I am pregnant and have been at times getting the charley horse or leg cramps as they are called. Sometimes I will get the cramp around my toe and toe ring, and on the heel of my foot. That still is pain, but it stays and then goes away and returns within a minute. That pain is bearable. But now there have been on occasion just a couple times when either my left calf or right calf muscle will be cramping up, and that pain is very sharp…more like someone is stabbing my calf. I have to do something to make it go, like move or put pressure on it, its just in that calf though. Lets take the pain of labor and as women say it’s very painful, and others say it’s bearable. When you compare the cramping pain…should I imagine a calf muscle cramp pain spread around my belly and legs and perineum, is it that kind of pain just in more area, rather than just the leg or calf?
Chosen Answer:
I am the mother of two. I can tell you from talking with other mothers, (and asking the same question), that each mother experiences labor differently. In fact, my two deliveries were very different.
Many factors can differ the pain factor. Being induced can be a factor, also the method of induction. Often this can make for a longer labor. If this is your first child, that can also make for a longer labor, but not for all moms.
Labor pain can be felt differently too. I’m sure you have heard of “back labor”. This is where a lot of the pain is concentrated in the lower back. Some women say labor was nothing more than severe “cramping”.
I wish I could give you a better answer, but depending on your wishes, talk to your doctor. He/she can explain different methods of pain control. The best advice I can give is, know what is available, what your comfortable with accepting, and know it’s there if you need it. Then, just see what happens as it happens. Only you will know what is best for you.
The one thing that every mother seems to agree with that I’ve spoke with and agree to myself is, no matter how bad the pain, it is over as soon as the baby is born. Not one mother said to me that it wasn’t worth it. That baby in your arms seems to erase all hurt. It truly is a miracle.
by: jessnbethsmom
on: 3rd January 09