Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Natural Birth

Hi ladies , I was just wondering how hard is it to go through a natural birth or what is it like , should I be scared , will it hurt a lot ? Please help this is something I really want to do
13 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Oh and once the babies there, you will feel amaizing, no side effects to deal with, just the euphoria of having this little life in your hands.  There is nothing more amaizing.  And youll be ready to be up and about so quickly.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Had all 3 of my boys completely natural. Labor hurts, pushing is quick and exciting more than painful. I wouldn't change a thing, I labored 3 hrs with my first, 5 hrs with my second, and 45 min with my last. All were quick easy and the pain was completely bearable. Its well worth it to give it your best shot but like everyone has said don't beat yourself up over it if you "cave". As long as baby arrives safely and healthy that's all that matters :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Ive had 3 completely natural labors.  Yes it is hard, and it does hurt, but you can do it.  Really the worst part is when you hit the transition stage of labor, tgose last couple centimeters are the quickest, but thats when you may feel like giving up.  I personally disagree with the idea of going into it with an open mind, if you truelly want to be succesful going into it with the mindset that this is what your going to do no matter what (except in cases where its medically necessary)  is going to get you through it better.  There will probably be a point where you want to give up, but at that point you will be just about ready to push.  Homestly though despite the pain I still wouldnt want to do it any other way.  I like being able to walk around, and work with my body not against it.  
My sister actually wanted a natural labor but was pretty certain she wasnt going to be able to handle it.  She endured it pretty well for the active labor then it started to get too bad and asked for tge epidural.  Before they got it to her she was fully dialated.  Its just like I said above, once you get to that point your already pretty much done.  
Helpful - 0
5492154 tn?1374801006
I got an epidural with my first but it failed my second i went naturally with only one small dose of morphine because I was stuck at 9 1/2 centimeters for an hour and that was very painful but you can only image 9 1/2 is right at its about time to push but not quite and constant contractions lol. This one I think I will go naturally too. It's painful but manageable and worth it
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
With my first I was induced, and I got IV pain meds. Stadol made everything much better, but this time around I'm really hoping for a completely natural (med free) labor.

Look into breathing techniques, they are the first line of defence during contractions. My hospital offers labor classes where they teach you all sorts if pain relief techniques. I'm sure you can probably also find info online or in books.

As a general rule, stay moving when you can; walk around in between contractions, sit on an exercise ball, change positions. Also depend some time in the tub (before your water breaks) because it feels awesome.

Have your partner learn some massage and acupressure points, too.

Look into non-drug related pain relief like the examples above, keep a positive attitude, and you can have the labor you want.
Helpful - 0
5780464 tn?1374380306
Just go in with an opened mind. Try it, if it comes you do want an ep no big deal. Iv done it both ways. And with this one I'm gonna aim for natural but u never know. Last time I wanted an ep but I dilated too fast and baby came before I could get it lol :) you will be fine
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am planning on no epidural this time. My first one pregnancy I wanted one. The second I didnt but they forced me to at the end. I was having aweful back labor that they said was preventing me from really progressing. I guess your body fights it more. However... if youre well built and have strong muscles and core like I do an epidural can be more terrifying than going with out. I was stuck at 6cm and had been in labor for 24 hrs already. The pain wasnt terrible I was able to handle thay fine. I have a very strong core from working out and my job so they had a hard time sticking me correctly. I ended up only going numb on one side. Then they made me lay on my other side and max out the dosage. I coukdnt walk for almost a day. It was terrifying and I was furious at myself for letting them talk me into getting one.
This time around.. unless its medically necessary for well being of my baby they can shove it. Im never going through that again.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
In my opinion it's all about your mindset. Of you go in saying I wanna have natural although the epidural is an option you will likely end with an epidural. I went in saying I'm going to have this baby and there are no pain management options and I ended up going natural. If you know I'm your heart you van do it and you relax and let it happen things should go smooth.
Helpful - 0
4715985 tn?1371582997
im trying to go all natural. I think the idea is to know your limit. I know im horrible with pain, I feel dizzy and sick when I get a paper cut lol but since I found out im pregnant ive been working my mind up to calm down and actually believe I might be able to do this :) my main point is, 1-I dont want to be stuck in bed and 2- Ive heard stories (and I see how my mom struggles) of the back pains you can get years after. Of course not everyone gets them, but just seeing my mom and how shes struggling with her back since she had the epidural with me (21 yrs ago) and I know that she won't be able to hold my son once hes past 2-3yrs old. Im pretty sure that after a few months she wont be able to hold him standing up for very long either. And if I can avoid that, I would prefer too.....but im not being unrealistic either. If I can't take the pain, there's no point in pushing myself to exhaustion.

Im not scared of labour, actually im excited to see just how much my body can actually take. And I think ill be surprise too :) plus I want to see my son so very bad! And I've been doing some reading and breathing exercises, I feel very confidant! Read as much as you can, know your options, because they have more options then just an epidural and have a partner there to help you. My hubby will be with me and I made him read and exercise with me all the time so when the time comes and im under panick (which I know I will lol) he will be there and help me remember everything ive learned. PArtnes can be your hubby/bf/baby daddy, a friend, family member....anyone you are comfortable with and can rely on.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
im a FTM n i had it natural w no epidural. Well let me tell u that those contractions feel like cramps but from 1 to 10 they feel like off the chart. They do hurt but only the ones that are closer to like 9cm. N omg they do hurt but when u pushing u dont feel the pain only the pushing. Good luck
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Natural means no drugs.. Vaginal, although is natural- receiving an epidural is not having a natural birth. Going through contractions can be and is painful but if you go in with the mind set and proper breathing techniques you can do it. My only recommendation is, don't feel bad if you "cave", so to speak and get an epidural.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I was just discussing this with my best friend, who had a natural birth.. so none of this is from experience. I am not sure what I will do either. I hate being numb/out of control of my body and she said she felt the same. She liked the ability to get into more natural positions for labor.. lying in a hospital bed is not actually natural & it makes it harder for the baby to move through the birth canal. Natural births are generally shorter labors, as the epidural relaxes everything. Epidural also increases the possibility of having a c-section, but obviously women get them all the time & end up delivering vaginally. My other best friend wanted to have a natural birth, but gave into the epidural and was grareful she had in the end. I think it's different for every person! I usually hate being numb/out of control more than I hate pain. Let me know what you've found out & I'd love to hear other personal experiences/opinions!
Helpful - 0
4545793 tn?1394592544
I had a natural I got an epidural but I didnt rip or they didn't have to cut me my delivery was like a sec...dont be afarid bc u will stress the baby once u r in labor
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Pregnancy Community

Top Pregnancy Answerers
13167 tn?1327194124
Austin, TX
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Get information and tips on how to help you choose the right place to deliver your baby.
Get the facts on how twins and multiples are formed and your chance of carrying more than one baby at a time.
Learn about the risks and benefits of circumcision.
What to expect during the first hours after delivery.
Learn about early screening and test options for your pregnancy.
Learn about testing and treatment for GBS bacterium.