What Can I Do If I’m Afraid of Giving Birth?

Being apprehensive about giving birth, especially if this is your first time, is understandable. Most women’s number one fear is pain during childbirth. 

A pregnant woman wonders if she will be able to handle the pain or how much pain she will experience. Thankfully, women’s bodies are naturally built for childbirth. 

Knowing what to expect can help relieve those fears. At Lamb of God Maternity Homes, we ensure you get comprehensive healthcare and understand the birthing process. Let’s review the stages of labor and how you can make your delivery easier.

What to Expect During Labor and Delivery

Every woman experiences giving birth differently. No one can predict the amount of pain, time in labor, and emotional stamina for each woman. 

The Mayo Clinic outlines the stages of labor and birth. Here’s what you might expect:

Stage 1: Early Labor and Active Labor

Early Labor

Early labor is unpredictable. It may stop and start. For many women, early labor is not uncomfortable. The time you’re in early labor varies from hours to days. It’s usually longer if this is your first delivery.

To stay comfortable, you may want to take a walk, shower, or bathe. You can also try special breathing techniques.

Active Labor

Contractions become stronger and more frequent. Your body begins to respond more to labor with the possibility of leg cramps, an upset stomach, or feeling pressure in your back. 

Your baby is moving down the birth canal as your body prepares for delivery. Predicting how long active labor will last for each woman is impossible. 

To become more comfortable, you can try changing positions, rolling on a large rubber ball, taking a shower or bath, or having a gentle massage.

Stage 2: Giving Birth

The second stage of labor is delivering your baby. It can take a few minutes or hours. At this point, it will be time to push. 

You can push while squatting, sitting, kneeling, or in another comfortable position. With each contraction, you push to help move the baby through the birth canal. Guidance from your healthcare provider helps ensure effective pushing.

Your baby’s head is delivered first, and the rest of the body follows shortly after. When the baby is born, your partner or healthcare provider cuts the umbilical cord, and you can hold your newborn.

Stage 3: Delivery of the Placenta

You deliver the placenta typically within 30 minutes. You’ll experience mild, less painful contractions to move the placenta into the birth canal and out of your body. 

Once you deliver the placenta, your uterus continues to contract to help it return to its usual size. Massaging your belly helps the uterus contract and lessens bleeding. 

Simple Breathing Techniques Can Lessen the Pain

Learn simple breathing techniques to minimize pain. The more relaxed you are during labor, the less pain you will feel. The 4-4-6 method is the easiest. Breathe in through your nose for a count of 4, hold it gently for a count of 4, and slowly breathe out through your mouth for a count of 6.

Free online and in-person classes help you learn other simple breathing techniques. Consider the Lamaze or Bradley methods.

You can also opt for medical pain management, such as an epidural. Resources are available to help you navigate the experience.

We’re Here for You

Being afraid to give birth is normal, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Lamb of God Maternity Homes, we’re here for you. Learn more about the support and services we offer at our maternity homes.

Contact us today to learn how we can help.