As a Mother and a former Labor and Delivery Nurse, I am amazed at the stories people tell, and how much worse things get the more they tell them. If you have fears, talk to your doctor, and let him know of your concerns, and desires. Be reasonable. I have seen the occasions when...............the experience was so impressed on the mother....the mother made many bad decisions, and not listen to the warnings and dangers. It is incrediable. My advice is to read, learn, and know what to expect. Even though it is a wonderful time, medical science can not make things painfree, but it is always improving.