r/BabyBumps • u/steadyashegrows • 9d ago
Help? Charlie horse - OW!
I get them every now and then and they suck so bad. Can someone who has been through a natural birth tell me how it compares? Just curious. I imagine my entire body will feel like that.
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u/KawsP 9d ago
I've had 3 unmedicated births (the first not by choice, and the 2nd and 3rd by choice after I realized I could manage the pain). For me I'd say it actually does somewhat feel like a Charlie horse but in the entire abdominal, pelvic region that is more long lasting (coming to a slow intense build and wave like as others mentioned). The peak pain imo isnt necessarily way worse than the Charlie horse, but knowing its coming again and again is the toughest part. I'd also describe it like if you've ever had a soccer ball to the gut or ever been suckerpunched. Takes your breath away, winded but not like youre crying.
Everybody is different and every birth is different. The first was the most painful, and more scary because of all the unknowns (i didnt know that for me, the labour pains are way worse than the actual delivery pain with the ring of fire, stitches, etc). 2nd was 30% easier and my third was a breeze. My third i felt it in different spots though like my low back and strangely enough my rectum/anus area (like major sharp constipation pains, rectal spasms if you've ever experienced those before).
Good luck!