Epidural vs. Natural experience?

kcs7 · July 2013

I'm at 26 weeks today, and have just now been reading people's experiences with natural birth. I like to try and make informed decisions, so I am curious as to people's personal experiences of epidural vs. natural...

Has anyone experienced both that they can tell me plus and minus of their experience? I know every experience is different.

I'm also just curious as to how many people have experienced some of the bad side effects of the epidural and what were those effects?

Thanks for any thoughts for me to consider!

mben1119 · July 2013

I had a botched epidural which basically made it impossible for me to push. The anesthesiologist went too deep and gave me a spinal accidently. I ended up with a c section after trying to push for over 2 hours.

sarah3523 · July 2013

I'm interested too I'm a first time mom and 24 weeks. I read a lot of stuff and there are some bad side effects to epidural so my plan is to go natural if I can but if the pain is too much then I can only handle what I can handle

jessicat2283 · July 2013

I went natural for many hours in labor with both kids, had no progress. Eventually did epidural after recommended by dr quickly went to a 10 with both. Ill do it with this 1 as well my body seems to move along once I get it

kcs7 · July 2013

sarah3523:
I'm interested too I'm a first time mom and 24 weeks. I read a lot of stuff and there are some bad side effects to epidural so my plan is to go natural if I can but if the pain is too much then I can only handle what I can handle

This is the thought I am having too.

lucrezia1480 · July 2013

A lot of women on the Natural Birth Board actually have experience with both. I didn't have any pain medications and thought it was manageable if I stayed relaxed. My labor was 10 hours, and I plan to go the same route with #2.

kcs7 · July 2013

lucrezia1480:
A lot of women on the Natural Birth Board actually have experience with both. I didn't have any pain medications and thought it was manageable if I stayed relaxed. My labor was 10 hours, and I plan to go the same route with #2.

Thanks! I think I'll copy my post to the natural board too and see what answers I can get there as well.

tashad18 · July 2013

I had the epidural with DS but plan to try natural this time around. I didn't like not being able to move during my labor especially since it was 25 hours.

After DS was born I had minor yet annoying back issues caused by the epidural. They lasted for years. When lying down my lower back would tingle at times like it was asleep. And after sitting for long periods I would get a pinching pain on my lower back.

Jmo30 · July 2013

I tried natural till I couldn't take the pain anymore which was around 8 cm. I couldn't get it after that so they came in pretty quick with the epidural and while they we're doing the epidural I had the urge to push. So by that time the epidural took the edge off the pain when i had to push. Thy told me when to push since I couldn't feel much but I pushed twice and she was out. I will try it again the same way as long as I can and get the epidural. Knowing the pain this time around I may opt for it earlier!

MrsJillian · July 2013

I did an epidural with baby # 1. I went natural with baby #2. I did an epidural around 4-5cm dilated with baby #1. After it kicked in, I felt great, but my contractions slowed and it took awhile to get to 10cm. Also, once you get the epidural, you have to stay in bed. Walking around the room helps to speed up dilation. Once I was at 10 cm, I felt no urge to push b/c I felt nothing. I had to wait for the nurse to tell me to push. I came really close to needing a C-section which is esp. awful if you already spent the day in labor. With my 2nd I vowed not to get an epidural. The contractions were painful, but I tried to stand and walk in the room as much as possible and that helped tremendously. When I felt the urge to push, it was so easy. I felt like that was what was missing with my first delivery. My son was 8 lbs 11 oz, and it honestly didn't hurt pushing him out. Getting to 10 cm hurt. Also,it was nice to be able to walk around after giving birth. My biggest fear with getting an epidural, is that it may slow labor and increase the chance of a C-section.

mplesset23 · July 2013

kcs7:

I'm at 26 weeks today, and have just now been reading people's experiences with natural birth. I like to try and make informed decisions, so I am curious as to people's personal experiences of epidural vs. natural...

Has anyone experienced both that they can tell me plus and minus of their experience? I know every experience is different.

I'm also just curious as to how many people have experienced some of the bad side effects of the epidural and what were those effects?

Thanks for any thoughts for me to consider!

I had an epidural. I had it pretty early on in my labor as my contractions were coming quickly. For me, the main reason I got the epidural wasn't, because I was in horrible pain, but that the contractions start to come so quickly and last so long that you literally can't catch your breath in between each one. It ends up being VERY exhausting. It's hard to understand until you go through it. I was in labor for about 16 hours and I pushed for 2 hours.

