Questions & Answers

If you do get the epidural, know that your baby will be affected by it as well. Babies born without pain medicine are more alert and able to help themselves twist as needed to negotiate their way through the pelvis and birth canal, so the doctor will be less likely to need forceps and other tools. Babies are also going to be more awake to nurse for the first time. Also, sometimes epidurals fail, so it's important to be prepared for a birth without one and to practice techniques for dealing with the pain just in case.

as i say to people when they asked me are you goin to get one.i would nt get a tooth pulled with out numbing.dont go through pain for no reason as you dont get any medals for goin without..keep an open mind..

I have a really high pain tolerance. I keep reading stories where you can't feel when to push. At my hospital they give you a lower dose so you can still feel when to push. I didn't get it until 8 cm with my first because I didn't feel anything until then and stalled so was still able to get it. With my second I got it at 6 cm before I could get the chance to feel anything big. Well after having it 3 hrs the damn thing slipped from its spot and still was in my back. The next four hrs were hell. They were able to get me a new epidural started. Two hours later baby two was born. I will never opt for having no epidural. But every woman is different, so to each their own. Good luck whatever your choice will be.

I had my first baby this January. I did not have an epidural. Reason I did not have an epidural was because my mother had one and it did not work. Also when you have an epidural you have to have an IV cannula, a catheter to drain your urine and you have to lay in bed the whole time and you cannot feel when to push. Not to mention a giant needle goes into your spine!!
I gave birth to my baby in the birthing pool using the gas, the gas and the water was enough to dull the pain. I honestly had a wonderful experience and I look forward to doing it again the same way. You can always try to go without one and if it is too much it is always there as an option, but just remember studies have shown that one intervention leads to more interventions (eg, vacuum or caesarean delivery)

I have had two kids already and got epidural both times around 6 to 7 cm. I will do it again this time as well. I was able to really pay attention to what was going on. I got to enjoy seeing my baby born and hold them. It was also less stress for everyone in the room once I was not in pain and the daddy was able to relax and enjoy the time together instead of being in pain and me wanting to murder him for even breathing next to me.

Thank u so much for ur answers!! I will see how it goes and as most of u said ill keep an open mind and first see how I cope with the first few cms

Do what you feel is best for you. I have to wonder, though...epidurals are fairly new. Befor them, women relied on breathing and relaxation techniques and walked around/moved positions and they seemed to be fine. I suggest taking a class so you have the tools to try without it and then if you end up needing it you can always ask for it.

I would see how you handle labor. everyone tolerates it differently. I know I couldn't handle it. My pain tolerence is very low. If your labor is fast you may be fine without it.but if you have a long labor you might want the break from the pain.

I say keep an open mind about it. With my first, I tried to do it all natural. I ended up having a very long labor(30 hours) and by the time I broke down and asked for it, I was so exhausted that I had a hard time pushing effectively and then that took forever too (3 1/2 hours). With the second, I got it as soon as I was dialted enough, most drs want you to be at least 4 cm, and then I was able to sleep the rest of the time and rest up for the pushing. I ended up not pushing as long because I wasn't delirious with exhaustion and it was a much more fulfilling experience for me. I was better able to really enjoy holding my baby for the first time because I wasn't in horrible pain. This time I think my plan is to go as long as I can without, but I'm definitely asking for it before I get to the point of crippling exhaustion! If you let yourself get that tired, especially during a long labor, it just makes everything so much harder! Good luck!

I had all natural, it was very painful but I felt so good afterwards, I didn't tear or nothing. I felt very proud of myself for doing it. My baby was small though so I think u shld just keep an open mind and see how u go