Embarassing Moments During Delivery

Totally common, they said it would most likely happen, have no idea if it did. Believe me they are prepared and it is not big deal.

I had this happen with my first, after an enema, they needed more room for my son to be delivered. My doctor and the nurse were very silly and praised me for it; kind of like you do when you potty train a child. But, it did not happen with my daughter, especially since I made sure I would not have to do the enema route again. I thought the doctor and delivery nurse were hilarious, I just hated the enema. YUCK!

I had never heard ANYTHING about this until about 2 weeks before my son was born. I was absolutely apalled, mortified, wanted to call off the whole thing! When the time came, that was the least of my worries and I couldn't have cared less. To tell the truth, I didn't know that I did (no idea, and that was with NO epidural) until I asked my husband about 3 months later, just out of curiousity. We were reminiscing about the whole experience and laughing at some of it (me screaming "I can't do it...that was easy" all in, quite literally, ONE breath). I asked about this, and he said yes I did (he was there holding my leg so he saw a quick glimpse but there was a pad there, and it was immediately swiped away by one of the people (doctor, nurse, I don't know). I answered "How embarassing" even though I didn't really mean it---there's a feeling of pride and accomplishment, along with overwhelming joy and tiredness that doesn't leave room for silly things like embarassment....his exact words to me were "oh please---do you know what ELSE comes out?" (LOL) It's just one big mess of blood, fluids, baby, etc. If it didn't come out, the birth wouldn't be happening. Just go with it and practice relaxation techniques. (OH---I took stool softeners afterwards, and it wasn't good enough!!!! OUCH. Your more important question regarding bathroom issues would be what is the best thing to help AFTER the baby's born! And let me know---I'm pregnant again!!!

It would be more strange if you didn't go on the table than if you did! Virtually every women does it. My husband said the dr. just wipes it away without a second thought. Once labor starts you will probably have the runs (your body's way of emptying out) but their will probably still be some left over. Don't worry about it, I can assure you that no one else will!

M.

I had the same fear but mine wasn't out of embarassment because at that point you have nothing to hide, but out of a cleanliness concern for my new baby. So I had a enema. I had to ask for it, otherwise I would have not been given it. But it was one less thing that I had to worry about. Don't worry too much it will all work out!!!

Wow you have a lot of responses! I think we can all say that we worried about this in the days and weeks leading up to the birth. I was so worried about it too, and I voiced my concerns to the nurses and my dr. They all laughed at me and said its so common and almost expected to happen. My mom told me that during the birth of her first, the nurses called her the super pooper, because it happened to her. She laughed about it too.
Anyway, by the time I was dilated to a 6-7, I kept feeling like I had to go to the bathroom (obviously b/c DD's head was right there!) I got up numerous times to go sit on the pot because I was determined not to have a BM during the delivery. (Oh, and I had the whole diarrhea thing when I first started having contractions, and I guess that really cleared me out - sorry if its TMI!)Long story short, once it was time to push, I didn't give it a second thought and I pushed with all my might! Three sets of pushes and DD was out, and never had a BM! All the worry for nothing!!! So don't dwell on it, you'll need to focus all your thoughts and energy on the new little life you'll be welcoming into the world! Congratulations!!

yes it happens... if it happened to me any of the three times I gave birth I have no idea. I had no drugs and there was so much going on that never entered my mind.... All you'll be thinking of is getting that baby OUT! If you do think of going to the bathroom it might make you lose your concentration. Ask for an enema (spell) if your really worried...

M., You are not alone. Very common. This has been happening to all of us for years. whatever your fears just ask. We've been there. Don't worry about that, just keep your mind on the sweet little one that's on his way. You will love being a mom because it sounds like your ready. I loved every minute of it. Mine is now 20 years old. Whhoooo, hard to believe. ENJOY.
Lonie

Hi M.,
Yes, it is common, and no it's not a big deal. My doctor encouraged me to go to the bathroom on the table because that's how she could tell I was pushing the right way. You have to "push through your bottom" to get the baby out. If you have a good doctor, he/she won't even mention it and just clean you up as you progress. And, honestly, you won't care at all. I was completely numb with an epidural, so I wasn't even fighting pain, but I didn't care. It's really fine and not a big deal.

If you're really that worried, you could always give yourself an enima if there's time, but it's really not a big deal. Really. They're doctors, they've seen much worse than a little poo.

