https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:20:15 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural/page/2#post-177853 Mon, 04 Jun 2012 09:16:37 +0000 Lone Palm 177853@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Gosh, since I'm still in my first trimester I have quite a bit of time in front of me to worry about this but I'm not going to lie - I'm terrified of both labor and the epidural. I don't know if its better to do a ton of research on each to know what to expect or to just go in there blindly knowing I'm going to get one, get through it and just take it as is. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural/page/2#post-177838 Mon, 04 Jun 2012 09:10:43 +0000 MsLipGloss 177838@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Eloiseke: Thank you for the description of your water breaking . . . I, too, worry that I won't know when it's happening. </p> <p>@MediaGirl: I am terrified of the labor process, but not of the epidural. Can't really explain it other than to say that there are just so many more unknowns (for me) when it comes to labor, whereas with an injection I know a lot more of what to expect. (I don't mind needles or injections . . . I used to give myself injections for migraines.) </p> <p>When I had pre-term contractions at 22 weeks, I was strangely calm even though I knew what was happening. And that was, in its own twisted way, reassuring . . . in the sense that when it was happening I just *knew,* like everyone says you will. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural/page/2#post-177710 Mon, 04 Jun 2012 04:26:25 +0000 looch 177710@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was more terrified of the epi than the labor. For me, the labor pains were intense, but being able to move around helped me to manage them quite well.</p> <p>I really believe it's one of those things you have to experience to make your decision. You never know how your body will react, YKWIM? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural/page/2#post-176559 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 16:46:58 +0000 sorrycharlie 176559@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>as far as being afraid of the epidural - my friend said the only pinch was the stuff they numb you with before the actual epidural. and I'm pretty sure they used the same stuff when I had a mole removed on my arm. it burned going in but was numb in seconds! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural/page/2#post-176532 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 16:10:00 +0000 GrapeCrush 176532@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i was terrified of both! from the beginning i said i wanted to have an epidural...then i read about how it's administered...i freaked the f out! haha then i was worried about labor because if i was afraid of the epidural how would i handle labor without it!!? in the end, i think adrenaline takes over, and the want to have the baby. the epidural was amazing...and in the end i needed a c-section </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural/page/2#post-176499 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:43:48 +0000 EloiseKE 176499@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mediagirl: My water broke at the hospital on it's own loooong after contractions had started, and I was worried about the same thing. My midwife basically said "If you feel like you're peeing and can't stop on your own, your water is breaking." I keep trying to reassure myself that I'll know if it happens. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural/page/2#post-176498 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:43:31 +0000 cyndistar3 176498@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Nskillet: I myself am in no way against c-sections when necessary. I am afraid of the surgery itself but I am actually more sad for the fact I won't be able to bond with baby for a while. My favorite part of having my daughter was when she was placed on my chest immediately and I was able to breastfeed and make a connection right away. My fear is having problems breast feeding since we won't be able to establish it right away. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural/page/2#post-176496 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:41:49 +0000 mediagirl 176496@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yoursilverlining: I'm nervous about this too! Or that I'll somehow miss my water breaking. There are so many unknowns to first time moms! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural/page/2#post-176487 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:29:41 +0000 LuLu Mom 176487@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm terrified for sure! I have a pretty high pain tolerance and am planning on using an epidural, and that right now calms me down a little! Honestly, I try not to think about that aspect of it or my heart starts to race! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural/page/2#post-176480 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:19:01 +0000 yoursilverlining 176480@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm nervous about labor - the part I'm most nervous about is timing my contractions. I've had quite a few contractions already and have an app for timing them, but I feel dumb like I can't figure out exactly when they begin and end, and often it starts as a BH and then immediately goes into a "real" contraction, but I'm not sure when I'm suppose to start timing it. Some are long ones (like, 1 minute long), and many are super short (like a few seconds, but super painful). I'm not sure which to count, or how to properly count them. :/ Everyone says you know...but what if I don't?! eek!