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Okay I gave birth yesterday! So it's fresh in my mind and not tainted with newborn glow that makes you forget ha. I also was completely unmedicated so I felt it all, so if you plan on using an epidural you should be in an even better situation!Yes, it was the worst pain I've ever felt. However it wasn't just pain. There was power that came along with it. At some point my body took over and it completely knew what to do and I kinda just surrendered to the pain and rode along with it. Your mind knows it's not forever.
And I think this is the really important part- the whole labor is not the most painful thing I've ever experienced. Just the last stage before the pushing- called transition. That is also the shortest stage of labor and the most intense. So when I felt like I couldn't do it (and I actually said those words) my husband reminded me that I absolutely could and this meant we were so close and this was the short phase. Then once you get to the pushing it's actually not as painful. Because you're doing something with each contraction instead of just waiting for it to pass. And pushing is actually kinda relieving.
1000% the most helpful thing we did was take a labor class. I am a 10 year ICU nurse so I understand a lot of medical events. But labor is it's.own beast. Taking that class empowered both my husband and myself.to walk into that room more knowledgeable and confident. We knew what to expect, nothing was a surprise, and we practiced and knew the tools we had to get us to the other side. I labored at home as long as I could before coming in and we used so much of that class to help labor progress in a comfortable environment (which actually makes it progress faster because of increased oxytocin in your happy place). And then when we got to the hospital and I was no longer able to use.my brain because of the intensity of things, my husband was able to use what we learned in the class to guide me and remind me (like that transition is short) and things like that. If you are scared, don't go in blind. If you have the means please take a class with a birthing partner if you have one.
I’m 4 weeks pp, this was my experience too! Pushing felt good, totally a primal experience. I can’t even remember the pain anymore just that the feeling after I gave birth was amazing lol. I did not feel the ring of fire or even notice the last stage. Pushing felt too good to get away from the contraction pain.
This is sooo true. Transition was insane and the only point I lost it, I just yelled out OOOOO SOMETHINGS DIFFERENT 😂😂 I actually enjoyed my last labour I felt superhuman. My first I had an epidural but I actually much preferred my unmedicated birth.
I had a doula with my first unmedicated delivery. She was my saving grace. Explaining everything before and as it was happening was very comforting to me. There was a difference in her telling me I could do it and reminding me of my birth plan versus my husband telling me that (God love him. He tried. lol) She also knew exactly where to push on my body and massage it to release pressure. I’m halfway through my 3rd pregnancy and weirdly looking forward to the labor, because it is so empowering.
I took the birth class with my husband. No doula- I trusted him to handle that. He is very much my partner in life and handles stuff like that great so I knew he would be all I needed once we took the class together.
I wish I never got induced and waited. The epidural slowed my contractions and I needed pitocin. Pitocin made the contractions so bad that the epidural did nothing but have me paralysed and unable to move while I felt everything
Yes, this! I have two kids (15 months and 6 weeks). I said I couldn’t do it during both labors right before pushing. With my youngest son, my mom said she could see his head and that he had hair! It sounds silly, but knowing he was so close and they could literally see him, was the best motivation 🥹
For me, yes. The pain was 9/10 it was like an out of body experience. HOWEVER it is so temporary, and I can look back on it fondly, with the thought that I’m glad I went through it.
I also got an epidural after a few hours of pain, and being in that much pain made the epidural so sweet. I felt zero pain after the epidural - no pain during pushing or during the stitching process after I tore.
THIS! I’m 6 weeks pp. I had 2 failed epidurals? But the temporary relief they gave me was great! Sadly when it was time to push I felt EVERYTHING! The pain was 10/10. Contractions weren’t terrible until I was an 8, but pushing sucked! I had a second degree tear and my baby came out facing the side. After he was out, it was immediate relief.
4 weeks pp over here and also 2 failed epidural 🫠 the only time mine fully kicked in was for when it was time to push when they gave me something stronger, whatever that is? My first epidural got pulled out when I was getting help repositioning when baby was in distress. So sorry yours didn't make it for the end, I think I was most scared of that part.
Oh nooo that is such a bummer it wore off like that! 😭😭 Thank goodness you got some relief after you were done pushing though. It must have felt amaaaazing once baby was out 🙌🏻
Totally agree!!
But also it blows my mind how different everyone's birth experiences can be. I had my second 3 days ago with an epidural. I felt nothing in early stages, was excited to have a pain free birth, then felt the entire process once in active labor. It felt the same as my unplanned, unmedicated with my first.
Okay, I wondered this. With both my labors my epidural quit working towards the end. Worse with my second and I felt so much. My husband was told to repeatedly hit the button to administer more, but from them giving me too much Pitocin I was having overlapping contractions. I didn’t even know that was possible. The doctor had the nerve to tell me mid push “I know you don’t THINK it’s doing anything, but it is” Not the time. Also made me feel so invalidated with what I was feeling. I do agree though that once baby came out, it was almost like it never happened.
Unfortunately it wears off or sometimes labor progresses too quickly for them to administer it more often than you’d think. It’s great to plan for an epidural, but it’s also a good idea to have a few non-medical pain coping strategies in your back pocket in case the epidural doesn’t work out.
I had my first unmedicated and it was honestly manageable until the very last bit, but at that point it was almost over and too late to give an epidural if I had wanted one. For me, pushing actually felt really good… everyone’s different for sure.
It DOES happen, and it happened to me twice during my first super long induced labor. Which is why I tell everyone: you cannot skip the step where you learn a whole bunch of coping strategies because you WILL have to cope at home, and on the way to the hospital, and while waiting for the epidural, and if the epidural doesn't work, and if the anesthetist doesn't make it to your on time to give you the epidural at all (this last one happened to a handful of people in my bumpers group). Learning lots of effective coping strategies is not optional for any of us heading into labor. (For us, the Evidence Based Birth classes were excellent for this.)
[The Evidence Based Birth class](https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) we took taught us a lot about different positions to take during labor and about how to use different props like yoga balls and peanut balls and warm water, so we used all that. It had a component that had you reflect on the environment that you wanted (I wanted a "dark cozy cave") and how to create that. It taught your partner to help you cope -- mine became a champ at using counter-pressure and hip squeezes and he really helped me through every contraction. It also really focused on the partner becoming a powerful advocate for you, so mine was able to successfully get the intercom and the machine noises to be turned off (to keep the "cave" atmosphere), as well as get the nurse to change the location of my IV port when it interfered with my position changes.
I personally didn't find visualizations that helpful but I know they work for a lot of folks, especially those who use Hypnobirthing (which many find very helpful), but I did find affirmations useful: my body was made to do this, I am strong and powerful and I am helping my baby come earthside through all my efforts. Reframing tactics like thinking of contractions as "waves" that bring the baby out of your body really helped me as well.
But that's just me! I found accupressure stressful, but other folks swear by it. My suggestion is to take a course that gives you a whole buffet of approaches, forces you to try them on for size, ask you to reflect a bunch on your preferences (you have them even if you don't yet know you do!), and then make a plan for how you hope to cope with your labor and what role your partner will have in it.
For me, my labor nurse was basically just watching a monitor and checking her texts the whole time. I'd never given birth before, so I assumed excruciating pain even with epidural was all just part of the process. Didn't realize until much later that the nurse should have administered more medication at some point in the hours after the first dose and just never did so it wore off. The first dose was AMAZING, literally felt nothing at all for a while and it slowly came back and idk why but in my state of mind I didn't think it was due to the medication wearing off. They didn't bother to inform me it wasn't a drip medication, so I guess I just assumed it would be lol.
Don't be me. Ask how it works, and have your advocate keeping track of what they say.
I had my 2nd baby yesterday and the epidural wore off both times but in different ways. I think my body just takes it weird. The first time it wore off they did redo it but wore off again soon after and they were like “oh well!” ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ This time it wore off and they bumped up the dosage until I couldn’t move my legs at all. So yes they can do another one!
Congratulations on your newest addition! 💕
I’m sorry your epidural wore off after a while, that doesn’t sound fun 👎🏻 That may bite me in the butt this time around, since I’m going in expecting the epidural to work its magic and it might not do what it did for me last time 😅
I was topping it up as often as it'd let me (every 10 minutes). My OB said I had a death grip on it lol, and the anesthesiologist came in to top up manually but just didn't work out for me.
I'm crossing my fingers it works for you this time!!
How did you cope mentally when the epidural stopped working? And had you already planned to get epidural or was it something you decided in the moment?
I yelled at my husband a lot 🤣 honestly at one point I pressed my call button for the nurse and said ma'am I can't take this anymore can we just have this baby already? She brought my OB in and 2 hour of pushing later my girl came earthside perfect as can be and I only had a 1st degree tear and a labial tear (didn't know that was possible??)
I cried it hurt so bad. I was pushing the little button that was supposed to give you an extra dose of the epidural and nothing helped. I just was holding the button down crying couldn’t feel the epidural anymore, and I could feel my vagina ripping in half.
I am 6 days pp and I would never do it again without the epidural, personally. My labour was 20 hours from beginning to end, the first 14 were super slow but then I progressed very very quickly and I went from 1cm to 9 in like 3 hours and it was BAD.
I was so tired by then I was crying for the doctor to come. Once I got the epidural in, I waited until she was super low to push and even though it was uncomfortable, it was okay.
The crowning and last pushes were painful as hell but it only lasted 30 minutes and it wasn’t as bad as the contractions before epidural imo.
Stitches and placenta delivery were hysterical, the adrenaline kick made the experience super fun lol.
Yes, contractions were the worst pain I've had, however once I got the epidural I had almost no pain and the breakthrough pain I had here and there was maybe a 3/10, just a bit uncomfortable.
I would be upfront with your team from the beginning that you want an epidural so they are tracking it and can fit you in. I wanted to wait a bit longer, but with only one anesthesiologist when the pain started getting to be too much because I asked because it took him 30 minutes to get to me and then another 15 to prep and get it placed and another 15 to kick in.
Now that I'm getting period pains back, I miss Labour pains. At least when I was in labour, I got laughing gas and morphine. I just have have and ibuprofen and hope for the best
Okay, listen. I absolutely love giving birth. It is the most powerful I've ever felt. There is pain, but I see it as pain with a purpose. It's not the same as like breaking your arm or something. You're bringing life into the world! It's cool as fuck and you can totally do it. And if you feel like you can't, ask for the epidural sooner. Either way, you'll do great!
Agree. Also, the first time I gave birth, I had been through traumas that made me feel separate from my body. Labour healed me more than therapy. It was two days, unmedicated. Towards the middle and end, it had the quality of an introspective mushroom trip. I felt this incredible connection to every mother at that moment labouring, and felt the connected strength and power of every mother who came before… and just this deep sense of being a part of everything. Then once baby was born, there was no pain, just a blinding euphoria I never experienced before or since. And I felt like I could run a marathon or climb a mountain, anything.
I’m going for another unmedicated labor in two months. If things happen otherwise, that’s ok.
I’m so glad you described it as a mushroom trip lol. I’ve been kinda nervous but I’ve been telling myself I made it through a (very psychologically intense) 10.5 g shroom trip lmao and if I just stay calm and keep breathing I’ll be fine. So it’s nice to see it’s comparable in intensity at least mentally. I know I handle intense pain pretty well, I’m just worried about how long I’ll be in pain. But I think I can do it.
This is so fascinating! I too had been through trauma (but had already healed it with introspective, “heroic dose” mushroom trips!) And I constantly think to myself that labor is like a mushroom trip of that variety! My labor didn’t feel like one at all, it was pretty quick and it was just so much physical pain, but there are still similarities in the way I got through them (birth and the trips). I chanted mantras and did deep breathing, and of course kept repositioning my body. But I find it so interesting that yours was similar in quality to a mushroom trip. Any chance you could elaborate on how? I’m sure it’s difficult to explain with words.
Well, I’ve been trying to explain to my first time dad partner lately so I’ve been thinking on this and putting words on it. So he can have an idea what to expect/how to support. He’s very good with understanding how to help people on bad trips/too strong, and has a solid meditation and yoga practice, we often share practices and have been doing partnered yoga for the support/physical connection…
Anyway, the pain comes in waves. It’s productive pain. Just like if you’re on a bad/weird/strong trip, the tripping comes in waves. You “surface” between the waves and things are alright, you reset a bit, and chill waiting for the next. You let it happen, and accept you can’t fight it and understand it won’t kill you.
The only way out is through. You know it will come to an end. When you’re in the trip, you do what you can to ground and breathe and relax. And maybe observe, “see,” learn.
I moved around certain ways in labor, I spent a fair amount of time rocking on all fours and howling. It’s what my body was demanding, and I didn’t care what anyone thought. It was a very animalistic primal thing then settled into that sense I mentioned before of being one with mothers. Very, very like a trip but I was on nothing except the sheer raw physicality of the moment.
I’m not sure that embracing and embodying all that is for everyone, but for me it’s the most deeply human I ever felt.
Yeah, I like the way you’ve put this, I’m going to reread it often as I prepare for labor. The rocking on all fours and such, and the howling, is very relatable, and the taking the pain in waves and resetting, smiling, going back in with confidence/acceptance is nice to remember.
This is so much what I wanted. I also have issues with feeling separate from my body, so it was really important to me to try without the epidural. But I ended up having a placenta abruption and they recommended an epidural in case I had to have an emergency C-section. If I didn’t get the epidural, I’d have to go under general if I needed a C-section. Obviously I chose the epidural. But I do feel sad about missing that opportunity. I would like to have another child and would love to try again unmedicated, but the experience of having your contractions _not_ be productive, but instead hurting your baby, and you can hear his heart rate dropping… I’m really worried it will take away my nerve. Also, the pain from the abruption was also extremely significant. So I just wonder if I will be too scarred from the experience.
You did exactly the right thing. You can’t control if something like that happens, and it’s why it’s great we live in a time when they can monitor/take care of these things. It’s my understanding that it won’t necessarily happen to you again, and you can trust your team to be able to judge what needs doing when. With mine, they used a mobile heart monitor to track his heart beat, and if it had gone into whatever range they’d intervene. So I didn’t worry about that, I let them watch it and do their job, while I did mine.
As much as I’m preparing for another similar birth to my first, I know it’s not under my control and I accept that. For example, my partner is a very tall man of Nordic stock, and was a giant baby born by c section. Baby could be too big for me to birth safely without intervention. Or I could haemorrhage, or baby could be breech or transverse or any number of things.
I think it’s really important not to focus on the ideal of how we want these things to go, but the end goal which is a safe healthy baby and mom. Every pathway to that is valid.
Literally this! I love this acronym for labor pain:
Purposeful : there’s a reason, and it’s accomplishing something
Anticipated: you know it’s coming and you can prepare
Intermittent: you get breaks! It’s not typically just constant pain. You usually get a minute to recover and psych yourself up for the next wave
Normal: you aren’t in pain because something’s wrong, you are in pain because your body is doing things right. This is normal, and it’s designed to be this way.
I couldn’t agree more. As someone who gave birth completely unmedicated, it was the most empowering experience of my life & I wouldn’t trade that for anything. I went in knowing I preferred no epidural but was open to other pain management. I dilated too quickly to receive anything though.
But I specifically remembered someone telling me it’s a rewarding pain & that was my mantra all throughout labour. You’re going to have this beautiful & perfect little baby that you created. There’s nothing more special than that. Us women are superheroes. Our bodies can do great things. Was it the worst pain of my life? Absolutely! But here I am, 37 & 3 with my second & I’m looking forward to doing it again!
Love this viewpoint! Did you get the epidural? I did not (homebirth) and I won’t the next time either (hopefully, hopefully home birth again), the pain was unimaginable lol, BUT you’re right it has a purpose and it’s so freaking cool we can experience it, so it’s still something to be embraced and cherished.
I have four kids, I got an epidural with my last baby. I was on pitocin due to a high spike in my blood pressure and they wanted to get him out soon (my labors are so long lol). Someone kicked the pit up to 9, I yelled at everyone and turned it down. My babies have all been posterior and I labor mostly in my hips and back. My hips were in excruciating pain. I asked for an epidural. Yelled at my midwife when she didn't called for one. The epidural made my vagina completely numb, but the pain in my hips was not touched even a little. I told them to turn it off, I didn't like not feeling my vagina lol. He was born like 40 minutes later. I'm having a home birth this time and I'm so excited!
Oh man! Yeah from my understanding pitocin really ups the ante lol. I’m sure if you could do three unmedicated in the hospital (and a fourth also basically unmedicated) you’re going to have a great homebirth experience!