I am petite, only 5'0" and it's hard for the anesthesiologist when you are really short. My kid was sort of stuck on my left side and the epidural didn't really work at some point and I was miserable. I didn't have pain where the baby came out, but my stomach hurt during labor.

I also didn't know until months later when I spoke with another anesthesiologist, but I had a reaction to the epidural. After my labor starting the next day and lasting for about a week I had this horrible pain the went from my head down my neck and back. It was so bad that I couldn't lift my head literally an inch off the pillow without being in pain. I had to breastfeed laying down, it was awful. Turns out had I mentioned this they probably just would have just given me another epidural and supposedly that would have fixed the issue. I get migraines and I figurted in the hospital it was a combo of muscle pain from all the weird positions I was in from labor and a migraine.

Regardless of all my issues, I will 100% get an epidural again with this LO. Even though I had some issues, I can't imagine going through labor without something to help ease it a bit.

MMMiller · July 2013

I had an epidural with my first. Unfortunately I got it too soon, I was laboring with contractions 5 minutes or less apart for about 13 hours through the night before I received the epidural. I was exhausted and had no fight left, but I was only 4 cm. My midwife recommends that you get to six or seven cm before you get the epidural as it is less likely your progress will slow down at that point. Obviously my progress wasn't moving very fast to begin with and so even though my contractions continued to be strong and steady my progress stalled out. So in they came with pitocin, which made the contractions so powerful the epidural barely took the edge off. I started laboring at 7pm on the 3rd of August and wasn't ready to push until 6:00 pm on the 4th. The epidural had all but worn off completely at this point and I had complete feeling from my waste down. I pushed for 3 and a half hours (during which time my bladder filled up and made it nearly impossible for my son to pass through)...he was finally born at 9:37. Sorry for the essay but to me the moral of the story is this, put the epidural off as long as possible, if you're going to do it, and brace yourself for the fact that if you do that you could hit the point where they tell you you're too far progressed to get the epidural. I am going to do everything I can this time to make sure that I am at the very least 6 cm before I get the epidural...if I am managing okay at that point I am going to skip it altogether.

Sigir · July 2013

I went natural w my first. I did hypnobirthing and labored at home until 8 cm which was easy for me using that method. What was horrible for me was the pushing. It was so painful and so long. I needed something because the pain was so bad but it was too late, and I was exhausted. They ended up using forceps and it turns out the baby was 10 pds 1 oz so that was why it was so hard.

W baby 2 I was induced bc she was another big one, and I tried to go natural for a while but the pain was tough, and I did not feel the need to be a hero so I got the epi. It was Wonderful. It helped me relax and I progressed to ten in 30 min, and she was out in 3 pushes.

Its def epi again for this baby. It works for me and my body. I am glad I got to labor naturally, but I would not go through that pain again when there are alternatives that are safe and effective.

alake · July 2013

I am lurking. We are done at 3 (we have custody of a very young niece and nephew along with my three)

DD1: was 48 hours of labor. I got an epidural with her when my water broke. She was a forceps delivery. She was in the wrong position. I couldn't push her out.

DD2: was the same amount of labor, but she started to have decels. She turned into an emergency c-section. I got the epidural when my water broke.

DD3: supposed to be repeat c-section, she had other plans. She was scheduled for 39 weeks. At 37 weeks, my water broke. I hadn't had a sign of labor at that time. No contractions, nothing. I got to the hospital and was seven centimeters. By the time the doctor got there I was ready to push. The doctor checked, and she was in the right position. I had an unplanned, all natural vbac, that nearly was a home birth, because my DH had left that morning to work out of state for a few days. I had to find a baby sitter for the older two. From the time my water broke to having her was 2.5 hours.

My recovery was much better with the natural birth, and if I were to do it again, would try the all natural route again, but we are done.

aliwisewoman · July 2013

I've had an epi with both of mine. I had it done after the doc broke my water with each one.

IMO, if you look at how your period cramps and pain are it might give you an idea how your body will handle labor. My cramps are horrible. Like bent over in pain, been to the ER over period cramps bad!

You are more likely to have issues in a first pregnancy. For example, breaking a FTM's water may fail to induce labor but is usually successful in STM's. If you want to go natural, labor at home as long as possible, meaning don't rush to the hospital when you realize you are having contractions. Wait until they either become painful, your water breaks, or there is some sign of a problem, like bright red bleeding, etc. Do not have the doc break your water! It is a big cushion! It will keep your pain to a minimum. Once that fluid is gone, it's just baby in there and it hurts!