</p> <p>I'm not afraid of getting a c-section, or of the epi (except that it will limit my movement during labor). Then again, my hospital is a very supportive, modern set-up - not the straight of the the 1960's birthing experiences some people's seem to be, and I'm pretty pro-medical intervention. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural/page/2#post-176469 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:10:30 +0000 Minnie_Girl 176469@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm scared of the epidurals, the thought of getting a c-section, getting pushed by doctors and nurses to do things I "have" to do, being forced not to eat or drink anything for hours, getting strapped to a bed with an IV in my arm and being unable to walk around or move into more comfortable positions, stalled labor thanks to drugs and no movement, getting an episiotomy, having six different people prod around in my vagina...</p> <p>Hospital birth? My personal vision of hell. Actual birth? Not the LEAST bit scary! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural/page/2#post-176456 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:01:55 +0000 rachiecakes 176456@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@artbee: I was actually scared of the catheter and totally forgot that I was numb down there, I didn't notice they'd given me one, lol </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural#post-176454 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:00:58 +0000 EloiseKE 176454@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was scared of the epidural too, but in the throes of intense labor pain I don't even recall a lot about getting it. I remember it was like a one second little pinch (think a lesser version of a bee sting) and then a little cold zap going down my leg. Within an hour I was sleeping comfortably and gearing up to push 6 hours later. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural#post-176453 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:00:18 +0000 winniebee 176453@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>YEP! I was so scared of the epidural, too. Honestly, that part was not bad AT ALL. First, you don't see anything. Second, all you feel is a tiny little shot (the numbing shot) then nothing else. They thread a catheter into your back but you are totally numb and don't see or feel anything. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural#post-176451 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:58:53 +0000 rachiecakes 176451@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>my baby was sunny-side up and big for my body, but with the help of an epidural, an episiotomy and sheer will, I birthed that boy vaginally and PAINLESSLY and without fear. the only time I felt out of control was before the epidural was in and I was having back labor. I felt like my whole body was going into a spasm and I couldn't even talk. Once I had that epidural - which wasn't scary, didn't hurt one bit and I'm terrified of the dentist - I was SO CONFIDENT. I could still feel contractions like flexing a muscle, no pain, but I knew when to push. They were prepping me for a csection because of his position but after all that I was like, hell no, I will get him out and did.<br /> Oh and no matter how it happens for you, you are going to know what to do and you are going to be awesome. Just be open to the fact that it's just something you can't really prepare for but that you will know what to do regardless of how it goes down. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural#post-176446 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:55:06 +0000 DillonLion 176446@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm just totally avoiding thinking about it. It's coming. There's nothing I can do about it. I'll deal with it when it gets here.</p> <p>ETA: The epidural is the only part that doesn't scare me at all. It's relief from the pain, so I'm looking forward to it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural#post-176445 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:54:10 +0000 MrsBrewer 176445@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yea I would say that I am terrified of an epidural. That's why I plan on never getting one. I would rather go the natural route than to have someone stick me with a huge needle in the back. BTW I have a terriblely horrible fear of needles. To the extent that I pass out immediately if I know I need a shot or an IV or anything having to do with a needle getting close to me.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural#post-176440 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:52:13 +0000 Nskillet 176440@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cyndistar3: this was me. Then after 16 hours of labor 3 full hours pushing when they informed me my baby was stuck I signednthe dotted line and felt relief because I tried and was so ready to be done and meet my girl.