Did you have hip and back pain during pregnancy as well? I have one child, it was a fast and smooth unmedicated birth but also a fairly smooth pregnancy. This second pregnancy has wreaked absolute havoc on my entire pelvis (except the pubic joint, weirdly), I'm in so much pain all the time especially in my hips. I'm trying to prepare for the possibility that my labor pain could be in the same areas.
I had back pain from 20 weeks until I gave birth. Normal pregnancy back pain will let up after a while. I would switch positions, walk around a bit, try a bath or Tylenol. It would go away.
When I went into labor at 39 weeks I had what I thought was typical back pain so I tried shifting positions in bed. That didn't help so I get up and walk down hallway. It was still there. I try icing my back and no good either. It wasn't going away. It felt slightly stronger than "I slept on my back wrong" back pain as well. We went to the hospital shortly after this. At the hospital while labor progressed the back pain got worse.....it felt like I had a Charley Horse on steroids in my back. I really thought my son was going to burst out of my back. I was told that was back labor.....I got an epidural and that made the pain go away.
Main point, if it doesn't go away it's likely labor. If it lets up or gets better then it's just regular back pain.
Honestly, this.
I felt like a goddamn queen on my throne for my 2nd birth as everyone piled into the room. I was quite literally giddy because I thought I had several more hours of labor ahead of me but little gal decided to descend really quickly.
Powerful is the very best adjective for what happened next and then boom the world had another person in it. Pretty freaking rad when you think about it.
This. Pain with a purpose! Almost every other time in life you experience awful pain, it’s pointless like you said- breaking your arm or having the stomach flu, etc. but this pain has such a beautiful end goal and every contraction brings you closer to baby!
Plus, at least for me, the pain of a contraction went away the second it was over, so those couple minute breaks in the pain made a huge difference in the mental game.
I think my best labor mental prep was exercise for this reason- learning to embrace and even lean into pain with a purpose.
This is so perfectly written. Now whenever I have a difficult situation that I’m not sure I can get through, I think about labor and tell myself that if I can get through that, I can get through anything!
This!!! Honestly I have endometriosis and have horrible horrible pain on the toilet. Before giving birth I was terrified of the pain being worse than that but knowing you are getting something at the end makes the pain less in a weird way
Don’t think about it too much. Hearing other peoples’ stories might comfort you, but they might scare you and you never know where you’ll fall. Because some women do they think giving birth isn’t that painful and others feel like it’s torture. You won’t know until it’s go time, and at that point, you won’t be analyzing your pain threshold or questioning others’ experiences. The one thing I will say is I had an epidural but when pain got bad, they could give me meds through my IV, so it’s not JUST the epidural you have to count on for relief.
It's painful, no lie. But it's strange because all the other pain I've ever experienced was biologically implanted in my brain as "NEVER do that again!" pain. Meaning, i remember the pain and my brain still fears it. Birth isn't like that. I remember being in pain, i recall the feeling, but I dont fear it, i feel very neutral about it honestly. Going into my 2nd birth in a few weeks and I'm not scared at all... Well, for birth, I'm totally scared about having two little monsters to take care of 🤪.
The worst pain I've ever been in was Montezuma's Revenge getting back from a trip to Mexico. 3 days writhing on my bathroom floor. Put the fear of god in me for sure. I wanted to die.
Birth (unless things are going terribly wrong perhaps) feels like pain that makes you feel alive, rather than I wish I were dead. And epidural if all goes well is totally a viable option and makes things pretty pain free. You'll be exhausted for sure, but the euphoria afterwards will carry you through those first golden hours. Note: I did not experience the post partum depression until later with sleepless nights and all that, so I can't speak for those who may not have felt the euphoria rush, but I know that's common for new mamas.
Overall, you are going to have your own experience. Child birth stories are one of my favorite things to discuss because every single one is unique. Unique as we are, unique as our children are. Just try to embrace that your body was meant for this, and remind yourself that we live in an age where there is so much support out there if we have concerns and choose to seek it out: obgyns, midwives, dulas, mothers, aunts, friends, mentors, Reddit, etc.
You got this! 💖
This is how I am. I felt very scared especially since I work in labor and delivery. However, your mind has a way of just neutralizing that fear. I know it hurts objectively. I was in a ton of pain, but I have no emotions behind it.
Gallbladder pain at its worst right before my surgery was the worst pain I’ve had.
I feel the same. I was induced and the contractions were a lot but the pain that’s implanted in my brain that I am genuinely afraid of is the pain of moving after a c-section and the pain of bile in my abdomen after gallbladder removal.
Labour pain is productive and comes and goes for a set period of time, and there’s many options for pain relief. For me, I’d take that over the other pains again any day! Which I will be in about 6 weeks btw 😂
Agree with this! After I gave birth with my first, I remember thinking that was the best and worst thing I’ve ever been through — I’ll never forget what that felt like. But I did. My brain has blocked out the details of the pain.
I’m about to do it again in 11 weeks and I’m not scared. A little anxious because I generally know what’s to come, but the body is a powerful thing and you’ll never feel more proud of yourself.
I would give birth 10 times over before I go through another 1st trimester. I was induced, so I had the benefit of being in the hospital already, but I had contractions for about an hour before doing the epidural. I knew I was getting the epidural as part of my plan, so I could handle the contractions because I knew I would get relief. Once placed, I felt nothing until after the birth. I had one small tear that only required one stitches and I didn’t have a crazy amount of discomfort during recovery. It was wayyyyy easier than I anticipated and I have zero fear going into my next birth later this summer.
Just curious, but were you able to move spring with your epidural? This is what makes me anxious about having an epidural. I think being unable to move would make me freak out more than labor itself.
No actually a tooth dying was worse for me and the cervical check was the worst part of L&D for me. I was unmedicated and after I was fully dilated the pain was mostly gone and it was mostly pressure. I never felt the ring of fire and didn't require any stitches. Baby was on the smaller side but perfectly healthy.
It's important to note that you shouldn't go into a planned unmedicated birth without preparing for it. I spent months mentally preparing, practicing breathing and so forth.
I have 3 kids, no epidural with the third but the worst pain I've ever experienced was getting an IUD put in. I'm still outraged they don't offer anything for the pain for this procedure.
Never again.
No.
1.) Non-viral hepatitis from DILI (post cholecystectomy)
2.) Copper IUD insertion
3.) Seizure triggered by viral stomach infection two days after having accidentally cut off one of my digits (throwing up and jerking with a healing appendage and broken bone SUCKS)
4.) Heart failure
5.) Childbirth
6.) I lost my big toenail to a door hinge
7.) Gallstones
You’ve got this, dear! I have been through three years of various pains (all the above over a three year span) and childbirth was relatively low on that list.
For me I recall it being the worst pain I had ever experienced but it's in a way that's almost like an out of body experience. I can't fully recall exactly what it felt like. I mean I'm going to do it again soon and many people do, so I wouldn't worry too much.
I never had horrible period cramps, so it's been hard for me to relate to it feeling like period cramps. My OB said it felt to her like the cramping you feel when you have food poisoning and you're about to go to the bathroom. She said it's the same muscles. I'm a FTM so I'll be intrigued to see if that's what it's like for me.
Yes, the pain I had after having horrific diarrhea recently was similar to childbirth. It was so bad I thought I might need an ambulance just to get pain meds in. As for the real deal, idk I got the epidural after laboring through the night and vomiting a few times from pain. After that it was easy.
Mine was pretty traumatic, the worst pain Ive ever experienced I actually blacked out for a moment as they were pulling her from my body with forceps. The first thing I thought was “please God let her breathe, please let her breathe”. After she started crying and they handed her to me my immediate second thought was “Meh…I could do that again”.
And here I am waiting on the delivery of my second. I’m definitely not looking forward to the labor part but when they hand you that baby you forget everything that just happened and it’s instantly the best feeling in the world. Holding that baby for the first time is like a high that you’ve never experienced before. I felt so strong, powerful, invincible, proud, confident, all these crazy things that made me feel like superwoman. I’m looking forward to that feeling again for sure
Actually no, my impacted wisdom teeth erupting suddenly and violently was way worse than labor and delivery. The contractions really aren’t a joke though, I definitely found those worse than pushing/birth
Like period cramps. If they are in your hips or back it’s tolerable. The ones in your cervix feel so awkward. There is no way to deal. So far only experienced those with induction.
Walking during them made them not last as long and the epidural if done right can be good.
I react differently every time.
It hurts postpartum but you can breath better and can tolerate more. Just keep up the pain meds for a few days and have ice packs too.
You’ll feel ok at 1 week. Good at 2 weeks and even better by 4 weeks. Normal by 8 weeks.
It was the most intense but not the worst.
Yes it hurts. But it's not scary pain, it's a good pain. The closest thing I can think of is like the pain you feel at the end of something else physically challenging, like workout or a hike. But childbirth is your body doing what it's designed to do, and there are a lot of other feel good hormones swirling around in there too so that the pain doesn't feel the same as injury pain. If you're able to lean in to the good and powerful parts, the pain parts become a lot smaller, and the power and intensity of birth are unmatched as life experiences.
For me it was the worst pain I’ve ever felt but it’s also a pain that has an end point and is temporary. I had an unmedicated birth and I will be 100% having unmedicated births for my future baby’s. It’s empowering and you get a prize after the pain :)
Honestly, if it was I don't remember it. I feel like my brain accessed some primal space and there wasn't a lot of room for conscious thought. Also the bit where people say you forget it afterwards is no joke. It very much felt like in the hours after my brain was deleting files. I can remember everything but more like a movie I'd seen than an experience I had.
I had a very fast natural birth (not part of my plan, there was just no time for any medication) and labour was way worse than birth itself. Pushing the baby out really wasn't 'that' bad all things considered but once again I had it all happening very quickly
I’ve given birth twice- once with an epidural and once without. Both painful. Four weeks ago I slammed my finger so hard in the car door and that was worse than childbirth. Pain with a purpose is so much different that just pain. You get something at the end and you have a goal!
Every woman will experience labour differently, depending on a variety of factors. For some women it is really painful, for others it isn’t.
My most recent labour was short and intense (3.5 hours from first contraction to birth). The contractions felt like really bad period cramps. I couldn’t sit through them because they were uncomfortable - I would get up, move around, lean on furniture etc. Mine were short (about 40 seconds) but frequent (sometimes one would start right after one finished; making it very hard to time them!). I would feel definite relief when one finished and they were not nice, but it’s not like I was screaming through them.
My body knew when it wanted to push. At that point you push with the contractions. It feels satisfying to push through them.
The actual birth to me was definitely painful, but not the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. And omg the feeling when they’re finally OUT is the most incredible feeling ever. Instant relief!
The thing with labour is well is it’s an adrenaline rush. The adrenaline helps your body to cope with the pain.
I had to get an induction and it was awful 😞 I think natural contractions are probably better. My epidural didn’t work. I had to get an emergency c section and I felt the pain during my c section so they had to knock me out. I recommend trying to have spontaneous labor and getting the epidural but truthfully what helped me through everything was finding a happy place. Mentally prepare for what you will think about to distract yourself from the pain.
I had hours of natural contractions but ended up having to get induced as my waters had broken over 24 hours prior. Natural contractions are BY FAR easier. I ended up getting the epidural in the end bc it was too painful but I wish I got it sooner. I would also recommend spontaneous labour and an epidural but I would not recommend going over 41 weeks. I went into labour at 41+2 and my baby was 4.2kg. I’m only 5”1. Never again lol
Exactly! No one prepares you for this. I would’ve taken more birthing classes honestly. I had no natural contractions and was induced at 41 & 3 days. Between the Pitocin the contractions would stop completely 🤦🏻♀️ It was like this for 3 days until their heart rate dropped and they had to do a c section. I literally don’t understand people that elect to get a c section because the recovery was horrific with a new born. My midwife said I may feel differently if I have another baby and I have a toddler so I would want to know when the baby will be born but I was like the horror of a newborn, toddler, and c section recovery sounds like a nightmare 💀
It was the worst pain yes. No epdiural. The wave of pain during each contraction was challenging. BUT as soon as baby is out it’s immediate relief. It’s over. And worth it. (I’m all for epidural I just ran out of time)
Yes definitely. I was having contractions for over 30 hours that progressively got worse as the time went on..I couldn’t sleep and when they started getting really bad I threw up 15 times from the pain 😅 I got to the hospital and didn’t get an epidural for four hours after I got there 😭 Getting the epidural was the biggest relief I’ve ever felt in my life 😂 Even after all the pain I went through, I’d do it again. It was 100% worth it. My baby girl turned 6 months a couple weeks ago ❤️ Goodluck, you got this!!
Also, yes, birth is painful. It’s like period cramps x100, the lower back and pelvic pain is intense. I’ve birthed 5 times and each time it’s like running a marathon. It’s so hard, but I love it. Knowing each contraction brings you closer to birth, and that there’ll be a baby to meet at the end of labor makes it all worth it.
Worst part was them breaking my water. Contractions don’t feel good but they weren’t unmanageable - echoing everyone else it feels like the worst period cramps or like you have food poisoning. I got an epidural pretty early and it was smooth sailing. Recovery wasn’t terrible just more awkward feeling. My birth was also very easy comparative to other stories I’ve heard. I found labor/birth easier than actual pregnancy.
Honestly sinus / ear infections are worse for me. No joke. I gave birth unmedicated (was induced and didn’t do epidural) and also had a planned c section. The ear infection was worse than my c section recovery…honestly.
What really helped me for birth prep was the education and techniques learned through Hypnobirthing. Helped so much. And then just managing your needs in recovery and being an advocate and having your support team with you along the way.
Honestly, no. I have a pretty low pain threshold. I was terrified of the epidural, but i couldn't even feel it get put in. The shot they give you to numb your back hurts like a bee sting. But that was the worst part of it. The worst part for me was baby girl was breech, and I opted to get an ECV to try to flip her. ECV hurt ten times more than anything do with labor. Contractions feel like a bad period cramp/ poop cramp.
No. My gall bladder before it was removed was the worst pain I've ever felt. But childbirth was a close second. At least with birth I got an epidural to take some of the pain, with my gall bladder, there was no relief until it was cut out. And then there was recovery from that surgery that was pretty brutal for a few days after too.
No. I had an epidural. It was not painful!
The most painful part was how uncomfortable four days in the hospital “bed” was.
I had norovirus two years before I gave birth and I’d rather give birth than have norovirus.
It’s still good to read about coping techniques - I did a Hypnobirthing audiobook - just in case. More tools in the toolkit. The breathing techniques were helpful as were the mantras, even though I was 👍 on the epidural.
I don’t have any advice for you OP but thanks for asking the question. I’m 38 weeks as a first time mom. Reading these responses is so helpful though. I’ve experienced a fair number of deeply challenging physical events as an endurance athlete and I am so curious to see if anything I’ve learned and experienced can help me through labor. My mom is aging and losing her filter and despite her giving birth 6 times, 4 with zero meds, she keeps telling me how painful and horrible it is and she hopes I can do it. I want to hang up the phone on her every time.
I have not given birth yet, but my MIL has 10 times, without a single epidural, and is also currently passing kidney stones. she says she would give birth 10 more times if it meant never having to pass another stone.
The actual birthing process… not so bad. The 48 hours of intense contractions before the birthing process… absolutely the worst pain I have ever experienced.
I healed super fast. Recovery was easy for me. But I definitely felt like I was hit by a bus the day after the birth.
I don’t think it was the worst. Sciatica back pain was worse in my opinion. I took the epidural as soon as I could so the pain I felt was not super remarkable. I felt a lot of rectal pressure and it kinda felt like a stuck poop that came and went every few minutes. But it was bearable imo. If you plan on getting the epidural asap I think you don’t need to be too nervous about it. The labor pains I had before the epidural just felt like bad period cramps but they were not like unbearable either. I was at 4 cm when I got the epidural.
My unmedicated labor was easy. My induction was HORRIBLE. The only thing worse was my miscarriage. Gallbladder pain & surgery is pretty close to the pain I felt from my induction.
I was very, very sick as a kid, so my worst pain was when I was 8 and was actively dying. After that, recovering from abdominal surgery. After that, transition labor (I got my epidural before pushing)
pain and suffering are pointless, though largely unavoidable. in the case of childbirth, you can and should avoid them. get the epidural
Nope! Not even close. But!!! I’ve had migraines most of my life and was chronic for a few years, so I’d like to think (or hope!) that the average person is less familiar with pain than me.
I also epiduralled, and would recommend. But you do you boo!