Congrats! You're about to become a new mommy, which is the most amazing, wonderful thing in the world!

Take care,
Hilary

Hey girl! Trust me once your in labor and you are at the stage of pushing,you wont be thinking about anything but lets get this baby out! LOL Or that was me my 1st pg. I too was worried about this kind of thing but then once your there and been in labor for hours it really doesnt seem like such a big deal. Even if it did happen,which I doubt it will im sure the dr/nurses have seen worse or see it all the time so dont stress about something like that. You will be fine! Good luck!

Oh girl forget it! Your days of being embarassed are about to be over. Yes you will go 'poopy' on the table but everyone does and you wont even care, remember, or know. Poopy will become a huge part of your life. Enjoy every moment!!!!

With instructions like "push like you're trying to go to the bathroom", it's virtually guaranteed. They switch your pads and you will probably never even know it happened. Big deal? Ha - not even a little one. :)

S.

Mother of 5 here-including one set of twins: I have been given enemas before delivery to evacuate my bowels. Also the digestive and excetory systems shut down (as many OB-GYNs have told me) during labor-meaning delicately put that everything inside you is in "holding pattern." Don't worry, Mom, go have a baby. lol And as much is possible-enjoy bringing a new life into the world.

Nurse asked me if I wanted an enema I chose to have it so i wouldnt go.it definitly cleared my system before hand.if you are worried about just have an enema.Of course I was induced so not sure if it works that way when you go in labor on your own or not.Ask your doc I am sure they can tell you.Congrats on your little one!!

I understand your concern! I just delivered my second baby, first vaginal experience (first was c-section) and I worried about it a little ahead of time.

When I was pushing, it's hard to explain, I was so wrapped up in getting my baby out that it didn't matter anymore. And I did "go" on the bed, and I felt it, but the Dr. quietly asked for a napkin and that was it. It's very common and not "gross" when you're delivering a baby! So don't think another thought about it. Congratulations to you and blessings for a delivery of a healthy child!

I so agree - it happens. But for me it only happened with my first - the drs will tell you to push like you are having a bowel movement and so it can happen. BUT I wanted to jump in here and say, no matter how many times someone tells you to push like you are having a bowel movement - DON'T DO IT!! I have given birth to 4 children and I heard it every time! When I had my first child, I pushed like that for HOURS , all I managed to do was give myself hemmoroids! My delivery took forever, and near the end I finally pushed properly and it went so fast! (Graphic warning!!!) YOu want to push with that muscle you use when you are having intercourse - the one you can tighten and relax. I honestly have no idea why everyone says push like you are having a bowel movement when clearly that is not where the baby comes from! I finally figured out how to push properly with my other 3 children, the deliveries were much faster, and my recovery time was much faster as well!

I know that's not what you asked - but I feel the need to say that to every mom who is having their first child! Wish someone had told me that!

M.,

My hubby is a nurse and has been in the L&D before...it is VERY normal and happens all the time. No biggie. All the nurses and docs are VERY use to that.

Congrats! We have one coming at the end of May!!!

M., It happened to me and trust me, it's no big deal. The nurses/doctor didn't even blink or change expressions. I started to be embarrassed and then changed my mind. HA!!
You just worry about keeping yourself comfy during these last few weeks. :)

B.

Girl, let me tell you ... it happens a lot and it is NOT a big deal. I was so concerned about it, too... they tell you to push like you are having a bowel movement ... so if you do it right, you're probably going to poop. I went through 23 hours of labor and after having my son, I smiled at my husband and Mom and said, "See, I didn't poop -- they just laughed and said, 'Yeah, you did'." So I did it and never knew about it. They had it cleaned up and to be honest, you could care less at that point what you do down there -- I was hurting so bad, I just wanted him out! It is common -- that is the least of your worries!! Good Luck!