PhxMama · July 2013

I had an epi with my 1st. They tried it 3 times and it just did not take. It was awful being in that much pain and unable to get up and move around due to the catheter cords etc. I was horribly swollen for days after delivery.

No epi with my second. It was a much better experience. I spent a lot of time up and walking in the ob garden of the hospital which I think helped move things along. Contractions weren't too bad until I hit transition which was just about an hour. Super painful but over quickly. I pushed once and she was born. Much easier recovery too.

nicholssquared · July 2013

I've only gone natural, but I think it's a great experience. Both labors were relatively short. The first was difficult because I really wasn't prepared for the pain and I didn't know how to push effectively. However, going into the second I knew what to expect and was very, very relaxed. In that labor, my contractions felt more like tightening across my belly than unbearable pain and I would say that I wasn't in any pain until AROM at 9 cm. The contractions got very intense after that, but the baby was out 45 minutes later because I was able to push very effectively and help him move down the birth canal a lot with every push. Also, if you do decide to go natural, use a bathtub once the contractions are firmly established - about one every 3 minutes for 45 + seconds. The water on my back really helped me manage the experience, especially in my first labor which was very challenging otherwise.

There are other benefits to going natural, as I'm sure the NB board will tell you. Epidurals may slow labor and increase rates of other interventions, like pitocin. Pitocin may affect baby's heart rate and thus increases rates for a C-section due to fetal distress. If you opt out of the pitocin, you may be subject to a C-section for failure to progress. Not to say that getting an epidural means you absolutely will have a CS, but that there is a correlation. Furthermore, there's nothing unsafe about a CS delivery, so if it's not a big deal to avoid one by any means necessary, that's also something to consider. I tend to try to avoid them because my DH and I want a very large family, and your risks for uterine rupture increase (slightly) with every CS. Not that you necessarily have to have a repeat CS either, but I digress.

Good luck in whatever you decide - there are also plenty of resources out there regarding this issue for you to pursue.

runblondie26 · July 2013

I only made it to 5cm before the epidural. However, I was induced with pitocin and they say that makes contractions more intense.

I've been a competitive endurance athlete for almost 20 years, and there is no pain comparable to labor. There is no way I could have gone longer without the epidural.

kcs7 · July 2013

wow! Thank you ladies for sharing all the experiences!! This helps me a LOT as I have never talked to many people about pregnancy or even ever been around pregnant people or people with newborns for most of my life.

Thanks again and I love getting a feel of all the different experiences and what can happen and how different every experience will be. I'll be sure just not to expect one thing or the other, and I'll try to stay relaxed no matter what. I'll be taking birthing classes with a doula too so that should give me more knowledge.

Thanks!!

JuliaH21 · July 2013

I've only had one birth, and she was natural. I've always planned on natural births, but knew things could change, so I didn't rule anything out. My contractions started off at 5 min apart, 45-60 sec long and things seemed to get pretty intense pretty quick. But I was able to move around. The idea of not being able to get up and walk around really bothered me. My labor was 14 hours long with 45 minutes of pushing. It was really, really intense. I won't say it didn't hurt, either, it did. But it was mostly intense.
I've had migraines since I was a toddler and I think that may have given me an edge. Honestly, a full-blown migraine is a lot more painful than labor was for me. I think being familiar with that kind of awful pain helped me cope with it and learn to relax through it--being able to relax is really important for labor. I think that might be the most important factor for a lot of women when deciding whether or not to get the epi. If you're not sure about being able to relax into the pain, you might want to start working on relaxation techniques now.
I also like being able to get up and walk as soon as the baby was born, it seemed to really help me jump-start recovery. I was sore and had stitches, but was feeling better right away. I didn't need any more pain killer than advil. Mostly, I felt like I'd just spent a whole lot of time riding horses or working out or something. The more I walked, the more that soreness and stiffness eased.

daisydaisy23 · July 2013

I've had one birth, I got an epidural. The placement went fine and it worked awesome. However, I will admit that the downside was lack of mobility. Say bye bye to the birthing ball, showers, etc once the epi is in. I was thankful for the pain management for sure (at 5cm I had absolutely no relief time between contractions...it was hell and I surely could not have endured 5 more cm like that) but I did miss being able to move around.