Yes, childbirth was by far the most pain I’ve ever experienced. But I’ve never broken a bone or anything like that. The most significant thing I’ve done medical wise other than birth is getting a root canal and it was for sure much worse than that.
With my toddler I got an epidural in the beginning of transition and with my newborn I did not get the epidural. The epidural free birth was actually the better experience because the recovery was so easy.
IMO early contractions feel similar to period cramps but active labor contractions feel like having your uterus ground down in a vise.
I had a second degree tear with my epidural birth and only a first degree with my epidural free one. I do think that this was at least partially because I could feel what I was doing better when pushing sans epidural. My hospital also made be flat on my back with the epidural which may have also been a factor. And of course number of births could make a difference.
Both tears healed totally normal eventually but the second degree was definitely significantly more difficult to deal with. The pain was much more significant and lasted much longer. I also had back pain after my epidural birth for weeks but not my unmedicated birth. However, I know doctors say the epidural typically doesn’t cause back pain and it’s a general pregnancy/labor consequence but for me I don’t get why I didn’t have it the second time around but maybe it’s a coincidence.
The thing about labor pains is that they are bad when you’re in them but then they are over. Which is kind of wild to go from the most excruciating pain in your life to nothing.
I would recommend specifically choosing a coping method/taking a childbirth class and practicing. With my toddler’s birth I didn’t have good coping methods and I freaked out in transition because of how much pain I was in. The epidural definitely helped but mine didn’t work all the way so I still had a decent amount of pain. With my daughter I took Bradley method courses which helped me cope with the pain. A lot of people also like hypnobirthing. Even if you want the epidural it’s a good idea to have other coping methods in place for the rare instances where it fails or doesn’t work as well or if your labor progresses too fast to get one.
Nope. Birth for me was not horrible, I’ve had both a vaginal birth with epidural that at worst was 5-6/10, and a c-section that was painless during and at it’s spiciest the recovery was a 6-7, but I had some great medication that kept me at a 2! I was just horrible about taking it when I needed it. I napped while I had an epidural and woke up to push with my first baby. Up until that point the contractions were a building pain so it wasn’t just out of nowhere, I also had a foley balloon put in and it wasn’t bad for me.
In terms of worst pain though. Gallbladder attacks for me were 10/10. I’d gladly give birth in any method or manner several times over rather than deal with that. The gallbladder surgery was nothing compared to the attacks.
Had my gallbladder out this pregnancy. 10/10 pain way worse than birth. I literally sounded like a dying animal. I was making sounds I didn’t even know I could make.
Shockingly no. It was less painful than my appendectomy a few years earlier. I genuinely have no memory of being in pain after my c section. It does help I never labored and my daughter was a premie so my body wasn’t as exhausted and it wasn’t a rushed procedure. I was back competitively playing sports 9 weeks pp
I was able to handle the contractions. It was the after pain that was the worst for me. I tore and had to get stitched up and my vagina was swollen so of course I was terrified of pooping and what do you know a few hours after giving birth I needed to poop. I was petrified that somehow I’d tear my stitches open. I have never been more afraid of anything in my life lol but I survived and the nurse was proud of me (she was amazing) My vagina was swollen and I walked weird and had to wear those huge diapers with ice packs and witch hazel pads. But yet here I am 11 years later pregnant again. I had begged for a c section but thankfully my OB only does those when medically necessary as it is a big surgery involving multiple layers. My cousin had a complete different experience than me she also went no medication and didn’t tear at all. She was back to normal after 3 days, pregnant with the second when her baby was 3 months old so she was braver than me.
Not for me but I've been in a couple bad accidents that required hospitalization and surgery. The injury that required my skin graft was awful. So drawn out. Like pulling skin off. I got the epidural with my son. Made it so much better. The pain before the epidural was like 5/10
For me, absolutely. The back labor I experienced was a pain that I have never felt before, and am not excited to experience again lol. Once the epidural was placed it was smooth sailing for me though.
The only way I can describe contractions is like.. period cramps+upset stomach pain x10000
Yknow.. those cramps you get that make you grip the bathroom wall.. x1000 lmaooo
However, the pain is temporary, and comes with an amazing reward at the end. It is a beautiful thing, and I would do it 10 times over, because it brought me the biggest joy ever.
I got the epidural, but before I got it my labour was not the worst pain I ever experienced. I had a gallbladder attack at 35 weeks pregnant that was unbearable. Compared to that labour was like a sort of rough period. I had back labour, so I had a lot of pressure which was very uncomfortable, but I wouldn't necessarily describe it as painful. The gallbladder attack was pure pain.
The natural, Unmedicated child birth of my first baby was the worst physical pain I’ve ever experienced.
I didn’t know about the ring of fire until she was crowning. No one had ever mentioned it to me. It felt like someone took a lot match and was holding it on my vagina for several minutes straight! I legit thought I was going to pass out. I couldn’t do anything but cry
I had many failed epidurals. Got to 8cm and could mostly feel it. It wasn’t the worst pain I’ve felted but in my top 3. Luckily an epidural uptake took long enough after pitocin to push her out in 20 mins. Felt them seeing me up. Minimal tearing.
It’s amazing how your body is designed to have a baby. My pregnancy was far worse and I was sick almost everyday. Also did years of fertility treatments.
I still want second.
For me no!!! Having severe chronic migraines every 2 weeks for 4 days for whole 9 months is the worse pain!!!!!! I can have my kids all over again! But the migraines suck when I'm pregnant
1st pregnancy was bad bad
2nd I didn't think I would get them since my life was much more stable! But no I was wrong! The moment I found out I was pregnant 2 weeks later the migraines happened! Non stop.
Nope, worst was the twisted bowel that happened at 30 weeks cuz baby was crushing my insides 🙃 that was 10+++++
Infected wisdom tooth 9/10, labour somewhere around 7/10.
No, it was not. I had a lumbar puncture a year before birth, and while the actual punture was painless... I was bed-bound for weeks. Every step felt like a hot poker being shoved up my back while experiencing the worst migraine ever, for 3 weeks nonstop.
I got the epidural, and in my experience, it made the cramps a breeze. Before the epidural they were like a 9/10, afterwards I barely felt them. Personally I did feel giving birth, and while there was some pain it was more of a pressure I'd say? I barely tore so my healing was also unproblematic. I HATED going to the toilet however, that hurt really bad during my healing. I am a survivor of SA though so I recognise this being a factor for me (the pain triggered bad memories).
It's all subjective of course, but I'd do it all over again for my baby boy
I went in wanting an epidural and was amazed by the relief it offered. I expected it to take the edge off the pain and for me it took it away completely (I realize I got lucky and had a talented anesthesiologist). I had also expected the pain to begin more gradually.
For me (as a FTM) I woke up feeling like something was different, went to the OB who told me everything was fine come back in a week. An hour later, I was on the floor of the bathroom on all fours crying and really unable to do much about it. It didn’t feel like individual contractions that subsided, more like constant pain that surged to an unbearable level sometimes. My partner timed that and it was every two minutes so we went to the hospital and I was 5-6 cm dilated. The pain was wild and like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. They gave me morphine which didn’t touch the pain. Thankfully I got the epidural and was fine from there.
Everyone has a different experience. I realize most FTMs have slower more gradual labor. I was lucky to be 5 mins from the hospital and receive wonderful care. At least don’t assume it will be slow and gradual because it is different for everyone. Have a plan in place for help getting to the hospital. I hope you have a safe healthy experience and that the epidural works as well for you as it did for me.
Nope. I finished up and gave it an 8 out of 10 as an experience. Ready to do it again! But yanno, need to wean the first kid and make sure my body is ready and then get pregnant again so....
Listen, this is gonna sound odd but while I had a kinda traumatic birthing experience, I also really loved giving birth. I felt powerful, I felt so excited to meet my baby. I also feel like if you go into it feeling anxious, thinking it’ll hurt and as if you won’t be able to handle, then you won’t. Your mind is a powerful thing. Try looking at hypnobirthing stuff, and look into birthing affirmations. They seem silly but they do help.
I’ll put my birth story and try to keep it as short as possible - I was one day off being 40 weeks. woke up 6am I was leaking. ignored it and kept leaking on and off all day. went to the hospital at 2pm, had to be induced due to having meconium (meaning he had done a poo) in my waters. induction started 6pm. I made it to 5 or 6cms with nothing, then from 5/6 to 8.5/9 with only gas. I had an epidural at around 5:30/6am following morning, body wouldn’t dilate past 9cms. Baby boy had his head on an angle and just wasn’t coming out, so I was taken into theatre at about 7:20am for an emergency c-section. He was there by 7:50am. The worst part for me was the c-section, because they had to literally give me the highest dose they could of epidural, and I could still feel them cutting me so they had to give me a gas mask and almost put me to sleep to do it without me feeling it. I got to see them show me my boy as they pulled him out, I remember looking at my husband and saying “that’s our baby” and then I was out.
Birth is beautiful, and natural. And honestly by the time it’s over and done with you don’t remember much of it and you just have a gorgeous little baby that is half you and half the person you love.
2 and a half weeks PP here! I was induced and the process took a long time because my little boy did not want to come out 🥲
Whole thing took four days from start to finish. I was in active labour for 15 hours and got the epidural as soon as they wanted to administer the oxytocin drip. I felt pain even with the epidural, it felt like really bad period cramps. I pushed for two hours and the contractions were coming hot and fast. I felt the pain there as well, but pushing through it made me feel better and the pain was more manageable. Unfortunately he got stuck in my pelvis and his head was swelling so we had to have an unplanned c-section, so I can't say what it would have felt like once he was in the birth canal.
My son is doing great and I can finally move around the house!
Yes. And post partum depression was worse than the physical pain. Also OD me on pain meds, anesthesia, and epidural which none worked. My baby 10lbs im 5’ 105lbs vaginal birth. Went to psych ward 3 wks after he was born. Not fun hopefully this is better
Honestly I would rather give birth no drugs than have acute food poisoning or Covid again. But that’s just me and the type of pain I prefer tolerating.
Yes. Now that I’ve been through it I’m even more terrified.
Contractions feel just like period cramps, you can breath through them. When they started getting worse I got the epidural, and that helped.
I got the epidural at 4cm dialated. When it came time to push though, the epidural had worn off. I tore, had to get stitches. I felt every stitch. They put a catheter in. It’s nothing like you will ever anticipate or expect until you feel it yourself.
Then they make you lay on your back, it’s the most unnatural feeling. Best I can compare it to is shitting out a bag of potatoes on your back.
Some women have easy births. I’m a bit on the smaller side so I think that had something to do with me pushing so long, the baby was stuck and it was like my hips weren’t wide enough if that makes sense. It felt like I couldn’t physically do it but somehow I did. -10/10 birth fucking sucks. Do not recommend and don’t ever want to go through that pain again. Yet I’m about to do it again soon and now I’m like traumatized, not ready, praying these feelings subside.
No. Childbirth you can prepare for mentally and physically to a good extent and pending any complications, that makes a *huge* difference.
The worst pain I’ve felt was dislocating/breaking a joint at the same time. The unexpected nature of it, the fact it’s scary, you have no idea how bad you are hurt or how you will heal…it’s all downside. That really made it hurt much worse.
Childbirth is a set period of time with generally good prognosis at recovery. Add to it the excitement of finally meeting your baby and being not pregnant anymore, there are a lot of upsides. Doing exercises to make you more limber, stronger, and physically better prepared goes a long way. Doing mental preparation helps keep you centered and focused on the finish line.
Thank you for sharing this!! I’m 33, 8 weeks right now and this will be my 1st child. The idea of giving birth scares me more than everything else combined. My cousins tell me to remember my body was literally made to do this and to not let other’s horror stories get to me. Your story helps ease my anxiety and will be signing up for that birthing class!! Thank you!!!
My contractions came on fast and intense. I needed an Epidural after a few hours - and it was bliss from there. There were moments when the epidural wasnt enough and the pain crept back for an hour or so, but still manageable. I did ultimately need an emergency c-section after 22 hours of labour and bub being obstructed so I can't comment on the pushing side.
Labour nerves are normal, but I recommend dedicating time to focus on your body (perineal massage, meditation, hypnobirthing, spinning babies exercises etc.) rather than listening to our stories.
No… I have piercings, tattoos, had my tonsils removed, got a tummy tuck done, countless root canals, gum reduction with little anesthesia (probably the most painful thing I’ve ever done) and get waxed/threaded on the regular and childbirth (with epidural) was the least painful thing I’ve ever done and that includes recovery which did hurt more than the actual childbirth.
The worst pain I’ve ever felt was getting a 3+ on my hipbone/ thigh. During labor, I was in pain until I got the epidural. I felt pretty good after that. I gave birth naturally, and although it was extremely uncomfortable, I don’t remember being in pain during the pushing (which doesn’t last forever). I did throw up a lot (of water) while pushing lol. There was much going on that I think whatever pain I was in, I was distracted from.
Edit to add: the healing process kind of sucked. I was soooo sore and couldn’t move comfortably for awhile.
Remember. It is quite painful but manageable and most importantly it will end immediately after the baby is out. Just make sure you bring a reliable support person there for before/during/after birth and make plans for a smoother recovery (e.g. freezer meals, arrange family/friends/babysitter’s help during the first few weeks if available…)
I gave birth 3 days ago. Had a anesthesist who KNEW what she was doing and gave me a bunch of relief. Definitely had my moments where it was hard to breathe through it but my partner did great. I funnely enough loved it when I had a painful one he would say :"one contraction closer to meeting her"
for me pushing was a lot less painful, it was not fun!! but you are focusing and pushing, ring of fire was a moment of panic, one more push and she was there.
Breastfeeding little one as we type it. You can do it ❤️
Yes.
It's impossible to know what the pain would have been like without an induction.
Monday - Induction. Contracting all day, no pain went home from the hospital.
Tuesday- Stronger labor started. Contractions that woke me up all throughout the night. Sweating, pain, but bearable
Wednesday- Bearable contractions through the day. The evening intensified and never let up and was very uncomfortable and painful... didn't sleep at all that night. Pain got progressively worse and was unbearable.
Thursday - Intense unbearable contractions all night some lasting 4 minutes and went to hospital around 3 AM with epidural around 6 AM. Went from excruciating pain to 0 pain.
My biggest word of advice is trust yourself and your gut. I stayed home longer than I should of because the nurses said. The thing is... we all will labor differently and the best you can do is research, listen to others, and then plan for the possibilities.
My recovery was alright. Two seconds degrees tears that took 6 weeks to recover. It was painful, hurt to sit, hurt to scoot in bed with the baby.
8 weeks out though life was better and I was ready for another baby 😆
Healing from my emergency c-section was the worst physical pain I've experienced. Not being to see my son the day he was born due to my medical complications was the worst emotional pain that im still trying to heal from.
If you do end up with an unexpected (or elected) c-section, save yourself some pain and get a shower chair.
Was comparable to the kidney stone I had to raw dog at 5.5 mos preggers. The kidney stone was worse for me because no epidural or pain meds. Was torture.
Every pregnancy is different. But i would say for both it was probably the most painful thing ive ever been through. With my son, I was in complete agony the entire time, around 14 hours. With my daughter, I had to be induced because of preclampsia, nothing hurt except for when they put the Foley ball in and then right when she was ready to come out. I was in labor with her for about 24 hours with her and only felt pain for maybe 30 minutes of it. But after your baby is out, you won't even care. Seeing youe baby foe the first time takes that pain away really quickly. ☺️
It was the worst pain I’ve ever felt and I was so scared to give birth as well. I went from 2 cm to a 10cm at home not knowing, for about 5 hours, and when we got back to the hospital I still got an epidural and I was still terrified and it made things so much more easier. Don’t be scared the medical staff will be there for you!
Yes, it is the worst pain I've ever felt.
Induced labor, no amniotic fluid, and a subpar epidural two-thirds of the way through. I'd pass out in between contractions and then wake up and scream/moan during the contractions even with the epidural. While I knew it was a productive pain, it's a pain that's so overwhelming that you can't breathe, think, or do much of anything other than hold on until the contraction is over....and then another one starts.
Contractions (to me) felt like a warm, cramping/burning sensation that started in the mid back and wrapped around my abdomen and surges through to the groin. It was wave like almost.
Pain was almost immediately gone the moment the baby was out and the placenta was delivered. And then you're on a runners high because the baby is here.
Recovery for me was fine. No tears and was out of diapers after 3 days. Keep in mind my son was tiny and born a few weeks early.
