Terrified of birth

So I’m currently pregnant with my third child (36 weeks) and ever since I found out about this pregnancy I’ve been terrified. I’m scared of giving birth vaginally but also scared of a c section as I haven’t experienced this. For context: First birth: had an epidural, pushing was very smooth as I could still feel the pressure, overall great experience. Had to have my waters broken. Second: had to have my waters broken, didn’t have an epidural even though I wanted one, contractions were super intense and I tried pushing for 2 hours, ended up being born with forceps, episiotomy was horrendous and what traumatised me (as well as the contractions that I couldn’t handle) . I’m scared I’m going to need an intervention again and if that’s the case I’d rather have a planned c section as opposed to an emergency one… obviously I don’t know this however it’s just a feeling as baby is measuring big again (second baby was 4.2kg) Just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience and what you decided? Thanks so much

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Hi, are you going private? If so, you can opt to be induced and have the epidural before starting the induction- then there’s no chance of missing out on it

@Clare no not private however I do have the option of being induced … so I would just say I’d like the epidural as well?

Oh true, I don’t see why you can’t let your care team know you want an epidural first 👌🏻 I’ve done that for both births and recommend it, especially if it’s your plan to have an epidural at some point either way

@Clare thank you so much, appreciate your reply

Hope it puts you at ease. Having that plan in place for me (induction with epidural first thing) made me feel in control of the process. My thoughts were: if I need an emergency C, I’ll already have an epi in place (tick). Things still weren’t all that smooth with my first, but i was well rested and avoided the pain trauma that I no doubt would have had without the epidural. All the best with your third 🙏🏻

@Clare thanks Clare! Glad you had a somewhat good experience 🤍

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