Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

What's your birth plan?

Natural or with an epidural? Or with gas or other pain medicine? I'm just starting to give this serious thought... I thought I wanted an epidural with only as much pain med pumped in as I absolutely need, but now I'm wondering if natural is the way to go. This is my first. I've survived excruciating gallstones, so I wonder how much worse a natural birth could be. Thoughts? What's your experience?
7 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I'm doing natural. This is my first child. I've chosen to do a water birth in a Jacuzzi tub at my hospitals natural birth center. I'm completely compatible to do it because I'm very healthy. Women often turn to pain meds but women have been giving birth without medicine for thousands of years. Our bodies were made to handle this type of pain. Some more than others. Going natural allows your body to bounce back quicker whereas an epidural hinders the recovery a bit. But ultimately, it's your choice.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Epidurals aren't for everyone. They are administered by a giant needle into your spine. I had 2 with my previous children.. the first one worked so well that I was completely paralyzed from my waist down. I literally could not move my big toe even a little bit! The second one didn't work as great. It only effected half of my body, so when it came down to it, I felt like I was being torn in half! Ever since my first epidural, I have had really bad back problems. Some people say they could be related and with each epidural it will get worse. This go around I am trying something different. I'll either do a water labor, which I heard is amazing on your body because you are so boyant it takes off all of the pressure, and the water softens your perennial so you are less likely to tear. Also, the gas seems like a great option because none of it puts the baby at risk! Good luck choosing! I would definitely talk over your options with your doctor or midwife!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I chose to go natural with my first! I labored for 13 and pushed for an hour. I made it to 9cm and without much pain but once my water broke it was miserable. I haven't made a decision either. I don't want to experience the pain again but I'm afraid of the needle not to mention you can't get up right away and have to have a catheter. When it's natural you're not restricted.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Yeah, it's a tough choice. My main desire is that my body isn't numbed so much that it slows down my labor progression. The icing on the cake for having no epidural is to avoid the catheter and dead legs. As much as I hate needles, I think I could get through the epidural administration knowing what the payoff would be.
Avatar universal
I was just talking with my mom last night about what I should do. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do. I know with my 1st child I waited yo get the epidural until I couldn't take the pain any longer. But after 20 hours of contractions I was exhausted. I still afraid of the epidural because of what happened but my doctor said there are different kinds of meds they can use in the epidural. I'm thinking I'm going to try and go natural or until I can't stand the pain. I'm not sure how I feel about the gas as it can cause the baby to become drowzie
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Did you have a bad reaction to the epidural your first time? Is that why you mentioned other drugs they can use in it?
Avatar universal
I was induced with my first child. From the very first contraction to the time she was born was 25 hours and 12 min. I waited for 20 of those hours to get the epidural which almost killed me. My heart rate got as low as 7 bpm. I'm currently 28 wks with my 2nd daughter and have been trying to decide what to do this time around. Go natural or get the meds.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Oh my goodness, 7 BPM?! That's insane. You're a trooper. I'm interested to know what you decide to do with your second, given the experience of your first.
6886003 tn?1457231122
I'm a baby with my first I went in asking for the epidural lady! Lol with my experience I went in to be induced due to blood pressure, I went into labor very quickly I ended up having him within an hour I had issues with my cervix and could not push him out so was assisted with a vacuum therefore I tore very badly I am so glad I had the epidural I did not want to feel that! Everyone is always concerned with feeling drugged or out of it neither me or my baby had any problems. I felt warm and tingly and couldn't move my legs other than that nothing crazy I did still feel the pressure during labor and it hurt without hurting if that makes sense. like my body knew there was pain but idk how to describe it.  My mom had me natural and my sister with an epidural she said she enjoyed labor with her better because she wasn't as exhausted. if you can go natural kudos to you but I wouldn't do it lol I am due June 24 with our second. Goodluck it's definitely a scary choice either way as long as your baby is safe that's all that matters.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Thanks for sharing your experience! I think I could go natural if I could had a crystal ball and knew how bad the pain would be (so I know if I can handle it)... it's the not knowing that makes me want to get an epidural just in case.
Avatar universal
It is my  first baby to having  a baby boy due in 9 week I think I just want gas and air but I am so scared haha!! My sister said she had an epidural with her first two but last two just gas and air and she felt it but was worth it so not sure haha!
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
This is encouraging to read! I need to study up on the gas option and see if that may be right for me. I wish there was a way they could "tap" me with an epidural, but hold off on pumping pain med until/unless I need it.
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Pregnancy: June 2016 Babies Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Get information and tips on how to help you choose the right place to deliver your baby.
Get the facts on how twins and multiples are formed and your chance of carrying more than one baby at a time.
Learn about the risks and benefits of circumcision.
What to expect during the first hours after delivery.
Learn about early screening and test options for your pregnancy.
Learn about testing and treatment for GBS bacterium.