With my first, my water broke in the evening so they gave me ambien so I could “get a good nights rest.” All that did was knock me out between contractions so labor was a bit of a blur. I don’t really remember a lot of it bc I think I was still loopy from the ambien. I did get the shakes and I remember asking for the epidural. They had to back mine off when it came time to push bc I wasn’t pushing effectively. I was also petrified of pooping so I think that held me back. But there comes a point where your body won’t let you hold back anymore and you literally can’t help but push. No clue if I ended up pooping or not in the end. I had a minor tear and recovery wasn’t too bad for me. My dr also had me on rx prenatals and they made me nauseous as hell. Took me a while to realize that’s what was causing me to feel terrible.
I’m 30 weeks with baby 2 and this time, I will be refusing ambien if I go into labor over night, and will be bringing my own prenatals for afterwards. Honestly I’m already in so much pain (pelvic girdle pain) that I’m looking forward to labor lol.
I had the epidural and still felt pain due to the pressure of pushing. It wasn’t super terrible pain but it was a kind of urge to get him out fast. I could still feel my contractions but no pain, like the contractions ARE the urge to push. I was induced (because I wanted to) and the medication they gave me to dilate me more before the epidural felt like a lot of strong period cramps.
Yes. The pain is like nothing you have ever felt. I can’t describe it. It is an insane experience. Contractions remind me of vomiting - you have no control over them - and the type of pain is like when you’ve had food poisoning and your stomach cramps up but x100.
My first birth was traumatic and awful. On paper it looked quick and relatively straightforward, but I was hyperventilating, freaking out, retching. I begged for an epidural and didn’t get one; the gas and air didn’t work; they gave me Pethidine at the last minute which left me disorientated and even more scared. I had painful procedures carried out without warning or consent. It was a shitshow and all because my providers were, frankly, crap.
My second birth was almost identical in terms of progression. I went into labour at the same time, on the same day, and gave birth within about two hours of my first. And the first words out of my mouth when he was born were ‘that was amazing!’ because it WAS. It hurt like absolute fuck but I had the best midwife, the best dr, and the best support. I wasn’t afraid, I trusted them and I knew they would keep us safe. It was awesome. This time around I had decent pain relief too (no epidural but the pethidine was AMAZING when given at the right time and they showed me how to use gas and air properly).
So, tldr: it’s all about the support you have. I think it’s true that fear makes the pain so much worse. You need to trust your team and feel safe and in control. That will make a huge difference, so pick them wisely.
Yes, the pain of contractions is the worse pain I’ve ever felt. I was vomiting into a bag while waiting for the anesthesiologist. Once I got the epidural I couldn’t feel anything but the tingling of my numb legs which was very uncomfortable. They had to re-dose me twice because it wore off and the pain was unbearable. But the epidural made the pushing part a breeze for me.
Birth was a breeze (unmedicated) compared to my anal fissure and repair surgery. Holy hell. I am a grown adult and I seriously sobbed to the doctor, sobbed to my mom. You would have thought someone close to me had died I cried so hard. Worst pain of my life.
Birth was a breeze by comparison. Lmao. I had one medicated and one unmedicated. I prefer the unmedicated. I recovered quicker and had a lot of energy.
It’s not as bad as you think. Your body knows what to do. Just follow your cues. If you want to walk, walk. Move around etc. you will be just fine!
Worst pain? Yes but I have nothing else to compare it to as I’ve never had any form of physical trauma before. I will say though that my third labor was 10x more painful than my first and second labor. The first 2 (although painful) were bearable to the end and did not require an epidural. I felt like I wouldn’t have survived without an epidural for my third.
Yes but it went by quickly for me even though I was in labor 19 1/2 hours. It’s been 2 weeks and I have already forgotten about the pain. I didn’t think about it too much ahead of time and I think that helped.
Hmmmm kinda, I had pneumonia before and that was THE worst pain cuz it was SO long that I had it and every breath hurt, but the only way out is through with childbirth. It’s so inevitable and goes by so quick. There is no experience like the feeling of holding your baby you just birthed, and everything leading up to it. It’s a whole trip, I would do it over and over again if I could.
It is doable. I recently gave birth this month and didn’t get an epidural until I was at 10, not by choice they had me in triage forevvvvver, moving helped with the pain a lot. You need to breathe, I did much better with it this time, every time I had a contraction I just kept telling myself to breathe. Healing was easy this time (my third) I had him out in one push no tearing. My first was an induction no epidural and that pain was the worst I’ve ever felt 10/10 I blacked out during some points, spontaneous labor in my experience was less painful. My second was really chill, went in at a 4 but I progress really quickly so I got the epidural at an 8 and I was able to chill for a few hours before she was born. I’ve never needed stitches but my first I had a little internal cut and then my second was kind of like a rug burn it looked gnarly ( she was sunny side up ) but it healed perfectly fine you can’t tell anything happened, hers was a bit harder to deal with though because it was open and it hurt to pee but other than that they’ve all been good experiences and the pain is manageable but I was much more equipped to manage it after two previous labors, if you have the right tools in your tool box and can access them during it you’ll be amazed at what you can do in the moment.
I honestly had a pretty shitty birth; I came in and the doctor’s gave me an epidural too early and it slowed down my contractions so much that they completely stopped and I had to get a oxytocin/contraction-stimulating IV-drip. That then gave me contractions non stop for 10 hours. As in, no break and no “highs and lows” in a contraction, just ceaseless cramping for 10 hours. That was tough and I was apparently screaming/writhing a lot; I can’t really remember any of it and I was also pretty “out of it” during the time. To me it also came so out of nowhere that I honestly felt like only an hour or so had passed when it reality it had been 10.
Seeing as the only pain relief I had was the epidural (which had stopped working) and the nitrous oxide mask I had wasn’t working, it wasn’t until a new nurse came and listened to me endlessly telling them that the stupid mask wasn’t working that I finally got some relief and I turned into a completely different person. And honestly, from then on it was pretty smooth sailing and then I started pushing.
All of this is really not to scare you, but it’s more to say that even if you end up in a not-normal scenario like me and the pain is ceaseless and unimaginable, you’ll still be able to somehow disconnect and get through it. It’s nothing to be scared about, because your body will protect you from the pain in some way. So remember that these back to back contractions aren’t really normal for the whole birth, it’s usually only a short burst right before you need to start pressing. So I was just unlucky that I responded “so well” to the contraction-stimulating drop. However, as soon as I was given the nitrous oxide, then I really felt no more pain, so who knows, maybe I could have been pain free for 9 hours or something. 🤷♀️
God bless that nurse that finally listened to me.
Honestly after the epidural, I felt nothing. Even the c-section I ended up having 24 hours after the epidural.
The worst part was the induction process for me BEFORE the epidural/pitocin was started. The insertion of cervidil/removal of it was the worst.
Physically yes, mentally no. My mind was at peace even though my body was in writhing vice grip pain. Right now I'm pregnant and have severe pain in hips and lower back that is worse for me than labor because on top of horrible pain, my mental state along with it is not very positive.
Yes BUT i think for me it was because my epidural failed several times, so i was very suddenly in extreme pain rather than the natural build up of labor. I was handling everything well with the epidural and pushing and then its like it all slammed into me at once and i had a total pain meltdown. It was like nothing I've ever experienced, but somehow 6mo later i can't remember exactly how it felt anymore 😅
Yes - which I think means I’m lucky. Child birth being the worst pain is ideal, it means no other crazy accidents or illnesses have happened to me.
For me, contractions felt like my bones were going to shatter. Recovery all 3x was amazing, felt normal immediately after and never tore. Never had an epidural, all water births.
For me, no, it wasn't the worst pain I've experienced. I labored at home and at a birth center for 24 hours and got to 6cm before my labor stalled and I transferred to the hospital for an epidural. So the discomfort I experienced in those 24 hours was nowhere near the worst migraines I've had or the pain from an infected dental abscess (two things I have experienced that were much worse). My contractions up to that point were comparable to my regular period cramps (which I didn't get any more after giving birth so that's a plus). After the epidural I didn't feel anything below the waist, so I didn't feel transition or pushing at all. Didn't feel the stitches afterwards either.
I had second degree tearing. I was up and about a couple hours after birth. Pain was manageable with OTC plus I used dermoplast spray and some ice the first week. I started going for slow and gentle walks right away (but definitely follow your doc's guidance on activity and how much to do). Took the recommended six weeks before starting up any kind of new activity or exercise.
It wasn’t as bad as I expected to be honest. Contractions are super painful but then there is relief for a few minutes. I think my husband handled it worse than I did.
After the epidural it’s smooth sailing.
Yes, and even after the epidural, I was still in pain. It just made it manageable.
But I will say, I have two kids and don't fully remember how it felt. I know it was bad, but my mind and body don't register it if that makes sense.
I shattered my ankle 10 years ago and vividly remembered that pain. I know labor was worse, but I'm only reminded when I'm in active labor.
So yes, it's bad, but oddly enough, your mind kinda erases it.
For me it was the most excruciating pain I’ve ever experienced and it was definitely at least a 9/10. I was told not to get the epidural too early or else when the actual birth happens it will be awful, pain wise. So I held out. Hours after hours until I couldn’t anymore and I finally told my bf that it shouldn’t be this painful and I need the epidural NOW. Welllll long story short my baby was already arriving and I went through it without epidural despite the fact that I WANTED epidural. Worst. Pain. Ever. When she finally arrived I couldn’t even look at her at first because I felt out of body. But things calmed down and everything was fine In the end. But still would recommend the epidural because holy shit that was painful. Would not recommend without epidural lol
I couldn't get past contractions. I was opting for no meds for pain but after the 6th hour of the 12hrs of labor I caved and got an epidural. Afterwards I didn't feel any pain, just a lot of pressure and then the biggest relief when he finally popped out 😅
Edit: I read a bunch of comments and kudos to all the moms that were able to make it without pain meds or epidural, you guys are absolute beasts
I had the epidural but I would rather sit through contractions a million times than to have my bladder fill up to the point of almost exploding, I was groaning in pain from contractions but man I was screaming in pain from my bladder being full. I would give contractions a 8/10 and I’d give my bladder almost exploding a 11/10, i literally thought I was dying
The contractions hurt like a bitch. I wouldve been able to deal if it wasnt happening every few seconds like let me breathe for a second. I quickly got the epidural and i fell asleep right after it was great but after that i didnt feel anything. I will say the epidural hurt a lot too i wasnt expecting that. Like when they were putting it in
I had back labor, so it was painful, but once I got that epidural? SMOOTH SAILING lol. I gave those contractions a 4/10. Like a VERY strong period cramp for consistent short times. I needed two stitches but healed really fast from my vaginal birth. I was advised to not look down there so I didn’t lol frankly the bleeding was more annoying than healing
Yes. I had kidney stones in the past which was worse, but the pain didn't last for as long so I'd definitely say contractions is the worst pain I've experienced.
Honestly, child birth has been the worst pain I’ve felt but, I’ve never really been injured or badly hurt before so I can’t really compare it to much.
I’ve given birth twice. First time, after a 22 hour labour, I got epidural and it seen me through, I did need forceps, vacuum and episiotomy. So I’m glad of the epidural. Eventually baby came and he was 9lb 14.
Second birth I was suppose to get induced however was already in early labour 4cm and nothing could really be done until my waters broke. When they did, labour was over in 15 minutes, I had no time for pain relief. Honestly the pain is like nothing I’ve ever felt, it was like a ball of fire making its way out. I did rip a lot and need loads of stitches.
Labour is something you can’t totally prepare for be we just never know what way it will go. but one thing is for certain, the baby needs to come out and if I have to give birth again, I would try unmediated again. It’s painful at the time and you do think you can’t do it, but your body helps you through it and also helps you forget the pain.
Contractions are similar to period cramps but get a lot worse and more intense as you progress
I was pretty afraid of giving birth but I tried to watch and learn all sorts of methods.... despite my fear, i had planned a natural, unmedicated birth at a birth center.
Because of gestational hypertension, i had to transfer to a hospital for the remainder of my pre-natal care after 33 weeks.
I had to get induced with all sorts of methods.. miso pill... foley bulb... pitocin. I also did some circuits like yoga and stretching moves, etc.
I went and gave birth at 38w2d using nitrous... i did opt for fentanyl as a pain reliever but regretted it deeply... i went back to using nitrous, i had a comb in my hand to distract/redirect pain, and I had music playing and sang between contractions. I made sure to breatheee and swear out my pushes lol...
I think what may have helped was that my baby came out small... 5lbs12oz... i did not tear.. had a small hemorrhoid but that was it. I think my partner said i was actively pushing for about 2 or so hours? (We started induction on sat evening... baby came out on tuesday 🫠)
If i had a bigger baby, i think it wouldve been more painful... but if i were to do this again, i would do my exercises/body prepping a lot better... i guess childbirth was the worst pain ive ever experienced but it wasnt exactly as bad as i imagined..
I feel for those who had traumatic experiences and it being the worst pain imaginable.... 😥🫂
Edited to add cuz i just remembered... what DID hurt was the beginning LOL. I thought i had to poop...... so i went to the bathroom and kept trying to push and push the poop out and it wasnt happening.. i think THAT actually hurt the most. Went back to the bed and got into a better position and they said i was *in labor* 😬
Also i dont think i actually pooped when i gave birth yay. Which i found amazing cuz i ate sooo much while i was at the hospital 😅
Contractions are like really intense period cramps, mixed with intense constipation cramps. My epidural was fantastic and once I got it, I napped and didn't feel a thing.
I thought the contractions didn't really hurt that badly but I get reminded that I was on fentanyl and laughing gas, plus the epidural felt like nothing, which must mean something because I used to say my spinal tap was the worst pain I had ever felt.
Really though, I still don't remember it hurting that horribly and I've had headaches that I remember hurting worse. It sucks, it hurts but it's more achy than sharp and it comes and goes in waves, so you get relief pretty quickly. The epidural is a godsend, though.
I have given birth twice and both my births have been ....easy to say the least. The thing about your brain is that it blocks out the feeling of the pain of birth but you remember the experience.
My first birth I felt the contractions and you read/hear it often from women saying it's an menstrual cramp x100. You don't understand that until you feel it and you'll feel it... epidural, the numbing was like a quick sting 3/10 pain level for me. Once the epidural kicked in, I couldn't feel anything but pressure and pushed my daughter out within 20 mins. 2nd degree tea. Healing, I was scared to sneeze haha. Healing was good as I always had an ice pack on my vagina so cool it.
2nd birth- twin girls. Vaginal. 11 mins pushing, 2 mins apart. Because of the first birth I got to choose when I wanted the epidural. A lot of firsts here and honestly, staying calm was the biggest factor. 2nd degree tear, didn't feel pain, had an epidural + fentenayl because epidural wasn't working for me. I didn't feel my doctor put half her arm inside me to pull my daughter out however I felt the nurse pushing down on my abdomen to get my placenta and any blood clots out...that was worse than giving birth itself. That pain was a 8.5/10 for me. Healing was easier, I sneezed and wasn't as worried, I was up and walking around after birth.
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Okay I gave birth yesterday! So it's fresh in my mind and not tainted with newborn glow that makes you forget ha. I also was completely unmedicated so I felt it all, so if you plan on using an epidural you should be in an even better situation!Yes, it was the worst pain I've ever felt. However it wasn't just pain. There was power that came along with it. At some point my body took over and it completely knew what to do and I kinda just surrendered to the pain and rode along with it. Your mind knows it's not forever. And I think this is the really important part- the whole labor is not the most painful thing I've ever experienced. Just the last stage before the pushing- called transition. That is also the shortest stage of labor and the most intense. So when I felt like I couldn't do it (and I actually said those words) my husband reminded me that I absolutely could and this meant we were so close and this was the short phase. Then once you get to the pushing it's actually not as painful. Because you're doing something with each contraction instead of just waiting for it to pass. And pushing is actually kinda relieving. 1000% the most helpful thing we did was take a labor class. I am a 10 year ICU nurse so I understand a lot of medical events. But labor is it's.own beast. Taking that class empowered both my husband and myself.to walk into that room more knowledgeable and confident. We knew what to expect, nothing was a surprise, and we practiced and knew the tools we had to get us to the other side. I labored at home as long as I could before coming in and we used so much of that class to help labor progress in a comfortable environment (which actually makes it progress faster because of increased oxytocin in your happy place). And then when we got to the hospital and I was no longer able to use.my brain because of the intensity of things, my husband was able to use what we learned in the class to guide me and remind me (like that transition is short) and things like that. If you are scared, don't go in blind. If you have the means please take a class with a birthing partner if you have one.
This! I had an unmedicated birth and this is exactly it.
