epidural or not?

babysmith123

I am 19 weeks along and trying to decide if I want epidural or not. I know many people have different opinions on what they like. I'm on my first child and I am seriously considering not having an epidural, but I'm not sure yet. What is everyone's opinion and if you know of any articles on it that I could read that would better help my decisions

c000501

My general advice is it's good to think about but not to make yourself stick to one or the other. It all depends how you feel and the situation. I had one with my son since I was in labor for 3 days and they let me since my water didn't break, I didn't get much sleep so the epidural helped a lot for me to be rested up and be ready to push. My daughter came fast so I didn't get a choice so I didn't get anything. I did fine in both situations. I hope that helps.

jessejasonbaby

Definitely no epidural for me. I am a second timer and had none the first time. It wasn't really that bad and i have a fantastic boost of energy that lasted days afterward. I walked to another room with my baby within an hour to give up the delivery room to someone else.

kepoole

babysmith123 said:

I am 19 weeks along and trying to decide if I want epidural or not. I know many people have different opinions on what they like. I'm on my first child and I am seriously considering not having an epidural, but I'm not sure yet. What is everyone's opinion and if you know of any articles on it that I could read that would better help my decisions

With my first it was the best thing ever. After 35 hours of labor it was like a breath of fresh air and I had her 2 hrs later no problems. It's your choice and you know your body and pain tolerance.
I would Register to have one so its an option, and then see if you can stand the labor without getting it. If not, at Least you have the choice.

redfallon

I went as long as I could w/o it and then requested it. I'll do the same this time.

ksrkim

I requested it after they broke my water and the contractions came fast and furious. I am not sure I would have made it through without one! I would say do your research but keep an open mind because on that day, things might quickly change!

Catherine1021

This is my first pregnancy, and I'm just going to wait and see how I feel when I'm actually in labor. I hope that I can do it without an epidural, but if the pain is too bad then I'll ask for one. 

macattack15

I have an open mind to the epidural. I am planning on getting one because I have such a low pain tolerance.

ammnam14

redfallon said:

I went as long as I could w/o it and then requested it. I'll do the same this time.

I'm going to try this as well!

kdoak2015

AudriannaMaria said:

redfallon said:

I went as long as I could w/o it and then requested it. I'll do the same this time.

I'm going to try this as well!

Same, I'm open to either or. If I need it I'll ask for it.

Rratledge

With my son, I planned to try to go without the epidural mainly because I didn't want it to slow down my labor and cause me to need a cesarean. I was induced with pitocin and kept declining the epidural. A nurse explained that the pitocin wouldn't allow the epidural to slow things down so I got it and it was amazing. My labor and delivery was pain free and fun.

This time, I plan to hold off again as long as I can, but if I'm induced, I'll definitely get another epidural!

redfallon

ksrkim said:

I requested it after they broke my water and the contractions came fast and furious. I am not sure I would have made it through without one! I would say do your research but keep an open mind because on that day, things might quickly change!

OMG, no kidding! I thought things were bad before my OB came in and broke my water.

kmkaull2

I couldn't have an epidural last time because I have scar tissue from a back fusion.  I found labor to be no picnic, but I got through it and am glad I didn't have an epidural.  I was happy to be able to get up and walk around right away.  But my best advice is to keep an open mind.  Happy mom=happy baby.  ;-)

Salemkitty13

My plan had been to go without an epidural if I could. I ended up needing an induction. I had a reaction to the pitocin and could not stop throwing up and needed the epidural. I will try to go without again this time but I will not get my hopes up.

navyblueladybug

I'm going to have one. I figure, why be in pain if I don't have to? There are two sides to progression that I've heard... Epidurals slow labor, but I've also heard that if mom is more relaxed (and free from pain), you progress faster. I'm just going to go with the flow and hope for a smooth labor.

twetyaries

All this epidural talk kind of gives me a little pain in my lower back from when I had my epidural 3 years ago! Yikes, not looking forward to my next one!

sarahsnowball

I had one as soon as I could last time. It had always been my plan as I had no desire to be a hero and suffer if I didn't have to. It did however mean that I spent the rest of my labour lying on my back, hooked up to several machines. They said they'd turned it off in time for me to feel the urge to push but unfortunately I didn't feel any urges. My baby was also face up and I ended up with a forceps delivery and a very bad tear.
I really feel that my epi and lack of mobility led to difficulties in my case. I wish I'd tried to cope without it first, but I was too scared of feeling any pain.
This time I'm hoping to manage the pain without an epidural. I want to move around and let gravity help me, and I want to be able to listen to my body when it's time to push.

bluelily9

No one says "I can't wait for my epidural!" - everyone hopes they won't need one because the more natural the better (most, not all). I say like everyone else to just be in the moment and use it when you need it. For me, it was when the doctor came in to turn my son inside me (who was in a bad position) that I thought I was going to lose it and while crying requested the epi. I wound up needing a csection anyway but the epidural was amazing.

