Watched birthing videos and freaked myself out!

[jrob]

I was told at 14 by a rheumatologist that because of the position of my pelvis I would have to get a c-section if I ever got pregnant. I was told this again in my late 20s by another rheumatologist, a pain management specialist, and my general practitioner. So when I told my OBGYN he said, "We'll see." I was a little put off by that since 4 doctors have told me I will need to have a c-section because of the risk of my pelvis breaking during delivery. I've also been told that I may need to end up on bed rest during my last trimester given my medical conditions in my pelvis and back. Anyway, I decided to watch a c-section video because so many people have told me that they are horrible. I'm no stranger to surgery so I wanted to see what the big deal was. Honestly, it didn't seem that scary to me. But since everyone said it would be worse pain than birth during the recovery I decided to watch birthing videos too in order to see how that would go instead. I remember watching one in high school and being freaked out, but the ones I found online were so much worse! First of all, I watched one with an episiotomy and it scared me so much! I don't want that at all! I am so scared of vaginal birth it's not even funny and if my OBGYN won't get on board with a c-section I don't know what to do. Now I REALLY want one, not just because of my medical conditions but because of those videos. I know I'm probably overreacting but I am so scared to go through that! Sometimes I think my curiosity gets the best of me since I'd probably be okay about it if I hadn't watched those videos. I'm still really early in my pregnancy but I can't help but be freaking out about it.

 

[justplay91]

I had a vaginal birth with a second degree tear (imagine episiotomy but not a nice clean cut), and it actually wasn't nearly as bad as I had chalked it up to be. I had an epidural, though, so I experienced absolutely no pain during labor. The recovery wasn't too difficult either. It would have been better had I not experienced a hematoma (super, super rare complication) and had to have surgery after birth. All in all, it was an amazing experience and I was so enamored with my son that nothing else mattered.

 

[Mushymilkfor2]

I had a vaginal birth with an episiotomy. I was up and walking around that night. I found it irritating that they insisted on wheeling me around until the next morning. I'd be much more afraid of major surgery!

 

[maryanne1987]

I agree with pp. Childbirth may look terrifying but it really isn't, you just let your body do what it has to do. I had a third degree tear with my son that needed surgery to fix, did I feel it though when it happened, nope, didn't feel it at all, I was just so over the moon that Id get to meet my son in a few seconds that the pain just wasn't there. And I had a fully natural birth with not even gas and air. I most likely have to have a caesarean this time and that terrifies me much more, it's such a major surgery. Given the choice Id rather just leave my body to do what it knows how to do But I guess the main thing is my princess arrives safely.

 

[charliekay]

Yep I had a vaginal birth with episiotomy and it really wasn't that bad. I had the epidural so didn't feel a thing and it didn't take too long to heal either. If I had to have an episiotomy again I would rather than a c-section as the recovery from them is much longer x

 

[Indi84]

I had a natural (med free)15hr back to back labour with a tear that needed stiches. I'm no superwoman either, while it probably was the most pain I've ever been in after he was out it was over and done, I was able to get up and walk straight away. It
looks scary, and is a bit scary while it happens but I'll do it again rather then have a c section as I don't want the long recovery time! I'm way more scared of being cut open and epidurals gone wrong!

 

[kneeswrites]

Same as them! I was terrified my whole life of childbirth but when it came time for it, it was actually exciting. And the prospect of meeting your baby
gets you through some stuff you wouldn't think possible. Those videos are definitely scary, but if you get an epidural it doesn't feel as bad as it looks. I can't vouch for natural births but I've never met a woman who regretted a natural birth so that must say something. I had a small tear and it was semi painful recovering but mostly it just stung for a while. I loved my birth experience, epidurals are the bomb.

 

[chezababy]

I had a vaginal birth with just gas and air (for the delivery only). Your body knows what it's doing. I delivered in half an hour and yes some of it was painful but honestly at the time I didn't even get chance to think about it. I had a double episiotomy (I was cut once then again to lengthen it). I didn't feel it (I also had a small tear but the episiotomy which I felt more). Afterwards it was sore but not as bad as I expected (I could pee without crying) and I healed quickly. A c section would terrify me. Not only is it a major operation with all the risks they come with but I also wonder how people cope with a newborn when they can't move around. I'm actually really looking forward to giving birth again and would never swap my cuddles with a second old baby for a c section unless our lives depended on it.

 

[MyFavSurprise]

I had a vaginal birth and I wasn't able to get through the pain so I got an unplanned epidural. The pain before that was honestly really bad but im not afraid to try again because the whole experience was still so amazing. Even with the epidural I felt the pushing and I felt the birth and it was just really emotional and incredible. I didn't tear enough to need stitches, when I was pushing at the end they told me to stop pushing and that is typically what is supposed to help keep you from tearing is not going too fast at the very end. I also watched my sister give birth to an almost 10 pound baby and she did tear on the outer area and they had to stitch her but she was up and going in no time. Holding her brand new baby helped her get through the stitching.

Watch some of the natural, unmedicated birthing videos, they can be really inspiring.

Also, when I was pregnant with my son I was really afraid of the birth until the end of the 3rd trimester when I decided I don't care how this baby comes out I just want him out! Nature will take over the physical part and the fear, don't worry : )

 

[Lucy3]

I had a difficult delivery which resulted in a c section. I was in labour for 36 hours then pushed for 4 hours and they tried the suction cap to help him out but he just didn't fit. I'm so glad I got to try and have him vaginally even though it was very difficult at times and in the end didn't work out. In hoping to try again! So I understand your fears but if you can give a vaginal birth a go I would. The doctors are usually pretty quick to give you a c section if required (they don't want any complications) so trust in your OB and if in the end it doesn't work out and you get a c section at least you know you tried.

 

[bunyhuny]

Look up videos of people who did home births, water births, etc, and gave birth in natural positions. You can find a LOT of not at all scary births. PM me if you want links. (I'm a doula/CBE.)

 

[Natnee]

It's really not that bad, honestly!