Epidural/ Pain management

[ExpMommy]

Why do they use such a strong narcotic and place it straight to your spine? Can't they just use some other pain medicine that would ease the pain but wouldn't have to make you completely numb from waist down? Women who take epidural often have back pain later and I heard that they tear a lot because they don't feel any pain so they keep pushing perhaps too strong...

[ExpMommy]

Sounds good, lots of good info, I'll look into it further... thanks everyone!☺

[nickizzy]

I had an epidural 14 yrs ago with my first, I didn't tear and had a little bit of back pain for a week after but it went away and I've chosen the option of an epidural for this bub..... They do offer a gas and pethadine injection here in aus but I am allergic to pethadine and the gas made me throw up. So I guess it depends on what people's pain tolerance and allergies are and everyone has the option to go natural so drugs aren't forced.

[hersheyma]

Ive had three epidural no back problems for me it is a lifesaver, and out of three vaginal births i only tore with my first at 17 years old, i pray to god im able to receive one this time around

[Jenn28815]

Ive heard you can also ask for a lighter dosage on the epidural so you do have some feeling down there, but won't feel everything full force. I personally dont like the idea of being confined to a bed for my whole labor experience,  so I'm going to try to remain with my decision to do an unmedicated birth.  

[momof3ld]

I've had two epidural and will do it again this time around.  My oldest is 14 and youngest is 9. I guess it depends on the person who injects you,  my guy was good.

[walkermom1]

Do some research on epithelials, I had 2 of them with my first baby and it was worn off my the time I had him but at least I was rested at that point and could push. Still ended up with a third degree episiptomy because he had a really big head.

[walkermom1]

Do some research on epithelials, I had 2 of them with my first baby and it was worn off my the time I had him but at least I was rested at that point and could push. Still ended up with a third degree episiptomy because he had a really big head.

[Vivaj08]

I'm 24wks with my 2nd pregnancy right now. I decided not to use any pain meds with my first 2 years ago and am so glad! I hated the thought of administering something so profound to my body and figured we used to not have a choice and all these ladies before us did it, so can I! You could just promise yourself you won't and stick with it as long as you possibly can! That's how I'm doing it again 2nd time around. But millions of women now a days use epidural so it must not be too bad, right?

[ryleesierra]

Also consider how you want to labor. I personally am going natural because I want to labor walking around & using my birthing ball. I don't want to be hooked to an IV and forced to lay down through the whole process because they have to monitor you & baby when you use pain medication. I think labor is faster and more comfortable when you can move around.

[ExpMommy]

Thanks ladies! I'm scared of that pain and definitely want some pain medicine,  but I feel like something weaker would be better. I'd rather not completely numb half of my body, I feel like feeling a little of what's going on down there may be helpful with pushing etc... idk...

[ExpMommy]

@chloegc I'm not complaining,  after researching epidural and hearing lots of opinions I was wondering why epidural is a number one pain medicine that's recommended,  when there clearly are some pretty serious drawbacks to it. Of course everyone will decide for themselves, but I wanted to know other moms opinion- that's why this forum exists lol

[mellynn717]

Maybe it jus depends on how well the person knows what there doing. Cuz I was told I'd feel a sharp prick them pressure but I felt 4/5 sharp pricks before I felt pressure. So it helps when u have someone who's really good.

[mellynn717]

I had an epidural but stopped dilating at 9cm so I wouldn't know about the tearing cuz I had to go for a csection but I do have back pain. It will start about where they gave me the epidural go down my spine from there and across my lower back and my daughters 7 and still have issues. But I had another baby girl by csection which they gave me a shot in my spine to numb me the same way just without having to have anything stay in my back but that didn't make my back pain any worse or better.

[Shohna]

I only had gas and air and i tore..i wanted the pain to stop..couldnt care less about tearing..just wanted baby out!!

[82ljones821]

They do have less strong pain meds that is just done thru your iv.  It all depends on the woman how much pain they are in how long labor is so forth. ripping I think is more because of the size of your baby not how fast you push. When your pushing it wont seem fast enough. Lol I read before that giving birth is equal to breaking 20 bones...ouch

[chloegc1023]

They use and epidural because the medicine doesn't go to the baby it's strictly locale and made to numb mom only.  I had one with my first baby and didn't have pain afterwards besides the minor bruising from the injection site, that healed well with no complications later.  It's up to the mom whether she wants pain management or not, I don't get what ur complaint is about?  I personally choose to block the pain.