Pregnancy questions: labour pains and incontinence
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Here, Dr Graham Archard, a GP and spokesperson for the Royal College of General Practitioners, answers some of your most common questions towards the end of your pregnancy. Click on the links below to find the answer to each question.
27. How will I cope with the pain of labour? It sounds awful!
The pains of labour can be controlled very well and there's a number of pain relief options you can have.
Just remember that a lot of women have more than one child. So yes, it is painful, but not so much that it stops women from going through it again.
28. My growth scan says my baby is big and I'm terrified of giving birth. Could the scan be wrong?
It's very unlikely that the scan would be wrong. But that doesn't mean you have to worry. If you have got a big baby the doctor will assess your pelvis.
They won't let you go into labour naturally if the baby is too big to be born, they'll offer you a caesarean.
29. Will I be incontinent after birth?
No. You'll be shown pelvic floor exercises by your midwife, and if you do these regularly it strengthens your pelvic floor very quickly and you're much less likely to have problems.
| 1st trimester | 2nd trimester | 3rd trimester |
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More questions from the third trimester
24. Can I stop myself going into labour early?
25. Can I speed labour up?
26. What can I do to avoid a caesarian?
27. How will I cope with the pain of labour?
28. What if my baby is too big to give birth to?
29. Will I be incontinent after birth?
30. Will I get any warning before my waters break?
31. How can I reduce my heartburn?
32. Will sex ever be the same again after having a baby?
Where to next
- Week-by-week pregnancy guide
- The midwife's guide to labour, birth and recovery
- What are the stages of labour?
- More information about pregnancy screening tests
By Katie McPhilimy
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