Labour with a tight canal

Everything will stretch to accommodate your baby. That’s what it’s designed to do.

I hope so, I’m really conscious and anxious about it 😩

As a midwife ive never come across anyone who’s struggled with this. Have you considered perineal massage? That might help ease your worries a little

Yes yes I’ve started doing it! And will continue, also bought the Aniball device to try to help, but as I said I’m soooo tight that even with that I don’t if I’ll be able to use it! If you are a midwife and never came across that I will try to think that my body will be ready, I can’t be the only one like this lol Thank you so much ☺️

You absolutely are not the only one who’s have this thought. Maybe listen to some mediation or hypnobirthing to help you relax. Like when you have sex you need to be ready otherwise nothing will get in there, labour prep should be considered the same, the vaginal canal is made to grow and expand. It’s far from rigid. You could also consider seeing a pelvic floor physio to help, it may be that your pelvic floor is quite tight. Do you happen to ride horses or be a gymnast by any chance?

No not really, but I’ve always had this while even having sex some times I couldn’t feel anything hurting at all while other times it could be a little bit painful! I’ve been doing pelvic floor exercises and now with the perineal massage, but seeing a pelvic floor therapist can also be quite a good idea, I’ll think I’ll follow your recommendation on that! Thank you so much… is just something that is been on my mind and since labour time approaching I’m getting more conscious I guess

These worries are completely normal. You could ask for a numbing lube, such as instilagel for vaginal examinations (if you’re offered them and consent), an epidural could be beneficial and some women had had local anaesthetic injected into their perineum to help get through that stretching feeling. There are options. You’re not alone with your worries.

@Sam I’ll keep these 3 in my list for sure! It’s good to know there are option and I don’t have to be “suffering” just for the sake of it. I have the epidural on my birth preference sheet but I didn’t know about the anesthetic in the perineum but that sounds also interesting and more local!

Being aware of what’s available is half the battle. Maybe speak to your midwife at your next appointment about it too. Good luck when the time comes.

I’ll definitely bring it up on my next appointment with her.. once again thank you so so much for your help and for easing my head out! I wish I could have you with me when labour comes ✨ best of luck for you as well

I’m doing an online hypnobirthing course and have learnt loads about different positions to help open things up and keep things moving and a bit of the science behind birth as well which helps to understand how and why the different positions and techniques work. I would definitely recommend!

@Laura thanks so much! I’ve bought a course as well and I’ve done it but will do it again with my partner! I’m also reading a lot about birth and options so that helps as well x

I never knew much of this before just presumed I’d lie on a bed but now I’m going to try and be stood up/on the ball/active as much as I can! (I mean I say this now.. 😂)

@Laura we can only try to plan for our best scenario! I would love to be in the water but as you say it depends on the what we are feeling on the day 😂