Epidural or not?

[Ccarter313]

Epidural goods and bads should I get a epidural or go natural? Any references.

[rachyrou]

See how you feel! I wanted a natural birth but was induced which made it very intense. I managed without it until 7cm and it had completely worn off by the pushing so I could feel what I was doing. There are cons and risks to epidurals.. I'm hoping to go through it without this time xx

[Newmommy86]

Epidural is the way to go! I had my baby yesterday and Had bad pain the minute I got it everything was gone I didn't even feel wen the doc was checking to see if I was dilating.

[Mztbone]

I did the IV DRUG the epidural make u have back pain it did me I get the IV drug

[Mztbone]

I did the IV DRUG the make u have back pain it did me I get the IV drug

[DNP47]

I would say go in with an open mind, bc things rarely go exactly as planned. As the previous poster said there are complications for every medical procedure, and same applys to the epidural. My experience has been mixed. I got an epidural with my first, but I progressed so quickly they were unable to give any medication through the epidural catheter bc by the time the anesthesiologist got the catheter threaded into my back, my baby was crowning. So I had an unplanned unmedicated birth (I planned for pain free...silly 18 year old me:)
My second child I had an epidural and it went beautifully, I was able to walk right after and I felt no pain whatsoever.
I have a few friends who developed an epidural headache for a few days, and I had one friend who ended up having back pain for 6 months following the epidural. So if you asked them I'm sure they'd say it wasn't worth it. So do a lot of research, talk to your doctor about the pros and cons. Good luck with delivery!!

[Spiket77]

Its a personal choice. If you prepare for a natural and unmedicated birth (classes and research) then you have a better chance of making it happen. I think preparation and education is key but I am biased as a childbirth educator. If you decide to try to go natural, look into different birthing methods and choose the one that resonates the most with you as a woman.
Epidurals can be good for pain relief but just like any intervention, there can be side effects and possible complications. That being said, many women have no problems with epidural births.