Pregnacy/Labor pain!!!

[DawnM]

I had a bad labor and delivery story so I won't go into major details, but just to highlight.....an INTERN gave me the epidural, it was put in wrong......over 24 hours later, still in labor, baby in distress, cord around the neck twice, blah, blah, wheeled into the OR where the "real" anesthesiologist said, "Oh my gosh! Who put this epidural in? It is in wrong, she isn't getting any of the medicine, I am going to have to do this thing again!"

Ended with a C-section.

2nd baby- scheduled c-section!

3rd baby- adopted

Dawn

 

[princessmom29]

I went from 3:30 in the afternooon to 8:00 the next morning having contractions without an epidural, and I really didn't think it was that bad. As long as I was walking I was ok. I asked fro an epidural when I started getting to tired to walk any more. I went to the hospital at about 11:00 at night after starting to contract at 3:30 when I got there I was 5 cm. By the time i got the epidural in and got laid down I was 8cm. I ended up getting pitocin because my labor stalled. I had DD at 1:00 in the afternoon. If I had it to do over I don't know if I would have gotten the epidural. I probably could have delivered a lot quicker without it. I think what another poster said about not being afraid makes a difference. I had been in painsince I was 5 months with a pinched nerve in my back that I couldn't take anything for. I think that pain was worse than the delivery. The good news is that it went away as soon as she was out!

 

[An_Island_Girl]

I had a completely natural birth without any drugs... instead, I used Hypno-Birth techniques and had a water birth.

I had no pain at all, only a slight pressure sensation during the actual crowning. If you have a certifies hypnotherapist that works with your midwife then this is definately an option for you.

 

[DizneeCM]

Hi, I didn't think the pain was that bad - maybe a 5 on a scale of 1 to 10. It was definitely not the worst pain I have ever experienced. I used to get migraine headaches, and to me that pain was worse (mainly because migraine pain is constant, compared to labor pains, which are intermittent - you get a little break between contractions). I went to Lamaze classes before my kids were born, and learned how to use the breathing and relaxation techniques, and thought that they were really helpful.

I had back labor with my first, but I didn't use any medications with him or my second. Both were large babies. I do have to say that I didn't like the idea of having an epidural, so I was pretty motivated to avoid that (although I would have done it if I really needed it).

I think everyone is different, so it's really hard to judge how you will feel. Do you have any sisters who have already had kids? My sisters and I all had fairly similar experiences.

 

[kpadalik]

Yes, labor hurts, but it is SOOOOOOO worth it! My first I took lamaze classes and a prenatal yoga class. Honestly, the yoga breathing I learned helped so much better than the lamaze breathing. I would definitely recommend taking one. I am a baby when it comes to pain - no tolerance whatsoever, however, I wanted to experience a little bit of labor w/o any pain relief. Then when it was too much, I would get the epi. I was a week past due, so my OB induced me. I made it to about 5 cm after about 8 hours of labor. Every time I had a contraction, I would totally focus on using my yoga breathing. It really helped. I think what made me finally get the epi is that I started feeling nauseous and I HATE vomiting! The epi was very difficult to get in. Dr said b/c of years of gymnastics and cheerleading and all of those hard landings, it caused the spaces between my vertebrae to be compressed. It took 6 sticks and over an hour before my epi was finally in. The worst part was sitting in that hunched over position w/ horrible contractions and not being able to move for an hour or so. I just remember the tears streaming down my face. But, again, I really used that yoga breathing and I made it through! Once the epi was in, I was happy! And I think sitting like that for so long actually helped be dilate faster, b/c about 45 min after my epi was in, I was 10 cm. Pushing was strenuous, so make sure you have stamina and determination. But it is so rewarding. Labor is a totally different kind of pain, b/c you know that there is a baby at the end of it all and you know that the pain will not last forever. I really don't remember the pain of labor at all. I do remember some pain in the days after childbirth due to a small tear (TMI, sorry) but that's it.

My second I had an emergency c-section at 37 weeks b/c of high blood pressure. I had my regular check up with my OB and he wouldn't even let me go home to get my husband! He made me go straight over to the hospital! My husband was able to get my daughter's bag packed and get her over to Grandmas before meeting me at the hospital. Now that's something that sticks in my mind more than the labor pains - the panic of an emergency c/s. I was so not ready to have the baby that day, but two hours later, there she was - happy and healthy.

When people say that there is nothing like childbirth, they are right. Everyone's experience is different and it truly is wonderful! Good luck!

 

[estherhead]

Personally, I love childbirth. I'd have more just for the empowerment I feel. It is a bit painful but I had a tonsilectomy at 30 & let me tell ya, labor was nothing compared to having your throat on fire. Plus, you know your body is doing something.

