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1320677 tn?1305757368

how bad is it?

everyone tells me not to pack my best pj's, robe, slippers etc for my hospital bag because everything gets dirty. they say im going to bleed a lot. and make it seam as if everything is going to get stain and dirty.

is it really that bad?
i have the big fat maxi pads for that reason, wouldn't that work?

also,
Any advice about being scared for the big day ( labor)
im 38 weeks pregnant and im starting to get a lil nervous. at the same time im very excited and anxious to meet my baby girl. so im not really thinking about labor right now. im just scared that when i do go into labor ill freak out and be scared and not be able to control it. because i never dealt with the fear. not just that, scared about Any complications, pain, not being able to push her out. i think im freaking out already.lol
12 Responses
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1345697 tn?1430619021
I agree with the unknown being the worst. I was afraid of the epidural and it was NOTHING. I was afraid of hurting immediately after and I didn't. Don't get me wrong, I took lots of meds and I didn't walk until day 2 and I was sore, but it was nothing that I had anticipated and so much more manageable. Nurses and hubby made it even better. As for my own clothes, I brought them just in case and couldn't wait to be in them. I wore a gown the first two days because my epidural stayed in and I had to have an open back, but I had my own socks and slippers on as soon as I made it to my room. And on Day 3, I showered, put on my own pjs and have been fine ever since. Yes, you'll bleed and everyone is different, but they give you these super sweet panties and very LARGE pads and all is well.  Take what you will comfortable in so you'll have it when they give you the go ahead to be in your own clothes.

Two things I'd offer-- Drink TONS of water. Have the nurse keep your pitcher full all of the time. And as soon as you have a chance to get up and start walking, DO IT. It won't feel great and you'll be slow but the sooner you start and more you continue the quicker you'll heel. But don't push yourself too hard and let others help you, so you'll be at your best for baby.
Helpful - 0
1244180 tn?1325899111
my first two i bled through everything like crazy with this one i havnt bled much at all.... i packed white zebra print pjs and they still are like newbut with the first two i threw a few pair out cause of heavy bleeding
Helpful - 0
1293887 tn?1332702847
Hi all

I feel like I am in the same boat.  I am 38 weeks and 3 days, this is my third baby.  I have been having so many false starts I am petrified I am going to have the baby so fast I won't make it to hospital on time.  After labouring all night and day with my daughter I made it to hospital with about 10 minutes to spare before she was born.

With the blood part you do bleed A LOT.  The key is to change regularly.  With my first I didn't realise I was going to bleed that much so when I woke in the morning I was covered, it was disgusting.  Just remember to change frequently and wear maxi pads and you should be fine.

With the pain sunworshipper is right - it all depends on how well you deal with pain.  I didn't have any pain relief with my first two, not even the gas.  I do remember with my first when I got to the hospital I was 8cms and I was like I need something please give me something but I was too far gone to take anything and the gas wasn't hooked up so I was out of luck.  I managed to do it without pain relief but I know if I was given the option I probably would have taken it but since I didn't have the option I just had to deal with it - as painful as it was!!!!!!!!  With my daughter (my second) because I had done it with no pain relief the first time I knew I could do without it the second time.  Water is a HUGE form of pain relief!!!!!  It's amazing how relaxed it makes you feel :)

With pushing in all honesty it comes naturally.  My midwife with my first always said don't worry you will know when to push because you will have the uncontrollable urge.  With my son I just couldn't stop pushing!!!!!  I never knew how to push and that was my fear but it all comes naturally.

Don't worry you will be fine.  Just stay positive and make sure you breathe through every contraction and remain calm.  Rocking helps a lot with those difficult ones.
Helpful - 0
1320677 tn?1305757368
sunworshiper lol no worries, it happens. damn phones.lol
i sure will try to go in with a positive calm attitude and try to control it throughout labor.


trying43 it sounds like u had good labors. i hope mine turns out like that. i will ask questions, trust me.lol i bought the always night time with wings maxi pads so i hope they do the trick.


ellbarneys im with you, Ive packed 2 pair of pjs. because as soon as i could change to my own cloths the better for me. i will be more comfortable and i guess its a lil comfort from home.
Helpful - 0
1385339 tn?1332947653
I have to agree that the unknown is the worst part.  I'm in the same boat.  Even having bleeding after having my cervix checked made me worry a bit.  

I have my comfy stuff packed and thanks for the tip on the dark underwear.  I have pads already packed (I haven't used them in years).    I know for me, I'll be more comfy changing into my own pj's rather than a hospital gown.  