Mizuiro007

I had a similar experience with induction. Once things got going they were really going and just managing the pain was leaving me exhausted. I was having heart trouble and they were giving me oxygen. Once I got the epidural things got bearable. I could still feel contractions and definitely felt when I needed to push. I had control with a button and only used as much as I felt I absolutely needed. I most definitely needed it when I came time for stitches.

Yes, I had to remain in bed once I had it but I was so tired that's the only place I wanted to be. I was still up and walking on my own an hour later and using the restroom and taking care of my own hygene. Each person responds differently.

ToneGirl

I had every intension on NOT having an epidural with my first.  Couldn't take the pain anymore and got one...it was HEAVEN!!!  Everything progressed quickly for me after that...slept for awhile and when Dr. came in to check me, his head was right there ready to come out.  2 pushes and he was out.  Everything was really smooth and easy once I had the epidural.  I will do the same this time....go as long without it and then request it. 

taysun

I will get one if I need it, but I'd like to be mobile as long as possible. I'll be researching other pain relief options and talking to my doctors about what options I have.

Gingermom15

Weigh the pros and cons of you yourself having one. There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting an epidural. It's great that people can have medication free births, but like most other things, it's not for everybody.
I personally won't be able to get one for medical reasons but would probably consider one if that wasn't the case.

jackiesue586

I had one with my first and regret it.

I like being in control of my body and being able to move freely. And i like being in control while pushing and not on my back when i deliver.

Ill be having another water birth at the birth center though.
No meds or interventions unless they are absolutely necessary.

MrsBwIVF

I cannot wait to get the epidural! I have no doubt that I will want one. I have never thought about doing it naturally. I know I can take pain, but do not want to in this scenario.
Hats off to women who do it completely naturally and stick to their guns the whole labor, but I want the drugs.

caitlyn5454

MrsBwIVF said:

I cannot wait to get the epidural! I have no doubt that I will want one. I have never thought about doing it naturally. I know I can take pain, but do not want to in this scenario. Hats off to women who do it completely naturally and stick to their guns the whole labor, but I want the drugs.

I'm in the same boat. I pass out (literally) from pain. The OB told me to request one as soon as I go in because he's unsure how strong the contractions will be before the more than likely c-section I'll be getting. I'd rather be awake for the arrival of my little boy, thanks.

ChiccoBeanz

babysmith123 said:

I am 19 weeks along and trying to decide if I want epidural or not. I know many people have different opinions on what they like. I'm on my first child and I am seriously considering not having an epidural, but I'm not sure yet. What is everyone's opinion and if you know of any articles on it that I could read that would better help my decisions

I'm an FTM (God willing) as well.. I think you should just be flexible. You never know if you will need it. 

Mags128

I had one last time and will hopefully get one this time. I know I could take the pain but I don't want to. With the epidural I was able to relax and take a nap. I was in labor for 12 hours total.

beccabeeee

I'm a FTM so I don't really have any experience with the epidural, but I do know that I want one. Of course, that might change when I actually get there, not necessarily because I might want to go natural but because I have no idea what kind of complications would make it not possible to have one. But if I can I'm jumping on that shit lol

Maybe 3 things to take in: some of these ladies are STM so they know a bit more than us FTM, go with what your comfortable doing but also keep in mind that anything could change in an instant, and last I think you should sit down with your OB at your next appointment and have him/her explain the pros and cons and just the general idea of how it works.
Good luck! Although I have my mind made up about having the epidural, I'll also be taking my own advice and speaking with my OB just so I'm a bit more educated on it.
Don't worry too much about it though, you got this =]

angetralala

It's interesting to see everyone's perspectives on this - I'm a FTM and have never considered wanting an epidural. I have an incredibly high pain tolerance, and also would have period pain like you can't believe. I figure what the hell I'll go drug-free if possible. My mother said her labor was actually easier than the pain she felt every month with her period.

Also, my body doesn't respond to medication/drugs very well, so I'd don't want to roll the dice and try something new in that moment. Of course you never know; all you can do is go in hoping your hopes!

kepoole

navyblueladybug said:

I'm going to have one. I figure, why be in pain if I don't have to? There are two sides to progression that I've heard... Epidurals slow labor, but I've also heard that if mom is more relaxed (and free from pain), you progress faster. I'm just going to go with the flow and hope for a smooth labor.

I went from a 4 to a 10 in 2 hours after getting the epidural. I had been in labor for 2 days and wasn't dilating and then bam, I was able to relax and she came quick!

redfallon

bluelily9 said:

No one says "I can't wait for my epidural!" - everyone hopes they won't need one because the more natural the better (most, not all). I say like everyone else to just be in the moment and use it when you need it. For me, it was when the doctor came in to turn my son inside me (who was in a bad position) that I thought I was going to lose it and while crying requested the epi. I wound up needing a csection anyway but the epidural was amazing.

