pregnant

[tracey ann..]

what pain relief is good during child birth as i am expecting in 19 days and want to know what works best

thanks

[Tups]

I found myself developing my own breathing exercises and the nurses were impressed by them. The important thing is to concentrate on the breathing out, so you don't hyperventilate. I breathed in through my mouth then rhythmically blew out the breath through my mouth in short puffs. (About 10 puffs per breath) It really helped! Also, try to keep mobile for as long as possible to let gravity help. I was made to stay on my back with my first pregnancy because I had suffered a thrombosis in early pregnancy and needed to be monitored. I ended up needing forceps. For the second pregnancy, I made sure I stayed standing and then, in the very last stage, knelt on the bed, leaning over a bean bag I had brought with me. That was brilliant!! The whole experience was so much better!
My daughter had an epidural when she had her baby and now wishes she hadn't because she didn't feel the baby coming out. Gas and air is ok, as long as you don't overdo it. I didn't feel my first baby come out but believe me, there's nothing better than feeling that little being slipping out of you! Thankfully, I felt that the second time and I still remember the feeling! Good luck; I hope all goes well. Be sure to let us know!

[lil75]

I would never have pethadine again....it makes you feel like you are on something really bad, its unbearable (turned me into a wild animal) and makes you vomit after the birth, so a big no no to that!!! Just stick with gas and air if you can, also as above post says, dont lay on the bed for the whole duration, will make it a lot easier for you...good luck! x

[sara3]

go into it with an open mind re pain relief. different things work for different people. the best you can do is try to stay calm and focussed. remember that the pain will end, and it will all be worth it! can you take some music in with you?

my tip is raspberry leaf tea. you drink it (but only in the last 2 weeks of pregnancy) and for me, it really made the whole labour so much quicker and easier. you can buy it in health food shops but you may want to get updated info on that as it's been a few years since I was there!

enjoy the last weeks of peace and quiet. go out to the cinema and places you probably won't get to with a tiny baby.

and good luck :o)

[tracey ann..]

hey guys thanks for all your help i will try the breathing thing and try to remember all the tips ill let you know how it went

thankyou x

[tigwig]

Epidural definitely! I started with a tens machine which was ok at first but as soon as regular strong contractions started it wasn't enough. I then had an epidural which unfortunately wasn't put in exactly the right place. It numbed my right leg completely but I could still feel every contraction. Just keep an open mind and see how you go. Don't forget the anaesthetist will need to be available to do the epidural so if you think you might need one then tell the midwife in advance! Good luck you will be fine, honest!

[k8bailey]

I had an epidural and gas & air, both lovely! hardly knew I was in labour!!

There are risks/side effects with an epidural, like it tends to slow the labour a bit but they can do things to speed it up again!

Talk to your MW about pain relief, coz u can get so many scare stories off the net!

Breathing is the main thing though but you will get p*ssed off with all the well meaning MW's telling you to breath!!

Good Luck!!

[naflharrison]

epidurals are awful and you really dont feel like your yourself after birth. they can cause problems with your back which can lead to physio and personally i find that bonding is not just as instant. dont get me wrong it bl**dy hurts giving birth and i wa initialy really happy to have an epidural with my first especially as i was affraid etc. when i had my son(second baby) i didnt get time for an epidural, and freaked out a bit with the usual talk of feeling that i couldnt do it without (of course we can!) i am now so so glad i didnt get that epidural as i had the most natural birth and felt my gorgeous boy being born and was so proud as i knew i had pushed him out all by myself and without the inevitable suction cap or forceps that usualy come with an assisted birth. its not as bad as you think it will be, keep moving as much as is bearable and enjoy it, its worth the natural birth in the end, you will feel in control and most importantly you will feel your body doing what its made to do. im only 28 and my son was 10lb 10ozs when he was born, if i can do it anyone can, trust me, good luck and remember to focus on the fact that as long as you dont have an epidural you are controlling it all and your body will show you what to do. enjoy the feeling of you baby being born and place onto you instantly. it something you willl never forget in a good way! im planning third and final baby for 2yrs time when my youngest starts school.