I totally remember getting nervous a few weeks before I had my daughter. I was more scared of the actual labor rather than the responsibility of having a child. Is that weird? haha I remember them telling me I was at 8cm and reality hit me hard! "I was about to have to push and have a baby!" haha Going to the bathroom while is labor is so common and not a big deal. I didn't but had to ask my husband because I had no idea. I can say though, that labor was 10000 times easier than I had imagined it. I was induced so I was in the hospital for 2 days however, once you get that epidural (if you decide to) you don't feel a thing! It made it so much easier to relax and enjoy the wait. So you know, for me, the most uncomfortable part was continually being "checked" and getting a catheter. I know your anxiety but I'm sure it's much worse in your mind than reality. Make sure you take some good dvds to the hospital to pass the time with and good luck!! Feel free to message me if you have any questions! I will tell you the dirty truth! lol And I have a great healing tip for after ! Good luck, don't worry! :)

Happened to me- and I didn't even know it happened until I asked my husband the next day. When pushing... well I had an epidural and with the drape over my knees I just didn't know, though I later suspected maybe. It was handled so professionally though- the nurse just went on- business as usual. No one said anything. I didn't know then so I wasn't embarrassed but of course I wish it hadn't happened. Next time I think I'll ask for an enema to clean things out so that won't happen. But really, it's all in a days work for a labor and delivery nurse.

it may happen, but no one notices other than to clean it up. it's that simple. it's nothing to worry about. really!

Yes, it's common, no, it's no big deal-your doctor is a professional and will deal with it in a discreet manner, and you are going to be so focused on you task at hand-bringing your beautiful child into the world, that will be the last thing on your mind! TRUST ME ;-)

You will be worried about a whole lotta other things that this will be the least of your worries. I was and really still am a very modest person, but if you're delivering in a hospital, any concept of modesty is totally out the window and I guarantee the doctor, nurses, etc. have seen and heard it all. So, don't worry about that - relax as much as possible. Many hospitals offer the option of an enema, if that will help you to relax.

I found that walking around during labor was one of the best ways to handle the pain and stress. They would hook me up to monitors 15 minutes out of every hour. But, I really think the gravity helps get that baby out. And, my second child was almost 9 lbs and was delivered in less than 5 hours after I checked in. First babies typically take a bit longer and I was not allowed to walk with my first because labor was induced due to HBP. So, my experience with my 2nd was a piece of cake. Also, if no ones mentioned, at least for me, the first BM post partum can be a problem if you're anywhere close to constipated, so I would recommend a gentle laxative post partum AND the use of something psyllium for the last few weeks of pregnancy.

VERY Common, NO big deal at all. Nurses see this every day! There is a pad they place underneath you and it's quickly thrown out. I don't think there's any way to prevent it because you'll be numb and you have to push like you're having a bowel........and the nurses will be discreet about it so most likely you won't even know you did. DON'T WORRY about that......it happens to us all!

Congrats and good luck with your new baby!

This was common for me 3 out of my 4 deliveries. Docs are used to it, don't worry about it. On my last baby, right before I went into labor I had to go to the bathroom. Nature called at least 5 times before contractions got noticeable.
When they say push, they want you to push hard so if something escapes, don't fret, they are ready with pads and wipes to clean the area before baby arrives.

Yes it happens it happened to me with one of my three children and i would have never known either but who cares it happens and in fact that means you are pushing the right way. if you concentrat on not doing it you are more likley to push longer because you are not pushing correctly. and really nobody talks about it and I am sure you won't know unless you ask so just go and have a baby. I worried about it to with all three of my kids and it did happen but really who cares. your there to have a baby so good luck. and many times they do not like to give enimas any more I gave birth in three different hospitals, one in LV and 2 here in texas and none of them would even give an enima it just is a safe and really they don't care about you useing the bathroom in fact my doctor said thats how he knows you doing it right. so don't worry I would't want a painfull enima when you really don't need it. good luck and congrats

Hi M. - yeah, you do poop during delivery. I read about it and was grossed out when I read it, but by the time I was ready to have the little guy I didn't care. It's very normal. Just means you're doing things right :) The nurses take care of everything for you - it's kind of like you don't really care what's going on cause there's just TOO much going on down there (LOL). Just enjoy the experience as much as you can. It's AMAZING!

This was my biggest fear, more than the pain! Everyone says its no big deal but that didnt change my anxiety. The day I was induced I woke up 45 minutes before my boyfriend and gave myself an enema...not the nicest experience but I was much less stressed knowing I "got it all out" Turns out I ended up having a C-section but if you are really worrie about this might alleviate some of your anxiety. Good luck!

I did go with my 2nd child. (I had 3) Believe it is no big deal it happens all the time. They are use to it. It is like changing a diaper to them. You do loose all your inhibitions delivering your children.