I have three & got progressively more unmanaged. First one I had the Nubain which like others have said, makes you groggy but doesn't help with pain. That was just stupid. Second one I had totally unmanaged, I like that word better than natural. Third one I had at home. Incredible experience. It still awes me. My dh caught the baby in our own bedroom in our own bed. The baby didn't leave the house for 2 weeks. And I had such a tiny recovery it was crazy. Just two days later I felt almost back to myself and by the end of the 1st week I felt like I'd never had a baby!

If you'd like to see the professional video made about my midwife (& starring me & my adorable baby) pm me. I'm leaving for WDW on Wed. so if I don't send you the link right away I will. Be patient with me. I'm the non-Amish & not crazy (you'll understand when you see it) looking one. And most photos are of us as the Amish & others wouldn't let her take photos of their faces. My baby is the one with all the hair!

As for is it worth it, Sigh. So wonderful. I love my daughters & can't imagine my life without them. My marriage is better. My life is better. Busy? Yup. Crazy? Yup. Is my house mostly messy? Yup. But full of laughter, fun, and peace.

If you want kids, child birth is the only way to go. ;-)

 

[asoko]

I don't think you can fret about labor/delivery. No one can tell you exactly how it is going to be and I think you can freak yourself out more than just letting it happen. My 2 kids were totally different labors. Just a few tips for dads- Don't let your mom hold your baby before your wife (the woman who just carried the baby for 9 mos and went through hours of excruciating pain and surgery to bring him into the world) and when your wife asks you at the crack of 10 am to get up (after she gave birth less than 24 hrs prior and who has been awake with the baby since 5 am,) do NOT reply to her that you are "so whipped"

 

[Alesia]

I had a natural childbirth. Trust me, I'm not some kind of super woman and I had every intention of having an epidural, but as it turned out, I didn't need it. I can honestly say that it was not that bad. I've had menstrual cramps that were worse. Seriously.

At its peak, I would say it was moderately uncomfortable. It was not even close to the worst pain I've ever endured.

I think a lot of it was because I was really relaxed the whole time. I had a great doctor, which helps a lot, too.

 

[surfergirl602]

How bad is the pain? Honey - you'll wish you never got out of bed that morning. It's the worst agonizing pain you will ever be in. You are pushing out a human threw your punani! Once its all over, the pain really doesn't go away, but the relief that the baby is out is quite satisfying. Drugs are a momma's best friend. I've done two natural births because they came so fast we didn't have time for drugs. My third was a longer labor and I had an intrathecal with her. LOVED IT!!!

 

[Illnevergrowup]

The only way I can describe it is that is felt like the worst diarhea cramps you've ever had. At least that gives you an idea of the type of pain before the epidural. The epidural initially only worked on half of my body, which was such a tease. The second dose did a better job, so pushing was just exhausting but not painful. The moment I pushed my ds out, was the most empowering, amazing feeling in the world. Honestly, that's what I remember more than the pain. It is all worth it, and something that I feel so blessed to have experienced!

 

[NotUrsula]

Yes, it does differ for everyone. Some people are lucky; I wasn't one of them. I always have back labor, and I have precipitous labor: start to finish in less than 4 hours. Nightmare quality pain.

The first time I got to the hospital too late for an epidural, so the only thing I got was a shot of stadol at 9 cm. to dull the pain. DH had to threaten bodily harm to the nursing staff to get them to request permission for it. Before I got that shot, I managed to break 3 bones in my hand by repeatedly slamming it against the bed rail -- somehow I apparently became convinced that if I just transferred the pain to my hand, that my body would stop thrashing beyond my control. I was wrong, and so I was the first mother in the history of the hospital to be treated by an orthopedist in L&D. Somewhere along in there I also gave DH an injury that required stitches -- I got hold of my IV stand and swung it, and he was in the way.
Pain is the ONLY thing that I remember of that delivery; there was none of that awe thing going on; I was in a total delirious red haze of pain and blood (I hemhorraged, too) and could not have cared less about the baby at the time because I was totally delirious. I finally saw him about three hours later, after I had eaten and gotten some decent pain meds.

With my most recent baby I got my epidural, but had to endure two hours of active labor before I got it. My contractions tend to follow a mathmatical progression, and by the time I get through the first 6, I'm down to less than 45 seconds apart for the rest of the labor, most of them double-peaked. An intern initially botched the epidural, and I gave the anaesthesiologist a very pithy explanation of why he WOULD do the second try himself, or he would be the one in pain. Once they got the thing in, though, it was totally painless, and I finally got to understand the joy part. This time I was able to hold the baby immediately and was totally lucid for all of the attention that was being paid to her by the neonate team. (She had minor breathing problems, but this is a teaching hospital, so she got the deluxe attention treatment; a full team of 7.)

