epidural

[loumat09]

Do epidural slow labour down

[Msme3]

I had an epidural and foun my experience to be better then I went through it unmedicated the first time. Not only was able to relax and have more energy for the big finally, I didn't rip and I was able to feel everything except pain! I knew when to push felt pressure and even felt my water break. Child birth is painful as hell! And it doesn't make you weak because you want to help ease your pain. It's all up to you, way out your options from unbiased sources and hear both sides like you are doing here where those with the experience can tell u not some biased person or book that makes you feel guilty for the choices you want to make. This is my third pregnancy and I will be getting an epidural with this one too. I definetly don't want to end up being one of those women to far along screaming for drugs and it's to late!

[louieforlaughs]

i think people expect labour to be painful and are more afraid of that than anything else. i think epidural and c section should be at the very end of your option list. you might have a very smooth and easy birth. i just figure try before considering pain medicine. i recommend perineum stretches in the last month so you are familiar with the sensation of stretching. plus helps reduce tearing.
best of luck in weighing your options!

[SamiMommy]

It's definitely different for everyone. I had my daughter within 8hrs after I felt the first trickle of my water bursting. I only got my epidural after being 5cm and didn't feel a thing afterward. They basically had to tell me when to push. I think it's bc I've never really taken pain medication for anything. So those drugs just went through my system and worked their magic flawlessly! Good luck to you and don't worry, all will be fine!

[kerriekab]

I had an epidural but i was in slow labour for 5 days before i got to hospital. I had my epidural straight away ay 5-6 cm and it took me 15 hours to get fully dilated. I don't know if this was due to the epidural or just how my birth would have progressed. What i do know is that i hadn't slept for 5 days and when i had that epidural it was great! I couldnt feel any pain at all so i could sleep. I was actually sleeping between pushes! When i was fully dilated though i could feel the contractions but there was no pain so i knew when to push. Actually i couldnt stop myself from pushing, it just took over. If i hadn't had the epidural and been able to rest i probably would have had to have a csection as i wouldnt have had the energy to push. I did have to have forceps in the end but that was nothing to do with the epidural.

Its different for everyone though. I would say the only way it might slow it down is because you cant be active but if you were planning to be lying or sitting on a bed anyway this wouldnt make a difference.

[chelseaneddie]

I agree with trying43 since my experience with an epidural was the same. My epidural helped me relax and I dilated faster. I was 5 cm then had my epidural and pushed an hour later. Btw I felt everything and only pushed twice and she was out. Everyone is different I def was not numb at all, it curved the pain but not much. I told them when I had to push that's how much I could feel! Lol. Good luck

[trying43]

It can if you get it too soon.  I've had natural childbirth as well as epidural.  In my case the epidural helped me relax and I dilated faster.  Everyone is different though.  Good luck.

[louieforlaughs]

from what i have heard yes. from my own logic i would think so. if you can't feel anything how do you know you are pushing, or when to push? or listen to your body and its cues it gives you. perhaps do some research online and form your own opinions about it though. : )