My friend had a guy from our High School who was an intern when she was delivering her 1st child (this was 8 years out of HS) - I think that is more embarassing having them check you out than pooping on the table. I think I would have requested a different person.

If you do you will never know it...nor will you care...don't be nervous, it is an amazing experience.

Congrats!!!

It is very normal!!!! I was so so worried about it with my first one and had voiced it to my husband, so when it happened I wasn't sure until afterwards b/c my husband pretended ha didnt see anything and the nurse did to. Then after it wa all over I asked my husband and he told me that yes I had NO Biggie at all!!! By the way, I had my second in Sept. and it didnt happen this time.

I realized during my first delivery that I would be losing every ounce of dignity I had through the delivery process. However, I soon realized that it didn't matter because the end result is amazing and well worth it! Once you hold your baby for the first time, nothing else matters.

Congratulations!!

YES - it is very common. This was one of my concerns when I attended my birthing class. Apparently, it is called 'Spontaneously Elimination' and from what the nurse told us, it happens to 4 out of 5 women during delivery.

No worries, if it happens - they take it away so quickly you will not even know that it happened. But if you don't want your husband to see ... keep him standing up by your head until the final pushing starts :)

Best of luck to you!

Almost everybody does...you won't even know it because you will be pushing your baby out and that's all you will be thinking about (you use the same muscles)! No one will say anything. My nurse just caught it and disposed of it which was good because my husband and Mom couldn't actually see it happening. The only reason I even knew I did it is because I requested a mirror so I could see the delivery...and after all that, I still had a c-section! Good luck and Congratulations!

This also happened to me when I gave birth to my son. My entire pregnancy thats all I was worried about. Its not that bad. While your pushing the nurse will be cleaning you. Its a little embarassing but it happens. Congrats on having your first baby.

I used to work in post partum and sometimes I floated over to labor and delivery. This is one of the biggest fears pregnant women have about childbirth. I was even worried about it myself with all 4 of my deliveries. Unfortunately, I did have a BM with my first child but I was pushing so hard and so involved in the delivery that I didn't even notice. My mom told me later on that I did and I was mortified. She is a retired L/D nurse and she quickly assured me that it is very common and OB's and nurses don't even give it a second thought. Heck, they tell you to bear down into your bottom like you are pooping. It didn't happen to me the next three times so you may not. This is something you should NOT be worrying about, I promise. You are going to have a healthy, beautiful baby and that is what you need to focus on. If it happens, oh well. Just laugh it off. There are worse things in life. Take care, congrats and God bless!!
P.S. A hint from one mom to a soon to be mom...stool softeners are your friend after delivery!! Take them pretty regularly for about the first 5 days or as long as you are taking pain medication (if you do at all) because it can be very constipating. Also, use your peri bottle (they will explain it to you in post partum) liberally. It helped me SO much after each of my deliveries. Good luck!

I pooped w/my 1st & the Dr. acted like it was nothing. W/my 2nd, I peed all over the Dr.! She, again, acted like it was no big deal. I think they're used to it & while it's embarrassing for you, they really will try to make you feel ok about it. Congratulations!

ASK FOR AN ENEMA! Best advice from a friend who works in Labor & delivery- I didn't even think about it, which I would have! (Which I did with 2 daughters & will with son due in 2 weeks)

Hi M.,
You just brought back a memory for me when I was 19 and had my first baby, because this did happen to me and though one would think it's embarrassing, even at such a young age, it was not at all. I just remember the doctor telling the nurses to clean it up, ewwwww, I know :). But, I have had three more kids since and this never happened again, but I think it's because I got an enima before each of my last three kids. So, if you are worried about this, just ask for an enima before hand. Good luck M. and congratulations!!!

If you are really worried about it have an enema (sp?) I did not have an enema with my first, but did with my second. I highly recommend it. One - you are cleaned out totally, so you have nothing that could come out and I just felt more at ease pushing with no reservations like I did with my first. It is very simple - you feel very bloated after they fill you with liquid, but you immediately go to the bathroom and I just felt better after having one. Best of luck - this is such a special time!

Totally common, NOT a big deal at all! :)

Totaly common. No big deal. To Dr's and Nurses, waste is nothing, just something to move out of the way. They tend to put this plastic lined pad with a catcher under you when you're birthing anyway, to catch all of the amniotic fluid and blood that comes with baby. No one will judge you.

It's also very likely that you'll have already gone for the day before you actually birth. With all that work, it might just have the opportunity "to go" before you actually push out baby.

Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your first. Just remember pregnancy and birth is a beautiful thing, but it just ain't pretty:)

I was nervous about the exact same thing; however, when you are actually in the process of delivery your modesty automatically goes out the window! I had an epideral and told my husband after having my first that I was happy that I didn't go to the bathroom during delivery. However, he informed me that I had. The nurses just quietly cleaned everything up - I wouldn't have even had a clue unless I mentioned it. They are so used to cleaning up messes and dealing with everything that no one will make a big deal about it. Most likely you won't even know unless you ask. I would just not ask!!

hahaha...i peed all over my midwives because i was pushing so hard...i was like a water hose! looking back i feel a little mortified, but it was definitely the LEAST of my concerns while i was in labor! the docs, nurses, midwives or whoever is delivering is used to it. i mean, you have a new LIFE coming out of you! don't worry about it now because if it happens you won't care...i promise!

Completely normal--absolutely no big deal--quickly whisked away--expected actually, think of the area under pressure!! You'll be fine--there is nothing embarrasing during birth--you are way too distracted during, and afterwards you just don't care!

Good luck, you'll be fine!
~A.

A lot of moms have said this, but I'll say it as well. I am a VERY modest person and am easily embarrassed... During labor, that all flies out the window. I didn't care who was there, I didn't care what they saw, I just wanted the baby out! I had baby #2 in September and I felt just the same the second time around!
Don't worry about, just enjoy the experience.

I have been a birth doula for over 30 yrs. and I don't think I have seen one who didn't! Some nurses are so good at cleaning immediately, that the mom never knows that it even happened. There is an occasional oder, but not very often, since they do clean up quickly and get rid of it. Several nurses have very good techniques. They will put a pile of washcloths just under you and each time you push, they wipe and throw in basket. Moms don't realize it is happening if the nurse is good at this. If you try to hold back that part, you will not be able to push effectively, so just mentally push EVERYTHING out at that time.
Nurses will tell you that everyone poops some, and there are even studies out that say having an enema does not make a difference. That is why hospitals stopped doing that routinely. So there is no reason to do that, unless it just helps you mentally. It will still happen. The important thing is not to hold back when pushing or it may result in the doctor having to use extra help to get the baby out. Just give it all you've got, and enjoy that baby!

It's really common, and it's not big deal. You most likely won't even know it happened. I promise. They just wipe it away, and you can't feel anything anyway (epidural or not). if you are drug free, the pain is more of a numbed pain. Hard to explain. Anyway, don't worry about.

Yes it is common and the Dr. and nurses are use to it. No big deal. I worked as a nurse for a short while in L&D. When I had my own kids before I went into the hospital I uses a enema just so that I would feel more comfortable about it. That was also before I was a nurse. In my mothers day all women got enemas before delivery and got shaved. This is a practice that is not longer being used because not any real benefit to it. Do not worry just relax and have a wonderful delivery.

I was nervous about that too. And it happened. And no one cared. The nurses cleaned me up but I was concentrating on the pushing so it was a non-event. I can't imagine it's not common with all the pushing you have to do!

Dearest M. M. Hello and God bless you during your delivery. Please don't worry about going while giving birth, although it may be a little bit embrassing. I speak from experience. But the nurses was quite understanding and reassured me that I wasn't the first and that they was used to it. But a little bit of advice, try not to eat nothing too heavy nor eat a big meal while getting close to that time because with the nervousness and all it can too help trigger the onset. So be as calm as possible and try not to think about it. I pray you and your baby be blessed and well.

I have 2 children.. and with my 1st, I remember painting my toenails... shaving my legs really well, etc. before delivery. Then, I ended up going to the bathroom on my Dr. I was embarrased of course.. I actually didn't even know it happened until my husband told me several days later.

It happens all the time... and it NO big deal. It is part of delivery. I delivered at Presby Plano and asked for an enema and they would NOT give me one..stating that if something happens, it is no big deal.

wow! w/ 65 responses-- it seems very common--

This happened to me during my first delivery, and I was so embarrassed! I had asked the nurse several times, if I didn’t need an enema, but she told me that it wasn’t necessary. So when I did have “an accident”, I was so upset and embarrassed. The nurse told me several times not to worry about it, and that the doctor was so used to it. With my second and third delivery, I don’t remember if I gave myself an enema prior to my delivery, but I didn’t have another accident, thank goodness!