This is how I have described back labor pain in the past, and other women who have been through it have said that it is a good description: imagine a full-grown man with a steel shovel in his hand. Imagine him standing about 7 feet behind you and as far again to the left. Now imagine him swinging that shovel like a baseball bat and hitting you in the small of the back with it broadside. There would be a clang and a reverberation that would travel clear up your spine and down the long bones of your legs, and if you had been on your feet you would now be on your knees. Now imagine him doing that every 30 seconds for 4 hours. That's back labor. If you are unfortunate enough to experience it there is no position, no breathing technique, no mind over matter that will make it go away -- you just have to try to keep breathing until it is over because you are not allowed to hold your breath, though gasping is your instinctual reaction. If you are lucky you'll get enough time for a deep breath before it hits again -- but carrying on a conversation is out of the question, except maybe choking out one or two words before you hit the next peak. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

 

[Poohbug]

Labor pains are different for everyone and different for every child.

First baby was tough-took a while to get the pushing bit down and I lost alot of blood. The worst part was the pushing on your belly after delivery-so much worse than the actual childbirth(had an epi that helped).

Second baby, I also had an epi. No problems, went fast and easy. They wheeled me to the room and I was ready to get up and go back to work. Too bad I quit my job because I decided to stay home with two small children.

Third baby was harder than the second but not as bad as the first.

How bad can it be right--everyone seems to keep doing it. Just keep your options open and try not to worry about it.

 

[Syrreal]

Actually, I think that the pain from when I hurt my ribs was worse than labor pains. For the first 18 hours they really just felt like I had to go to the bathroom really really badly. (I didn't even go to the hospital until about 14 hours after I went into labor) My problem was that I wasn't progressing because after 18 hours I was tired. I had an epidural and my body finally got to rest and just do it's thing. In less than 3 hours I went from 4 1/2 cm to 10cm w/o any other help than the epidural (no pitocin or anything). The pushing was an effort but i wouldn't call it pain.
As soon as he came out, any discomfort was gone. The epidural was gone within about 1/2 an hour and I didn't have any other pain afterwards (even with stitches).

I would def suggest taking a childbirth class so that you can learn breathing techniques and calming/massage techniques. It also helps take some of the fear of the whole event off. And when you do get pg, make sure to talk to your doctor about your ideas and plans. Mine knew that I wanted to stay home as long as I could and that I wanted to be as active as I could in the whole process. We meshed well and I think that lends to a more comfortable experience too.

ETA- you may also want to consider getting a doula. We had one (actually it was more for DH as he was kind of freaked out about the whole process). She was there to offer support where my DH couldn't and she kept him calm.

 

[natmurr]

To be honest, I think any kind of dental pain is WAAAAAY worse than labor. I would take labor over root canal any day!

W/ dental pain it is ongoing and THROBBING. W/ labor it comes in waves and then you get a rest in between.

For me, labor was totally manageable and if we had a third I wouldn't even consider an epidural. BUT...YMMV

I've said that sooo many times - I gladly have another natural childbirth over invasive dental work!

DS#1 I had pitocin - that was MISERABLE and I would never do it again unless it was life or death.

DD no drugs, never felt like the pain was unmanageable

DS#2 again, no drugs, the pain was manageable with movement, breathing etc. I did hit a wall at one point - curled up in the bed and felt sorry for myself for about 10 minutes at which point I decided to suck it up, get up and keep moving.

With all 3 of my kids I would describe the contractions as painful, but the actual pushing/delivering of the baby as "uncomfortable" - lots of pressure, but not painful.

 

[maidenfairy]

Every woman and every Labor is diff. First was painful and the epi helped me relax enough that I was able to fully dialate and push him out. 2 went so fast I had no time for an epi. Went 2 to 10 and baby out in 10 min. Worse 10 min of my life. Good Luck!

 

[JackJack08]

Ummm...yeah, it hurts but it is my favourite part of being pregnant! IMO though, get the epidural!! Modern medicine, is a wonderful thing!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I had pitocin (drug to induce contractions) with both births and I've heard that it makes labor pains stronger. The first time, I had quite a bit of pain initially but then I got the most wonderful epidural. I hardly felt a thing after it was in place. The second time, I was really looking forward to another epidural and I got one. Only this one didn't take so well. My left side went numb but my right side was alive and kicking, so to speak. When the contractions were at their strongest, I was really suffering and the doctor couldn't seem to get it adjusted any better.

