epidural

[ScOrpiO510]

Ok ladies im just too scared of labor do u guys recommend Epidural? Is it safe?  

[daisygrace87]

I had an epidural with my first. Would never have one again. Very slow labour and it also went wrong. Had leaking on my spine, was in hospital for a week cause I couldn't move. Couldn't even get up to pick my little boy up out of his crib. Had a water birth the second time and loved it. Definitely be having one again

[Factorymomma]

Juniorsmmy12: a tattoo on the area they place the epidural makes it harder to visualize the space between the vertibrae. BUT it doesn't mean they can't do it as they have to visually locate the spot and also palpate (feel) it.  They usually look first then palpate, but in your case it'll probably be the opposite.
Also if you have lighter colors along your spine it'll be easier for them to see than if you just have darker colors.
Which brings up the fact that if tattoos made that big of a difference then how would very dark skinned black women get epidurals? Lol

[marajean21]

I've had one with both my children. The first time I didn't feel it, just heard it go in. After I got home, my leg would go numb, which they said was normal for some people but if it lasted for a long period of time, it might be nerve damage. It still goes numb down to my kneecap at times and it'll be 4 years in may. The 2nd ep I had hurt and made me jump-the doc, both nurses, and my mom yelled at me for moving, but I couldn't help it..it also wore off so they gave me something stronger after almost 2 hours me trying to toughen it out. That other thing the put in was amazing! This pregnancy I didn't want one because my back is messed up and I can't bend all the way so it'll prob hurt worse than the 2nd, but I have no choice bc I'm having twins and they want me to have one in case I need a c-section so I won't have to be put to sleep. Most doctors will tell you it doesn't give you long term problems, but I know several people that never had a problem until then. So if you need one, take it but when it's time to curl up into that ball, try to curl as best you can even though you're baby is in the way, if you feel a contraction coming tell them, and expect the pinch in your back-dont let your mind wander and jump bc you weren't ready

[amirahexpectingbaby2]

My first pregnancy i was told i couldnt get epidural because few years back i had epidural for surgical procedure n my spine got messed up. so with 36 hours of labor i did it all natural. i have no other choice but to go natural. i think going natural makes u space out ur kids more because u feel real labor pain.

[juniorsmmy12]

i bouta hop n here with a question. ok i have a tat on my lower back n its kinda big, well idk if its true but ive HEARD that u cant get an epidural or its harder or somethin but anyways is it true??? cause if so i think im screwed o_O

[Spiket77]

I didn't have one with my son. It was a really good experience and I realize I was blessed.

That being said, If i had to be induced, I would get one. Like one of the other posters mentioned...pitocin can make labor contractions unbearable. After going through a natural labor, I can say it can be difficult to manage but doable. But pitocin...forget it.

I've read/heard horror stories about epidurals but also some women have very good outcomes with epidurals. It's like every labor...unpredictable.

[alissa828]

I had one with my first and I hated it. I was encouraged into having one because of my situation...but I hated the feeling of the epidural and I will do natural pain management with my little guy in June. Unless I have to have a c-section I will never have an epidural again.  It was great for the pain management but the feeling before the epidural took full effect and while it was wearing off was horrible and I'd rather the pain. Its so worth it in the end.

[mekamomoftwo]

I had one with my first baby n everything went fine and im gon have one with my second baby

[sorenr]

I personally wouldnt have one unless i was being induced again. Induction hurts much more than a 'normal' labour and I wish I had taken one for that. My second labour was spontaneous and there was no need (or time!) for an epidural but it was a wonderful experience. I'm personally more afraid of them messing about with my spine than of labour...but I've been lucky enough to experience 1 good labour and delivery! I would def suck it up and have one if I had to be induced again though, that was an awful experience!

[Msme3]

I hope I can have two lol I'm on my 3rd and no question about it I will have it again! I also could walk shortly after, didn't feel pain just pressure when I delivered and had a fairly fast delivery!

[parkersmommy]

I had one with my first child and it was not at all an unpleasant situation. The weirdest part is that a lot of people (including me) are under the impression that it's a needle until it happens. They numb you with a needle and then they insert a cathader and they put this thing on it to hold it in place and of course you can't see it but it sounds like a zip tie and that gave me the heebie jeebies for a moment lol. Other than that I had a wonderful experience

[mommybear0710]

I have c-sections but was in labor for 20 hours with my first and if I had to go through that again I would definitely get the epidural again.

[starshine36]

If it wasn't safe they wouldn't do it....
I've considered one too...but after 2 normal labours
And watching a few epidurals on TV I've opted for
A normal birth again, although I'm totally freaked
Out that I've got to do it all again.... but been reading up on it and apparently you are to think of
The pain as good pain not bad... its your body's
Natural way.... .. (don't ask) lol.
Will it hurt yes.. it hurts like hell...but the thought
Of being cut and stitched not being able to hold my
Baby 1st  , freaks me out more than labour Its self.

Do what u feel is right for u and good luck..

[duggy57]

I have never been through labor before but I can tell you I am planning on having an one. still on my research it seems that there are some downsides like possibly slower progression but to me it's worth it  to me.