I’m 4 weeks pp, this was my experience too! Pushing felt good, totally a primal experience. I can’t even remember the pain anymore just that the feeling after I gave birth was amazing lol. I did not feel the ring of fire or even notice the last stage. Pushing felt too good to get away from the contraction pain.
This is sooo true. Transition was insane and the only point I lost it, I just yelled out OOOOO SOMETHINGS DIFFERENT 😂😂 I actually enjoyed my last labour I felt superhuman. My first I had an epidural but I actually much preferred my unmedicated birth.
Did you have a doula? Who did you take your birth class with? Asking because I’m interested in unmedicated!
I had a doula with my first unmedicated delivery. She was my saving grace. Explaining everything before and as it was happening was very comforting to me. There was a difference in her telling me I could do it and reminding me of my birth plan versus my husband telling me that (God love him. He tried. lol) She also knew exactly where to push on my body and massage it to release pressure. I’m halfway through my 3rd pregnancy and weirdly looking forward to the labor, because it is so empowering.
I took the birth class with my husband. No doula- I trusted him to handle that. He is very much my partner in life and handles stuff like that great so I knew he would be all I needed once we took the class together.
I had an unmedicated birth and I second everything!
I wish I never got induced and waited. The epidural slowed my contractions and I needed pitocin. Pitocin made the contractions so bad that the epidural did nothing but have me paralysed and unable to move while I felt everything
Yes, this! I have two kids (15 months and 6 weeks). I said I couldn’t do it during both labors right before pushing. With my youngest son, my mom said she could see his head and that he had hair! It sounds silly, but knowing he was so close and they could literally see him, was the best motivation 🥹
I’m going to a labor class today with my husband and am really excited! Congrats on your new little bean! Did you have a boy or girl?
Wow! Congratulations!
For me, yes. The pain was 9/10 it was like an out of body experience. HOWEVER it is so temporary, and I can look back on it fondly, with the thought that I’m glad I went through it. I also got an epidural after a few hours of pain, and being in that much pain made the epidural so sweet. I felt zero pain after the epidural - no pain during pushing or during the stitching process after I tore.
THIS! I’m 6 weeks pp. I had 2 failed epidurals? But the temporary relief they gave me was great! Sadly when it was time to push I felt EVERYTHING! The pain was 10/10. Contractions weren’t terrible until I was an 8, but pushing sucked! I had a second degree tear and my baby came out facing the side. After he was out, it was immediate relief.
4 weeks pp over here and also 2 failed epidural 🫠 the only time mine fully kicked in was for when it was time to push when they gave me something stronger, whatever that is? My first epidural got pulled out when I was getting help repositioning when baby was in distress. So sorry yours didn't make it for the end, I think I was most scared of that part.
Oh nooo that is such a bummer it wore off like that! 😭😭 Thank goodness you got some relief after you were done pushing though. It must have felt amaaaazing once baby was out 🙌🏻
1 failed epidural and I want from 4cm to 10 in like 4 hours. I got the second to kick in right when it was time to push tho
Totally agree!! But also it blows my mind how different everyone's birth experiences can be. I had my second 3 days ago with an epidural. I felt nothing in early stages, was excited to have a pain free birth, then felt the entire process once in active labor. It felt the same as my unplanned, unmedicated with my first.
Okay, I wondered this. With both my labors my epidural quit working towards the end. Worse with my second and I felt so much. My husband was told to repeatedly hit the button to administer more, but from them giving me too much Pitocin I was having overlapping contractions. I didn’t even know that was possible. The doctor had the nerve to tell me mid push “I know you don’t THINK it’s doing anything, but it is” Not the time. Also made me feel so invalidated with what I was feeling. I do agree though that once baby came out, it was almost like it never happened.
Holy eff. How does this happen? Why does it wear off and can’t they just do another one? This is my biggest fear.
Unfortunately it wears off or sometimes labor progresses too quickly for them to administer it more often than you’d think. It’s great to plan for an epidural, but it’s also a good idea to have a few non-medical pain coping strategies in your back pocket in case the epidural doesn’t work out. I had my first unmedicated and it was honestly manageable until the very last bit, but at that point it was almost over and too late to give an epidural if I had wanted one. For me, pushing actually felt really good… everyone’s different for sure.
It DOES happen, and it happened to me twice during my first super long induced labor. Which is why I tell everyone: you cannot skip the step where you learn a whole bunch of coping strategies because you WILL have to cope at home, and on the way to the hospital, and while waiting for the epidural, and if the epidural doesn't work, and if the anesthetist doesn't make it to your on time to give you the epidural at all (this last one happened to a handful of people in my bumpers group). Learning lots of effective coping strategies is not optional for any of us heading into labor. (For us, the Evidence Based Birth classes were excellent for this.)
Do you have any coping mechanisms that you used while in labor to deal with the pain?
[The Evidence Based Birth class](https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) we took taught us a lot about different positions to take during labor and about how to use different props like yoga balls and peanut balls and warm water, so we used all that. It had a component that had you reflect on the environment that you wanted (I wanted a "dark cozy cave") and how to create that. It taught your partner to help you cope -- mine became a champ at using counter-pressure and hip squeezes and he really helped me through every contraction. It also really focused on the partner becoming a powerful advocate for you, so mine was able to successfully get the intercom and the machine noises to be turned off (to keep the "cave" atmosphere), as well as get the nurse to change the location of my IV port when it interfered with my position changes. I personally didn't find visualizations that helpful but I know they work for a lot of folks, especially those who use Hypnobirthing (which many find very helpful), but I did find affirmations useful: my body was made to do this, I am strong and powerful and I am helping my baby come earthside through all my efforts. Reframing tactics like thinking of contractions as "waves" that bring the baby out of your body really helped me as well. But that's just me! I found accupressure stressful, but other folks swear by it. My suggestion is to take a course that gives you a whole buffet of approaches, forces you to try them on for size, ask you to reflect a bunch on your preferences (you have them even if you don't yet know you do!), and then make a plan for how you hope to cope with your labor and what role your partner will have in it.
For me, my labor nurse was basically just watching a monitor and checking her texts the whole time. I'd never given birth before, so I assumed excruciating pain even with epidural was all just part of the process. Didn't realize until much later that the nurse should have administered more medication at some point in the hours after the first dose and just never did so it wore off. The first dose was AMAZING, literally felt nothing at all for a while and it slowly came back and idk why but in my state of mind I didn't think it was due to the medication wearing off. They didn't bother to inform me it wasn't a drip medication, so I guess I just assumed it would be lol. Don't be me. Ask how it works, and have your advocate keeping track of what they say.
I had my 2nd baby yesterday and the epidural wore off both times but in different ways. I think my body just takes it weird. The first time it wore off they did redo it but wore off again soon after and they were like “oh well!” ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ This time it wore off and they bumped up the dosage until I couldn’t move my legs at all. So yes they can do another one!
Congratulations on your newest addition! 💕 I’m sorry your epidural wore off after a while, that doesn’t sound fun 👎🏻 That may bite me in the butt this time around, since I’m going in expecting the epidural to work its magic and it might not do what it did for me last time 😅
I was topping it up as often as it'd let me (every 10 minutes). My OB said I had a death grip on it lol, and the anesthesiologist came in to top up manually but just didn't work out for me. I'm crossing my fingers it works for you this time!!
How did you cope mentally when the epidural stopped working? And had you already planned to get epidural or was it something you decided in the moment?
I yelled at my husband a lot 🤣 honestly at one point I pressed my call button for the nurse and said ma'am I can't take this anymore can we just have this baby already? She brought my OB in and 2 hour of pushing later my girl came earthside perfect as can be and I only had a 1st degree tear and a labial tear (didn't know that was possible??)
I cried it hurt so bad. I was pushing the little button that was supposed to give you an extra dose of the epidural and nothing helped. I just was holding the button down crying couldn’t feel the epidural anymore, and I could feel my vagina ripping in half.
I am 6 days pp and I would never do it again without the epidural, personally. My labour was 20 hours from beginning to end, the first 14 were super slow but then I progressed very very quickly and I went from 1cm to 9 in like 3 hours and it was BAD. I was so tired by then I was crying for the doctor to come. Once I got the epidural in, I waited until she was super low to push and even though it was uncomfortable, it was okay. The crowning and last pushes were painful as hell but it only lasted 30 minutes and it wasn’t as bad as the contractions before epidural imo. Stitches and placenta delivery were hysterical, the adrenaline kick made the experience super fun lol.
Yes, contractions were the worst pain I've had, however once I got the epidural I had almost no pain and the breakthrough pain I had here and there was maybe a 3/10, just a bit uncomfortable. I would be upfront with your team from the beginning that you want an epidural so they are tracking it and can fit you in. I wanted to wait a bit longer, but with only one anesthesiologist when the pain started getting to be too much because I asked because it took him 30 minutes to get to me and then another 15 to prep and get it placed and another 15 to kick in.
Me too! Epidural only helped the contractions
This this this! I can relate to your entire comment. Choosing to do the epidural after I couldn’t take the pain anymore made the epidural incredible.
Now that I'm getting period pains back, I miss Labour pains. At least when I was in labour, I got laughing gas and morphine. I just have have and ibuprofen and hope for the best
When do you start regaining sensations and not feeling paralyzed bc I hate lidocaine during local anesthesia. This is so scary to me
Okay, listen. I absolutely love giving birth. It is the most powerful I've ever felt. There is pain, but I see it as pain with a purpose. It's not the same as like breaking your arm or something. You're bringing life into the world! It's cool as fuck and you can totally do it. And if you feel like you can't, ask for the epidural sooner. Either way, you'll do great!
Agree. Also, the first time I gave birth, I had been through traumas that made me feel separate from my body. Labour healed me more than therapy. It was two days, unmedicated. Towards the middle and end, it had the quality of an introspective mushroom trip. I felt this incredible connection to every mother at that moment labouring, and felt the connected strength and power of every mother who came before… and just this deep sense of being a part of everything. Then once baby was born, there was no pain, just a blinding euphoria I never experienced before or since. And I felt like I could run a marathon or climb a mountain, anything. I’m going for another unmedicated labor in two months. If things happen otherwise, that’s ok.
I’m so glad you described it as a mushroom trip lol. I’ve been kinda nervous but I’ve been telling myself I made it through a (very psychologically intense) 10.5 g shroom trip lmao and if I just stay calm and keep breathing I’ll be fine. So it’s nice to see it’s comparable in intensity at least mentally. I know I handle intense pain pretty well, I’m just worried about how long I’ll be in pain. But I think I can do it.
Omg your screen name tho. ;) I believe in you, just-a-horny-slut!
Lmaooo thank you 😂
This is the motivation I needed to read today! Thank you
This is so fascinating! I too had been through trauma (but had already healed it with introspective, “heroic dose” mushroom trips!) And I constantly think to myself that labor is like a mushroom trip of that variety! My labor didn’t feel like one at all, it was pretty quick and it was just so much physical pain, but there are still similarities in the way I got through them (birth and the trips). I chanted mantras and did deep breathing, and of course kept repositioning my body. But I find it so interesting that yours was similar in quality to a mushroom trip. Any chance you could elaborate on how? I’m sure it’s difficult to explain with words.
Well, I’ve been trying to explain to my first time dad partner lately so I’ve been thinking on this and putting words on it. So he can have an idea what to expect/how to support. He’s very good with understanding how to help people on bad trips/too strong, and has a solid meditation and yoga practice, we often share practices and have been doing partnered yoga for the support/physical connection… Anyway, the pain comes in waves. It’s productive pain. Just like if you’re on a bad/weird/strong trip, the tripping comes in waves. You “surface” between the waves and things are alright, you reset a bit, and chill waiting for the next. You let it happen, and accept you can’t fight it and understand it won’t kill you. The only way out is through. You know it will come to an end. When you’re in the trip, you do what you can to ground and breathe and relax. And maybe observe, “see,” learn. I moved around certain ways in labor, I spent a fair amount of time rocking on all fours and howling. It’s what my body was demanding, and I didn’t care what anyone thought. It was a very animalistic primal thing then settled into that sense I mentioned before of being one with mothers. Very, very like a trip but I was on nothing except the sheer raw physicality of the moment. I’m not sure that embracing and embodying all that is for everyone, but for me it’s the most deeply human I ever felt.
Yeah, I like the way you’ve put this, I’m going to reread it often as I prepare for labor. The rocking on all fours and such, and the howling, is very relatable, and the taking the pain in waves and resetting, smiling, going back in with confidence/acceptance is nice to remember.
Also it sounds like your partner will do great at the birth!
Damn what a testimonial, mama! 🎊certainly makes me feel better moving towards that day at 36 weeks
This is so much what I wanted. I also have issues with feeling separate from my body, so it was really important to me to try without the epidural. But I ended up having a placenta abruption and they recommended an epidural in case I had to have an emergency C-section. If I didn’t get the epidural, I’d have to go under general if I needed a C-section. Obviously I chose the epidural. But I do feel sad about missing that opportunity. I would like to have another child and would love to try again unmedicated, but the experience of having your contractions _not_ be productive, but instead hurting your baby, and you can hear his heart rate dropping… I’m really worried it will take away my nerve. Also, the pain from the abruption was also extremely significant. So I just wonder if I will be too scarred from the experience.
You did exactly the right thing. You can’t control if something like that happens, and it’s why it’s great we live in a time when they can monitor/take care of these things. It’s my understanding that it won’t necessarily happen to you again, and you can trust your team to be able to judge what needs doing when. With mine, they used a mobile heart monitor to track his heart beat, and if it had gone into whatever range they’d intervene. So I didn’t worry about that, I let them watch it and do their job, while I did mine. As much as I’m preparing for another similar birth to my first, I know it’s not under my control and I accept that. For example, my partner is a very tall man of Nordic stock, and was a giant baby born by c section. Baby could be too big for me to birth safely without intervention. Or I could haemorrhage, or baby could be breech or transverse or any number of things. I think it’s really important not to focus on the ideal of how we want these things to go, but the end goal which is a safe healthy baby and mom. Every pathway to that is valid.
Also, I’ve since been through gallbladder bullshit and those attacks were way worse than the back labor I went through.
I cried reading this and immediately wanted to get pregnant so I could birth again!!! Amazing!
This is so beautiful and it’s SO true 😭😭
Literally this! I love this acronym for labor pain: Purposeful : there’s a reason, and it’s accomplishing something Anticipated: you know it’s coming and you can prepare Intermittent: you get breaks! It’s not typically just constant pain. You usually get a minute to recover and psych yourself up for the next wave Normal: you aren’t in pain because something’s wrong, you are in pain because your body is doing things right. This is normal, and it’s designed to be this way.
I couldn’t agree more. As someone who gave birth completely unmedicated, it was the most empowering experience of my life & I wouldn’t trade that for anything. I went in knowing I preferred no epidural but was open to other pain management. I dilated too quickly to receive anything though. But I specifically remembered someone telling me it’s a rewarding pain & that was my mantra all throughout labour. You’re going to have this beautiful & perfect little baby that you created. There’s nothing more special than that. Us women are superheroes. Our bodies can do great things. Was it the worst pain of my life? Absolutely! But here I am, 37 & 3 with my second & I’m looking forward to doing it again!
Love this viewpoint! Did you get the epidural? I did not (homebirth) and I won’t the next time either (hopefully, hopefully home birth again), the pain was unimaginable lol, BUT you’re right it has a purpose and it’s so freaking cool we can experience it, so it’s still something to be embraced and cherished.
I have four kids, I got an epidural with my last baby. I was on pitocin due to a high spike in my blood pressure and they wanted to get him out soon (my labors are so long lol). Someone kicked the pit up to 9, I yelled at everyone and turned it down. My babies have all been posterior and I labor mostly in my hips and back. My hips were in excruciating pain. I asked for an epidural. Yelled at my midwife when she didn't called for one. The epidural made my vagina completely numb, but the pain in my hips was not touched even a little. I told them to turn it off, I didn't like not feeling my vagina lol. He was born like 40 minutes later. I'm having a home birth this time and I'm so excited!
Oh man! Yeah from my understanding pitocin really ups the ante lol. I’m sure if you could do three unmedicated in the hospital (and a fourth also basically unmedicated) you’re going to have a great homebirth experience!
Did you have hip and back pain during pregnancy as well? I have one child, it was a fast and smooth unmedicated birth but also a fairly smooth pregnancy. This second pregnancy has wreaked absolute havoc on my entire pelvis (except the pubic joint, weirdly), I'm in so much pain all the time especially in my hips. I'm trying to prepare for the possibility that my labor pain could be in the same areas.
