Energy for Labor?

[CanidFL]

So being a first time mom, I'm starting to get a little worried about labor and my energy level.

I have been pumped my whole pregnancy for my home birth. Well this past week was really hard. I am EXHAUSTED. Walking to the bathroom is even hard. My body is aching, I'm getting lots of period like cramps, my back aches to the point of me wanting to throw up, I can't sleep longer then 30 min at a time, etc. I'm sure you are all going through the same thing.

My question is.....do you get more energy for labor? I just could not imagine laboring for even 8 hours like this. I know from all my reading that you should walk and stay active during labor but if I can't even walk 10' without feeling tired how the heck am I supposed to go through labor?

I'm just getting really worried that I won't be able to do it. Is this normal?

[IntuitiveJamie]

Totally normal. I am feeling the same way right now with the exhaustion. But when it's go time you will have so many hormones as well as adrenaline kick in you won't even know what hit you. Especially since you are going to be able to allow your body to work completely naturally and efficiently, being tired now is the last thing you will be thinking about. Now I'm not gonna lie and say laboring isn't tiring because it is. I had a very short labor (3 hours) and I remember at one point thinking that I was very tired, but then you get into a new position or maybe pushing and you just keep on going. Don't worry mama, you'll make it!

[Daisie125]

Yep! I agree with the PP. I felt like death for the whole last month with DS (and this time too) and had I not been in labor, I probably could have run a marathon. Your body will get you through it!

[angelamclamb]

I have you ever had to poop really bad and sit down and try to hold it back, just doesn't work, you naturally have the urge to push it out.

Really, I know what your going through. You will be surprised at how much energy you can muster up when you don't think you have anymore left. Your body will know exactly what to do....but within a couple hours after the birth you will be exhausted from all the hard work and need some rest.

[AdalynsMama]

One thing you can do to make sure you are able to keep your energy levels up during labor is to make sure you have good labor snacks. Real fruit popcicles, frozen grapes, yogurt, fruit juice, ect. are the ones I'm palnning on having around. I had a hard time eating anything solid when I was in labor but I bet I ate an entire box of popcicles Hope that helps... And one other thing- You can do it!!!!!

[CanidFL]

Thanks mama's! I know I will be able to do labor and I know it's hard work I was just worried about my energy level because I never anticipated feeling like this at the end of my pregnancy.

I am scheduled to leave work on Sept. 14th (due date Sept. 17th) but I just don't think I will make it. I am going to talk to my midwife and see if leaving this Friday would be a better option. Then I can just lounge around the house and maybe even get some sleep