There's one thing you only have to think about. You're pushing for your first born. Nothing else matters. I never thought about that, I never asked I just pushed.
Congratulations!

If you go to the bathroom on the table it means you're pushing the right way. I didn't have any pain meds so I could feel when I was going to the bathroom, and it was a lot! The nurse did not make me feel bad about it at all, she was very discreet, as soon as I would go she would change the towel under me. I was just worried about getting him out and didn't even really think about the bathroom part.

That happened to my sister. Everyone was so cool about it that no one even said anything about, they just acted like nothing happened, but my sis knew better. You are exposed for the whole world while in labor, and quite frankly have bigger concerns at the time. I wouldnt worry about it

I was WAY concerned about that, too! I still don't know if I did when I delivered my first baby, but if I did, it was no big deal to them. Apparently, for the reason you mentioned, it's very common. However, for my second daughter I gave myself an enema. I don't know if it made a difference and I don't know if you'll want to do this while you're in labor (in hindsight, it was pretty silly and unnecessary), but it's a thought. Good luck! You can't imagine what an incredibly emotional experience it is. We were both balling!

I am soooo glad you asked this question. I have been worrying about the same thing for my upcoming delivery. Thank you for being brave enough to ask. I know I will be asking for an enema.

Honestly, that's the last thing you're concerned about during that pushing phase. For all I know, it happened to me and I wasn't even aware of it. If you're able, try not to worry about it--there are so many other things to focus on. Good luck!

I had an epidural and I couldn't feel SQUAT. When I was pushing, the nurse politely said "okay, take a break we're going to clean you up a bit," I didn't think twice about it. I thought it was just fluid or something. It was until later my husband told me I had a BM!! So, it's not a big deal. I personally didn't know I was going, and everyone was being an adult about it. No worries sweetie, good luck and congrats!

I completely understand, that is how I felt also.. I asked for an enema so that I wouldn't go to the bathroom while pushing. But I still did, my mom said they wiped me up changed the sheets from around me and we kept pushing. They actd like nothing so I assumed they are use to it. I was still embarrassed after the fact, but during all the pushing there is no time for embarrassment and you will so realize that too.. Good Luck, Mommy!

honey, all things are not sacred during child birth. so do not even worry about "bathroom problems"... good luck!:)

Absolutely common and don't think a thing about it. I felt exactly the way you did and worried about it the entire time. It happens, almost every delivery. My nurse was so wonderful and I asked her about it. She said, yes it is one of those things that happens, and she said honestly most of the time the women don't even know it has happened. She was right. The only thing that clued me into it as I was pushing was her wiping me gently, but then again they do that to make sure they can see everything. I know me telling you not to worry about it isn't gonna make you stop worrying, but try not to. It will all be fine! Promise!!!!

Honestly, I've been worried about it too. I've had three kids and just did my best to make sure I had a BM right before I went to the hospital. I've been successful so far! Just trust the nurses--they really are only concerned about a healthy mom and baby. You won't gross them out. Although, I did have a L & D nurse tell me in a childbirth class that they really do appreciate it when you shave your legs!

The nurse will have a tissue ready and get it and dispose of it before you even notice. They have seen it all. Dont worry about that at all.

It is verrrry common. Don't let it bother you. It is nothing the doctor has not seen before. I worried about it to...and then I did it while the doctor was pushing on my stomach for the placenta to come out. You want to be embarrased but there is something so much greater to focus on...your baby. It just turns out to be a funny story to tell. I found out after my experience that several of my friends had done the same thing.
Congratulations on the coming of your new baby boy!!!

Yes, it is very common, probably 50% or so. It is abslutely no big deal. They don't say anything about it if you do, they just hurry to clean it up and you will probably never know. You should however have your husband stand by your shoulders and not watch exactly what is going on down there. He doesn't need to see that, it could bother him nd could cause problems in your sex life. Keep him by your head. The two of you will probably never know if you went or not! By the way, you deliver the baby in a bed, not on a table.

I'm a relatively modest person so initially I had similar thoughts. But I'll tell you that all goes out the window when you're in labor! I really just didn't care about any of that . . . I was totally focused on a) getting through labor pains (until I had the epidural!) and b) the healthy arrival of my little bundles of joy!