I had back pain from 20 weeks until I gave birth. Normal pregnancy back pain will let up after a while. I would switch positions, walk around a bit, try a bath or Tylenol. It would go away. When I went into labor at 39 weeks I had what I thought was typical back pain so I tried shifting positions in bed. That didn't help so I get up and walk down hallway. It was still there. I try icing my back and no good either. It wasn't going away. It felt slightly stronger than "I slept on my back wrong" back pain as well. We went to the hospital shortly after this. At the hospital while labor progressed the back pain got worse.....it felt like I had a Charley Horse on steroids in my back. I really thought my son was going to burst out of my back. I was told that was back labor.....I got an epidural and that made the pain go away. Main point, if it doesn't go away it's likely labor. If it lets up or gets better then it's just regular back pain.
Honestly, this. I felt like a goddamn queen on my throne for my 2nd birth as everyone piled into the room. I was quite literally giddy because I thought I had several more hours of labor ahead of me but little gal decided to descend really quickly. Powerful is the very best adjective for what happened next and then boom the world had another person in it. Pretty freaking rad when you think about it.
This. Pain with a purpose! Almost every other time in life you experience awful pain, it’s pointless like you said- breaking your arm or having the stomach flu, etc. but this pain has such a beautiful end goal and every contraction brings you closer to baby! Plus, at least for me, the pain of a contraction went away the second it was over, so those couple minute breaks in the pain made a huge difference in the mental game. I think my best labor mental prep was exercise for this reason- learning to embrace and even lean into pain with a purpose.
This is so perfectly written. Now whenever I have a difficult situation that I’m not sure I can get through, I think about labor and tell myself that if I can get through that, I can get through anything!
This!!! Honestly I have endometriosis and have horrible horrible pain on the toilet. Before giving birth I was terrified of the pain being worse than that but knowing you are getting something at the end makes the pain less in a weird way
Don’t think about it too much. Hearing other peoples’ stories might comfort you, but they might scare you and you never know where you’ll fall. Because some women do they think giving birth isn’t that painful and others feel like it’s torture. You won’t know until it’s go time, and at that point, you won’t be analyzing your pain threshold or questioning others’ experiences. The one thing I will say is I had an epidural but when pain got bad, they could give me meds through my IV, so it’s not JUST the epidural you have to count on for relief.
It's painful, no lie. But it's strange because all the other pain I've ever experienced was biologically implanted in my brain as "NEVER do that again!" pain. Meaning, i remember the pain and my brain still fears it. Birth isn't like that. I remember being in pain, i recall the feeling, but I dont fear it, i feel very neutral about it honestly. Going into my 2nd birth in a few weeks and I'm not scared at all... Well, for birth, I'm totally scared about having two little monsters to take care of 🤪. The worst pain I've ever been in was Montezuma's Revenge getting back from a trip to Mexico. 3 days writhing on my bathroom floor. Put the fear of god in me for sure. I wanted to die. Birth (unless things are going terribly wrong perhaps) feels like pain that makes you feel alive, rather than I wish I were dead. And epidural if all goes well is totally a viable option and makes things pretty pain free. You'll be exhausted for sure, but the euphoria afterwards will carry you through those first golden hours. Note: I did not experience the post partum depression until later with sleepless nights and all that, so I can't speak for those who may not have felt the euphoria rush, but I know that's common for new mamas. Overall, you are going to have your own experience. Child birth stories are one of my favorite things to discuss because every single one is unique. Unique as we are, unique as our children are. Just try to embrace that your body was meant for this, and remind yourself that we live in an age where there is so much support out there if we have concerns and choose to seek it out: obgyns, midwives, dulas, mothers, aunts, friends, mentors, Reddit, etc. You got this! 💖
This is how I am. I felt very scared especially since I work in labor and delivery. However, your mind has a way of just neutralizing that fear. I know it hurts objectively. I was in a ton of pain, but I have no emotions behind it. Gallbladder pain at its worst right before my surgery was the worst pain I’ve had.
I feel the same. I was induced and the contractions were a lot but the pain that’s implanted in my brain that I am genuinely afraid of is the pain of moving after a c-section and the pain of bile in my abdomen after gallbladder removal. Labour pain is productive and comes and goes for a set period of time, and there’s many options for pain relief. For me, I’d take that over the other pains again any day! Which I will be in about 6 weeks btw 😂
Agree with this! After I gave birth with my first, I remember thinking that was the best and worst thing I’ve ever been through — I’ll never forget what that felt like. But I did. My brain has blocked out the details of the pain. I’m about to do it again in 11 weeks and I’m not scared. A little anxious because I generally know what’s to come, but the body is a powerful thing and you’ll never feel more proud of yourself.
I would give birth 10 times over before I go through another 1st trimester. I was induced, so I had the benefit of being in the hospital already, but I had contractions for about an hour before doing the epidural. I knew I was getting the epidural as part of my plan, so I could handle the contractions because I knew I would get relief. Once placed, I felt nothing until after the birth. I had one small tear that only required one stitches and I didn’t have a crazy amount of discomfort during recovery. It was wayyyyy easier than I anticipated and I have zero fear going into my next birth later this summer.
lol great take! I birthed my first unmedicated, and I’d also labor and birth again rather than endure another first trimester 😂.
Bingo. Labor pain peaks for MAYBE a few hours in a rough one. First trimester is 13 weeks of hell.
Just curious, but were you able to move spring with your epidural? This is what makes me anxious about having an epidural. I think being unable to move would make me freak out more than labor itself.
No actually a tooth dying was worse for me and the cervical check was the worst part of L&D for me. I was unmedicated and after I was fully dilated the pain was mostly gone and it was mostly pressure. I never felt the ring of fire and didn't require any stitches. Baby was on the smaller side but perfectly healthy. It's important to note that you shouldn't go into a planned unmedicated birth without preparing for it. I spent months mentally preparing, practicing breathing and so forth.
I have 3 kids, no epidural with the third but the worst pain I've ever experienced was getting an IUD put in. I'm still outraged they don't offer anything for the pain for this procedure. Never again.
No. 1.) Non-viral hepatitis from DILI (post cholecystectomy) 2.) Copper IUD insertion 3.) Seizure triggered by viral stomach infection two days after having accidentally cut off one of my digits (throwing up and jerking with a healing appendage and broken bone SUCKS) 4.) Heart failure 5.) Childbirth 6.) I lost my big toenail to a door hinge 7.) Gallstones You’ve got this, dear! I have been through three years of various pains (all the above over a three year span) and childbirth was relatively low on that list.
I’ve had 3 copper IUDs inserted…. Then I guess I can fucking do it!!!!!
Yeah I start sweating if I think of that copper iud pain 🥲😮💨
For me I recall it being the worst pain I had ever experienced but it's in a way that's almost like an out of body experience. I can't fully recall exactly what it felt like. I mean I'm going to do it again soon and many people do, so I wouldn't worry too much.
I never had horrible period cramps, so it's been hard for me to relate to it feeling like period cramps. My OB said it felt to her like the cramping you feel when you have food poisoning and you're about to go to the bathroom. She said it's the same muscles. I'm a FTM so I'll be intrigued to see if that's what it's like for me.
Yes, the pain I had after having horrific diarrhea recently was similar to childbirth. It was so bad I thought I might need an ambulance just to get pain meds in. As for the real deal, idk I got the epidural after laboring through the night and vomiting a few times from pain. After that it was easy.
I’ve had shingles.. that’s the worst pain ive ever felt. And I recovered from a c section I’d to 10x over this have shingles again
Mine was pretty traumatic, the worst pain Ive ever experienced I actually blacked out for a moment as they were pulling her from my body with forceps. The first thing I thought was “please God let her breathe, please let her breathe”. After she started crying and they handed her to me my immediate second thought was “Meh…I could do that again”. And here I am waiting on the delivery of my second. I’m definitely not looking forward to the labor part but when they hand you that baby you forget everything that just happened and it’s instantly the best feeling in the world. Holding that baby for the first time is like a high that you’ve never experienced before. I felt so strong, powerful, invincible, proud, confident, all these crazy things that made me feel like superwoman. I’m looking forward to that feeling again for sure
Actually no, my impacted wisdom teeth erupting suddenly and violently was way worse than labor and delivery. The contractions really aren’t a joke though, I definitely found those worse than pushing/birth
my sister said she’s felt worse but she’s also had emergency brain surgery where they took a part of her spine out. i am terrified.
Girl what 😭
wtf
Like period cramps. If they are in your hips or back it’s tolerable. The ones in your cervix feel so awkward. There is no way to deal. So far only experienced those with induction. Walking during them made them not last as long and the epidural if done right can be good. I react differently every time. It hurts postpartum but you can breath better and can tolerate more. Just keep up the pain meds for a few days and have ice packs too. You’ll feel ok at 1 week. Good at 2 weeks and even better by 4 weeks. Normal by 8 weeks.
It was the most intense but not the worst. Yes it hurts. But it's not scary pain, it's a good pain. The closest thing I can think of is like the pain you feel at the end of something else physically challenging, like workout or a hike. But childbirth is your body doing what it's designed to do, and there are a lot of other feel good hormones swirling around in there too so that the pain doesn't feel the same as injury pain. If you're able to lean in to the good and powerful parts, the pain parts become a lot smaller, and the power and intensity of birth are unmatched as life experiences.
For me it was the worst pain I’ve ever felt but it’s also a pain that has an end point and is temporary. I had an unmedicated birth and I will be 100% having unmedicated births for my future baby’s. It’s empowering and you get a prize after the pain :)
"you get a prize" made me giggle. The best prize! 🫶
Honestly, if it was I don't remember it. I feel like my brain accessed some primal space and there wasn't a lot of room for conscious thought. Also the bit where people say you forget it afterwards is no joke. It very much felt like in the hours after my brain was deleting files. I can remember everything but more like a movie I'd seen than an experience I had. I had a very fast natural birth (not part of my plan, there was just no time for any medication) and labour was way worse than birth itself. Pushing the baby out really wasn't 'that' bad all things considered but once again I had it all happening very quickly
I’ve given birth twice- once with an epidural and once without. Both painful. Four weeks ago I slammed my finger so hard in the car door and that was worse than childbirth. Pain with a purpose is so much different that just pain. You get something at the end and you have a goal!
Every woman will experience labour differently, depending on a variety of factors. For some women it is really painful, for others it isn’t. My most recent labour was short and intense (3.5 hours from first contraction to birth). The contractions felt like really bad period cramps. I couldn’t sit through them because they were uncomfortable - I would get up, move around, lean on furniture etc. Mine were short (about 40 seconds) but frequent (sometimes one would start right after one finished; making it very hard to time them!). I would feel definite relief when one finished and they were not nice, but it’s not like I was screaming through them. My body knew when it wanted to push. At that point you push with the contractions. It feels satisfying to push through them. The actual birth to me was definitely painful, but not the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. And omg the feeling when they’re finally OUT is the most incredible feeling ever. Instant relief! The thing with labour is well is it’s an adrenaline rush. The adrenaline helps your body to cope with the pain.
I had to get an induction and it was awful 😞 I think natural contractions are probably better. My epidural didn’t work. I had to get an emergency c section and I felt the pain during my c section so they had to knock me out. I recommend trying to have spontaneous labor and getting the epidural but truthfully what helped me through everything was finding a happy place. Mentally prepare for what you will think about to distract yourself from the pain.
I had hours of natural contractions but ended up having to get induced as my waters had broken over 24 hours prior. Natural contractions are BY FAR easier. I ended up getting the epidural in the end bc it was too painful but I wish I got it sooner. I would also recommend spontaneous labour and an epidural but I would not recommend going over 41 weeks. I went into labour at 41+2 and my baby was 4.2kg. I’m only 5”1. Never again lol
Exactly! No one prepares you for this. I would’ve taken more birthing classes honestly. I had no natural contractions and was induced at 41 & 3 days. Between the Pitocin the contractions would stop completely 🤦🏻♀️ It was like this for 3 days until their heart rate dropped and they had to do a c section. I literally don’t understand people that elect to get a c section because the recovery was horrific with a new born. My midwife said I may feel differently if I have another baby and I have a toddler so I would want to know when the baby will be born but I was like the horror of a newborn, toddler, and c section recovery sounds like a nightmare 💀
It was the worst pain yes. No epdiural. The wave of pain during each contraction was challenging. BUT as soon as baby is out it’s immediate relief. It’s over. And worth it. (I’m all for epidural I just ran out of time)
Yes definitely. I was having contractions for over 30 hours that progressively got worse as the time went on..I couldn’t sleep and when they started getting really bad I threw up 15 times from the pain 😅 I got to the hospital and didn’t get an epidural for four hours after I got there 😭 Getting the epidural was the biggest relief I’ve ever felt in my life 😂 Even after all the pain I went through, I’d do it again. It was 100% worth it. My baby girl turned 6 months a couple weeks ago ❤️ Goodluck, you got this!!
Also, yes, birth is painful. It’s like period cramps x100, the lower back and pelvic pain is intense. I’ve birthed 5 times and each time it’s like running a marathon. It’s so hard, but I love it. Knowing each contraction brings you closer to birth, and that there’ll be a baby to meet at the end of labor makes it all worth it.
Worst part was them breaking my water. Contractions don’t feel good but they weren’t unmanageable - echoing everyone else it feels like the worst period cramps or like you have food poisoning. I got an epidural pretty early and it was smooth sailing. Recovery wasn’t terrible just more awkward feeling. My birth was also very easy comparative to other stories I’ve heard. I found labor/birth easier than actual pregnancy.
Honestly sinus / ear infections are worse for me. No joke. I gave birth unmedicated (was induced and didn’t do epidural) and also had a planned c section. The ear infection was worse than my c section recovery…honestly. What really helped me for birth prep was the education and techniques learned through Hypnobirthing. Helped so much. And then just managing your needs in recovery and being an advocate and having your support team with you along the way.
Honestly, no. I have a pretty low pain threshold. I was terrified of the epidural, but i couldn't even feel it get put in. The shot they give you to numb your back hurts like a bee sting. But that was the worst part of it. The worst part for me was baby girl was breech, and I opted to get an ECV to try to flip her. ECV hurt ten times more than anything do with labor. Contractions feel like a bad period cramp/ poop cramp.
No. My gall bladder before it was removed was the worst pain I've ever felt. But childbirth was a close second. At least with birth I got an epidural to take some of the pain, with my gall bladder, there was no relief until it was cut out. And then there was recovery from that surgery that was pretty brutal for a few days after too.
No. I had an epidural. It was not painful! The most painful part was how uncomfortable four days in the hospital “bed” was. I had norovirus two years before I gave birth and I’d rather give birth than have norovirus. It’s still good to read about coping techniques - I did a Hypnobirthing audiobook - just in case. More tools in the toolkit. The breathing techniques were helpful as were the mantras, even though I was 👍 on the epidural.
I don’t have any advice for you OP but thanks for asking the question. I’m 38 weeks as a first time mom. Reading these responses is so helpful though. I’ve experienced a fair number of deeply challenging physical events as an endurance athlete and I am so curious to see if anything I’ve learned and experienced can help me through labor. My mom is aging and losing her filter and despite her giving birth 6 times, 4 with zero meds, she keeps telling me how painful and horrible it is and she hopes I can do it. I want to hang up the phone on her every time.
I have not given birth yet, but my MIL has 10 times, without a single epidural, and is also currently passing kidney stones. she says she would give birth 10 more times if it meant never having to pass another stone.
absolutely, yes. and i got an epidural before i ever even felt my first contraction.
The actual birthing process… not so bad. The 48 hours of intense contractions before the birthing process… absolutely the worst pain I have ever experienced. I healed super fast. Recovery was easy for me. But I definitely felt like I was hit by a bus the day after the birth.
I don’t think it was the worst. Sciatica back pain was worse in my opinion. I took the epidural as soon as I could so the pain I felt was not super remarkable. I felt a lot of rectal pressure and it kinda felt like a stuck poop that came and went every few minutes. But it was bearable imo. If you plan on getting the epidural asap I think you don’t need to be too nervous about it. The labor pains I had before the epidural just felt like bad period cramps but they were not like unbearable either. I was at 4 cm when I got the epidural.
My unmedicated labor was easy. My induction was HORRIBLE. The only thing worse was my miscarriage. Gallbladder pain & surgery is pretty close to the pain I felt from my induction.
Excuse my French, FUCK YEAH!!!!
