Questions & Answers

I'm attempting to go all natural. My sister got an epi, but it didn't kick in in time. And i remember speaking to her afterwards. She told me the same story 3x within a span of 24 hrs. She was so out of it. When LO comes, I want to be fully aware. And everything that goes into your body gets transferred to baby...even the epidural. I'm clearly more anti epidural, but when the time comes only you know what your body can and cannot handle. Good Luck!

I'm an antsy person, so I get real pissed after they all leave for hours and nobody even checks on me or lets me see my baby since you have to stay in bed afterwards. I'll tell you I didn't get one with my first till I was 9 and a half dilated and still felt everything because it didn't kick in till afterwards. I got it with my daughter right away because I'd felt that pain before and didn't want to feel it again! I even fell asleep during labor. This time, I'm going to try to go without again. Don't know if they'll still leave me for hours or not, but doing so for personal reasons, although the closer I get to the time, the more of a coward I feel about it :).

Since this is my first pregnancy I haven't got to make this choice yet, but I did read this article that I thought was interesting.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/06/epidurals-prolong-labor_n_4738949.html

I had a great epidural! It was strong enough that I didn't feel pain but I was still able to feel contractions as pressure so I knew when to push. I wasn't able to walk, but could still move my legs (slowly). They don't put the catheter in until you're numb, so while you're aware that someone is down there messing around, you don't feel any discomfort. As far as cons, I had some back pain in the spot where they put the epidural for a while after the birth, but it eventually resolved. My sister in law had a bad headache, but that is usually due to the dr messing up the procedure. Some studies indicate it can slow labor & dilation down, but it isn't conclusive. Personally, I went from 4-10 cm in an hr (first baby). Ultimately. It's up to you & how you envision your labor.

Pros - didn't feel a thing and was wide awake and aware enjoying the entire process

Cons - none for me.

pros - the absence of pain

cons - sometimes it can prolong labor; mine wore off about the time I had to start pushing; confined to bed; had to have constant monitoring (blood pressure cuff, fetal monitors, etc); catheter

When it comes down to it, you have to do what's best for you! I decided to go all natural this time. It's a personal choice that you get to make for yourself! You're doing the right thing by researching and asking around though!

I had the same experience as Mrs. Mom.

cons - you cant walk around,
you got to stay in bed, you need a urine catheter,
sometimes it doesnt work with some women (that happened to me and i still felt everything)


pros -no pain if it works

I can speak to my experience. My daughters heart rate began to drop as my contractions came faster than i was dialing i was put on demerol which only took the edge off the contractions, feeling wise. I chose to get the epidural to be comfortable. It was put on a clicker, military hospital, and i was able to sleep and rest. I felt the urge when it was time and was able to push. Once delivery was over i was able to walk around normally and i was glad i got it. Not every experience will be good not all will be bad, it is going to depend on your situation because we all go in with a plan that may not pan out. For me i don't know any cons because i had a good experience. Hope this helps.

I loved my epi. For me, there were no major cons. I had it fairly late in labour, wasn't originally planning to drug but once I hit the 29hr mark, my thought process on being brave and going drug-free, wore off. I took it solely so I could get some sleep before having to push. I didnt feel the needle or cath, poor hub almost passed out watching haha, and within about 5-10 mins, I was numb and able to grab a few hrs sleep. For delivery, I did feel some pain, and def A LOT of pressure, but Idk if that was the drug itself not working or my OB turning it down (or off, I dont remember), either way, it didnt tickle and I wasnt smiling! For stitches, I felt nothing until he had to sew my butt (mhmm), then I felt it all...again, not smiling!

Other than that, I'd still recommend it. I plan on having it done as soon as its offered up. I'm not gonna even attempt to be brave, I want sleep!! Good luck with ur decision! =))