Epidural or no?

[WestIndianMama2b]

Im wondering what u ladies are planning on doing. This is my first baby but there is no way I will use epidural or spinal block. Ive researched the topic alot and the risks are so great. And I saw the study said only 67 out of a thousand women have adverse reactions/problems but im not interested in being number 66! Im interested in getting a midwife and trying for a natural birth but will do systemic drugs if I feel unable to deal. I wonder do any of u feel that epidurals are accepted by women without being fully aware of the risks? Or that hospitals shouldnt b so quick to give them out? Or do you think there is no prob?

[WestIndianMama2b]

thanx. And I'm so happy you had such a positive experience.  I wish there was more midwives available to everyone. SO many insurance companies don't want to cover them and I think it's crazy. I'm sorry to hear about your brother as well. In a big way when it comes to medical situations, we are the mercy of the doc, andd sometimes they make the wrong decisions. I'm sorry to say that I've had experiences with some doctor's that scare me, because they seem to have a god complex, like it was impossible for them to be wrong.

[alaysha]

With my first the epidural only worked on 1;2 of my body but it was bareable. With my second they kept delaying and I literally didn't get it until I was 10 cm. Even though it was only in effect for maybe 30 minutes I would never trade those 30 minutes. I was in so much pain it was a relief to be able to have a couple moments without stress before baby got here.

[bethany86]

I've had three! With no problems! And one baby without one cuz there was no time for one and let me tell you worst pain ever! I plan on getting one with this baby!

[LosingMyMindInGA]

Wanted to add that I commend you for wanting a natural birth.  Had I had the support network, a GOOD labor coach (DH isn't all that in the moral support department) and the availability of a midwife or doula I would have gone that route with most of my pregnancies.  

[WestIndianMama2b]

And I'm not insulting anyone. I've known about three women, who each time sedated, for three kids each. I think it's easier on the mother and baby. Epidural is risky for a baby too. Mostly because it causes hypotension in the mom which causes the baby to be unable to get enough oxygen. Then the baby is found to be in distress hence the emergency c-sec. I am not talking about the women on this forum either, I do not know the measures they have taken or not. Just that a lot of other women don't. If you look up, you will find that most who get injured are like they didn't know or understand the risk completely and then they want to know why they can't sue the hospitals. I just would like if the dr's would actually take the time, or make a class that's mandatory, where women can be more educated prior to actual labor and delivery situation.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

I've given birth 6 times.  I am, and was, fully aware of the risks of epidural, however *I* feel the risks are minimal. With that said...I had a spinal block with my first because it was an emergency c-section.  I had one natural, with no drugs, and the other four with epidurals.  None of my babies, nor I, had ANY issues with the epidurals or the spinal block.  Just my experience :)