And don't forget, don't be embarrassed to ask for pain medication.  The way I look at it, I take something for a headache, why wouldn't you for this.  Good luck.  
Helpful - 0
1346146 tn?1299360497
I was also scared with my first, I guess its the fear of not knowing what to expect, if your worried about pain, the nurses will educated you about pain control meds, epidural. About pushing, I know TMI, you push through your bottom just like when you have a bowel movement, I had an old nurse tell me that and it works! lol  I had an epidural with my first.  It worked good, so good they turned it off so I could feel to push.  My second I had a little shot of nubain, which didnt do much at all.  But the pain was totally manageable in both cases.  As far a being messy, I wore their gown during and after the birth and within a few hours the nurse came and helped me into the tub and got all cleaned up.  I wore the big always maxi pad with wings after that and my own gown and underwear and didnt have any problems, both times.  I think you will do fine, dont panic and listen to the nurse and ask questions and you will do great.  Good luck to you.
Helpful - 0
1330108 tn?1333677304
Cr@p sorry my iPhone froze and apparently went psycho!
Helpful - 0
1330108 tn?1333677304
I was told the same thing that basically everything would be stained with blood and that wasn't the case at all. I wore the hospital gown and their socks during labor and that got messy. I also wore a hospital gown and the "sexy" disposable underwear they provide. I changed into my clothes after the first day with no problem but I did continue to wear the disposable underwear for a few weeks. The only place that was messy was the underwear arrea and so either dark color panties or the disposable would be ideal.

I thought I was going to be scared too. I think it goes by how do you react in stressful situation do you stay cool and calm and deal with it or do you panic. I usually stay calm so I did and it was easy. Just remember this is labor not a death match people do this unmedicated and survive and then willingly do it again. :)
Helpful - 0
1330108 tn?1333677304
I was told the same thing that basically everything would be stained with blood and that wasn't the case at all. I wore the hospital gown and their socks during labor and that got messy. I also wore a hospital gown and the "sexy" disposable underwear they provide. I changed into my clothes after the first day with no problem but I did continue to wear the disposable underwear for a few weeks. The only place that was messy was the underwear arrea and so either dark color panties or the disposable would be ideal.

I thought I was going to be scared too. I think it goes by how do you react in stressful situation do you stay cool and calm and deal with it or do you panic. I usually stay calm so I did and it was easy. Just remember this is labor not a death match people do this unmedicated and survive and then willingly do it again. :)
Helpful - 0
1330108 tn?1333677304
I was told the same thing that basically everything would be stained with blood and that wasn't the case at all. I wore the hospital gown and their socks during labor and that got messy. I also wore a hospital gown and the "sexy" disposable underwear they provide. I changed into my clothes after the first day with no problem but I did continue to wear the disposable underwear for a few weeks. The only place that was messy was the underwear arrea and so either dark color panties or the disposable would be ideal.

I thought I was going to be scared too. I think it goes by how do you react in stressful situation do you stay cool and calm and deal with it or do you panic. I usually stay calm so I did and it was easy. Just remember this is labor not a death match people do this unmedicated and survive and then willingly do it again. :)
Helpful - 0
1330108 tn?1333677304
I was told the same thing that basically everything would be stained with blood and that wasn't the case at all. I wore the hospital gown and their socks during labor and that got messy. I also wore a hospital gown and the "sexy" disposable underwear they provide. I changed into my clothes after the first day with no problem but I did continue to wear the disposable underwear for a few weeks. The only place that was messy was the underwear arrea and so either dark color panties or the disposable would be ideal.

I thought I was going to be scared too. I think it goes by how do you react in stressful situation do you stay cool and calm and deal with it or do you panic. I usually stay calm so I did and it was easy. Just remember this is labor not a death match people do this unmedicated and survive and then willingly do it again. :)
Helpful - 0
1330108 tn?1333677304
I was told the same thing that basically everything would be stained with blood and that wasn't the case at all. I wore the hospital gown and their socks during labor and that got messy. I also wore a hospital gown and the "sexy" disposable underwear they provide. I changed into my clothes after the first day with no problem but I did continue to wear the disposable underwear for a few weeks. The only place that was messy was the underwear arrea and so either dark color panties or the disposable would be ideal.

I thought I was going to be scared too. I think it goes by how do you react in stressful situation do you stay cool and calm and deal with it or do you panic. I usually stay calm so I did and it was easy. Just remember this is labor not a death match people do this unmedicated and survive and then willingly do it again. :)
Helpful - 0
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