That said, I am hoping this labor will be a bit shorter (I was 20 hrs last time) and that I might be able to go without an epi. I was trying to avoid it the first time around but ended up asking for it based on my situation. I've always wanted to try for a natural birth though, if possible.

olemissreb1205 · July 2013

I've had 2 epidurals and no side effects. I was walking 30 to 45 min later. My last epidural wasn't working right and they ended up giving me more meds. There is NO pain so great. I felt like I could pick up a car it hurt so bad. Honestly, I wouldn't intentionally put myself through it. You still can feel it w the meds and it still hurts BAD.

rbtrumpet · July 2013

aliwisewoman:
Do not have the doc break your water! It is a big cushion! It will keep your pain to a minimum. Once that fluid is gone, it's just baby in there and it hurts!

Good to learn this. My mom told me the opposite. She was at 4cm for 3 days with me, the doctor broke her water, she went instantly to 10cm was pushing within minutes and I was born in less than an hour. She said that labor and delivery was super easy (she got her payback with my brother and sister, though).

But what you said makes more sense.

Not that I'd WANT my water broken....

notkateanymore · July 2013

Had an epi and a csection and both were great. No side effects from the epi and super quick recovery from my c/s.

kdjudd · July 2013

I wanted to have a natural birth, but I had an extremely long labor and very bad back pain. My daughter was sunny side up so her head was crushing my spine. It was excruciating and after making little progress and being in agony for 24 hours, I reached my breaking point and gave in. I regret that decision so much. The epidural never fully worked. I could still feel a lot of pain, but I had bad side effects. My entire body shook for the rest of my labor. It was kind of scary because it was completely uncontrollable. Since I wasn't that numb it didn't really stop me from pushing properly, but I felt incredibly high the whole time. I felt like I was in a dream and it didn't even hit me that my daughter was born until the next day. I have hardly any memory of the actual birth. After the birth I had complications with my bladder. The nurse said it was due to the epidural and catheter. I couldn't feel the need to go and I would literally just pee all over myself. The doctor said that there was a chance that I had permanent nerve damage, but luckily the feeling slowly returned. On top of that I also have had back pain since getting the epidural. Whenever I hit that section of my back it feels like an incredibly deep bruise. I will be avoiding an epidural next time. It wasn't worth it at all.

j_twitchell · July 2013

With #1 I went into it open minded and made it to 7cm without any meds. At 7cm I couldn't make it any more so I got an epidural, took a nap, and when I woke up was ready to push.

I plan on doing the same thing with #2, I'll try my best and when/if I need the epidural I have no problem getting it.

alexandradenton88 · July 2013

With DD, I went into premature labor at 26 weeks and it was stopped for about 4 days and then I finally had her. I got the epidural because I have seek pain tolerance. My contractions were ling, hard and close together. I did get stuck twice, because he missed the first time. And the site was swollen and tender for weeks afterwards. I still have back pain at the site now. But I can say ill be getting the epidural this time around too.

Going natural seems like it would be amazing but it's not for me. Good luck on your decision!!

babymama619 · July 2013

momanddad3:
I've had one of each. My first was epidural. I didn't really have any issues during labor, but did not like not being able to get up right after birth to move around.

With my second, I was just about to get the epidural when I needed to start pushing. It hurt and it was hard, not going to lie about that! But, once she was born, I was able to get up, use the restroom, and move around as much as I wanted. I really liked that part.

If it was up to me, I would go natural again this time, but since we're having twins it's off the table as an option.

Is there a particular reason it's off the table? I have three friends that delivered twins vaginally. It can be done if babies line up correctly and the doctor is willing.

Cranang · July 2013

Natural the first time, by accident. I went into labor and labored naturally at home. By the time I got to the hospital I was at 7. Then they couldn't find her heartbeat. I begged for an epi, but by then I was at 10 and sitting on the toilet with the urge to push. The labor itself is manageable, but the actual pushing and delivery?...I swore I'd never do that again.

Second time I was induced at 6pm. I was at about a 2 when I went in. They did the pitocin, and I got to 5-ish by midnight. They broke my water, and things started to progress. I made it to 8 at about 4:50am. Had the epi by 5am. At 6am I was at 10 and ready to push. She was born at 6:23am. So my philosophy was, wait as long as I could and then get the epi at the last second for the actual delivery. Worked like a charm. They knew I wasn't far away, so I didn't get a big dose, and I was in the shower 45 minutes after she was born. I didn't feel a bit of pain with her coming out...only pressure, which was good so I knew what to do. I will definitely follow this exact plan of action for my next one, if I'm lucky enough to have another one.

