getting panic attacks of labor :(

[hippobaby]

I'm 8 months, 2 days. I'm due in May and am terrified of going through labor. I have nightmares every night about it. I'm hearing different stories of epidural hurting and then contractions hurt way more.. People keep telling me it'll all be worth it, that I know. But it still doesn't help me face what I still have to do :( I'm scared of needles and having a hole stretch at 9cm terrifies the crap out of me. Any advice for a scared ftm??

[hippobaby]

Thank you ladies for the support!

[Raya82]

I was terrified for my first as well. I actually freaked out the day before I went into labor saying things like I wasn't ready and changed my mind about having kids. My son had other ideas. I was in labor for about 12hrs. Worst pain I ever felt and beyond imaginable for me. The worst part was having to wait until I was 6cm before I could get the epidural. The epidural was a god send, I didn't feel anything but a pinch and then the contraction passion went away. The "pressure" they say you feel is a lot of pain as the baby is ready for you to push. I actually waited to quit in the middle of it but the doctor kept reassuring that it was almost over. As soon as I got the head out all the pain went away and I had relief rush over me. My body was in shock for about 30mins and wouldn't stop shaking. After about an hour I could barely remember how much pain I had gone through. Sorry if this was tmi for you but hopefully it helps. It does get easier with each pregnancy. I'm on my fourth pregnancy now.

[Shannycakes]

I was terrified as well with my first. It is painful not gonna lie to you but once the pain starts something just clicks. You do what they tell you to and you go with the flow. At least that's what happened for me. Hoping you feel better soon.