I need opinions! Newbie: Epidural or Not

ddemarco · February 2010

I am so new to all of this. What are you takes on Epidural or partial epidurals. I hear a lot of different stories. One in particular...chronic back pain?

jamienbj · February 2010

I am planning a med-free birth, a water birth actually, so for me I am completely against getting an epi. For you, if you are unsure then maybe you should leave the option open but go into your labor attempting to not use it??? Maybe don't PLAN on getting one unless you really end up needing one? There are many cons to getting an epi. You should do some research first.

MissyNY · February 2010

Look. the epidural has risks, just like anything else.. but i am telling you... It was FANNTASTIC for me. And i still pushed properly (only 3 times and she was out)

good luck, no matter how it goes down.

H4'sFan · February 2010

I enjoyed being stabbed in the back, and will be doing it again barring any problems.

I have no chronic back pain from my epi.

firsttogo · February 2010

I got an epidural for both. It did not take for the first, and I delivered with no meds. The second worked WONDERFULLY!!!

I am getting one again, and on time for this one!

MNgirl326 · February 2010

well, first off, you have plenty of time to decide on this.

My opinion is, although I would love to go natural, I am not oppssed to the use of an epidural.
If my labor has become long and exhausting, and I need to rest to recouperate and prepare for the birth, I may have one.

kimthgrt · February 2010

i dont know the difference, but i got one...I was vomiting from the pain...however, every birth is different, some say its very beautiful and not that bad...I couldnt talk i was in sooo much pain. to each his own though.

I kind of want to try med free again, but I think its because I cant remember how bad it hurt, lol..

Also, I personaly did not have any side effects from it, except the tape on my back was a b***h to get off. I was *told* a lot of women that do have side effects, ie. chronic back pain...had previous back issues. thats what I HEARD though.

Chloe77 · February 2010

I loved my epi, will have one again without a doubt. No negative side effects at all.

MrsLeanna · February 2010

Though I chose to have an epidural early on, I agree with PP, do some research, talk to your Dr. You dont' need to decide ahead of time, leave it open and decide later on.

I did not have any issues from the epidural. Also, a lot of people talk about the back pain and think its from the epidural but don't forget, when you give birth you are using a lot of muscles you have not used before, which can also cause back pain.

For me, there was no con to getting an epi whatsoever. I was able to enjoy my labor and rest for a little while. I had an extremely short labor. My DD was born awake and alert and had her eyes open for the entire hour I had her with me until they took her to the nursery.

But I know its not for everyone and you do need to look into it if you're unsure. Good luck!

heather318 · February 2010

I think it's totally a personal decision. But my plan is try my hardest to not get one. Just my personal decision. But I'm not opposed if I decide to get one.

iluvadam · February 2010

I am going to respectfully disagree that epidurals have a lot of cons. I had an epidural when I was laboring and had the most amazing labor and birth. I also have chronic lower back pain and did before the epidural. It has in no way, shape, or form made that worse for me. If you are unsure about your decision, that is ok, because you don't have to decide now. You can do all of your research now and then make a tentative plan. And you can always change your mind in the moment if you decided you wanted to go a different way.

I would just like to say that I have nothing against a natural birth, but for me personally, I was able to actually enjoy (I know that sounds weird) the birth of our first child. I had NO pain. It is a personal decision and I wish you lots of luck making it whatever way you decide to go.

homebird · February 2010

I plan on going as long as possible without an epidural. I want to be free to walk around, sit in a rocking chair or on a yoga ball, use the shower and tub, etc. If I feel I need an epidural at some point, I'll get one, but I'd rather not until absolutely necessary. Epidurals can slow down labor. You're also confined to a bed (because your legs are numb).

I don't think you can make a decision until you're in the moment. You can have a "plan", but moms will probably tell you that childbirth doesn't always go exactly as you imagined. Be open and be educated about your decisions.

LindseyJW · February 2010

i wanted a natural (med-free) homebirth, but complications sent me to the hospital for a c/s. i had an epi a couple hours after arriving. my side effects included:

violent shakes (lasted about 3 hours after surgery was over)

spinal headache the next day

intense itching (would have been solved with the antihistamine drip the doctor ordered to be put in my IV, had the damn nurse turned the thing on. instead, she "forgot" to turn it on and i itched for 24 hours after surgery)

i had no long-lasting effects and never had any back pain.

i have no intention of having another epi, ever. unless i need another c/s.

sandy02 · February 2010

I had the epi with Ethan, it was a wonderful experience, I still had pain, dont get me wrong. But it was way bearable, and made it to where I was able to really be there in the moment and not be overcome with pain.

