epidural for labour pains....?

Question

I am 26w3d pregnant with my first baby, a little girl. I have been reading up on natural births versus epidural because all my girlfriends who have had babies all told they never had the epidural and would never choose to because of the side effects. Ive been reading about epidural and I would just like some advice for a first time mommy about the epidural experience. Thnk you in advance :)

tendrelina · Answer

I plannd on not getting an epidural and had to be induced . the first several cm i was fine(about 9 hrs) but when i hit 8 cm i stopped progressing i was at 8 for about 5 hours and finally couldnt stand the pain of the doctors digging to find my cervix or the contractions anymore and omg it helped so much, i ended up getting an emergency c section tho because he was 9lbs 4 oz (too big)

doulamommy · Answer

I've had two births without and would never get one. My sister had two births with, and would never go without it!  It's personal preference. If you want to go without, make sure you have good support from your partner, and maybe consider hiring a doula (don't worry if you hire a doula to help you go natural and then change your mind -a doula's job is to support you in whatever you choose).
If you know beforehand that you'll probably want an epidural, see if you can talk to the anesthesiologist beforehand so that they can walk you through the process and possible side effects. Still learn coping mechanisms, because you never know if you'll be able to get one for sure! (You could get there pushing, anesthesiologist could be assisting in a surgery, etc)

Indieee · Answer

When I was pregnant I planned to go all natural because I did research and saw all of the side effects and cons of getting an epidural. Even when I went to the hospital I was already 6cm! & I still planned on not getting an epidural. Hours later when the pains started to get stronger and stronger. It felt like I was being ripped apart from the inside. But I tolerated it the best I could. When I made it to 8.5cm I got an epidural even though I was trying not to. I mainly got it so I could take a nap because I had not slept in over 18 hours and I was complaining of lack of sleep rather than the labor pains lol. Anyways I had my son and he was as alert as ever and healthy as can be and I was back on my feet about 30-45 minutes after I had him. (I had to get stitches so it took a little while and I did kangaroo care). Do what you think as best, And remember LABOR WITHOUT FEAR! the more you fear the worse it is. Good luck :)

aylinnn829 · Answer

Nothing isbas strong as the epidural so if you want no pain i would suggesst it every one is diff i know ppl that have had side eefects and i know ppl the havent

BraysMum412 · Answer

I had an epidural with my son. They offer another medication as well but forgot what it's called....but it gives you a high, and I refused that. I don't recall having any side effects of it tbh, but it's always best to consult your doctor of it with any and all questions you may have. I adore my OB dearly. I've never had a male OB or doctor at all in that case and he is just amazing! I moved a hour away from his office and I still go to him. But anything you read on the internet isn't always true. That's also why it's best to consult your doctor about things like this....or even get other doctors opinions.