Now that I’ve given birth, I can share five things with everyone that you may not know about labor and delivery. When I went to classes I heard the same information over and over, but when I was in labor myself, there were so many moments I thought to myself- “Why didn’t they tell me this?” I’m here to share those things with you today!
1. The first thing they won’t tell you is that your epidural may not work.
I went into labor knowing 100% that I wanted the epidural. Many friends of mine had gotten the epidural and told me that after it was administered, they felt no pain, were completely relaxed, and even went to sleep. That sounded amazing to me so I was all for getting one. When I got my epidural, nothing happened. It completely numbed my left leg and that’s it. I felt every single thing except my left leg felt like it weighed 500 pounds. I was later told that the epidural may not work for everyone. Had I known this, I may not have gotten it in the first place. When it comes time for me to have another baby, I will definitely be skipping the epidural.
2. You may throw up.
More than once. No one ever told me that I may start feeling very sick to my stomach and throw up. I kept telling the nurse I felt like this and she said that it happens to most people. I never knew that.
3. Nurses come and go and you only see your delivery doctor at the end.
I always thought I would have the same nurse the entire time I was in labor and never realized my nurses had a life outside of the hospital. When their shift is over, they go home and you get another nurse. Be prepared to meet lots of nice people when you’re in labor. I was also under the impression that the doctor who would deliver me would be checking on me the whole time. The nurses really do everything until you’re ready to push.
4. Modesty goes out the window.
I consider myself a very modest person and the thought of being in just a hospital gown and everyone seeing me exposed sounded horrible. When I was in labor, I could have cared less who saw me. Bring in the troops if you have to, just get that baby out!
5. You can do it!
Not everyone will tell you this. Some people only talk about how painful labor is and how difficult delivering a baby is. While that’s true, you can do it! If you’re pregnant right now and scared about giving birth, don’t be! Think of all the trillions of women who have given birth, and know that you can do it! You are strong and capable and you are in good hands!
I would love to hear from you if you have anything to share about something that surprised you during your labor and delivery. Leave it in a comment below.
Ivelize
Friday 16th of January 2015
To have that Encouragement at then end, I just want to say thank you! I am one day away from being 39 weeks pregnant, 8 more days to go. Even though I've have been a great sport to myself, your encouragement just made me realize I haven't heard it as often as needed! Thank you again :)
Sarah
Sunday 27th of April 2014
Just a note, I had a very similar experience with my first epidural. It was horrible!
With my second, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I talked with my very kind midwife and the anesthesiologist. I learned that each epidural is different. Sometimes the needle doesn't go in quite right; sometimes your body just doesn't react as expected; a number of things could happen, but just because it doesn't work once doesn't mean it won't the next time. My anesthesiologist agreed with me to wait as long as possible (I was dilated to about an 8 when I got the epidural), and then he administered a teeny tiny test dose to make sure it was working the way we wanted it to.
My second epidural was completely different than my first and I was able to deliver my second baby in a much less stressful (and less painful) situation. I got an epidural with my third as well and it was just as wonderful. With that one, we learned that I am highly sensitive to the anesthetic and don't need a large dose, which actually may have contributed to the awful first experience!
Anyway, good luck to all!
Krista
Wednesday 2nd of April 2014
#3 and 5 are very true!!
Mila
Thursday 20th of February 2014
Fortunately my epidural worked just fine, and yes my legs felt like they were 500lbs each I kept yelling my legs are falling off the bed... Haha I had no control. Talk about modesty... I delivered my baby on all fours. Yup on my hands and knees! Talk about an experience. So many things were going on, my water broke at home( in tub fortunately). The baby's head wasn't positioned in the center and we almost went into c-section. Her heart rate kept dropping so that's why I had to be in the all 4's position. And finally she wouldn't come out so they also had to use the suction on her head. I tore pretty bad they had to sew me up twice. The pain afterwards was unbelievable it felt like I had something up my pants. Sitting hurt too. But it's okay it was all worth it, because I have the most beautiful healthy little girl anyone could ask for. Praise God!!
Meggan
Saturday 1st of June 2013
I had all of these happened to me! I had chosen to forgo an epidural with my second but ended up having to have an emergency c-section at 36 weeks. I was flaming hot the whole time with both deliveries.