epidural or natural birth?

[mariah924]

I'm 35 weeks and having a hard time deciding on whether or not to have an epidural this is my first baby I was planning on doing it natural but would like to hear others opinions. thank you

[jholli]

I did a calm birthing class with my first, was induced at 37 weeks and lasted 3 days. I swore I wasn't going to get an epidural but after being exhausted and fighting the contractions I decided to get the epidural. My body was not coping and I was told I will likely end up with a c section. The epidural helped me relax and in no time I went from not dilating to ready to push and avoided an c section. Bub came out fine and I breastfed her for 12 months.
I truly believe the epidural saved me the c section.
This time around I don't need to be induced and will try my best to deliver naturally without the epidural. However, I am leaving that decision for when I am in labour and won't be aposed to it if I feel my body needs it. One thing I have learnt about a birth plan is.... You need to be flexible because you just don't know what's going to happen.

[ericatoday]

Natural. Ive had a medicated and unmedicated birth natural was the best experience and my paon tolerance is pretty low but your body was meant for it you can do more than you think.

[thompsona0815]

Natural. For me I just don't want something like medication to prevent my baby to breastfeed or not really prevent, but cause her to be groggy and not as alert. I want to be just as alert as she is when born.

[maw4389]

I prefer natural, but my pain tolerance is quite high.

[kendralis]

Here's an article on epidurals from MedHelp.org. It tells exactly what to expect. You'll find it in the Pregnancy Information Center or Week 36 of our I'm Expecting app, too: (copy/paste this link if not hyperlinked) https://www.medhelp.org/pregnancy-health/articles/All-About-Epidurals/2248

[ladyy_cece20]

Wait until you start feeling the pain and then you could decide ... It really all depends on how well you can take pain