Epidural: yes or no?

[Kolena]

Hi, there! I am currently pregnant with my second baby and would love to hear your opinions on epidural during labor. I didn't get it delivering my first baby and I am scared of its side effects in case I will have to get it this time.

[norahbee3]

Mine hit bone 3 times but I still thought it was worth it lol

[maryia09]

I had a pretty bad experience with my 1st with the epidural. Some one forgot to turn on the machine so needless to say I felt everything especially on my left and it hit me all at once  right after I had my LO. So I'm trying natural this time.

[cwhit14]

My 1st, epidural was amazing. 2nd, I had a horrendous experience and 2 yr later still hurt from it, on 3rd now and not getting one :/

[2016mommy2be]

With my first i waited to get it as long as i could since the begining my contractions were over the roof i was in soo much pain (back labor) after the third day i couldn't take it no more so i decided to get it since i wasnt dialating i was stuck at 3cm and my body was weak i had been throwing up and just needed some rest ended up getting a csection.. I only had back pain whenever it would be cold out I'd go out with no sweater the injection site would hurt bad but other than that that's the only time i have pain

[specialmom]

This is such a personal decision.  I will say that I thought I was tougher than I really must be.  LOL  I really felt like that epidural saved me during childbirth.  I was so miserable and apparently a response I have to pain is vomiting so was gagging and throwing up and boy, when I got that epidural, I could concentrate and enjoy the moment of meeting my baby!  But that is just my experience.  No repercussions from having it afterwards.  I think the important thing is to go into birth with your idea of what you want to do but know that you have options once there.  Be flexible and do what is best in the moment for yourself and your pain tolerance.  
If you DO decide to go it natural, here are some ideas to help.  http://www.medhelp.org/pregnancy-health/articles/Natural-Pain-Relief-Methods-for-Childbirth/2237
good luck to you and happy birthing!

[kittin_1988]

Didn't *

[kittin_1988]

Miyu19  I am very thankful that it did cause to much damage. I still have back  pain too.

[Coreys_mama]

I had it, I didnt have any problems getting it, although it helped with contraction pains that's about it didn't help with the vaginal pain, it worked more on my right side then left. I did have problems when going back to work my back hurting at the injection site, I haven't had problems though for about a year and my son is about to be 2

[Da_Boyz_Mommy]

Went 21 hrs without it wudnt dialate past 4..got it n instantly jumped to 10 literally. My plan was 2 go natural but I read about someone doing that n worked 4 them. U just hve 2 wait ot out as pong as possible if u decide 2 get it

[Miyu19]

I'm going to try to avoid it. I've talked to some women and they've complained that they still have back pain around the injection site even though some years have passed.

Kittin, you're quite lucky it didn't cause any damage to your nerves, that's pretty scary, glad nothing happened.

[kittin_1988]

Well I've heard great things from many people. I had one good experience with my 1st an no lasting side effects. I didn't have one with my second. An my 3rd I tried to get one an the lady  was stupid an hit my nerve twice.... no lasting problems thank God but it didn't help my labor at all. I will personally be trying to do it all natural this time. But this is just my experience.