MrsB*s · February 2010

I had my epi in for about 24 hours and had no side effects from it afterward.

All I know is, I would never imagine going through that without one. I had pre-e, magnesium sulfate, and an induction, so I was going to take away whatever suffering I could, and was bedridden and on IV before I even started labor. There was no downside to me.

One thing to be aware of is that an epi doesn't always work perfectly, so even if you decide for one, it's not a guarantee you'll be completely pain free. For both blood pressure and then baby movement issues, I had to be on one side or the other for my entire labor. That meant the flow of the medicine into my epidural space was not even, and I did have some pain. But it made it more manageable for sure!

MsMoseley · February 2010

Chloe77:
I loved my epi, will have one again without a doubt. No negative side effects at all.

Yes

str8ota · February 2010

I was induced before and will be induced again and as long as my platelets are up I will be having an epidural. I'm high-risk and my ob is alright with me having one.

katlizabeth · February 2010

I didn't have an epi, but I had other pain meds and anti-nausea meds (the anti-nausea meds were the best!!). I went into labor thinking that if the pain got too bad, I'd get an epi, but during labor, I chose nubain (sp?). I like the fact that I was open to getting one, and I am fine with the fact that I didn't. I hope to do any future labors with the same mindset. It's a very personal choice.

NMDA · February 2010

I had one with both of my children, and will definitely be doing it again. Oh how I love thee, sweet, sweet epidural.

Beccaboo0713 · February 2010

I had an epi, it didn't work. Numbed too high. I have chronic back pain.

cja06 · February 2010

I had an epidural and had no ill side effects. I'll probably do the same again.

Abc15379 · February 2010

I will not be getting one. People's typical response to that is "Oh, just wait, you'll change your mind." Thing is, I CAN'T change my mind. I'm having my baby at a birth center, where there is no option for meds. If there is an emergency, and I am sent to the hospital, I will only take what is necessary(i.e. the anesthesia for a c/s). It's a personal decision, and like PP said, not one you have to make now.

iheartstuart · February 2010

Chloe77:
I loved my epi, will have one again without a doubt. No negative side effects at all.

This! Loved my epi and am doing it again.

IfferMarie · February 2010

I am going to do everything I can to not have one. I really want to have a natural birth. I think it is such a beautiful thing and the pain will be worth. I also know things don't go as planned and I could end up having a c-section or something, so if in the moment I change my mind I am open to that, I am just set on not having one and then see what happens.

jensu82 · February 2010

Drug me please!

volgirl123 · February 2010

this

mdlw07 · February 2010

I think it's best to go in with an open mind because usually it all goes down differently then you would ever imagine it! Birthing plans (in my opinion) are a waste of time, because you can't 100% predict what's going to happen. You can educate yourself on the various options. Even though I got an epi with DS, I will go into this next L&D with an open mind hoping to deliver naturally, just got to go with it though. I had no side effects from the epi either and for that delivery it was very much so needed!

brownie123 · February 2010

Hell yes I'll get another one!!! I had one with DD and it was a wonderful experience. I was TERRIFIED to give birth and it was really no big deal at all. Everything went as smooth as could be and I won't hesitate at all to get one with this baby!

sstephen27 · February 2010

After first appt with DR on Wednesday, I'm hoping to switch to a midwife (and deliver in a hospital) for a number of reasons, but one being that I would like to go med-free and don't want a doctor trying to push pain meds on me during labor. I'm looking forward to experiencing childbirth and I'm not worried about being in too much pain to enjoy the birth of my child like some posters said above. The body naturally releases a number of chemicals when a baby is born and it gives you a feeling of joy, euphoria and aids in the bonding process with baby. I'm praying to avoid a c-section!! My cousin is due in 25 days and the baby is breech and they don't think it will turn. I would hate to be 25 days away knowing a c-section was probable. If it happens in the last few days I could cope, but I don't want to be dreading it for too long.

Aliliv · February 2010

All I can say is know your options and talk to your Dr.

My first was med free. My second was with an epidural. My first recovery time was longer, my second was quick. I had no lasting effects from either. There is nothing anyone can say that will prepare you for your L&D and to help you decide on whether or not to get an epi. My only advice is to know all of your options and to go with the flow as best as you can. The baby is coming out know matter what:) No one's pain is the same as someone elses!

Alyssajoy87 · February 2010

My hospital didn't do partial epidurals (although I did ask) so I went with the regular epidural option when my labor stopped progressing and I had been sitting at 1.5cm on pitocin for 9 hours. The epidural was what allowed me to relax enough to finally dilate and I was able to have the vaginal birth I wanted (instead of the c-section all the nurses thought I would have).