But, both times I was rewarded with a beautiful baby boy (9 lbs., 5 oz. and 9 lbs., 12 oz. respectively). I wouldn't trade them for the world and I'd go into labor all over again for them.

I don't think you ever forget the pain. You just stop don't resent it. That nasty pain helped bring those spectacular boys into the world!

 

[dsnymomof4]

Wow-I'm glad I didn't read some of these posts before I had children - they're pretty scary! When I was pregnant with my first, a few people told me they didn't want to talk about their labor because they didn't want me to worry. My first was actually the easiest - natural, 2-hour birth, not painful at all, two pushes and he was out. The next 2 were pitocin-induced at 41 weeks. I remember, during my 2nd labor, the midwife asking me how bad was the pain on a scale of 1-10, I said an 8. Well, that was just the beginning. By the time that baby was delivered, the scale had gone up to 100! Pitocin definitely brings on more intense labor. My 4th came on her own, and agree with the PP who said it feels like really strong diarrhea cramps. In fact, I was having those cramps after eating McDonalds and didn't realize I was actually in labor for a few hours! The 5th was the most painful - also pitocin. It was the only one where I felt like wow, this pain is almost unbearable! But, I kept telling myself - in a few hours, it will be over and I'll have a beautiful baby in my arms - it really helps you get through the pain. Don't worry so much about how painful it will be. Of course, you'll be able to handle it. Look at all the women out there who have handled it. You do what you have to do to deal with the pain. Just keep your eye on the prize! Good luck!

 

[JoiseyMom]

Well I have given birth 4 times, the first 3 were totally natural, the last one was not, I was induced.

For the first one I never felt the urge to push . The pains were bad...think really really bad cramps across your back and stomach. Yes breathing does help!!

For the second one I was told not to push (yes, I had the urge to push with this one), and yes, the blowing technique worked!

The last one, they induced. I had 1 paranoid doctor in the group and I had a week to go..but he didn;t want to wait . I should have waited!! I did have my favorite doctor there though! If you have a choice DO NOT BE INDUCED!! OMG...the labor pains from induction are so much more intense and painful then not induced!! I had demerol during this delivery!!! WOW...you still feel the contractions..but you don't care!! I really like demerol!!

Yes, I had four babies..the first 3 were natural..the last one wasn't...and well I guess it wasn't too bad since I had four of them!! LOL!!!
Yes it hurts..but it does get put behind you, and yes it is worth it.

 

[ajh88]

I haven't read through everything, but I'll post my opinion/experience, but with a disclaimer. You really have to figure out what birthing technique is important to you - I didn't necessarily feel strongly about yes to epidural or no - I decided to play it by ear - but some people DO feel strongly about it. I knew that I didn't want IV pain relief or other pain meds, but that was about it.

Yes, it hurts, but it wasn't the worst pain I have ever felt. Early labor was tightening/pressure/a little pain. I was shocked when I got to the hospital and I was at 6 cm - I had labored for about 4 hours at home. Anyway - I got "stuck" at a 6 - turns out, DD was kind of stuck herself (on the pubic bone), so she wasn't moving "down" the way she should have been. OK - long story short - after about 6 hours of labor and no progression, I said "yes" to the epidural and it was the greatest thing I ever did!

I literally slept almost all day - epidural was placed around 10 am and she was born about 6:45 pm. I don't remember sleeping so much, but we have videotaped evidence to prove it.

As for the epidural needle - I was freaked out about it DURING pregnancy, but when the time came, the Dr. was very careful not to let me see - I still don't know exactly how big it was but DH assures me it was about the size of a harpoon. I felt nothing when it was placed - a tiny prick maybe for the local anesthesia they use before the big gun comes out.

I am convinced my anesthesiologist was a genius because my epidural worked perfectly. What they may not tell you is that they turn it off when it's time to push. After about 10-15 minutes of it being turned off, I could feel the pressure of the contractions (not pain, just pressure), so I knew when to push. After DD was birthed (her favorite word!), I had to have a couple of stitches - it had worn off enough that I yelped when the Doc tried to do the first one and he was surprised I could feel it - he had to give me a local to do the stitches. I was un-numb enough within a half-hour or so that I could have walked to my room but they wouldn't let me.

And finally, finally - I was not entirely pain free I guess - at one point, DD was not in a good spot and I had horrible back pain. The epidural did NOTHING to ease that pain and it was terrible because it didn't come and go like a contraction, it was constant. However, it didn't last too terribly long (it was during the pushing phase!).

On a scale of 1-10, I'd say the pain was about an 8 - occasionally a 9. But all said, the pain would not keep me from having another child. Oftentimes, I think anticipation of the pain and process is more terrifying than the reality.

Good luck!