Being Pregnant
Were You Nervous About Giving Birth?
Yesterday, at my 34-week OB appointment, I mentioned to my doctor that I was feeling increasing pelvic pressure.
He reassured me that this was a common symptom of later pregnancy, but offered to check my cervix to make sure things are progressing (or not progressing) normally.
Everything checked out fine, but as I stared at the examination room ceiling, having my cervix checked for the first time during this pregnancy, the reality that I will be giving birth very soon hit me like a tidal wave.
While I know that we can never be totally sure how our birth experience will play out, I have to admit, I am terrified of the unknown that this pregnancy brings with it.
My first pregnancy resulted in a c-section because my son was breech, but this time I am going to give VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) my best effort.
When my OB checked my cervix yesterday, he told me that the baby is currently head-down. This is great news, as a subsequent breech presentation has been one of my main worries.
Ideally, the baby stays head-down, and I am able to have a normal vaginal birth experience.
I want to avoid the pain and recovery time that comes with a c-section, but honestly, I am really scared about trying to give birth vaginally — particularly after having had a c-section. I am worried about the inevitable pain, I am worried about possible uterine rupture, I am worried about tearing, and prolapse, and any number of other problems that could arise.
I’m just worried, and I know that most women probably experience some level of anxiety about giving birth… right?
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9 Comments
Nadia commented on Nov 16 11 at 3:14 pmYou are definitely not alone! I am being induced on Friday (I was due last week!) and I am nervous as heck. I am just trying to remind myself that billions of women have done this before. We will make it!
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Megan commented on Nov 16 11 at 6:53 pmGiving birth vaginally is a piece of cake! I would rather be sitting here, as I am, with a sore bottom than with an incision. Your body does all the work, it pushes for you at the end (which is always amazing to me) and goes by quickly – when the baby is born, you are too busy being happy than you are thinking “Oh my god! She is here!” than “that hurt!”.
You are going to rock it. And if you need a c-section again, you will, indeed, rock that too! I can’t wait to see your little girl!
Angela Willis commented on Nov 17 11 at 1:56 amI was nervous, when I had my VBAC. My first son was born from a C-section, so I probably had all the fears that you have. Once I was in labor and progressing, I think that my fears began to turn into concentration (dealing with it). Most of what helped ease my fear the most, was having my doctor believe in me and being willing to work with me to make sure that I got to all that I could do in order to make the VBAC work. My hospital didn’t have a portable monitor that I could wear while I walked, so… he let me walk and come back to the bed and monitors every 10 minutes. This way, we were safe in case any kind of uterine tearing or rupture was beginning to happen, and he could get me prepped and in the OR fast enough to still safely deliver the baby.
I also had a doula who knew how to help me focus on my breathing. When the pain was unbearable, she would hold my hand and gently rock it up and down saying, “breathe in when my hand goes up and blow out when my hand goes down”. It gave me a consistent rhythm to breathe (so I wasn’t holding my breath), but also allowed me to have something to focus on when all I wanted to focus on was the pain/pressure.
Just listen to your body. Try not to have big expectations about the way your labor is ‘suppose’ to go and just except what your body does. If you you try the VBAC and it doesn’t work, its okay. The import thing is that you try and that you are aware of what is going on with your body!
Good luck, I can’t wait to meet your new little Christmas present!
snakecharmer commented on Nov 17 11 at 10:19 amI’m in the same boat as you are. Pregnant with my second, desiring a VBAC but worried about everything you listed. I think it’s normal though…I remember being worried about tearing and prolapse and stuff for my first and now I just add some of the VBAC worries on top of that. I’ve also added worries about making sure I have childcare on hand for my daughter once I go into labour with this little one. People keep saying that the second goes faster than the first and I personally know a woman who had a 30 minute labour with her second son. I just want to be sure that my little girl is taken care of!
Jen M commented on Nov 18 11 at 7:57 amI had a traumatic c-section with my first followed by two amazing VBACs – try to let go of the fears and relax – it will really help your body do the work. If you can get a copy of “Active Birth” that is a great resource. Also the ICAN network is a fantastic source for support. You can do it!!
http://www.vbac.com/what-is-a-uterine-rupture-and-how-often-does-it-occur/
Liz commented on Nov 18 11 at 9:44 amVaginal birth is the most painful, wonderful thing I have ever gone through. I would do it again in a minute. You feel such a sense of accomplishment when you are finally done and holding your baby in your arms!
Jennifer commented on Nov 18 11 at 10:37 amI done the “less I know the better” method. The less I knew the better I felt I did not read abt birth or anything if I had small questions I would ask my doc but other than that I tried to go into it blind. Cause to me pain is more mental than anything and if you can trick yourself it could help at least some or it did with me. Might be stupid but it worked for me
Joanna commented on Nov 18 11 at 11:06 amI’m at 37 weeks today and facing a VBAC. I’m super nervous. I’m more nervous about trying to figure out when the labor will come. With my 1st I was 2 1/2 weeks over due, induced and I then had terrible labor which resulted in an emergency c-section. I didn’t have any amniotic fluid (So I have no idea what it is like to have your water break ) I just feel like this time is the 1st time again. I know it will be great, just filled with nerves…
Jackie commented on Nov 26 11 at 11:38 amTo be honest, I wasn’t nervous about giving birth. I watched all shows on baby deliveries, read every book out there and thought about the what ifs, but I wasn’t nervous. I just figured there was no sense in freaking myself out. When it was time to have my baby, I remained positive and it ended up being a great experience.
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