Im 22, and husband and I are not TTC. At least not yet. I love the thought of having kids someday. But I cant get over how much pain women are in when giving birth. I know there is the option of an epadural, but i have a terrible phobia of needles and surgery. I can handle pain inside me way more then even the "thought" of someone inflicting it upon me.
There is a chance of us getting pregnant because we are only using condoms. I believe its like a 25% failure rate. So im more scared about it than when I used to be on birth control pills.
Does anyone have any advice, input or experiences they'de like to share?

I'm a guy. However, my wife had kidney stones and she said that pain was worse than labor. She did opt for epidural, but that did not work. So they finally had to give her a spinal block after 18 hours of labor. (which is an usually long time to be in labor)

Condoms highest effectivness is a 2% failure rate while not used correctly is about 14%, there is a 15% chance of getting pregnant while not using any birth control.

GlossyT...again a comment from a guy.

Don't allow yourself to become so flipped out over pain in childbirth. Undoubtedly it's bad (I don't know and never will), BUT just think about it like this. If you look around you, EVERY SINGLE HUMAN BEING represents a mother who gave birth. Within a few weeks of giving birth, the pain endured is all but forgotten, and the joy of having a new baby is all you are concerned about.

Now, if EVERY SINGLE HUMAN BEING was brought into the world this way, what would give you the idea that YOU (along with excellent doctors, medicine, etc) couldn't handle it?

Does it hurt? HECK YES! Is it WORTH IT? You bet. If and when you do get pregnant, your body will prepare itself for what has to happen. Don't sweat this kind of stuff in advance or it will just get bigger and bigger to you. Remember, it is what it is. You worrying about it years before you have a baby isn't going to change a thing.

Cheers.

Funny thing about childbirth, it is some of the worst pain most of us women will endure (hopefully) but you know what, you forget it! That is the amazing part. After that little one comes and you see him/her for the first time, the pain is gone and your heart is filled with the most unbelieable joy ever.

Well actually you forget it until the next time, but I swear the same feeling comes back and the pain is gone.

Another excellent point Reighneydaze (about the 2nd childbirth).

GlossyT:
If it was THAT bad, there'd be a lot of families out there with no children or only 1 child. Think about it this way, if the pain is that bad and if people have more than one child, then they've either got to be crazy or it's totally WORTH IT!

well lets be honest about this.... not everone has a perfect birth. Some people are in labor for 10,15 even 20 hours but not everyone. i just had my first child in june and my labor lasted a total of 6 hours. i was in pain for 1 hour i was only hurting when i was 5 1/2 cm dialated and they broke my water but that was also because i didnt have and meds at that time. after about an hour of taking the pain i opted for an epidural. it didnt really hurt and i didnt look at the needle. it took a few mins to take affect and then i went to sleep for like and hour and they told me it was time to push.i had him and he was the most beautiful thing i had ever seen.a little tip that might help you with shorting the time of your labor is exersise during preganacy. i walked around the block everyday until the day before i had him and now he's almost 3 months and im back to my original size. just remember everyone is diffrent. and hae fun with your prenancy

Hi I was also very scared of labour. But really wanted children!

When i was in my 30s I fell pregnant. Planned pregnancy. I was really scared!! But I read some good things about the natal hypnobirthing cds and hypnobirthing book. I started to read the book and listen to the cds and it helped me to overcome the fear of childbirth.

At 32weeks I opted for a homebirth with limited pain relief. It was a wonderful experience.

I was in labour for 16hours, but during the first lot of contractions I managed to stay calm, focussed and positive. I felt in control! I called the midwife, who thought I wasn't in labour, as I was far too calm!

When I persuaded the midwife to call to house she was surprised that I was 6cm dilated! I started to use Gas & Air and a Maternity Tens Machine when I was 8cm dilated. This took the edge of things.

When you do fall preg just try to stay calm, relax and focussed. Let your body work for you, not against you! The more relaxed you are, the better your body will perform during the birthing process!

I can also say that when I had a kidney infection, this was definately worse than labour!!

Goodluck, just don't listen to other people horror stories, it'll be your pregnancy and we are all different, so remember stay calm.