</p> <p>IMO csections are demonized wrongfully. Natural Birth advocates make you fear them to the point some women feel like failures for being unable to deliver vaginally. My recovery hasnt been 1/4 as bad as I was told it would be and I would do it a million times over to have my darling daughter. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural#post-176411 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:39:24 +0000 heffalump 176411@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mediagirl: You won't notice the shot because you'll be so busy worrying about sitting still during the contraction. You won't notice the catheder because you won't be able to feel down there. And you'll know when to push. Everyone says that you feel pressure down there, and you totally do. It was a painful pressure, and I was the one telling my nurse I wanted to push each time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural#post-170850 Mon, 28 May 2012 07:59:35 +0000 sorrycharlie 170850@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm most terrified of not having time for an epidural! my mom got to the hospital and delivered me in 14 minutes. I am afraid of going that fast - I'm going to be there early, and if they make me leave, I'll read a book in the waiting area. LOL!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural#post-170849 Mon, 28 May 2012 07:57:51 +0000 mrsjyw 170849@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Terrified! Ive never been To The hospital, only been to drs for checkups. I'm so desp to go,the au naturale route because I don't do well w meds either...but am terrified of the pain! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural#post-170847 Mon, 28 May 2012 07:55:28 +0000 mamimami 170847@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's normal to feel that way, but at least for me, self-talk like, "I'm scared..." "I'm terrified..." etc. is really really unhelpful! A few years back I realized I did it all the time, made big changes in my life and started thinking of myself as "fearless." And it has worked pretty well! I know that might sound all woo-woo, but I think a lot of the pain of labor is based on fear. </p> <p>Also, like some other commenters have said, it may not be as bad as you think. For me it was not intense until the very end. Remember, everyone has their own experience, and most of what we are exposed to in movies and TV shows is totally inaccurate! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural#post-170791 Mon, 28 May 2012 00:39:14 +0000 lemondrop 170791@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Jacks: you said it perfectly! </p> <p>I was looking forward to the epidural after having contractions. Usually I am a huge chicken about needles, this was one needle I actually wanted for once in my life. </p> <p>I asked for a lighter dose for the epidural, and I was very happy with it, I figured I could always have it turned up if I needed it- and I didn't, after an hour of pushing they turned it off completely so I could push better. The only thing that was uncomfortable was the urinary catheter, I was very happy when they took that out before I started pushing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural#post-170782 Sun, 27 May 2012 23:30:26 +0000 Mrs. Superhero 170782@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I second the recommendation of Ina may's guide to childbirth, it's a very detailed and very reassuring book. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural#post-170753 Sun, 27 May 2012 21:28:59 +0000 googly-eyes 170753@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Afraid of labor, not the epidural. I'm more afraid I'll want an epidural and not be able to get one!</p> <p>But probably I'm MOST afraid of a C-section. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural#post-170717 Sun, 27 May 2012 20:07:44 +0000 aunt pol 170717@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh I was more than scared of the whole thing. Scans estimated our twins as both being over 7 lbs, and I was so freaked by thoughts of how they'd get out of me, but I knew I wanted the epidural for definite. Half of all twin deliveries (here, anyway) involve a section, and I so didnt want to find myself in an emergency situation, too late for epidural, but needing some kind of spinal to allow the section. </p> <p>Well.<br /> Drugs are good, m'kay?! </p> <p>The epidural rocked. Seriously. I had about 17 hours of contractions under my belt by the time we got to 3cm, and I was completely ready for the pain to end. With twins, they stick the two heart monitor pads to your belly and basically leave them there, so you can't move. I had woeful back labour for most of that day. The midwife giving the antenatal class had said the optimal time to have the epidural sited is between 3 and 5 cm, so I made sure everyone knew where I stood on that.<br /> Siting the epidural was no fun, I'll grant you that. I was sat up on a fairly soft bed, with two anaesthetists behind me telling me to sit straighter, push my back out further and don't move, for about half an hour. (they obv stop for the contractions). It was hard on DH too, I was in a lot of pain at that stage and all he could do was hold my hand. But once they got it- I swear to you, bliss. The pain just stopped. I could feel my legs fine, I could even feel the skin on my belly, I just couldn't feel the pain. The midwife booted everyone out and dimmed the lights so I could rest for a half hour or so.