36 Weeks and SCARED!! How did you overcome it?

Did anyone else start getting REALLY anxious and nervous about giving birth as they got closer to their due date??!! I am so scared of the pain and all the possible things that can go wrong! I think I'm going to panic when I start feeling contractions!! What did you do to feel less scared? For some reason, chilbirth classes, books and videos have made me even more nervous.....

I totally know how you feel (I am 35 weeks now)! It is not the labor itself that I am scared of, it is what comes after - when we bring the little guy home. I don't really have any advice, just hugs and understanding. I find that talking about my fears definetely makes me feel better as does keeping busy and doing things for myself, like going to the gym or reading a good book. WOrk on your deep breathing when the contractions come - staying calm will help with the pain.

You are going to do great! Hang in there. We will be mommies before we know it.

Thanks so much!
Amazingly, I'm not too nervous about aftwerwards, I'm too busy worrying about the labor. LOL! I'm still working so it keeps me busy, but at the end of the month I'll be home and I'm sure that's going to make it worse!

ETA - Good luck to you too!!

No advice. Just wanted to offer you some hugs and support. I think I would feel the same way and what you are feeling is totally natural.

I don't know if I'm more scared about the labor aspect or bringing little Madeleine home.

But I do look forward to being just me... without having to tote another person around inside of me...

I felt the same way. I kept saying I wanted him out until it got real close then I would panic and tell Steve I wasn't ready. It is totally normal and you will be fine

I am not in your situation, but the want to ttc in the summer after the wedding, and I have thought about this a lot recently- it has to come out! Oh boy/ or girl! I heard that with lamaze and pain medication it is not to bad. Hugs to you.

I went through labor exactly one month ago. I would advise you to keep telling yourself that many women before you have gone through labor with much less (meds, doctors lamaze classes, etc, etc.), therefore you will get through it. Hugs to you.

aw! how did i deal with it? I got induced!!!!

Listen - the best thing you can do is be open about your feelings and fears - they are totally normal. Once you are in the hospital you will just give yourself over to the experience. The nurses are so seasoned and wonderful - they will take care of everything. There wont' be a moment when you dont' know what is going on. The contractions will be startling only the first time and then you'll be like - oh okay here comes another. I found watching the monitor helped me a lot. I felt like I had some control kinda knowing how my contraction was 'doing'. Once the pushing starts you'll know what to do - there will be an awesome nurse there coaching you through and of course your doctor and husband. It's all so natural you wont believe it.

Also - try not to expect certain things. I couldnt' have been further off the mark with what I thought would happen with my labor. You really have to give yourself over and trust the experience of the people there to help you deliver. Remember that everybody was born. You can do this!

I know I'm being a baby about this . Thanks for all the great advice and support! I think the waiting and the anticipation of the last few weeks is what's making it so scary...

Demetra just wanted to send you some hugs!

Somehow, although I was scared too, as soon as labor began I focused on labor and forgot to be scared. I know that sounds crazy, but it's true.

Please don't worry... it's not as bad as you think it will be. My L&D nurse has 5 kids. I was in full active labor when she told me that, and I was thinking 'She did this 5 times?? Is she f-ing NUTS?!' But now, after having Nicolas in my life, I can see how it's all worth it.

just wanna give you

I felt the same way before my son was born - I kept having panic attacks every time I though about it - but you'd be surprised, when labor starts your body takes over and you forget about being so scared. You'll be fine and when it's all done you'll want to do it again, well, not right away!

Thanks everyone!! It's good to know I'm not the only one!!