I’m petrified about labour :: Birth Qs

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I’m petrified about labour
Q: I am terrified about labour. I’m 36 weeks pregnant with my first child and don’t know what to expect or how bad the pain is going to be. The thing that scares me most is tearing and the placenta being delivered. How can I relax?

Psychotherapist Lesley says: It is natural to fear the unknown so your anxiety is best dealt with by finding out more. An antenatal class where you can share your fears may help.
Labour is different from the pain of injury – imagine the ache of muscles working hard, squeezed and stretched. The more tense you are, the harder it can feel, so the point of the relaxation and breathing you learn is to help you work with your body.
Discuss your fears with your partner, friends and health experts, and keep an open mind about pain relief on the day.
Visit Babyexpert’s Birth stories, and Birth and labour sections for more information on how to prepare yourself for labour and what to expect on the day.

Tags: birth childrbirth labour

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I’m petrified about labour

Q: I am terrified about labour. I’m 36 weeks pregnant with my first child and don’t know what to expect or how bad the pain is going to be. The thing that scares me most is tearing and the placenta being delivered. How can I relax?

Start a discussion :: Print this article ::

Waters broke watching The Simpsons

Watching The Simpsons led to the onset of labour for young mum Charlotte....

Gran's birth story

When Chloe was sent home from hospital, baby Rhianna was born at her Gran's house. ...

Waters only broke right at the end

The hardest thing for Jennifer was being told not to push out the baby, although her body was...

Questions for your hospital visit

Visiting the hospital where you plan to have your baby? Here's what to ask....

Post-birth trauma

If you had a difficult birth, perhaps you’re suffering from post-birth trauma. Here’s where to...

Show all articles on this topic.

has my bump dropped?

thanx ladies, it wierd but i dont feel as pregnant now its not so high! mmm wonder if i will...

Posted by piggypops 21 Nov 2009 05:02PM

Does anyone know anything about unions?

hello i have to be in a union as a nurse and i have found it well worth the money, i was in a...

Posted by piggypops 21 Nov 2009 05:00PM

It's No Good!!

Thanks plumduff and siany those sites look really good! x

Posted by Susiee 21 Nov 2009 04:59PM

Nursery ideas

Another website with some gorgeous ideas, just a bit different. Ca you tell I am poorly and have...

Posted by manologirl 21 Nov 2009 04:59PM

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