<br /> As it turned out, directly after that rest, the pitocin caused the babies' heartbeats to slow so we went straight up to theatre for a section, but everyone was so calm, and the line was already in so all they had to do was pump more drugs into me and we were ready to go. It's fantastic how precise they are - I had feeling above my bump, and throughout my legs. Just none in between. I felt tugging sensations which weren't entirely pleasant, but no pain. That was two weeks ago tomorrow, and while I do feel weak still and not quite right in myself, I'm happy I had the best birth possible for me and my babas.</p> <p>Sorry for the essay!<br /> I know the whole thing is scary, but as my SIL said, the pregnancy lasts 9 months, with all the nausea discomfort etc, the labour only lasts a day, and you have your baby at the end of it. You'll be fine!</p> <p>ETA<br /> Oh I was horrified by the idea of the catheter too- but like pp said, they don't insert it until the epidural is in and operational so you know nothing about it. And having it removed is honestly no big deal. The nurse just got me to cough while she whipped it out and I was stunned I barely felt it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural#post-170693 Sun, 27 May 2012 19:43:08 +0000 chrispygal 170693@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, I am terrified of both! lol. I am just trying to keep faith that my body was made to do this and I'll be ok. I keep telling myself that. lol </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural#post-170690 Sun, 27 May 2012 19:33:42 +0000 runsyellowlites 170690@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There were a times leading up to the "big day" that I got really freaked! I would constantly go back to my Ina May's book, primarily their "farm stats" in the back, &amp; remind myself that I was more than capable to birth my baby just like the ladies that had at their facility. For weeks I told myself "you're going to get huge" (in reference to pushing DD out) and pretty much resolved that I was NOT going tear.</p> <p>When the time actually came, it wasn't nearly as bad as I had heard from so many other moms. I attribute that to all my "affirmation" that I COULD do it though.... One of those things if you tell someone it's going to hurt then they are already setting themselves up for pain kinda thing. I moved alot in labor which greatly diminished the pain (found out how much when I tried lying down through contractions... Ouch) and until I hit transition &amp; had a couple complications told myself that I was doing great! (once I got discouraged things got alot more painful). In the end it was hard, but definitely manageable (again I attribute that to having built my confidence) and as soon as u had DD I felt like a completely different person!... Awake, rested, &amp; eerily calm! Totally worth it &amp; totally doable!! </p> <p>I have my birth story posted if you want to check it out... I made it as detailed &amp; honest as possible to help encourage other moms! You can totally do this! :)</p> <p>ETA: I was medicated when I had DS &amp; had an epi 2 hours before my cesarean (prepped "just in case") So having had both I prefer my unmedicated like a billion times over. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural#post-170677 Sun, 27 May 2012 18:55:20 +0000 mrs. wagon 170677@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mediagirl: it's ok to be scared! it's a scary thing! :) But DON'T be scared of the epidural or being numb. By the time it's time for an epidural it will be NOTHING compared to the pain of labor, and being numb is a HUGE relief once you get there!! The idea of not feeling anything was scary to me too, but I was just so happy to not be in pain anymore that I did NOT care. Same with the catheter-- once the epidural kicked in I didn't even know when they placed it because I didn't feel it. And when it's time to push they will cut back on your epidural so you can feel enough to push! By then your adrenaline will kick in!!!</p> <p>Don't worry!! I am the BIGGEST wimp with pain and needles (I've still NEVER watched a needle enter my skin, not a flu shot or a blood test or ANYTHING) and if I can do it, you can do it!!</p> <p>Honestly for me the worst part consistently was the IV in my hand!! I hated that part!! I think I held my hand horizontally the entire time because I didn't want to move it and feel the tube in my hand, and my whole right arm was sore for a week because it was stiff the entire time!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-anyone-else-afraid-of-labor-and-afraid-of-the-epidural#post-170645 Sun, 27 May 2012 17:40:43 +0000 lilteacherbee 170645@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not pregnant yet, but I'm a big baby when it comes to medical procedures (awful memories from childhood illnesses). I'm so terrified of needles and anything like that. </p> <p>However, I had Lasik done a couple years ago and everyone was amazed that I went through with it. I was pretty amazed myself because it was something I didn't HAVE to do and I still did it because I wanted to see better. I guess I thought about the "end product" and that helped a lot. I'm hoping that I'll be so excited about the baby that I won't freak out too badly about giving birth. </p>