10 Things I Wish I Knew About Labor And Delivery
If you're reading this that means you are trying to prepare yourself for labor. Maybe you are like me and you're absolutely terrified. Being in labor was literally my biggest fear but I got through it and so will you! (Remember that this reflects my experience, yours may be different).
Your contractions may not start far apart. Mine were never further than a minute and a half apart!
What do contractions feel like? I was so worried I wouldn't know the difference between Braxton Hicks and labor contractions because I just didn't know what it would feel like! Everyone's response was, " You'll know when you're in labor." Well guess what, early labor contractions just feel like period cramps. I was convinced I was only having Braxton Hicks up until my water broke because they just weren't that painful. That means I was in labor for almost 12 hours before I really knew it!
Once you're water breaks your contractions start to hurt more. Mine went from an ouch this really hurts to I'm squatting on the floor yelling. Then they progressively got worse until I delivered.
When you're water breaks it probably won't be like the gush you see happen in the movies and it will feel more like you just peed your pants. I actually wasn't sure if my water broke or not until I went to the toilet and saw that it was all pink.
Privacy goes out the window. I remember originally thinking that I didn't want many people in the delivery room but when I was in the moment and all I could think about was all of the pain I was in, I could care less who was watching and what they saw. Over the next 24 hours after delivery more people will see your body than ever before and it won't feel weird.
The nurses aren't always very nice. Hopefully you get amazing nurses! Aside from one really rude nurse, mine were all great. Read Juliet's Birth Story to hear more.
You might have to wait for the epidural. Sometimes the anesthesiologist is backed up and it might take a while to get to you. In my case, he was busy with a C-section patient who took precedence over me. I got my epidural an hour before I started pushing.
Once you are in labor your body will know what to do. I remember thinking that I wouldn't know when it was time to push or what to do, but honestly, your body just kicks in to gear and knows exactly what to do!
The fear goes away. Once I was in labor I wasn't scared anymore, I was just ready to get through it and finally have my baby girl in my arms!
Once it's over all the pain fades away and you will slowly forget how much it all hurt. Give it a day or two and you will be ready to do it all over again!
Have questions? I'd love to hear from you! I was terrified and would love to help ease some of your fears.