Questions & Answers

I got an epidural with my first. It was great as far as eliminating pain, however it wore off during the pushing so I felt everything at the end. The cons for me: the required catheter, not being able to move around, constant monitoring, and not being able to pee for a while afterwards (she had to do another catheter and got almost a liter of urine...ew). Also, apparently I was gassy. After I got the epidural I farted every time I had to switch sides I was laying on (my room was FULL of family members...so I was super embarrassed).

I am not having an epidural this time...I'm giving birth at a birth center and hopefully in the tub!

I was adamant I wasn't going to ever have an epidural. However, after my waters breaking early hours of Tuesday night and hospital not believing me and sending me home, going back next afternoon for them to then confirm and proceed to tell me I needed induced, then 16hours of labour I really needed an epidural. I'm so glad I did, yes there are risks but if you need pain relief take it. You don't get any medals for putting yourself through that much pain you can't push (as my midwife told me).

I have birth last Thursday to a gorgeous baby boy. my back has been feeling very sore since but it will calm down in a while.

I know they tell you to have a birth plan, but I would say yes have a plan but also keep in mind that you should go in with an open mind and not everything can go to plan :)

Good luck x

with epidural, you are more likely to require medical interventions such as ventouse/forceps or even C-section.

I wanted to do a natural birth but I was in risk of a c section so they suggested the epidural. Without it, I would have had to get put to sleep for an emergency c section and not get to see my baby. However, I LOVED the epidural. I'm a big fan of it now. Truthfully, many women don't know for sure until the time comes. I know people who've handled labor much better than they ever expected. The main cons were that it lowers your bp and you can't move. Getting the epidural allowed me to sleep since I was in labor overnight. Also, I've heard that it can slow down your labor. This pregnancy I'm still open to either but I will probably get the epidural since my experience with it went well.

I have had three children with my first I was sure I wanted to d it natural. After 36 hours of labor I got an epidural. We had no ill effects and everything went quickly and well after I got it. With my other to I got an epidurals immediately. Again there were no ill effects for any of us. I will be having one again this time. If I was not going to get one I would probably go with the gas and air.

I fully planned on getting an epidural with my first, and then I went from 5-10cm in half an hour so there was no time. When I got pregnant with my second, I didn't rule out an epidural, but was hoping to not have to have one and I didn't! The delivery rooms in the local hospital all have tubs off of them, so you can soak- and honestly, that was my saviour! I don't know what I would've done without it!
A few friends of mine have had epidurals, and have had problems afterwards with numbness in the back, that type of thing. I imagine with this pregnancy it'll be different as we're having twins this time around. I'm assuming I'll end up having to have a C-section which will require an epidural!
Either way, do what you feel is right for you!!

My epidural was great, stopped the pain but I could move my legs and feel enough to know when it was time to push. Planning on doing it again for my next one.

With my first I planned to go natural but with my low tolerance for pain I requested. One about 6 or 7 hours later. Overall it took my pain away, which was the goal. At the same time, I had to get induced. I'm not sure if that was due to epidural or my water breaking before my contractions. Once it was time to push, my neck got soo stiffed I was having difficulty gettimg into pushing position. One a hour and half later my daughter was born. I was 38 weeks btw. Not sure what I'm doing this time around.

One other thing to consider in addition to what other's have posted is that it can slow down labor and/or make contractions weaker. My best advice is to become knowledgable about what your options are (systemic/epidural/other methods) and then be flexible as your labor progresses and changes. It's different for everyone, and only you know what is right. :)

Walkiing is the best advice to a good delivery realize after a epidural you cant walk so your bound to the bed and some Hospital catherize you it hurts alittle when they take it out but the pain of labor is different for everyone and every child so ask your OB what is available to you and at that moment you will know whats right.