The trauma during and after an abortion is a well-explored subject. Medical complications can happen immediately or days, even weeks after an abortion. There is also evidence of long term physical damage as well. Click here to read more. Psychological damage can occur immediately or as long as decades after the procedure. If you find yourself pregnant you may be weighing your options between abortion and continuing your pregnancy. Doing your own research is necessary in such a life-changing decision and if you’d like someone to talk to simply scroll to the bottom to call, chat, or leave a message with us—we’re here to help.
The complications of abortion are scary and potentially permanently damaging to your health. But what about complications while giving birth and more importantly, how can they be avoided?
First, anxiety over giving birth during pregnancy is very common. When the anxiety starts to become overwhelming is when you should contact your health care provider over your concerns. The single most effective way to ease your anxiety is to make a plan. A birthing plan is something every provider, midwife, nurse, and so on should be familiar with—it is not only common but an easy way to avoid problems during child birth.
Most mothers are willing to share their birth story with others. Many have theories on ways in which their birthing experience could have improved. It wasn’t until I was doing research after I had my children that I realized my birthing experiences did not have to be the way they were. If I could do it over again, perhaps I wouldn’t because I delivered three healthy children without any complications during labor. Yet, delivering without complications should be the bare minimum of care and that is what I received from two out of three deliveries. For every delivery I had a different doctor due to me relocating.
During my first labor I was young and put my complete trust in my doctor. I went into labor naturally yet when I arrived at the hospital they gave me medication to speed up contractions, pain medications to ease contraction pain, and when the time came convinced me to get an epidural. This may be a great plan for some but the excessive medications made me extremely nauseated and since I did not have a birth plan it was standard protocol. Once my child was born, he was immediately taken to have a bath and to be accessed. I remember being incredibly impatient because I wanted to hold my baby that I had been waiting for the past months.
My second labor was a far better experience and I credit that completely to my doctor. She was kind and listened to all of my concerns throughout my pregnancy. When I arrived at the hospital she was there shortly after and was fully present throughout my labor. She knew that I wanted an epidural but no pain medication or pitocin (to speed up contractions). Since my doctor and I were on the same page and level of understanding the whole birthing experience was much more relaxed and enjoyable.
My third labor was by far the worst. I had a different doctor this time and I always felt rushed during appointments. I did not feel as if she listened to any concern I had and when I wanted to go over a birthing plan she said we would do it closer to my due date (I was in my third trimester at this time). We never went over my birthing plan. When she arrived to deliver my baby at the hospital she seemed annoyed that I opted out of the epidural. I knew I could handle labor on my own and I did. However, the tension between my doctor and I made me want to just get labor over quickly instead of focusing on doing what my body was designed to do.
The lessons from each of my birthing stories are vastly different. If I knew what I did now I would of had a much more memorable experience but I am grateful that I was able to deliver three babies with no medical complications. However, sometimes due to lack of birthing plans or lack of research medical complications do occur.
If I had done more research during my first pregnancy I would have opted out of all the medications I was given. My doctor regularly encouraged me to attend child birthing classes but I never did. My first labor would have gone much smoother.
Throughout my second pregnancy, my doctor was very reassuring. If you are comfortable with your doctor or if you choose a midwife or different method it’s one of the best ways to ensure a positive child birthing experience. Researching the hospital is also important in ensuring a safe labor. Depending on your unique pregnancy you may prefer certain aspects that are not important to someone else.
My third pregnancy and labor is where I learned the most. No matter what stage of pregnancy you are in, you can switch doctors. When my doctor brushed off my need of wanting to discuss my birthing plan that should have be a huge red flag to me. Your provider is there to support you during your pregnancy. Remember, a safe labor for you and baby is completely the bare minimum of care. Your provider should strive to provide an experience that you are comfortable with and if they’re unable to do so then you are under no obligation to stay under their care. You and your baby deserve respect throughout your pregnancy and during labor.
Are you pregnant and unsure what to do? You can get in contact with us and we can help you find assistance in your area.