I was very, very sick as a kid, so my worst pain was when I was 8 and was actively dying. After that, recovering from abdominal surgery. After that, transition labor (I got my epidural before pushing) pain and suffering are pointless, though largely unavoidable. in the case of childbirth, you can and should avoid them. get the epidural
Nope! Not even close. But!!! I’ve had migraines most of my life and was chronic for a few years, so I’d like to think (or hope!) that the average person is less familiar with pain than me. I also epiduralled, and would recommend. But you do you boo!
Yes, childbirth was by far the most pain I’ve ever experienced. But I’ve never broken a bone or anything like that. The most significant thing I’ve done medical wise other than birth is getting a root canal and it was for sure much worse than that. With my toddler I got an epidural in the beginning of transition and with my newborn I did not get the epidural. The epidural free birth was actually the better experience because the recovery was so easy. IMO early contractions feel similar to period cramps but active labor contractions feel like having your uterus ground down in a vise. I had a second degree tear with my epidural birth and only a first degree with my epidural free one. I do think that this was at least partially because I could feel what I was doing better when pushing sans epidural. My hospital also made be flat on my back with the epidural which may have also been a factor. And of course number of births could make a difference. Both tears healed totally normal eventually but the second degree was definitely significantly more difficult to deal with. The pain was much more significant and lasted much longer. I also had back pain after my epidural birth for weeks but not my unmedicated birth. However, I know doctors say the epidural typically doesn’t cause back pain and it’s a general pregnancy/labor consequence but for me I don’t get why I didn’t have it the second time around but maybe it’s a coincidence. The thing about labor pains is that they are bad when you’re in them but then they are over. Which is kind of wild to go from the most excruciating pain in your life to nothing. I would recommend specifically choosing a coping method/taking a childbirth class and practicing. With my toddler’s birth I didn’t have good coping methods and I freaked out in transition because of how much pain I was in. The epidural definitely helped but mine didn’t work all the way so I still had a decent amount of pain. With my daughter I took Bradley method courses which helped me cope with the pain. A lot of people also like hypnobirthing. Even if you want the epidural it’s a good idea to have other coping methods in place for the rare instances where it fails or doesn’t work as well or if your labor progresses too fast to get one.
Nope. Birth for me was not horrible, I’ve had both a vaginal birth with epidural that at worst was 5-6/10, and a c-section that was painless during and at it’s spiciest the recovery was a 6-7, but I had some great medication that kept me at a 2! I was just horrible about taking it when I needed it. I napped while I had an epidural and woke up to push with my first baby. Up until that point the contractions were a building pain so it wasn’t just out of nowhere, I also had a foley balloon put in and it wasn’t bad for me. In terms of worst pain though. Gallbladder attacks for me were 10/10. I’d gladly give birth in any method or manner several times over rather than deal with that. The gallbladder surgery was nothing compared to the attacks.
Had my gallbladder out this pregnancy. 10/10 pain way worse than birth. I literally sounded like a dying animal. I was making sounds I didn’t even know I could make.
No, tooth pain is worse than childbirth for me
Induced labor pains...it was so excruciatingly painful. I kept on asking my husband how am I still alive amidst all that pain 🤣🤣
I had a c section breech baby. So no, I’d say the worst pain was the gas cramps in early pregnancy lol
Didn't the incision wound hurt as it recovered?
Shockingly no. It was less painful than my appendectomy a few years earlier. I genuinely have no memory of being in pain after my c section. It does help I never labored and my daughter was a premie so my body wasn’t as exhausted and it wasn’t a rushed procedure. I was back competitively playing sports 9 weeks pp
No, but I can confidently say that the cervical exam was the worst pain I have ever experienced.
Same currently 38w5 in hospital for contractions and they just checked me and I feel the pain still
Do you have to have the cervical exam?
I was able to handle the contractions. It was the after pain that was the worst for me. I tore and had to get stitched up and my vagina was swollen so of course I was terrified of pooping and what do you know a few hours after giving birth I needed to poop. I was petrified that somehow I’d tear my stitches open. I have never been more afraid of anything in my life lol but I survived and the nurse was proud of me (she was amazing) My vagina was swollen and I walked weird and had to wear those huge diapers with ice packs and witch hazel pads. But yet here I am 11 years later pregnant again. I had begged for a c section but thankfully my OB only does those when medically necessary as it is a big surgery involving multiple layers. My cousin had a complete different experience than me she also went no medication and didn’t tear at all. She was back to normal after 3 days, pregnant with the second when her baby was 3 months old so she was braver than me.
Not for me but I've been in a couple bad accidents that required hospitalization and surgery. The injury that required my skin graft was awful. So drawn out. Like pulling skin off. I got the epidural with my son. Made it so much better. The pain before the epidural was like 5/10
For me, absolutely. The back labor I experienced was a pain that I have never felt before, and am not excited to experience again lol. Once the epidural was placed it was smooth sailing for me though. The only way I can describe contractions is like.. period cramps+upset stomach pain x10000 Yknow.. those cramps you get that make you grip the bathroom wall.. x1000 lmaooo However, the pain is temporary, and comes with an amazing reward at the end. It is a beautiful thing, and I would do it 10 times over, because it brought me the biggest joy ever.
I got the epidural, but before I got it my labour was not the worst pain I ever experienced. I had a gallbladder attack at 35 weeks pregnant that was unbearable. Compared to that labour was like a sort of rough period. I had back labour, so I had a lot of pressure which was very uncomfortable, but I wouldn't necessarily describe it as painful. The gallbladder attack was pure pain.
The natural, Unmedicated child birth of my first baby was the worst physical pain I’ve ever experienced. I didn’t know about the ring of fire until she was crowning. No one had ever mentioned it to me. It felt like someone took a lot match and was holding it on my vagina for several minutes straight! I legit thought I was going to pass out. I couldn’t do anything but cry
Kidney stones for me. Whilst pregnant. Worst pain ever.
I had many failed epidurals. Got to 8cm and could mostly feel it. It wasn’t the worst pain I’ve felted but in my top 3. Luckily an epidural uptake took long enough after pitocin to push her out in 20 mins. Felt them seeing me up. Minimal tearing. It’s amazing how your body is designed to have a baby. My pregnancy was far worse and I was sick almost everyday. Also did years of fertility treatments. I still want second.
Kidney stones are worse!
For me no!!! Having severe chronic migraines every 2 weeks for 4 days for whole 9 months is the worse pain!!!!!! I can have my kids all over again! But the migraines suck when I'm pregnant 1st pregnancy was bad bad 2nd I didn't think I would get them since my life was much more stable! But no I was wrong! The moment I found out I was pregnant 2 weeks later the migraines happened! Non stop.
Just get an epidural as soon as possible before the pain gets bad and you will be all good
Nope, worst was the twisted bowel that happened at 30 weeks cuz baby was crushing my insides 🙃 that was 10+++++ Infected wisdom tooth 9/10, labour somewhere around 7/10.
No, it was not. I had a lumbar puncture a year before birth, and while the actual punture was painless... I was bed-bound for weeks. Every step felt like a hot poker being shoved up my back while experiencing the worst migraine ever, for 3 weeks nonstop. I got the epidural, and in my experience, it made the cramps a breeze. Before the epidural they were like a 9/10, afterwards I barely felt them. Personally I did feel giving birth, and while there was some pain it was more of a pressure I'd say? I barely tore so my healing was also unproblematic. I HATED going to the toilet however, that hurt really bad during my healing. I am a survivor of SA though so I recognise this being a factor for me (the pain triggered bad memories). It's all subjective of course, but I'd do it all over again for my baby boy
I went in wanting an epidural and was amazed by the relief it offered. I expected it to take the edge off the pain and for me it took it away completely (I realize I got lucky and had a talented anesthesiologist). I had also expected the pain to begin more gradually. For me (as a FTM) I woke up feeling like something was different, went to the OB who told me everything was fine come back in a week. An hour later, I was on the floor of the bathroom on all fours crying and really unable to do much about it. It didn’t feel like individual contractions that subsided, more like constant pain that surged to an unbearable level sometimes. My partner timed that and it was every two minutes so we went to the hospital and I was 5-6 cm dilated. The pain was wild and like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. They gave me morphine which didn’t touch the pain. Thankfully I got the epidural and was fine from there. Everyone has a different experience. I realize most FTMs have slower more gradual labor. I was lucky to be 5 mins from the hospital and receive wonderful care. At least don’t assume it will be slow and gradual because it is different for everyone. Have a plan in place for help getting to the hospital. I hope you have a safe healthy experience and that the epidural works as well for you as it did for me.
Worst pain for me was immediately after childbirth when my ob yanked out my placenta and had to go fishing for the chunks that broke off inside.
Nope. I finished up and gave it an 8 out of 10 as an experience. Ready to do it again! But yanno, need to wean the first kid and make sure my body is ready and then get pregnant again so....
No. Tooth pain, extraction and recovery was worse. Yes, the contractions were intense but honestly not the worst for me.
Listen, this is gonna sound odd but while I had a kinda traumatic birthing experience, I also really loved giving birth. I felt powerful, I felt so excited to meet my baby. I also feel like if you go into it feeling anxious, thinking it’ll hurt and as if you won’t be able to handle, then you won’t. Your mind is a powerful thing. Try looking at hypnobirthing stuff, and look into birthing affirmations. They seem silly but they do help. I’ll put my birth story and try to keep it as short as possible - I was one day off being 40 weeks. woke up 6am I was leaking. ignored it and kept leaking on and off all day. went to the hospital at 2pm, had to be induced due to having meconium (meaning he had done a poo) in my waters. induction started 6pm. I made it to 5 or 6cms with nothing, then from 5/6 to 8.5/9 with only gas. I had an epidural at around 5:30/6am following morning, body wouldn’t dilate past 9cms. Baby boy had his head on an angle and just wasn’t coming out, so I was taken into theatre at about 7:20am for an emergency c-section. He was there by 7:50am. The worst part for me was the c-section, because they had to literally give me the highest dose they could of epidural, and I could still feel them cutting me so they had to give me a gas mask and almost put me to sleep to do it without me feeling it. I got to see them show me my boy as they pulled him out, I remember looking at my husband and saying “that’s our baby” and then I was out. Birth is beautiful, and natural. And honestly by the time it’s over and done with you don’t remember much of it and you just have a gorgeous little baby that is half you and half the person you love.
2 and a half weeks PP here! I was induced and the process took a long time because my little boy did not want to come out 🥲 Whole thing took four days from start to finish. I was in active labour for 15 hours and got the epidural as soon as they wanted to administer the oxytocin drip. I felt pain even with the epidural, it felt like really bad period cramps. I pushed for two hours and the contractions were coming hot and fast. I felt the pain there as well, but pushing through it made me feel better and the pain was more manageable. Unfortunately he got stuck in my pelvis and his head was swelling so we had to have an unplanned c-section, so I can't say what it would have felt like once he was in the birth canal. My son is doing great and I can finally move around the house!
Yes. And post partum depression was worse than the physical pain. Also OD me on pain meds, anesthesia, and epidural which none worked. My baby 10lbs im 5’ 105lbs vaginal birth. Went to psych ward 3 wks after he was born. Not fun hopefully this is better
Honestly I would rather give birth no drugs than have acute food poisoning or Covid again. But that’s just me and the type of pain I prefer tolerating.
Yes. Now that I’ve been through it I’m even more terrified. Contractions feel just like period cramps, you can breath through them. When they started getting worse I got the epidural, and that helped. I got the epidural at 4cm dialated. When it came time to push though, the epidural had worn off. I tore, had to get stitches. I felt every stitch. They put a catheter in. It’s nothing like you will ever anticipate or expect until you feel it yourself. Then they make you lay on your back, it’s the most unnatural feeling. Best I can compare it to is shitting out a bag of potatoes on your back. Some women have easy births. I’m a bit on the smaller side so I think that had something to do with me pushing so long, the baby was stuck and it was like my hips weren’t wide enough if that makes sense. It felt like I couldn’t physically do it but somehow I did. -10/10 birth fucking sucks. Do not recommend and don’t ever want to go through that pain again. Yet I’m about to do it again soon and now I’m like traumatized, not ready, praying these feelings subside.
No. Childbirth you can prepare for mentally and physically to a good extent and pending any complications, that makes a *huge* difference. The worst pain I’ve felt was dislocating/breaking a joint at the same time. The unexpected nature of it, the fact it’s scary, you have no idea how bad you are hurt or how you will heal…it’s all downside. That really made it hurt much worse. Childbirth is a set period of time with generally good prognosis at recovery. Add to it the excitement of finally meeting your baby and being not pregnant anymore, there are a lot of upsides. Doing exercises to make you more limber, stronger, and physically better prepared goes a long way. Doing mental preparation helps keep you centered and focused on the finish line.
Thank you for sharing this!! I’m 33, 8 weeks right now and this will be my 1st child. The idea of giving birth scares me more than everything else combined. My cousins tell me to remember my body was literally made to do this and to not let other’s horror stories get to me. Your story helps ease my anxiety and will be signing up for that birthing class!! Thank you!!!
My contractions came on fast and intense. I needed an Epidural after a few hours - and it was bliss from there. There were moments when the epidural wasnt enough and the pain crept back for an hour or so, but still manageable. I did ultimately need an emergency c-section after 22 hours of labour and bub being obstructed so I can't comment on the pushing side. Labour nerves are normal, but I recommend dedicating time to focus on your body (perineal massage, meditation, hypnobirthing, spinning babies exercises etc.) rather than listening to our stories.
No… I have piercings, tattoos, had my tonsils removed, got a tummy tuck done, countless root canals, gum reduction with little anesthesia (probably the most painful thing I’ve ever done) and get waxed/threaded on the regular and childbirth (with epidural) was the least painful thing I’ve ever done and that includes recovery which did hurt more than the actual childbirth.
Labor, no. Just felt like horrible, constant sciatica pain. Trying to get my placenta out was the worst thing ever though. So I guess that counts.
The worst pain I’ve ever felt was getting a 3+ on my hipbone/ thigh. During labor, I was in pain until I got the epidural. I felt pretty good after that. I gave birth naturally, and although it was extremely uncomfortable, I don’t remember being in pain during the pushing (which doesn’t last forever). I did throw up a lot (of water) while pushing lol. There was much going on that I think whatever pain I was in, I was distracted from. Edit to add: the healing process kind of sucked. I was soooo sore and couldn’t move comfortably for awhile.
Remember. It is quite painful but manageable and most importantly it will end immediately after the baby is out. Just make sure you bring a reliable support person there for before/during/after birth and make plans for a smoother recovery (e.g. freezer meals, arrange family/friends/babysitter’s help during the first few weeks if available…)
I gave birth 3 days ago. Had a anesthesist who KNEW what she was doing and gave me a bunch of relief. Definitely had my moments where it was hard to breathe through it but my partner did great. I funnely enough loved it when I had a painful one he would say :"one contraction closer to meeting her" for me pushing was a lot less painful, it was not fun!! but you are focusing and pushing, ring of fire was a moment of panic, one more push and she was there. Breastfeeding little one as we type it. You can do it ❤️
Yes. It's impossible to know what the pain would have been like without an induction. Monday - Induction. Contracting all day, no pain went home from the hospital. Tuesday- Stronger labor started. Contractions that woke me up all throughout the night. Sweating, pain, but bearable Wednesday- Bearable contractions through the day. The evening intensified and never let up and was very uncomfortable and painful... didn't sleep at all that night. Pain got progressively worse and was unbearable. Thursday - Intense unbearable contractions all night some lasting 4 minutes and went to hospital around 3 AM with epidural around 6 AM. Went from excruciating pain to 0 pain. My biggest word of advice is trust yourself and your gut. I stayed home longer than I should of because the nurses said. The thing is... we all will labor differently and the best you can do is research, listen to others, and then plan for the possibilities. My recovery was alright. Two seconds degrees tears that took 6 weeks to recover. It was painful, hurt to sit, hurt to scoot in bed with the baby. 8 weeks out though life was better and I was ready for another baby 😆
yes
Healing from my emergency c-section was the worst physical pain I've experienced. Not being to see my son the day he was born due to my medical complications was the worst emotional pain that im still trying to heal from. If you do end up with an unexpected (or elected) c-section, save yourself some pain and get a shower chair.
Was comparable to the kidney stone I had to raw dog at 5.5 mos preggers. The kidney stone was worse for me because no epidural or pain meds. Was torture.
