epidural

[gugzii]

So this is my 1st pregnancy. I m 28 weeks n really stresssed abt giving birth.everyone says its a painful procedure giving natural birth. Got to know about epidural. Please help me n tell me how it works n how much pain is gone if i get epidural for my delivery?

[PetiteWonder]

i idnt find labor that bad...  i labored to 8 cm without any meds but got an epidural at that point bcuz it was so long i wanted to lay down....  the epidural was amazing....   they did mine during a contraction so i honestly felt nothing getting it done...  during the pushing stage, which was 2 hrs and 30 mins for me, i could feel pressure but no pain at all....

because i handled contractions so well and pushing was painless, it was pretty nice in deed....  i would describe labor as trully amazing..  try not to stress it to much because its an amazing feeling when you get the baby out

[gugzii]

Gee thank u ladies..i m much relaxed after reading all the comments..i m planning to opt for epidural as i freak out even they give me any shot..lol..but as u all have suggested,i will definitely talk to my ob before finalizing....hope to get a smooth labor :)

[Ashelen]

I had an epidural with both of my deliveries so far...but with my first one, the epidural had worn off by the time I started pushing (and I never pushed the button that they give you to get more pain relief) and honestly even though it hurt, it was doable. With my 2nd delivery, the anesthesiologist had a very hard time getting the needle in because I have bone calcification on my lower spine...and he had to do it several times before he finally said "if we don't get it on this stick, you aren't getting an epidural"...so he got it in AAAAND it worked for about 30 minutes and stopped working, lol.

So after having an epidural for part of both labors and not having it for part of both labors...I've decided that when I give birth in April I will NOT have an epidural. After feeling the full effects of the birth both times I've decided the epidural is nice..it definitely helps you relax, and when it DOES work, it takes away almost all the pain so that you can really enjoy the whole process...but for me since I already know I have bad luck with epidurals I'm planning to skip it next time.

So...either way, honestly. if the pain is the scariest part of labor for you..get the epi. it carries some risks like potentially slowing your labor, and it increases your risk for vaginal tear, but it DOES dull the pain and help you relax. Definitely talk to your OB about your options before making up your mind...everyone's birth plan is a personal decision and only you know what will make you feel more comfortable, which is VERY important!

labor is FUN! I know I'm crazy, but it's fun..and I love every minute of it...so try not to worry you will be so proud of yourself when it's all over!

[mommybear0710]

I had an epidural with my first after 8 hours of labor and pitocin because my water had already broken and I couldn't have handled the 20 hours of labor without it. I'm not sure how much it helps during delivery though, I ended up with an emergency c-section. Oh and I didn't even feel them put in the epidural and the pain releif was instant. Best of luck with your decision.

[honeydew21]

I had the epidural and wouldn't have had it any other way.

I had twins and my ob recommended it. I would have gotten it even if he didn't recommend it. I can't handle pain...at all. I freak out having to get shots. (Which I work in a hospital...I get a LOT of shots.) The epidural while slightly painful getting it, is worth it. It doesn't get rid of labor pain completely but it makes things more bearable. I had no issues with my epi and while I was crying (Not because of the epi's ridiculously long needle but because of how painful my back labor was) I stopped within 5 minutes of getting it. I loved it.

[Michele, Katy, TX]

I have had an epidural with many of my births.  It's my preference because it helps me to relax.  You won't be able to feel the contractions, really, if you get one.  

Try to relax.  You can always speak with your doctor and an anesthesiologist, where you will be delivering, about the procedure.  They should be able to answer all of your questions about it.

You will get mixed answers on epidurals.  Some people love it, others don't.  Some people have had good experiences with them, and other have had bad experiences.  That's why I suggest speaking to the anesthesiologist, where you will be delivering, about it.

Good luck and just keep an open mind.  If you need something for pain, then you have that option.  If you don't end up feeling you need it, then you certainly don't have to.

Good luck!

[leesha89]

hey dont stressabout the birth you make it worse.. natural isnt pleasant but once the babies out the pain completely stops. my 1st child i had i was 17 she was 9lb 7oz 9 hour natural labour i had petherdine and gas with her it was freaking horrible!! i will never ever use there drugs again its made me vomit get dizzy and kept passing out... second birth i was 18  baby weighing 7lb 14oz a hour labour natrual no drugs and i love that birth it was amazing yes it did hurt but it so much nicer after to know that u had the cahnce to bring that baby into the world all on your own... and baby not to be drugged up... i am now 9 and half weeks preg 3rd child (LAST ONE) im now almost 23 iI have decided to have a complete natural home water birth look into your option before stressing about apin and automatically decide u want drugs look at the side affects and complications also what it does to your baby before u decide or u will regret it i have nothing against drugs for women who ahve tried natural birth with out drugs 1st and then cant cope but u should try 1st... bringing a baby into the world naturally is the best feeling youll ever have