Epidural?

[SupermomSuperwife]

what do u girls think about it? Recommendable or NOT? I had my first bby natural & im planning to have this one the same but i dont know i might probably hopefully not end up getting the epidural.

[mayrs]

If u can go natural I say do it. I'm planning to do it naturally this pregnancy & I hope I stick too it. Good luck.

[mayrs]

I have 2 kids both of them I used epidural.  Kinda wished I haven't.  I actually went through a whole week with labor pains & I had to have it. I couldn't sleep or eat & it eased ny pain. With my second one it was easier took 26 hrs but was totally escrushiating. I also asked for an epidural & from those 2 epidurals I have rlly bad back ache, which it hurts a ton when I'm standing too long or when I am sweeping and moping. Not everyone has any side effects but I do & it hurts a ton at times.

[nikilamb]

I've had four babies pregnant with number five had pain meds with first and hated how I felt afterwards with other 3 nothing hurts more.but afterwards feel so much better. My longest was 27 hours which was my last baby. I plan on going med free with this baby also

[specialmom]

Whew!  good for you.  21 hours??  Wowie.  Long time.  You are woman, hear you roar!!!!!!!  :)  good luck and peace

(since you asked for experience of those who had epidurals)

[GeekMom1213]

I had a 21-hour med-free labor and I wouldn't have it any other way. There are many possible risks of epidural anesthesia including chronic back pain, spinal headaches, migraines, numbness, even paralysis. It often slows labor (or stops it entirely) which significantly increases the risk of fetal stress and c-section delivery. Obviously not every woman experiences these problems but the increased chances are significant - I wouldn't risk it for myself and my baby. Since you've already had one natural birth and know what to expect (and since second births are almost always easier than first births) I'd say go for it! You can do it, your body can do it. There are less invasive methods for pain control if you need it. Ask your doctor or midwife about other options - sometimes just a little supplemental oxygen is all you need to settle you a little bit and sometimes it takes a little more than that. Best of luck.

[specialmom]

Well, I learned a lot about myself from giving birth.  One of the things learned is that I am kind of a wimp!  I seriously had no idea.  AND, I have a pain response of nausea and vomiting.  I was falling apart when the anesthesiologist showed up and asked if I wanted an epidural.  I was like "YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS".  And I didn't find the epidural painful to get or having any issues after, so it worked for me.  In both of my deliveries.  

But to each their own.  If you can go natural-----  more power to you!!  Some ladies who have quick labors seem to be just fine.  My labors were always long and again, I just couldn't handle the pain.  so, maybe you don't absolutely have to know if you'll have one or not until you are actually delivering and you figure out what is best for you.  good luck and peace