11 Surprising Things You Might Encounter During Childbirth (Other Than the Obvious)

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During my second child’s arrival, my water broke at 2:45 PM. I called my husband and my sister, and then stood sobbing in the hallway outside my son’s bedroom while he napped, wishing for one last moment with him as an only child. Just two hours later, I found myself in the delivery room, pushing my daughter out. This was a stark contrast to the 45 minutes earlier when I was only 4 centimeters dilated, and my doctor insisted we had “lots of time.” Despite my pleas for an epidural, she hesitated, claiming they could slow things down. It was surprising how much I wanted to hurt her at that moment—until I started pushing without the epidural, of course.

And as if labor wasn’t unpredictable enough, here are some other surprises you might encounter during childbirth:

1. You May Wish Your Partner Was Anywhere But Here.
   I recall my friend warning me before my first child’s birth, “Just wait, you’ll be annoyed with your husband.” I thought she was exaggerating—until my water broke and the first contraction hit. His breathing alone sent me over the edge! How dare he mention being hungry? And if he complains about sore arms from supporting your leg while you push, you might just show him what sore really feels like.
2. It May Feel Like a Party—One You Didn’t Want to Host.
   You might find yourself surrounded by various medical professionals, like students and assistants, all introducing themselves while you just want to yell, “What do you want?” If you’ve called family, don’t be surprised if there’s a pizza-loving crowd pacing outside your door.
3. You Might Get a Catheter.
   Whether you’re having a C-section, an epidural, or even a natural birth, a catheter might be in your future. I had no idea! After a certain point, my nurse insisted I stay put. A little heads-up would have been appreciated, especially when, days later, you might find yourself unexpectedly peeing while doing dishes.
4. You Could Lose Your Voice.
   The primal sounds you make while pushing might shock you. No one truly knows how capable they are of groaning like a wild animal until they’re giving birth. Afterward, you’ll be left with a voice that sounds like you’ve spent the night at a rock concert.
5. Dinner Might Be Served.
   Regardless of your state—whether you’re pushing, vomiting, or moaning—dinner will show up. I remember when they brought my husband a plate of chicken while I was 9 centimeters dilated. I wanted to shove that chicken down his throat.
6. You’ll Probably Be Asked About Your Placenta.
   This might be fascinating if you’re up for it; after all, it did sustain your baby! But for me, after everything, the last thing I wanted to do was check out the afterbirth.
7. Contractions Don’t Stop After Delivery.
   Surprise! Just when you think the pain is over, you might still experience contractions after the baby and placenta are out. I wish someone had warned me!
8. Meconium Happens.
   Your little one’s first bowel movement can occur just as they’re born. It looks like tar and may cover both of you, but it’s totally normal, so don’t panic.
9. Things Might Move Fast.
   Even if the medical team assures you that there’s plenty of time to prepare, your baby might decide to arrive sooner than expected. If you feel intense pressure, you may be crowning—so don’t be surprised if it all happens in a flash!
10. You Might Hyperventilate.
    This can lead to some scary sensations, like tingling in your arms or legs. If you experience this, don’t hesitate to voice your discomfort.
11. Plans Might Change.
    Coming to terms with the unpredictability of childbirth can be tough. We all have an image of how we want things to go, and it’s easy to feel disappointed if it doesn’t happen that way. Remember, it’s okay to communicate your preferences, but don’t feel less-than if things go sideways. We all have a way of forgetting the pain after birth. No matter how intense the experience, we often find ourselves saying, “I’d do it again,” because the reward—our children—is worth it.

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In summary, childbirth is full of surprises that can take you off guard. From unexpected guests to lingering contractions, it’s a wild ride that requires flexibility and humor. Embrace the chaos, and remember that the end result is worth every moment of uncertainty.