Tue 6 Jan 2009 | You are here: Home > Ask baby expert > Birth Qs > I’m petrified about labour
left col

New Year's resolution?


Disclaimer

The material contained on these pages is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or advice and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you're worried, see your GP.
  • 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.


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...

Will I know if my baby is breech?

Q: My friend had to haev an emergency C-section because her baby was found to be breech once she...

So proud of my no epidural birth

Katie endured two days' hard labour - but would do it all again...

Show all articles on this topic.

  • My sister is pregnant!

  • that will be so good for them to grow up together. though you might have to fight for...
  • Posted by berly 06 Jan 2009 03:21AM
  • heartbeat

  • bumpalicious my due date is the 17th june, seems like ages away still. my next midwife appt isnt...
  • Posted by berly 06 Jan 2009 03:18AM
  • Sorry for asking...

  • yep check the loo roll, check my knickers. i had a bleed at 6 weeks and was in total shock when...
  • Posted by berly 06 Jan 2009 03:15AM
  • what names you all got?

  • if its a girl it will be madison rose and a boy johnny , im really hoping for a girl :)
  • Posted by berly 06 Jan 2009 03:12AM
CONTACT | FAQ | PRIVACY | TERMS & CONDITIONS | ADVERTISERS | TOP
The National Magazine Company Ltd. © Copyright 2008
SEARCH OUR NETWORK: All About You :: Baby Expert :: Cosmopolitan :: Get Lippy :: Handbag :: Harper's Bazaar :: Men's Health :: Net Doctor :: Runner's World :: You & Your Wedding