I did not think about it once. For much of labor, there aren't that many people in the room, if any--an L&D nurse will probably do checks every once in a while. There was one OB, and he was only there for the actual delivery, and when that baby was coming out, I was thinking of NOTHING but getting that baby out.

Plus, the nurses and doctors see this every day, all day long. They are going to be so matter-of-fact about it, that they won't add to any embarrassment you might feel.

You will poop right in front of everyone too, for all the world to see.

Really, truly, once you are in the full swing of labor you really won't care. I'm a fairly modest person with 3 children and it's amazing to me how much I don't even care in labor.

Hmm. It's really interesting because that thought has never ever crossed mind. I'm a would be FTM (trying and having issues). I guess I just think of doctors as not strangers? Also no one says you have to have DH there, that's a relatively new thing. My mom thinks is bizarre that husbands are now in the labor room so on that front you can do what's comfortable. DH can also be just at the front nex tot your head and not see anything below the waist if you want. From your post you seem generally not comfortable without clothes even for medical stuff?
Maybe look at it as everyone helping you do this super cool thing your body was made to do. If you're in a practice with multiple doctors then I would try to have at least one appointment with each during your pregnancy so they're not a stranger come delivery time. Sorry I'm not more helpful but I kindly suggest making this not something you worry about. No one in the labor room would judge you for anything they see.

You literally will not care about anything.

Anonymous wrote:Modesty goes completely out the window in labor. You'll see.

+1. Truly. After giving birth, a team of pediatricians swooped in and tested baby while I was getting stitched up from a 2nd degree tear. I thought I'd care but nope - there could have been 10 more people and I wouldn't have cared. All I cared was the baby was out, healthy and I was doing ok. I think at one point, there were 9 people, including my OB, doula and husband in the room and I was pretty naked but I didn't care.

While labor will be a big deal to you, the drs and nurses see it multiple times a day. They will think your nudity and coping mechanisms (screaming, grunting, whatever) to be absolutely, run of the mill normal. You could discuss ahead of time with your husband how you want him to behave. Mine thought he wouldn't want to look, but ended up being fascinated and impressed.

Have you considered getting a doula? One might be able to help you work through some of this.

I can't possibly explain to you how much you will not care when the time comes. Honestly. Giving birth is a very intense experience. I've done it med free and with an epidural and both times, I just did not care who was in the room or who saw what. I just wanted that baby out, safe and healthy.

x 1zillion to all comments above.

Embarrasment, you say?

Modesty goes completely out the window in labor. You'll see.

Think of it as good practice for when you have a toddler who can speak. Loudly. You'll be embarrassed constantly.

I think pain and adrenaline probably wash out any other emotions at that point. I haven't given birth yet so we'll see.

You will feel so awful by then that you won't care, so long as you leave the hospital with a baby outside of you.

Once the pain starts, you don't give a f#*$

Am I the only one whose first thought re labor is -- it's going to be humiliating? FTM (obviously). I have months to adjust to this (and don't want an elective c section, nor will I consider a home birth), but the idea of having my legs wide open, having everyone see everything, being in pain on top of that (even with the epidural -- I can't believe you feel nothing though it would be great if that's true), and having all kinds of drs, nurses etc. in the room, holding my legs -- it just seems over the top humiliating. I realize there is no other option, but still . . . I'm not sure how women go from being full dressed all/most of the time to baring it all in front of strangers, while DH is standing there fully clothed just watching. Is it just that necessity or adrenaline or something takes over, or did you feel bothered or embarrassed when someone lifted a gown or stuck a hand down there etc? I had to get an EKG earlier this week and the nurse was taking her time with the leads and during that time the dr. walked in and started saying hello and I was embarrassed then -- small potatoes compared to labor/pushing etc. Thoughts?