Having a child is one of the most exciting times in life. However, it’s also one of the scariest, especially if you’re the one who has to physically bring them into the world! 

As an expectant parent, you can hear all kinds of birth horror stories, as well as warnings about potential complications months early, both of which mean you have time to think about them… And they say pregnancy is supposed to make you glow! But you don’t need to stress yourself out. Here’s how to address some common birth worries.

Being Unable to Access Help

It’s common to worry about getting stranded while pregnant, or not being able to get to the hospital in time. And while it is a possibility, the likelihood that you’ll be unable to access help when about to give birth is small. 

Labour can last for hours, and even days when it’s the first time, and usually the second and third time will take upwards of 4 hours too. As long as you know the signs, you can call as soon as you feel the need for help - don’t worry about getting it wrong, as it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

How Much it Might Hurt

This is the main worry all expectant parents go through. The pain of giving birth cannot be understated, but you won’t be alone in dealing with it. Talk to your loved ones, especially your partner, about this worry and see how they can be there for you. 

Indeed, you can choose who will be with you when you’re giving birth, and where it happens too. Having control over both these choices gives you a lot more say in how the pain will be managed. 

However, sometimes this fear can be so overwhelming it impacts your mental wellbeing. If this is the case, mention the severity of it to your doctor as well. 

Something Going Wrong During Delivery

It’s true that birth complications are possible, and a delivery may turn out to be longer or more painful than expected, but these rates have been steadily reducing in the 21st century. While there are still various birth medical negligence stories out there, we know more than ever about bringing new life into the world. 

And there’s a lot of new methods and technology on the market that make it easier to offset birth difficulties before they even occur - you just need to ask your midwife about them if you want to know more.

Potentially Requiring Surgery

What if you need a c-section? Plus any smaller procedures, such as an episiotomy, can also be very scary to think about. But pain relief in modern medical procedures is second to none, and there's a good chance you won’t feel anything if it’s needed. And don’t worry, something like this can never be done without your consent! 

If you’re seriously worried about giving birth, it’s best to vocalise these concerns now and get some advice and support. 

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.