Giving birth can be beautiful, yes, but it can also be absolutely terrifying. Because it’s not a safe procedure. Loads of things can go wrong, and put both the mother and child in serious peril.
These 20 women know that firsthand as they relive the moments when they nearly lost their life while giving birth.
20. Yes, it’s scary and dangerous.

Photo Credit: Whisper
19. Oh boy…

Photo Credit: Whisper
18. Yeah, completely understandable…

Photo Credit: Whisper
17. Awwwww!

Photo Credit: Whisper
16. A common feeling. Nobody wants to die.

Photo Credit: Whisper
15. I bet the bonding experience is intense!

Photo Credit: Whisper
14. Good. Therapy helps too.

Photo Credit: Whisper
13. Love this!

Photo Credit: Whisper
12. Ummm, no. You are not just a baby vessel. Don’t kill yourself. Adopt.

Photo Credit: Whisper
11. Well, right. Living is the point.

Photo Credit: Whisper
10. Great to see!

Photo Credit: Whisper
9. Okay, time to stop having children!

Photo Credit: Whisper
8. THIS!

Photo Credit: Whisper
7. Yes, yes and yes.

Photo Credit: Whisper
6. Feeling weak and being strong and two very different things…

Photo Credit: Whisper
5. OMG. I’m so sorry!

Photo Credit: Whisper
4. Who would do this?! What a f*cking as$hole.

Photo Credit: Whisper
3. Well, better to live and hear her first breath and die.

Photo Credit: Whisper
2. Ugh. Sucks when you know your partner won’t step up.

Photo Credit: Whisper
1. Wow. That would have been so tragic.

Photo Credit: Whisper
So many of these stories could have ended in heart break.
We’re all glad these women are still alive and able to teach their children what they’ve learned.