Actually, yes, some people DO say, "I can't wait for my epidural!" Not everyone hopes they won't need one.

laurabwalker

I don't think people not wanting epidurals are trying to be heroes necessairly. Certain people epidurals don't really take, some people need tons of interventions as epis tend to slow labour, then they give oxy/pitocin, causes fetal tachycardia or late heart rate decels, then next thing you know they are further intervening, forceps/episiotomy/vaccum/c sec. This is pretty normal in labour and delivery and you can see it happen almost daily.
So trying without an epidural at first makes sense. I think sometimes they are completely necessary (like shoulder dystocia), and can be heaven sent. It really is a case by case basis!

raychalzupan

After 14 hours of labor and dilating to 7 cm the epidural was HEAVEN! I was still able to "feel" the contractions, more pressure like than pain and was able to control pushing when it was time for that. Once I got the epidural, baby was out in an hour. I was much more relaxed and my body responded much better to the labor. I was up and walking 2 hours post birth, but most of the time prior to that was devoted to skin to skin, BFing, and me actually getting a bite to eat. I wasn't in a hurry to get up and walk around anyway. Like PP's have mentioned, keep an open mind. You never know how things are going to go or how your body will respond.

CoreysMommy

I got the epidural as soon as I got into the room last time & I'm hoping for the same thing this time. I don't handle pain well.

ToneGirl

angetralala said:

It's interesting to see everyone's perspectives on this - I'm a FTM and have never considered wanting an epidural. I have an incredibly high pain tolerance, and also would have period pain like you can't believe. I figure what the hell I'll go drug-free if possible. My mother said her labor was actually easier than the pain she felt every month with her period.

Also, my body doesn't respond to medication/drugs very well, so I'd don't want to roll the dice and try something new in that moment. Of course you never know; all you can do is go in hoping your hopes!

This was my EXACT same thought with my first.  My monthly periods are HELL and I pretty much become non-functioning for a day or 2.  My tolerance for pain is VERY high as well.  Ended up getting the epidural so you never know.  It's best to just be flexible about it. 

cedixon2

I was induced with my first two babies. With pitocin and the dr breaking my water immediately, I couldn't take the pain. I did hold off as long as I could though. I imagine natural labor is a bit less intense, or you get more of a warmup? With my 3rd baby, I was allowed to let my water break on its own. The contractions weren't too bad but I went ahead and got the epidural when they started the pitocin. With my twins, I don't know what's going to happen with them as far as natural/csection so I think another epidural would just be common sense at this point.

Mizuiro007

cedixon2 said:

I was induced with my first two babies. With pitocin and the dr breaking my water immediately, I couldn't take the pain. I did hold off as long as I could though. I imagine natural labor is a bit less intense, or you get more of a warmup? With my 3rd baby, I was allowed to let my water break on its own. The contractions weren't too bad but I went ahead and got the epidural when they started the pitocin. With my twins, I don't know what's going to happen with them as far as natural/csection so I think another epidural would just be common sense at this point.

I've wondered this as well. It follows along with reading I've done, that with induction labor tends to be more intense and there's a higher incidence of having the epidural with them.

I'm deeply curiously so see with this one if I'm able to go into labor on my own without intervention how different it would feel. After my last size may be an issue though so we've already discussed the possibility of an early induction or c-section.

kanda0820

I had an epidural with my son and am planning to get one for this baby as well.

rachael2784

My first came just a little over an hour after arriving at the hospital, so I didn't have the option to get an epidural. I survived, so I di without one the 2nd time as well. Plus, I've seen someone get an epidural, and it kind of freaked me out.

Taylovesbrad

Ftm. To scared to not get an epi. Would like it to be as light as possible though so I can have some control... not sure if that's possible

maiatene

I have a high tolerance for pain (like borderline psycho) and wanted a med - free birth. Unfortunately my water broke early and my contractions were inconsistent and unproductive so I was induced. I toughed it out for about 6 hours before I accepted the epidural and it was the best decision I ever made. Yes I couldn't move freely but getting it helped me relax and get the rest I needed for pushing. Frankly I didn't feel the need to walk around and if I needed to pee the nurse gave me a catheter. I felt everything without the pain and was able to push with no problem. It also helped with my immediate recovery - according to hubby the dr was elbow deep cleaning my uterus post-partum and I had a 2nd degree tear that was stitched without me noticing. Once I officially got to the post-partum floor I was able to walk around without issues.

This time depending on my progression I will probably do the same but I really won't know until it's time. The best advice I can give is to read up and keep an open mind. Also talk to your doctor about this and ask about it on your hospital tour.