (have just had my 4th, fast labours, one prem baby, one threatened preterm labour. Etc.....)

Just wondering what is it about labour that you are fearful about?
I found when I narrowed it down and named my fears, then I could start to deal with them.
Also if you really do want pain relief I would think about Pethadein, I wouldn't advice it for most labours because of the risk to baby, but with quick labours if you time it right baby would be born before it crosses the placenta. (generally it takes 15min for us to feel the benefit and 30min until it crosses the placenta).

I would definitely talk with your doctor about your fears, he/she can then discuss what would be best for you.

(btw when you have fast labours an induction doesn't necessarily mean it will be slower either).

I wish you all the best!