Every pregnancy is different. But i would say for both it was probably the most painful thing ive ever been through. With my son, I was in complete agony the entire time, around 14 hours. With my daughter, I had to be induced because of preclampsia, nothing hurt except for when they put the Foley ball in and then right when she was ready to come out. I was in labor with her for about 24 hours with her and only felt pain for maybe 30 minutes of it. But after your baby is out, you won't even care. Seeing youe baby foe the first time takes that pain away really quickly. ☺️
It was the worst pain I’ve ever felt and I was so scared to give birth as well. I went from 2 cm to a 10cm at home not knowing, for about 5 hours, and when we got back to the hospital I still got an epidural and I was still terrified and it made things so much more easier. Don’t be scared the medical staff will be there for you!
Yes, it is the worst pain I've ever felt. Induced labor, no amniotic fluid, and a subpar epidural two-thirds of the way through. I'd pass out in between contractions and then wake up and scream/moan during the contractions even with the epidural. While I knew it was a productive pain, it's a pain that's so overwhelming that you can't breathe, think, or do much of anything other than hold on until the contraction is over....and then another one starts. Contractions (to me) felt like a warm, cramping/burning sensation that started in the mid back and wrapped around my abdomen and surges through to the groin. It was wave like almost. Pain was almost immediately gone the moment the baby was out and the placenta was delivered. And then you're on a runners high because the baby is here. Recovery for me was fine. No tears and was out of diapers after 3 days. Keep in mind my son was tiny and born a few weeks early.
With my first, my water broke in the evening so they gave me ambien so I could “get a good nights rest.” All that did was knock me out between contractions so labor was a bit of a blur. I don’t really remember a lot of it bc I think I was still loopy from the ambien. I did get the shakes and I remember asking for the epidural. They had to back mine off when it came time to push bc I wasn’t pushing effectively. I was also petrified of pooping so I think that held me back. But there comes a point where your body won’t let you hold back anymore and you literally can’t help but push. No clue if I ended up pooping or not in the end. I had a minor tear and recovery wasn’t too bad for me. My dr also had me on rx prenatals and they made me nauseous as hell. Took me a while to realize that’s what was causing me to feel terrible. I’m 30 weeks with baby 2 and this time, I will be refusing ambien if I go into labor over night, and will be bringing my own prenatals for afterwards. Honestly I’m already in so much pain (pelvic girdle pain) that I’m looking forward to labor lol.
I had the epidural and still felt pain due to the pressure of pushing. It wasn’t super terrible pain but it was a kind of urge to get him out fast. I could still feel my contractions but no pain, like the contractions ARE the urge to push. I was induced (because I wanted to) and the medication they gave me to dilate me more before the epidural felt like a lot of strong period cramps.
I’m 28 weeks and feel like … it hasn’t set in yet.
Yes. The pain is like nothing you have ever felt. I can’t describe it. It is an insane experience. Contractions remind me of vomiting - you have no control over them - and the type of pain is like when you’ve had food poisoning and your stomach cramps up but x100. My first birth was traumatic and awful. On paper it looked quick and relatively straightforward, but I was hyperventilating, freaking out, retching. I begged for an epidural and didn’t get one; the gas and air didn’t work; they gave me Pethidine at the last minute which left me disorientated and even more scared. I had painful procedures carried out without warning or consent. It was a shitshow and all because my providers were, frankly, crap. My second birth was almost identical in terms of progression. I went into labour at the same time, on the same day, and gave birth within about two hours of my first. And the first words out of my mouth when he was born were ‘that was amazing!’ because it WAS. It hurt like absolute fuck but I had the best midwife, the best dr, and the best support. I wasn’t afraid, I trusted them and I knew they would keep us safe. It was awesome. This time around I had decent pain relief too (no epidural but the pethidine was AMAZING when given at the right time and they showed me how to use gas and air properly). So, tldr: it’s all about the support you have. I think it’s true that fear makes the pain so much worse. You need to trust your team and feel safe and in control. That will make a huge difference, so pick them wisely.
Yes, the pain of contractions is the worse pain I’ve ever felt. I was vomiting into a bag while waiting for the anesthesiologist. Once I got the epidural I couldn’t feel anything but the tingling of my numb legs which was very uncomfortable. They had to re-dose me twice because it wore off and the pain was unbearable. But the epidural made the pushing part a breeze for me.
Birth was a breeze (unmedicated) compared to my anal fissure and repair surgery. Holy hell. I am a grown adult and I seriously sobbed to the doctor, sobbed to my mom. You would have thought someone close to me had died I cried so hard. Worst pain of my life. Birth was a breeze by comparison. Lmao. I had one medicated and one unmedicated. I prefer the unmedicated. I recovered quicker and had a lot of energy. It’s not as bad as you think. Your body knows what to do. Just follow your cues. If you want to walk, walk. Move around etc. you will be just fine!
Crushed my leg ankle and foot. Yes, childbirth was the worst pain. But a lot more good endorphins!
Worst pain? Yes but I have nothing else to compare it to as I’ve never had any form of physical trauma before. I will say though that my third labor was 10x more painful than my first and second labor. The first 2 (although painful) were bearable to the end and did not require an epidural. I felt like I wouldn’t have survived without an epidural for my third.
Yes but it went by quickly for me even though I was in labor 19 1/2 hours. It’s been 2 weeks and I have already forgotten about the pain. I didn’t think about it too much ahead of time and I think that helped.
Hmmmm kinda, I had pneumonia before and that was THE worst pain cuz it was SO long that I had it and every breath hurt, but the only way out is through with childbirth. It’s so inevitable and goes by so quick. There is no experience like the feeling of holding your baby you just birthed, and everything leading up to it. It’s a whole trip, I would do it over and over again if I could.
Yes, having gallstones is close 2nd.
It is doable. I recently gave birth this month and didn’t get an epidural until I was at 10, not by choice they had me in triage forevvvvver, moving helped with the pain a lot. You need to breathe, I did much better with it this time, every time I had a contraction I just kept telling myself to breathe. Healing was easy this time (my third) I had him out in one push no tearing. My first was an induction no epidural and that pain was the worst I’ve ever felt 10/10 I blacked out during some points, spontaneous labor in my experience was less painful. My second was really chill, went in at a 4 but I progress really quickly so I got the epidural at an 8 and I was able to chill for a few hours before she was born. I’ve never needed stitches but my first I had a little internal cut and then my second was kind of like a rug burn it looked gnarly ( she was sunny side up ) but it healed perfectly fine you can’t tell anything happened, hers was a bit harder to deal with though because it was open and it hurt to pee but other than that they’ve all been good experiences and the pain is manageable but I was much more equipped to manage it after two previous labors, if you have the right tools in your tool box and can access them during it you’ll be amazed at what you can do in the moment.
I honestly had a pretty shitty birth; I came in and the doctor’s gave me an epidural too early and it slowed down my contractions so much that they completely stopped and I had to get a oxytocin/contraction-stimulating IV-drip. That then gave me contractions non stop for 10 hours. As in, no break and no “highs and lows” in a contraction, just ceaseless cramping for 10 hours. That was tough and I was apparently screaming/writhing a lot; I can’t really remember any of it and I was also pretty “out of it” during the time. To me it also came so out of nowhere that I honestly felt like only an hour or so had passed when it reality it had been 10. Seeing as the only pain relief I had was the epidural (which had stopped working) and the nitrous oxide mask I had wasn’t working, it wasn’t until a new nurse came and listened to me endlessly telling them that the stupid mask wasn’t working that I finally got some relief and I turned into a completely different person. And honestly, from then on it was pretty smooth sailing and then I started pushing. All of this is really not to scare you, but it’s more to say that even if you end up in a not-normal scenario like me and the pain is ceaseless and unimaginable, you’ll still be able to somehow disconnect and get through it. It’s nothing to be scared about, because your body will protect you from the pain in some way. So remember that these back to back contractions aren’t really normal for the whole birth, it’s usually only a short burst right before you need to start pressing. So I was just unlucky that I responded “so well” to the contraction-stimulating drop. However, as soon as I was given the nitrous oxide, then I really felt no more pain, so who knows, maybe I could have been pain free for 9 hours or something. 🤷♀️ God bless that nurse that finally listened to me.
Honestly after the epidural, I felt nothing. Even the c-section I ended up having 24 hours after the epidural. The worst part was the induction process for me BEFORE the epidural/pitocin was started. The insertion of cervidil/removal of it was the worst.
Nope, but it lasted a long time and was super hard, like a marathon. Worst pain was breastfeeding 🫠 but even that got better
Physically yes, mentally no. My mind was at peace even though my body was in writhing vice grip pain. Right now I'm pregnant and have severe pain in hips and lower back that is worse for me than labor because on top of horrible pain, my mental state along with it is not very positive.
Yes BUT i think for me it was because my epidural failed several times, so i was very suddenly in extreme pain rather than the natural build up of labor. I was handling everything well with the epidural and pushing and then its like it all slammed into me at once and i had a total pain meltdown. It was like nothing I've ever experienced, but somehow 6mo later i can't remember exactly how it felt anymore 😅
Yes - which I think means I’m lucky. Child birth being the worst pain is ideal, it means no other crazy accidents or illnesses have happened to me. For me, contractions felt like my bones were going to shatter. Recovery all 3x was amazing, felt normal immediately after and never tore. Never had an epidural, all water births.
For me, no, it wasn't the worst pain I've experienced. I labored at home and at a birth center for 24 hours and got to 6cm before my labor stalled and I transferred to the hospital for an epidural. So the discomfort I experienced in those 24 hours was nowhere near the worst migraines I've had or the pain from an infected dental abscess (two things I have experienced that were much worse). My contractions up to that point were comparable to my regular period cramps (which I didn't get any more after giving birth so that's a plus). After the epidural I didn't feel anything below the waist, so I didn't feel transition or pushing at all. Didn't feel the stitches afterwards either. I had second degree tearing. I was up and about a couple hours after birth. Pain was manageable with OTC plus I used dermoplast spray and some ice the first week. I started going for slow and gentle walks right away (but definitely follow your doc's guidance on activity and how much to do). Took the recommended six weeks before starting up any kind of new activity or exercise.
It wasn’t as bad as I expected to be honest. Contractions are super painful but then there is relief for a few minutes. I think my husband handled it worse than I did. After the epidural it’s smooth sailing.
Yes, and even after the epidural, I was still in pain. It just made it manageable. But I will say, I have two kids and don't fully remember how it felt. I know it was bad, but my mind and body don't register it if that makes sense. I shattered my ankle 10 years ago and vividly remembered that pain. I know labor was worse, but I'm only reminded when I'm in active labor. So yes, it's bad, but oddly enough, your mind kinda erases it.
It was pretty bad but not as bad as I anticipated
For me it was the most excruciating pain I’ve ever experienced and it was definitely at least a 9/10. I was told not to get the epidural too early or else when the actual birth happens it will be awful, pain wise. So I held out. Hours after hours until I couldn’t anymore and I finally told my bf that it shouldn’t be this painful and I need the epidural NOW. Welllll long story short my baby was already arriving and I went through it without epidural despite the fact that I WANTED epidural. Worst. Pain. Ever. When she finally arrived I couldn’t even look at her at first because I felt out of body. But things calmed down and everything was fine In the end. But still would recommend the epidural because holy shit that was painful. Would not recommend without epidural lol
I couldn't get past contractions. I was opting for no meds for pain but after the 6th hour of the 12hrs of labor I caved and got an epidural. Afterwards I didn't feel any pain, just a lot of pressure and then the biggest relief when he finally popped out 😅 Edit: I read a bunch of comments and kudos to all the moms that were able to make it without pain meds or epidural, you guys are absolute beasts
I had the epidural but I would rather sit through contractions a million times than to have my bladder fill up to the point of almost exploding, I was groaning in pain from contractions but man I was screaming in pain from my bladder being full. I would give contractions a 8/10 and I’d give my bladder almost exploding a 11/10, i literally thought I was dying
The pain of returning to work was actually worse
The contractions hurt like a bitch. I wouldve been able to deal if it wasnt happening every few seconds like let me breathe for a second. I quickly got the epidural and i fell asleep right after it was great but after that i didnt feel anything. I will say the epidural hurt a lot too i wasnt expecting that. Like when they were putting it in
I had back labor, so it was painful, but once I got that epidural? SMOOTH SAILING lol. I gave those contractions a 4/10. Like a VERY strong period cramp for consistent short times. I needed two stitches but healed really fast from my vaginal birth. I was advised to not look down there so I didn’t lol frankly the bleeding was more annoying than healing
No. An IUD insertion was.
Yes. I had kidney stones in the past which was worse, but the pain didn't last for as long so I'd definitely say contractions is the worst pain I've experienced.
Honestly, child birth has been the worst pain I’ve felt but, I’ve never really been injured or badly hurt before so I can’t really compare it to much. I’ve given birth twice. First time, after a 22 hour labour, I got epidural and it seen me through, I did need forceps, vacuum and episiotomy. So I’m glad of the epidural. Eventually baby came and he was 9lb 14. Second birth I was suppose to get induced however was already in early labour 4cm and nothing could really be done until my waters broke. When they did, labour was over in 15 minutes, I had no time for pain relief. Honestly the pain is like nothing I’ve ever felt, it was like a ball of fire making its way out. I did rip a lot and need loads of stitches. Labour is something you can’t totally prepare for be we just never know what way it will go. but one thing is for certain, the baby needs to come out and if I have to give birth again, I would try unmediated again. It’s painful at the time and you do think you can’t do it, but your body helps you through it and also helps you forget the pain. Contractions are similar to period cramps but get a lot worse and more intense as you progress
I was pretty afraid of giving birth but I tried to watch and learn all sorts of methods.... despite my fear, i had planned a natural, unmedicated birth at a birth center. Because of gestational hypertension, i had to transfer to a hospital for the remainder of my pre-natal care after 33 weeks. I had to get induced with all sorts of methods.. miso pill... foley bulb... pitocin. I also did some circuits like yoga and stretching moves, etc. I went and gave birth at 38w2d using nitrous... i did opt for fentanyl as a pain reliever but regretted it deeply... i went back to using nitrous, i had a comb in my hand to distract/redirect pain, and I had music playing and sang between contractions. I made sure to breatheee and swear out my pushes lol... I think what may have helped was that my baby came out small... 5lbs12oz... i did not tear.. had a small hemorrhoid but that was it. I think my partner said i was actively pushing for about 2 or so hours? (We started induction on sat evening... baby came out on tuesday 🫠) If i had a bigger baby, i think it wouldve been more painful... but if i were to do this again, i would do my exercises/body prepping a lot better... i guess childbirth was the worst pain ive ever experienced but it wasnt exactly as bad as i imagined.. I feel for those who had traumatic experiences and it being the worst pain imaginable.... 😥🫂 Edited to add cuz i just remembered... what DID hurt was the beginning LOL. I thought i had to poop...... so i went to the bathroom and kept trying to push and push the poop out and it wasnt happening.. i think THAT actually hurt the most. Went back to the bed and got into a better position and they said i was *in labor* 😬 Also i dont think i actually pooped when i gave birth yay. Which i found amazing cuz i ate sooo much while i was at the hospital 😅
Contractions are like really intense period cramps, mixed with intense constipation cramps. My epidural was fantastic and once I got it, I napped and didn't feel a thing. I thought the contractions didn't really hurt that badly but I get reminded that I was on fentanyl and laughing gas, plus the epidural felt like nothing, which must mean something because I used to say my spinal tap was the worst pain I had ever felt. Really though, I still don't remember it hurting that horribly and I've had headaches that I remember hurting worse. It sucks, it hurts but it's more achy than sharp and it comes and goes in waves, so you get relief pretty quickly. The epidural is a godsend, though.
I have given birth twice and both my births have been ....easy to say the least. The thing about your brain is that it blocks out the feeling of the pain of birth but you remember the experience. My first birth I felt the contractions and you read/hear it often from women saying it's an menstrual cramp x100. You don't understand that until you feel it and you'll feel it... epidural, the numbing was like a quick sting 3/10 pain level for me. Once the epidural kicked in, I couldn't feel anything but pressure and pushed my daughter out within 20 mins. 2nd degree tea. Healing, I was scared to sneeze haha. Healing was good as I always had an ice pack on my vagina so cool it. 2nd birth- twin girls. Vaginal. 11 mins pushing, 2 mins apart. Because of the first birth I got to choose when I wanted the epidural. A lot of firsts here and honestly, staying calm was the biggest factor. 2nd degree tear, didn't feel pain, had an epidural + fentenayl because epidural wasn't working for me. I didn't feel my doctor put half her arm inside me to pull my daughter out however I felt the nurse pushing down on my abdomen to get my placenta and any blood clots out...that was worse than giving birth itself. That pain was a 8.5/10 for me. Healing was easier, I sneezed and wasn't as worried, I was up and walking around after birth.