In the end, it is really a personal decision. I couldn't take the pain anymore so I opted for some relief but there's nothing wrong with going completely natural if that's what you want.

mrsward4ever · February 2010

I had an epidural with my first and is one of the main reasons I am now going with a midwife in a birth center au natural. my epidural was a NIGHTMARE from beginning to end. when he was putting it in he didn't use enough local, so I felt everything and almost blackout with two needles in my spine. then the drip was set at the lowest setting, but still felt like someone was sitting on my chest and I needed an oxygen mask. plus, it sloooowed my labor down alot. after 17 hours of not being able to feel my legs...I started freaking out hardcore. I wanted to get up and walk.

as far as back pain, my back is veryyyy weak in my mid back since the birth. but that could have been from the pregnancy/childbirth itself.

my opinion: don't jump to it. obviously every woman reacts to it differently. wait to see what you can handle and if the less serious pain drugs do the trick first. then if you need it, you know you NEEDED it.

~*Sarah*~ · March 2010

i got one after about 12hrs into labor(i was induced and it took 2 days) I also ended up with a c section I would research that as well just so your prepared incase you need one mine was emergency and i thought for sure i would be having her naturally ... wrong wish i had know what to expect.

Brownie0516 · March 2010

I would wait to see what situation you are in and then decide. I feel like if you set a birth plan and it does not go as plan, it can be really dissapointing. You never know if you might need a C/S or labor might not be progressing and you need pitocen or something similar.

I really had my heart set on a med free vaginal birth. Well after 26 hours on pitocen, I was calling my doc on her cell begging her to get down to the hospital and give me a C/S. The pain was too much and they would not give me an epi because I was not progressing past 2 cm and it would slow me down even more.

Point of my story: never say never until you are faced with that situation. Same goes for parenting. I would be rich if I had a penny for every parenting situation I said I would not do, and they caved because I had no idea how hard it would be.

Dermy167 · March 2010

I am going to try to have a natural birth but my reasons are probably a little different than others. I am a nurse practitioner and have observed the insertion of many epidurals. Of all the gory things I have seen while working in healthcare (including surgeries), it is the only thing that has ever made me queasy. I won't go into great detail, but unfortunately I have also seen many horrible side effects from the epidurals, some of which were life altering. That being said, I have never given birth before so who knows, I may very well change my mind when the time comes.

bride526 · March 2010

What I did with my first was I didn't plan beforehand. I took it as it came. If it got too bad I knew I could get the epi, and if it didn't well then I didn't need it. Ended up I got the epi because I was in labor fro 28 hours and simply couldn't take it anymore. The worst thing you can do is have a plan set in stone because labor and delivery don't always go exactly as you plan and you don't want to set yourself up for disappointment. JMO.

skearhart4 · March 2010

The thing to remember, and that a GOOD OB will tell you, is that the absolute safest way to deliver a baby is by unmedicated vaginal delivery. While mostly safe, having an epidural increases your chances of needing pitocin (that brings with it a higher risk of fetal distress and other side effects), increases your chance of needing vacuum/forceps extraction (which means an episiotomy), and a higher rate of having a cesarean birth, which also has its own set of risks. I had my first son in a hospital without an epidural, and plan to have my next baby in September at home with a very capable midwife. The key is to decide your course early and to prepare for that course. You can't just say "no meds" and then not have the preparation done. Because you'd be doomed to failure. Don't be afraid of childbirth. It's something women have done for thousands of years, and even with your first, your body knows what to do. Trust in your body, and trust in yourself. I don't remember who said it, but just remember this, "We have a secret in our country. It's not that labor is painful, it's that women are strong."

Winter*Mommy · March 2010

My epidurals were heaven on earth and I loved every minute of them. I will never not have one. I felt like I was able to completely enjoy the labor / delivery experience once I got my epidurals - before I got them.... not so much.

borc0080 · March 2010

I didn't have one with DD, despite needing pitocin for induction and magnesium for blood pressure (pre-e). I felt like things went fine without it, though the last hour of contractions was not wonderful. However, I was unable to deliver the placenta, so I had to be put under for an emergency D&C. DH seems to remember my doctor saying that if I'd had an epi, I wouldn't have needed to be put under. That's just one of my many questions for our early appointment next week.

My advice is to remain flexible. It's certainly fine to go into L&D with some preferences, but people I know who have had a concrete plan they "need" to follow usually end up disappointed.

MissNikki007 · March 2010

I was absolutely 100% against having one with my first. I cried like a baby when they told me that I would have to have an emergency c/s and had to get an epidural. I was in labor for 13 hours with no meds.

Since this will be a repeat c/s, I will have no choice.

IslandbabySept10 · March 2010

count me in!

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