OK, so this is my first pregnancy and I have so many questions!
First off, Im getting closer to my due date, and its crazy how quickly the weeks are going by! I'm 31 weeks today, so since my due date is coming up fast, I figured Id ask some questions before my next dr.s apt. in 7 days.

First off, no matter how many magazines, books or internet articles I read, they never tell what I'm looking for in an answer so here's the first question:

I know labor pains can be abdominal or in the form of back pains.
But is it possible for a woman to go into labor before feeling the contractions? Like, on all those bogus movies where women go into labor, they automatically start feeling labor pains, I know this can't always be the case, or can it?

Also, when you get an epidural, does it literally numb you from the lower-waist down? And if you're on an epidural, and you have to have an episiotomy, do they still give you a numbing shot? Or do they not have to due to the epidural? If they DO in fact have to give a shot, can you feel it?

Ive heard horror stories of women giving natural birth with no meds, and the initial episotomy shot is excruciating until the medication is inserted.

Im just really nervous about the whole birthing process, and being that it's my first pregnancy, I like to know anything I possibly can!

Any other facts or details about going into labor and giving birth that any one would want to throw in, will be much appreciated!

I am a labor and delivery nurse. I hope I can help answer your questions.

Let's start with contractions okay.

TRUE LABOR CONTRACTIONS
Usually begin in the lower back and slowly work around to the belly.

They become more regular and closer together

They usually start as mild aches and pains and become more intense and last longer

Walking is more uncomfortable in true labor rather than false labor.

Warm baths will not make true labor contractions go away.

You may notice "bloody show" vaginal discharge.

Now for FALSE LABOR

Contractions are usually located in the front, lower abdomen, not in the back and middle abdomen.

They remain irregular or they may be regular for a short time then either space out or stop.

They do not increase in duration or intensity.

Walking may relieve the discomfort.

Warm baths may relieve the pain.

These contractions may feel like the baby is "balling up" or your belly is tightening. These are also called "practice contractions."


when you get an epidural, does it literally numb you from the lower-waist down? And if you're on an epidural, and you have to have an episiotomy, do they still give you a numbing shot? Or do they not have to due to the epidural? If they DO in fact have to give a shot, can you feel it?


Yes, the epidural numbs you from right below the breasts typically down to your feet.

An episiotomy is not always necessary. Tears happen and are much easier to heal. They may or may not give you a local anesthetic (shot) for the repair of the tear/episiotomy, it all depends on your level of numbness. Most women I have assisted with do not need the shot. If you have to get it, it only feels like a little pinch. Some women have described it as a "quick bee sting."


Ive heard horror stories of women giving natural birth with no meds, and the initial episotomy shot is excruciating until the medication is inserted.


Again, we try not to give an episiotomy if at all possible.

I hope this helped. I know the first pregnancy/labor and delivery can be very frightening. I will help you in any way that I can. Please understand though that I may not answer immediately. I am a volunteer here and answer questions mostly from work. So, if a patient comes in, I have to sign off. But we have some other wonderful women here to help as well.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Good luck to you. It's not as scary as it seems right now. It's truly a beautiful process.

but is it possible for a woman to go into labor before feeling the contractions? Like, on all those bogus movies where women go into labor, they automatically start feeling labor pains, i know this can't always be the case, or can it?

also, when you get an epidural, does it literally numb you from the lower-waist down? And if you're on an epidural, and you have to have an episiotomy, do they still give you a numbing shot? or do they not have to due to the epidural? If they DO in fact have to give a shot, can you feel it?

Ive heard horror stories of women giving natural birth with no meds,


Hi AllenS,

Adding to what J_9 has shared:

For some women, labor will begin with their water breaking and then contractions will start at some point afterwards. It only happens in about 10% of births however. Most women will experience regular contractions, often for some time, and their membranes will rupture during labor, or their care provider may suggest rupturing the membranes for them.

The epidural does numb many women, but others will still be able to feel some slight pressure, without pain, and have some movement of their legs. You would still remain in bed however. Having this effect can offer the benefit of sometimes being better able to feel the urge to bear down for pushing.

Plenty of women make the choice not use meds and will utilize other methods of comfort. There are many things a woman can do for herself, and that her support person can do for her, to help her manage labor if she decides she would prefer an unmedicated birth. Women who have made the choice to have an epidural, will benefit from these comfort methods until they are able to have an epidural.

You are wise to be prepared so that you can make informed decisions during your birth. It helps greatly to reduce some of the fear of the unknown if you know what to expect, what choices you may have, and what questions to ask your doctor so that you can have a good birth experience.

