Yes childbirth hurts, and for some it hurts more than for others. If you want a water birth you cannot have pain medication so that I'd the first thing to look into. Also with the epidural, the needle doesn't stay in your back. Its a very small thin flexible catheter that feeds the medication into the epidural space (the pocket of air running along your spinal cord). The epidural does not cause back problems, most women think it does because they happen to have back problems and also happen to have an epidural, but the only risk (and its a very low risk) is that of what's called a spinal headache and its temporary. Most lasting back problems are actually a result of the pregnancy and not the epidural. (Think about it, your spine has been curving the wrong way for the past 9 months)
Yes it hurts. No point hiding that. But, listen to everything your midwife tells and try to stay mobile that will help manage your labour.
I wish i could have an epidural. Where i'm from, it costs 300$ to have an epidural. (Even with med insurance) :(
Yes it really hurts, but it is manageable with breathing techniques and a good coach.
You're lucky to have the option of an epidural. Where I'm giving birth in Scotland they don't do them :(
Yes, it hurts. I tried to hold out as long as I could before I said forget it give me the epidural. Trust me the pain of pregnancy hurts more than the needle. You don't even feel the needle go in. But remember they can't give you anything once you've dilated to a certain point. I think I heard them say 10 cm...but I could be wrong. Oh I also had back problems before I had my first child.
Yes it hurts. It how you manage pain.
Depends on your pain tolerance to be honest.