At the beginning of this pregnancy, I was all for going med-free. Now that I'm at the end and I'm sooo freakin' tired and sore already, I know that no matter how I deliver this baby, I will get him here. I don't get extra pats on the back (aside from myself). I don't get a trophy. I get my baby. And if getting an epidural is going to help me rest a little so that I can be the best mommy to my son when he arrives, I will do just that. There's no way, I am going to exhaust myself for an ego boost (which is what it would be for me I know it isn't that way for all moms). I can always train to run a marathon if I need my ego boost. ;-) (Yes, I would so be that person with a proud 26.2 on my window)
"Mindset" is extremely important to me going into this, but not because I have a burning desire to go med-free. Frankly, I'm more worried that meds will be unaffective if I'm too far into a panic cycle. A couple of years ago, I had unmanaged anxiety that eventually started manifesting itself as (awful) physical pain, it took a couple of months of some mental health work, self care routines, and SSRIs to resolve the issue, but when I was in the thick of it, pain killers to nothing to help, and I was in bad shape. I feel going into birth, I really need to focus on managing my anxiety or I'm going to be in crippling pain even if the epidural is blocking my ability to feel uterine contractions.
I'm actually sort of terrified of a person putting a needle in my back. The rational side of me knows these are trained professionals that know what they are doing, but none the less, it freaks me out. I wasn't opposed to getting one during my first and even asked for one, but it was too late. With second I went from 5cm to 9cm in one contraction soooo it didn't happen then either, but I was debating asking then too. This time it was gradual, but I was only in labor for 3 1/2 hrs (induction to delivery) and baby only took one push but I knew when it started getting really bad it was almost done. They have fentanyl they can add to your drip that makes you feel really woozy, but takes the edge off when it gets to feel unmanageable. But I think you already have a good mind-set questioning whether you will or won't, simply because you won't know until you're in the moment. Do what works for you. Good luck!
Wasn't going to get one but after being in labor for 14 hours while being induced I caved. Best decision ever because my twins were an hour apart! The nurse made me feel better about telling me in the end you still get the same babies also you most likely will tear less because it's more controlled and your not in terrible pain. Good luck!
I had nothing with DD and it was a quick easy birth (tried for an epi, just cause and it wouldn't go in). The pain was tolerable. I fully expected things to go the same way this time...wrong. I had to be induced this time and my contractions started out small and slowley climbed. I thought I was in the clear until the crazy intense shit happened. I was floored at how bad they hurt. I gave in and they came to place my epidural...nothing, no relief at all. He had misplaced it due to my back issues. After a few hours of screaming and crying the chief of anesthesia came in and placed one perfectly. I had denied trying again due to the pain of them digging in my spine but he talked me in to it. Before he left the room cash was out . It was too late.
So I had two (3 in all) and will never have another. The second one would have worked but it was just too late. I truly think the difference in my labor was the pitocin and I completely understand getting one if you have to take it I just couldn't bear another failed attempt.
I had nothing with DD and it was a quick easy birth (tried for an epi, just cause and it wouldn't go in). The pain was tolerable. I fully expected things to go the same way this time...wrong. I had to be induced this time and my contractions started out small and slowley climbed. I thought I was in the clear until the crazy intense shit happened. I was floored at how bad they hurt. I gave in and they came to place my epidural...nothing, no relief at all. He had misplaced it due to my back issues. After a few hours of screaming and crying the chief of anesthesia came in and placed one perfectly. I had denied trying again due to the pain of them digging in my spine but he talked me in to it. Before he left the room cash was out . It was too late.
So I had two (3 in all) and will never have another. The second one would have worked but it was just too late. I truly think the difference in my labor was the pitocin and I completely understand getting one if you have to take it I just couldn't bear another failed attempt.
This sucks. What a terribly painful experience. I am so, so sorry. :-( Scary.
@bobjo31 that was my thinking too about a needle in my spine. I almost pasasd out when they put the iv in me so didn't want something in my spine. I went med free but my contractions for the most part were bearable. I had been having bh for half of my pregnancy and practice ones the last 2 months on a pretty regular basis. The pushing part hurt like hell but I heard its harder to push with an epidural than without. But I don't wish I had it afterwards.
Re: To get an epidural or not to get an epidural, that is the question
2nd round exp 8/20/18.
So I had two (3 in all) and will never have another. The second one would have worked but it was just too late. I truly think the difference in my labor was the pitocin and I completely understand getting one if you have to take it I just couldn't bear another failed attempt.