I have three kids. I delivered my first at a teaching hospital so there where actually a couple of med students in the room along with regular hospital staff. I remember acknowledging their presence and then thinking how little I cared that I had such an audience!

Really, in the end, when you hear your baby's first cries and hold him in your arms, all of that other stuff is completely insignificant.

Congrats!

There is no need to worry about something you can't really control. You could give yourself an enema, but it's not really necessary. I never had this happen in my 8 deliveries.

Even IF it should happen, it is VERY normal and many mothers have this happen and never even know it. Believe it, you are a little distracted when you are pushing that hard.

Just enjoy this wonderful precious moment.

I am a labor and delivery nurse, and I will tell you that it is incredibly common. I would say that I rarely see it not occur. It is the best way for us to know that our moms are pushing correctly. That's a good way to think about pushing...push like you are trying to have a bowel movement. In the end, you will have a beautiful baby boy....good luck!

It is no big deal. It happens all the time. It came time for my sister-in-law to push and everytime she did a stream of pee came out. The nurse was really cool about it and the only reason my sister-in-law knew it was happening was because my brother started laughing.

M.,

It is common, and it isn't a big deal..remember you have a lot going on down there...if it happens..the delivery nurses will just clean it up/or cover it up with a clean towel...my husband said I did it...the nurses just went on like it never happened. It's just a part of childbirth. Good luck to you!

Congrats on your first! I agree with all the mothers... you won't know you did, and pretty much everyone does it... I know I did it with my first and second... You will be in too much pain and won't care... the nurses and doctors have seen it all, Don't Worry!

You will, but then again so has every other mom in existance. That is just part of it and the doctors and nurses know and expect it. You honestly won't care because you will be so focused on the actual labor anyway. Enjoy your baby!

I hear it's very common but I've had four girls and I never did it. I think the reason is because during labor they won't let you eat and you usually have so much pressure in your back that you feel like you need to poop all day...depending on how long your labor lasts.
I went to the bathroom at least once before I got my epidural and sucked on ice chips for 12 hours and I never had a bowel movement during labor. A girlfriend of mine ate a bunch of watermelon the night before she went into labor and she said she pooped three times, even before she began pushing! But not to mislead you DON'T EAT WATERMELON, she never made it to the bathroom.
Long story short, I think we as expecting mothers worry more about it more than the doctors or nurses. I think they see all things in the delivery room and a little poo isn't going to even be noticed!

If it happens, you'll never know it, and the nurses will whisk it away immediately... It happens all the time! Chances are, you'll feel the urge to go to the bathroom, but that's the sign your baby is ready to come OUT. GOOD LUCK!

M.,
I do believe this is a very common thing. My daughter is almost 3, and I can still remember the anxiety I had about going poo on the table (I was more scared about this than about the pain or anything else!). After all that worrying and embarrassment, I have no idea whether or not I pooped on the table during delivery. If I did, they were all very discreet about it. I do vaguely remember (I had an epidural and slept most of the time until they said it was time to push and then it seems like I pushed a few times and she was out) them saying they were going to remove the pad and clean me up. I assumed it was the afterbirth and blood they were cleaning up, but you know what? I don't care! It's all a part of childbirth and the beauty of that precious baby they put in your arms outweighs all of the disgusting body fluids!
If you just can't get stand the thought of it, eat alot of fruit and fiber a week or two before your delivery. That way, your digestive system will be healthy and you won't be backed up. You could also try a mild suppository or enema before you go to hospital to deliver. I will say that you get very constipated afterwards. I ripped a little (not a big deal, not any pain that I can even remember) but I was really scared to have a BM afterwards. The nurse gave me a warm prune juice and sprite concoction which made it very easy to go, and not at all as bad as I thought it would be. I hope this helps to give you a little more information. I know when you are having your first you have no idea what all to expect. It is normal to be a little anxious before delivery, plus all the hormones. So, relax you will be surrounded by professionals who do this all the time and noone will care how gross it gets because they will be focused on you and the miracle of childbirth and your beautiful baby! Sorry to ramble! Congrats and God Bless!

I think thats a common fear among first time moms my daughter is two and a half and was my first and i know i was worried about that too. The hospital i delivered at gave you an enema befor birth to avoid that it wasnt fun but it worked it also helped in the days following delivery. But if they dont and you do you probably wont even know i dont think i would have theres so much else going on thats the last thing your thinking about at the time. Good luck!! S.