Does the idea of giving birth freak you out?

when i was younger (up until about 2 years ago) i never wanted kids and i always said i'd never give birth i'd opt for a section because the idea of birth freaks me out more than anything in the world.

Now that i'm pregnant it's freaking me out even more than it did before. I think i'll be able to handle the contractions fine the pain they'll bring i'll be able to handle and ok with but the thought of the baby actually coming out and possibaly tearing me freaks me out beyond belief.

I don't want to get cut or tear down there. The idea of havimg to be stiched back up is so wrong!

What are your views?

MishC,

I'm terrified too and I'm hoping that that's a normal response. To be honest, I'm scared of more than that. It's only dawning on me now actually what we have to go through. Everytime I start to worry, I just think of the millions of women who've done this before me and think if they could do it, why can't I?

Stay positive and try not to think too far ahead

I'm terrified too... but wow! I can't wait! Mr P thinks I'm silly when I say I want to experience it all with as little drugs as possible...
but my nan had 12 in her living room and my other nan did the same with her 9...
If they could do it - then darn it! So will I!!!

Lol i havent even thought this far yet!
Probably because it scares me too! lol xx

im scared about it too...even more scared of the thought of a c section! xx

For me the contractions were far worse than the birth, the pushing part was over really quickly, but there IS pain relief and honestly, its not that bad. Most women go on to have subsequent babies, they wouldnt do that if the pain was unbearable. If i had to give one tip about birth it would be to relax, the more u tense up the worse the pain is. And its all so worth it in the end u forget the pain as soon as you see the baby xxxxx

I was actually looking forward to giving birth, Im weird I know but the pain does scare me, now though due to a disability I have they are saying I have to have a c section, will get the firm confirmation next Tuesday but wish I could do it naturally. Im sure everyone thinks about it and gets scared but Im sure it will all go well. Try and stay positive. Take care XX

I don't know why the thought of it terrifies me like it does. I don't really know the first thing about child birth because i've never been interested in it but the thought of the baby coming out is one of the scariest things ever.

I know women have been doing it for thousands of years and it's one of the most natural things in the world. It's not even the pain that bothers me.

Anyway i best stop thinking about it and leave that until i'm 30+ weeks.

Mish- you know what, i think what you are feeling is really natural...!!!

i'm a doctor and i've delivered hundreds of kids and let me tell you-an episiotomy (whilst the thought of it isnt great) i'd take a cut over an extensive tear any day of the week! Let me tell you!!!! The episiotomy is designed to stop you getting tearing towards the back passage.. as anyone who has had 3rd or 4th degree tears will tell you they arent much fun....

i'm expecting baby no 5 (lost all the previous 4)...and the birth doesnt hold much fear for me no matter what happens as long as i trust the docs who deliver me i'll be happy.. i guess as i've been at the business end so much, once you've seen so much you know what can happen and how things sometimes go so i think that it doesnt really hold any illusions of worst case scenarios...


read lots and talk to lots of mums and try ot get a balanced view about birthing and you'll feel more empowered....

i feel terrified of being a mum the other side of the labour- that is what really really terrifies me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When i had my lil girl it was horendus at the time but I would have done it all again in a heartbeat for my lil baby (well she is a toddler now) Its such a short period of time in your life and your babys life that it is insignificant. I cant wait to give birth to this one (not that im wishing my pg away) cos I know I will have this beautiful baby at the end and this is coming from someone who was in labour for 27 hours so it cant have been that bad xxxx