A Woman's Fears

There's no doubt about it, labor and delivery are painful but necessary stages before you can hold your little bundle in your arms, but it turns out many women fret, and worry about more than just the painful aspect of childbirth. There are many things that happen during labor and delivery that aren't routinely or even privately discussed.

When if comes time to push, and in marches your doctor clad in rubber boots no less, you may wonder just what is about to happen. (In reference to Dr. Adams)

The truth is, there are other things that might decide to make a simultaneous debut appearance as well. Though extremely common, many moms to be get very anxious and embarrassed at the thought of urine or stools coming out during delivery, and sometimes this fear inhibits the will to push, prolonging labor, and making moms more prone to needing intervention (forceps for example).

One doctor, explains that when the baby's head is coming through the birth canal, it flattens the rectum, pushing any contents out as a result. Some moms are so worried about this normally private event, that they opt for an enema, but most doctors believe this is unnecessary.

However, if you feel it might help you give pushing your all, and the fear of the possibility might inhibit your efforts, you should inquire about it.

Another common fear is ripping or having to have an episiotomy. While most NB hospitals now only use this procedure (episiotomies, AKA cutting of the perineal tissues) as a last resort, many moms-to-be express this as a concern and state that they would rather let nature take is course.

It has actually only recently been proven that natural tears in the skin and muscle tissue heal much faster than the manual cutting performed by a doctor, are less prone to infection, result in less blood loss, and fewer stitches.

One local mom said she was afraid she would "never heal properly" after tearing "or feel the same again." Almost all painful sensations should however disappear within a few months of giving birth (if not see your doctor), and doing kegel exercises will help regain any loss of bladder control or loss of tightness in the perineal muscles incurred during childbirth.

According to the Wikipedia, 22% of women in Canada now experience a c-section in the place of vaginal deliveries. Up until the past decade, c-sections were only performed during emergencies, but are now commonly available upon request.

The top reason's moms give for wanting a c-section is usually, you guessed it, aesthetically motivated. But a large number of expectant mothers still fear the possibility of an invasive surgery, and rightfully so.

There are many risks involved when having to undergo a cesarean section, including a prolonged recovery time, potential for blood clots, infection, and an increased risk for additional surgeries (hysterectomy, bladder repair, etc.), and while there are risks for vaginal deliveries as well, they are said to be less common and less severe.

So while the fear may be justified in the risks and aftermath of c-sections, there may not be much you can do to protect yourself, other than follow your doctor's recommendations. You're better off not stressing on this one period, as worrying will also take an effect on your baby, and unless requested, the surgery will only be used as a last resort. If you are having a scheduled section, try talking to other moms who have experienced it.

It may be just another way for a woman to instinctively prove herself, but the thought of a vaginal birth being aided along by the intervention of such tools as forceps or vacuums, seems to bother a lot of women, for fear of feeling insufficient, or being a failure.

These tools are usually only used when needed, and a last resort, before heading for the O.R. for a c-section. So give pushing all the effort you can before they don't give you the option, and if they start your way with the forceps, try and remember that your baby doesn't think any less of you, and it doesn't make you any less of a strong self-sufficient woman. It is probably in the best interest for the health of you and your baby.

After you have the baby, you're not done yet. A surprisingly high number of women are not informed that they will have to push out the placenta, or sac that held the baby over the past near-year. Don't worry, this is much easier than what you just did. Though not the prettiest feeling in the world, still a necessary step.

While giving birth, and everything thing that comes with it, may not be at the top of your want-to-do list, especially in room crowded with strange people, it results in a great reward that you can reap the benefits of for the rest of your life. Just make sure your partner or coach knows what to expect, you don't want anyone fainting.