You two have been the greatest help to me thus far!
Especially coming from professionals.
My dr. lately has been in a huge rush and I literally have to ask questions as we walk down the hall since he's so booked up with appointments lately.

As for the Episiotomy info:
I heard that in different hospitals they try their best to avoid giving them, and just let it go through the natural process, and deal with the tear, rather than actually going through with an episiotomy.
I wasn't sure how common that was, so I thank you all for that information, because in all honesty my biggest fear was for having to get one. Lol


Also, another ( more than likely off-the-wall.. ) question is, when you deliver the placenta etc. afterward, they don't make it a point to carry it out directly in front of your view do they? Id think it probably look disgusting, and If they do I'd like to be able to tell them before hand " tell me to close my eyes before removing it so i can't see!" because since My pregnancy, my gag reflexes have been completely sensitive, as before I became pregnant, I didn't ever gag.

Again, thank you dolls for the help! Its such a relief to have answers from people who know what's going on!

Don't worry, you won't have to see the placenta. It actually is pretty interesting, but not everyone is into that sort of thing... :D

Whether you might have an episiotomy is a judgement call on your doctor's part, not a hospital policy. They won't really make that decision until baby's head is just about to be born. If necessary, many will now do what is called a "guided tear" which often is less invasive.

Episiotomies used to be pretty standard and, with some doctors, and in some areas/countries, they still are... especially for first time mothers. The thought was that they would prevent a tear, would be easier to stitch, would protect the pelvic floor muscles, and would heal better... none of which have panned out. They sometimes result in the very situations they were thought to prevent.

You can ask your doctor about things that can be done that may make an episotomy or any tearing less likely. However, if an episiotomy or tear does occur, most women are not bothered by having it or the after care.

I can't add much to what Doula has said above. I do very few episiotomies. Probably only about 2% of my deliveries get an episiotomy and only about 5% actually tear.

It's a common fear, but not so much a common procedure anymore.

I've heard that doing Kegal exercises before labor, in the few weeks before your due date, as well as asking a nurse to place a warm towel on the area, during birth can prevent chances or tearing in some cases. Would this be true?

I've also heard of something, I can't remember what its called, where you or your partner inserts their index and possibly middle finger into the vagina and press down in order to help prevent tears. But I don't know how adequate that is.

I've heard that doing Kegal exercises before labor, in the few weeks before your due date, as well as asking a nurse to place a warm towel on the area, during birth can prevent chances or tearing in some cases. would this be true?

Kegel exercises are primarily good for pelvic floor strength. Meaning that the help with the bladder afterwards. However, I still recommend them to any expectant mother. They can only help.



ive also heard of something, i can't remember what its called, where you or your partner inserts their index and possibly middle finger into the vagina and press down in order to help prevent tears. but i don't know how adequate that is.

During the early pushing stages I do a perineal massage, or some call it perineal ironing. I don't recommend a partner doing this, only someone who is experienced. It helps the stretching in a sense, but if you are going to tear, there is little that can be done to prevent it.

If the truth were known, tearing is preferred over an episiotomy. Healing time is much quicker.

Many times a small first degree laceration is barely even noticed by the patient. There is a medication called Epifoam that the nurse can give you that will numb the area while you are healing. It's wonderful.

So if you tear naturally, and its not a huge tear, do they not even deal with stitching it, as it's not a big setback?

And perineal massage! That's what that was. Thanks for enlightening me on that.
It sounded a bit sketchy to me, saying a partner could do it.
I haven't even thought about doing that, as neither of us have a clue what to do any how. Im leaving all that up to my nurses and dr. when the time comes.

How exactly do you do Kegals?
It is when you tighten your thighs, and vaginal muscles as if holding back when you have to pee?
I really need to start doing them and I don't want to be doing them wrong the entire time. Haha!

So if you tear naturally, and its not a huge tear, do they not even deal with stitching it, as it's not a big setback??


It can be large or small. Stitched or not. It's all very individual just like labor and delivery.

Sweety, let's not put the cart before the horse here. You don't know whether you will tear, and it's impossible to foresee that.

Big setback? Like what? You'll still be up and walking in about an hour or so after delivery.



How exactly do you do Kegals??
It is when you tighten your thighs, and vaginal muscles as if holding back when you have to pee?
I really need to start doing them and i don't want to be doing them wrong the entire time. Haha!

That's exactly how you do them! ;)

Well I knew that there's no way to tell whether ill tear. Lol
That was just a question out of pure curiosity. :P
I didn't know people are up and about, so soon after giving birth. Of course that also depends on how much life it takes out of each individual too, I suppose.

And I'm glad I know how to do Kegals!

Thanks so much for the answers! I know it probably gets tiring having to answer simple questions all the time.
So I appreciate it a lot!