When the time draws near for your little one to make his epic entrance into the world, certain concerns fill your mind and sometimes, you just can't shake it off. Will I get to the delivery room in time? What if the pain is too great and I can't do it? Okay, mamas-to-be, fear not! The terrifying feeling of terror is quite normal and yes, you will plan for your big day but like everything in life, when does anything ever go to plan right? But, no worries! No need to hyperventilate because you can throw your labor and delivery fears out the window.
Overcoming anxieties about labor and delivery
1. IT'S PAST YOUR DUE DATE
Sometimes it happens and some expecting moms have gone wayyyy past their due date and fear comes creeping in because going two, three weeks past your due date seems a bit insane right? Well not really. Don't worry. Sometimes stressing out can affect timing of your labor. Your fear can literally get the best of you and prolong your little bundle of joy from saying hi to the world. Relax, breathe and perhaps take up meditating to channel positive thinking. It can help you stay relaxed and focused. Also, try walking, sex and massage to help you naturally induce labor.
2. WHAT IF MY WATER BREAKS AT THE WORST TIME?
Oh goodness! This is quite terrifying to even think about. I mean, what if you are at the mall or the grocery store and you get a little watery surprise? That would be embarrassing huh? Though this scenario is possible (like we've all seen in the movies ) but unlikely. Only 15% of women have experienced the "water breaking" phenomenon. Besides, unlike the dramatic effects of movies, you won't have a flood of water pour out of you. It is most likely going to be a little trickle so no need to worry. You will have some warning contractions as a sign your baby is on his/her way.
3. UMMM....I HATE PAIN! CAN I HANDLE IT?
Pain is no fun, duh! No mama wants to go through that. We've all heard the stories of moms telling their stories of labor contractions and how it is the most excruciating pain ever! So can you do it? Of course you can! From the beginning of time, women have gone through child birth pain and have lived to tell the stories and so can you. No need to worry about it. When the hour finally comes, you will be strong enough to handle it. Besides, you can always ask for the epidural, the magic injection that seems to make the pain a bit less painful.
4. VAGINAL TEAR
5. MY BABY WILL GET STUCK
Take heart in knowing your baby cannot get stuck. If you or your baby experiences difficulty, then a quick C-section will be required to get your baby out. Although most women are scared of having to go through a C-section because of the length of recovery time, pain and afraid of being cut wide open but no worries. Know that if it ever came to this, your doctor is doing it for the health and safety of both you and your baby.
6. WHAT IF I POOP?
This should activate your gag reflex but it is a legitimate fear that most expecting moms have because well, it is just plain embarrassing. Well, sorry to break it to you but it is quite possible you might drop a load while the doctor yells "push." Pooping is a sign that your baby is ready to come out and a sure sign that you might not need C-section so that should put things in perspective for you right? Pooping equals everything is great so calm yourself. Besides, everybody poops so don't be embarrassed or scared. It happens to the best of us.
What labor and delivery fears did you have and how did you deal with it?