Nervous mama

I have been feeling the same way- and most people have told me to go in with a plan to help feel some sense of control - and be prepared to pivot. Also - watch positive birth stories. My due date is 3.5 weeks away. If it makes you feel any better - I have experienced everything you described (being sad and even 2 panic attacks!) - I think it is “normal” to feel that way. I also told my dr about how nervous I am and they went over all the pain relief options with me. That helped (a little). I’m interested on what others have to say to your post!

It is definitely normal. It is a scary experience but I like to remind myself women have been having babies for millions of years, so we can get through it.
It is helpful if you have a birth plan to feel a little more prepared, but like Emily said, be ok if you have to pivot.
Before I had my first baby someone told me "you don't win an award for doing it naturally, so go for the epidural." I was so grateful when I got my epidural with my first.
If you have time, you should read a book called Birth Vibes. It just gives you more of an understanding of the process and options and I wish I had read it with my first.
Also look up hypnobirthing on YouTube. There are a lot of guided meditations that help a lot with the anxiety

I was super nervous to give birth to my first son and was not looking forward to it at all. I saw it as a means to an end. I ended up being induced, in labor for like 20 hrs and pushing for 2. It definitely was the most painful thing I’ve ever done, BUT I’ve never felt stronger and more accomplished! Think about how awesome our bodies are! We’re growing tiny little humans and then we can push them out of our bodies! Thats insane! (Also I highly recommend bringing a speaker! I did calming music for labor and more upbeat music when it was time to push. I even included “under pressure” for my push playlist which I thought was hilarious until it came on. It’s still on my playlist this time around 😂)