As a labor and delivery nurse for over two decades, I've welcomed countless babies into the world – and I've seen just as many scared parents walk through our doors. Whether it's your first baby or your fourth, fear of the unknown is real. That overstuffed hospital bag? It's often packed alongside a whole lot of anxiety.
Here's the truth: most of your fears are completely rational. Let me walk you through the most common ones I hear, plus what you actually need to know.
Common Labor Fears (And the Real Story Behind Them)
Fear of Being Induced
This fear swings both ways. You're either terrified you'll need an induction, or you're worried you'll go overdue and your doctor won't induce you.
What you need to know: Inductions are incredibly common. My advice? Wait as long as is safely possible before trying one. If induction becomes necessary, understand exactly why it's being recommended and what your options are. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Worried About a C-Section
One-third of pregnancies end in cesarean delivery. That's a fact. While avoiding unnecessary induction can reduce your risk, sometimes a c-section is the safest choice for you and your baby.
Here's what helps: C-sections are one of the most routine surgeries we perform in labor and delivery. We do them constantly, and that frequency creates a well-oiled safety protocol that should actually bring some comfort.
If your doctor recommends one, make sure you understand why and what your alternatives might be. In truly urgent situations, you'll know – nurses will be swarming, and that's when you trust the medical team around you.
Scared of Dying During Childbirth
Let's address this head-on: yes, maternal deaths happen, but they're extremely rare. I've often heard it said that your drive to the hospital carries more risk than the delivery itself. Does that help put things in perspective?
Afraid of Pain
Yes, labor will likely hurt. But here's something I've observed countless times: the fear of pain is often worse than the actual pain.
Your options: If you're genuinely terrified, talk to your provider about pain management – epidurals, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), water therapy, hypnobirthing, or breathing techniques. Go into labor with a plan, not just panic.
Worried About Tearing or Episiotomy
The skin between your vagina and rectum may tear (or be cut – that's an episiotomy) as baby emerges. The thought is usually worse than the reality, especially if you have an epidural and can't feel it happening.
If it happens: Thank goodness for ice packs and Tucks pads (keep them in your fridge at home). Your body will heal.
Concerned About Pooping During Delivery
I wrote an entire post about this because it's such a common worry. Here's the truth: you cannot relax your rectum without relaxing your vagina and tensing up is like pushing against a brick wall.
When patients poop during delivery, I honestly don't mind. It tells me you're pushing in the right spot. I clean it up, we move on.
Fear of a NICU Stay
A NICU admission is never what any parent wants. But here's what I need you to understand: the vast majority of NICU stays couldn't have been prevented by anything you did or didn't do. Save yourself the unnecessary guilt and worry.
Three Ways to Reduce Your Labor Anxiety
1. Choose a provider you actually trust. Look for someone who presents you with options and explains their reasoning, not someone who simply tells you "this is best." You deserve informed choices.
2. Take a quality prenatal class. I'm not talking about classes that teach you to deliver at home by yourself. Find one that walks through the realistic steps of hospital birth so you know what to expect. Information is the antidote to fear.
3. Tune out the horror stories. Approximately three babies were born in the time it took you to read this sentence. Birth happens constantly – healthy babies are even born in cars and behind bushes. The nightmare scenarios people love to share are extremes, not the norm.
Birth can be scary. It can also be beautiful. While it's nearly impossible not to worry, remember this: you're stronger than you think, and you're in good hands.
Next steps: Learn the difference between hospital and home birth and download our hospital bag checklist.
About the Author Hilary Erickson is the creator behind Pulling Curls and The Pregnancy Nurse. She's been a registered nurse since 1997, with experience in hospice, geriatrics, and pediatrics, but has spent the last 20+ years specializing in labor and delivery and prenatal education. She lives in the Phoenix area with her husband and three kids.
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