HerbanMom · July 2013

DS1 I had an epi and while my labor was pretty much painless, I was advised to get it too early and it really slowed my labor down. Like to a stand still, contractions stopped, everything. When it came time to push I couldn't feel ANYTHING at all, not even when a contraction was coming so I had a difficult time and ended up needing alot of help and had to get an episiotomy followed by a 4th degree tear all the way to my anus. Not to mention, I had pain in my spine where the epi was put in for 3 years afterwards. That was just my experience though, I know LOADS of people who've gotten them and loved them.

I decided that it wasn't for me though and went natural with DS2 and labor went alot easier for me as well as faster. Pushing was far easier because I was actually in tune with my body and knew what was going on, rather than feeling disconnected and everyone having to tell me what my body was doing. I came out with only a minor "skid mark" from him and recovery was way easier. I'll be delivering in a birth center this time and am hoping for a similar labor as to what I had with DS2, except the added benefit of waterbirth.

shiway · July 2013

People who go natural are not " trying to be a hero". This is a safer way to have a baby. Safer for baby and mama. Is proven to lower chances of csections. Faster recovery, better for breast feeding. The list is huge. Your body is made to give birth. But our culture has turned Birth into this abnormal thing and woman are told they can't do it. They are unprepared and scared! Know your body, trust your body and learn about birth.

jlove4two · July 2013

I have both of my bbys one was 7 pounds and the other was 8.10 pounds and a was so easily for me and was a great experience cuz I feel both of my childs and everything was natural was the best ;

jlove4two · July 2013

I have both of my bbys one was 7 pounds and the other was 8.10 pounds and a was so easily for me and was a great experience cuz I feel both of my childs and everything was natural was the best ;

knottie3c0525a8a3c64eaa · July 2013

I'm a big fan of epidurals but I think this is a very personal choice you will have to make on your own.

RavenandJosh · July 2013

With my first DS I waited till i was around 7.5 cm to get the epidural. The doc missed and wound up not numbing me at all, except for my right knee cap. I had a completely natural delivery because he messed up! I coudln't get another epidural because by the time he came back around to me, i was 10 cm and being told to push. I was so mad! but really a natural was not as bad as i though it would be. I actually plan on trying again this time for a natural, but if things get to unbearable, then i will ask for the epidural. I suffered a numb knee cap for 3 weeks and actually had to go to my regular doctor to get it checked out to make sure i would regain full feeling. Kinda funny.

preciouspunk · July 2013

I had an epidural with my son and didn't like it at all. It made me shake uncontrollably and I couldn't feel if I was even pushing. With my daughter I went natural and loved the whole experience. The postpartum recovery was also faster and less painful. I strongly recommend Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth book.

deltagirl79 · July 2013

I had no desire to go med-free. My water broke but nothing else happened so six hours later they started me on Pitocin. After about 4 hours on Pitocin I was getting really uncomfortable so I asked to be checked and I was just passed six, so I asked for the epi. It went in no problem and worked perfectly. Two hours later I was pushing and that went smoothly also. I have all of my fingers and toes crossed that this L&D goes as smoothly as the first one did.

annieferrer · July 2013

I had an epidural with all my kids but my last one. I prefer no epidural...s long as I was in a hot bath tub I was fine I didn't have any headaches and I was able to move around just fine with the epidural I was not

kdf0405 · July 2013

I was in labor for 26 hours, pushed for 4 hours. I got my epidural at 6cm. I was feeling good and had to be told when to push up until the last 2 hours, then I felt every contraction, they had to refill my epidural 3 times and I still felt everything. Was the most miserable experience Ive ever had, partly because I was completely exhausted from pushing after 2 hours, had to get oxygen and eventually use the vacuum to pull her out because her cord was wrapped around her neck. If that had not worked, I would have had an emergency csection. But I wouldn't trade it because in the end, I have a healthy baby girl. Good Luck on whichever method you use! :

efortune · July 2013

I had very rapid deliveries with all my children and had an epidural with each one. I had planned to have a natural delivery with my 3rd, just for the experience, but it didnt work out for reasons beyond my control.

My first and third epidurals were amazing. They were "walking epidurals" although hospital procedure didnt allow me to walk. I could still feel pressure, some pain, and the urge to push. I was able to walk almost immediately after. My 2nd epidural was terrible and it took HOURS to be able to walk after birth. I was specific last time that I wanted a very light epidural.

I am planning a natural birth this time, but if it doesnt work out, I am very happy with my medicated births.

apostle85 · July 2013

You should really get the Bradley Method book, it will give you a good idea of both and how to get to a place of relaxation during your contractions. I'm a FTM too, but I really want to try and do things natural after watching bad epidural experiences happen with friends/family.

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