Conference moira::parenting_v3

    First, if you are really worried about the sore place, call your
    doctor. I bet there is a million little things it could be.
    
    I sort of remember having a sore place on my belly. I think it was
    because the baby was getting so big at the end, that his little
    elbow, or foot or whatever was always pressing on this one area.
    I can remember rubbing on it cuz it was so sore.
    
    It could just be a muscle or ligament that is getting alot of pressure
    from the baby. Maybe even a nerve ending. I could think of lots of
    reasons. Maybe even the irritation of waistbands on your stomach.
    Try wearing dresses for a while or make sure that any waistband is
    above  (or below) that sore area.
    
    If you just need a little extra support for tired muscles, I have
    seen maternity underwear that has a light support panel in the front
    that might help.                                    
    
    Try not to worry. That never helps. And always ask your doctor if
    it really bothers you.
    
    By the way. If you are worried about the labor pain, make sure you
    go to a prepared childbirth class so that you are informed, and
    know what to expect. They will teach you ways of dealing with the
    pain, and also let you know about available pain relief such as
    epidurals etc. I know there is another note about epidurals somewhere.
                  
    If you don't have acces to any classes try the library for info,
    or send me a note offline, and I can send you copies of what our
    instructor gave us.
                                               
    Sorry to be so long winded. I hope this helps.
    
    Dottie

    
    I also had a sore spot on my tummy - but it was my navel.  I thought it
    was so strange to have a sore navel.  I never asked my doctor about it
    since I just figured it was sore due to the stretching.
    
    I do remember the pain quite well though and it seemed to stay for a
    few days - go away and then come back.
    
    I was scared too.  I had my daughter almost 1 year ago.  The great
    thing about it is, by the time you are in the situation there is no
    turning back and somehow you manage to cope with it.  Actually, the
    child birth classes made me MORE nervous.  They seemed to tell you
    about everything that could go wrong.  I read alot of stuff and the
    problem is, you can't anticipate what may happen.  I say, know your
    options, keep an open mind and take it one minute at a time.
    
    Here's to an easy labor and delivery - and a happy healthy baby!
    
    Sue

    In addition to all the possibilities in .1, there's a muscle that
    goes across your stomach; it can separate, stretch, or tear from
    the weight of the baby.  Mention it to your doctor.  If it is that
    muscle, there are some exercises they can give you that will help
    make it better.  
    
    --bonnie

    Peggy,
    	
    	Like the previous replies, I have to say first to please call your
    doctor and tell him about your sore spot and how it worries you.  
    	
    	I too had a sore spot in the last trimester of both my pregnancies.
    My sore spot was near the top of my belly and off to the side (different
    side for each pregnancy). The doctor determined that, for the first
    pregnancy, it was a internal bruise on my stomach from the baby kicking
    at the same spot over and over.  It was sore all the time, but really
    hurt after I ate something because the food would stretch the stomach
    muscles and rub against the bruised area.   The second time, I had a 
    bruise on the inside of my rib, again from the baby repeatedly kicking 
    at the same spot.  Each time, my doctor was able to determine this by a 
    general exam and lots of questions.  Knowing the problem didn't take 
    the pain away but it sure eased my mind and I was able to deal with it
    better.  
    
    Regarding pain during labor.  I have always been a real baby when it 
    comes to pain, but I survived.  Yeah, it hurts, but there are lots of
    options to help you deal with it in whatever way is best for you.
    Check out some prepared childbirth information, ask lots of questions
    to see what is available to you, and then go into it with an open mind.
    There were lots of notes/replies about pain control during labor in 
    parenting_v2 that you might want to check out. 
    
    Best of luck to you,
    
    Donna
    

	I had my regular two week visit with my doctor this week and
    discussed the sore spot on my tummy with him.  I just told him that
    I had this incredibly sore spot, he proceeded to prod my belly and
    hit the spot right off; he looked at me and said is this it?  I
    can't differentiate much of anything except largeness on my belly
    but apparently he could feel the ligaments and whatnot.  He said
    that the ligament holding my uterus in place is very stretched and
    the soreness is as a result of this.  Unfortunately, like many other
    aches and pains during a pregnancy you just have to live with it.
    Rubbing the spot helps tremendously and sometimes it seems I get
    very little work done as I sit at my desk constantly rubbing the
    spot on my belly.  Oh well, comes with the territory I guess.
    
    As for pain during labour, my husband and I have been going to prenatal
    classes so I have plenty reading material and opportunity to ask
    questions (if I can think of any); I'm just concerned that when
    it actually starts to happen I'll panic and forget everything anyone
    has ever told me and everything I've been reading.  But like some
    of you said, you all survived and I'm sure I will to.  I mean this
    has been going on since the beginning of time so it can't be THAT
    bad.
    
    One thing I have found from the prenatal classes is I have become
    more nervous about the whole situation as they tend to tell you
    everything that could go wrong, so my head is filled with all sorts
    of fears.  Perhaps it would be better if I knew less - I don't know.
    
    Anyway thanks for all the replies, it's reasurring to hear from
    all of you who have been or are going through a pregnancy.
    
    Bye for now
    
    
    Peggy (due Sept. 22 - a while to go yet!)
    

    Peggy -
    
    As far as panicing when labor begins and forgetting everything you've
    practiced and/or read, that's part of the role of your labor coach.
    Hopefully, he/she will keep you on track!   Besides you don't need to
    remember everything, because a whole lot of what you've learned
    probably won't apply to your labor/delivery.
    
    I, like you, felt overwhelmed by the childbirth classes and all the
    new what ifs that I hadn't previously thought about.  I ended up 
    having an experience that we hadn't even discussed.   But, I 
    made it through and so will you.   What's more I didn't require
    pain killers, anesthesia, or an episiotomy....it just wasn't that
    bad....so keep the *good* stories in mind, too!
    
    Best wishes,
    Carol