Epidural thoughts?

queenrich · October 2014

Hey Guys,
This is my first time starting a new discussion. I tried searching about this, but no dice. I just wanted to hear your guys' thoughts on Epidurals and other pain medications during labor. This is my first pregnancy and I would like to try and go the natural route. I have herd that people who get Epidurals have a harder time pushing? Is this true? I am very interested in everyone's opinions of this subject.

Thank you

Pintobean39 · October 2014

Nope not for me. I pushed for 15 min and my first son popped out and 1 push and my second son popped out. Epidurals are the bomb!!!

Lalalady54 · October 2014

I see it this way- epidurals are AWESOME. My epidural ran out before I was pushing so I felt the majority of my pushing/having DD but I was so focused on her I don't remember it being painful at this point.

I had a friend who had her first baby naturally after tons of preparation and still to this day tells me she feels traumatized and wishes she would have had an epidural.

To each their own- I would say do what you want but be open to any scenario once you are in labor.

kayteebayb · October 2014

Loved my epi. I had no issues pushing.

MAdams728 · October 2014

Do what is best for you. In the long run, it's a minor thing, even though nothing about birth seems minor when you are facing it. Sometimes things are out of your control, anyway, in the case of a c-section or other necessary interventions.

With DD, I was very anti-epi. The Bump had me convinced that if I got one, I would be doomed to pitocin, and then a c-section. I labored for 12 hours before I knew I needed one. I got it at 7 cm, I rested, I finished dilating, and I pushed for about 20 minutes. I had an excellent experience, no pitocin, no problems.

To be fair, they can lead to interventions, and they don't always go that well, but usually they work just fine. You hear a lot more of the bad stories, because people aren't talking about their boring ones.

Even though I had a good epi, this time I will try med-free again. However, if it doesnt work out, I won't let it bother me.

SassFrass · October 2014

I finally got an epi after laboring for hours with my dd. I was able to relax, when it time to push came, it was a breeze. I plan on going as long as i can again without one but i know I will most likely get another

kj808 · October 2014

I loved my epi both times. No problems whatsoever pushing.

My only regret with my son was not asking for it sooner, so when I went to the hospital for my daughter I asked for it as soon as the nurse came to check me in!

I feel like it allowed me to enjoy my birth experiences and i'll do it every time.

SassyPants150 · October 2014

In labor for 25 hours with DD...give me the damn juice! I was dilating so slowly without the epi. I'd still be pregnant if I hadn't gotten it!

MrsPDX · October 2014

I am absolutely 110% against epidurals (for me)! Its obviously a very personal choice, but for me I could never get one. Here is why I am choosing to not get one.

Epidurals triple the chances of tears, increase the risk of C section (some say by 160%), they quadruple the chance that the baby will be face up, therefore lowering the chance of having a spontaneous vaginal birth. It raises blood pressure, can cause nausea and vomiting, severe itching of the skin... and creates a door for other interventions. For example you are 3x more likely to be given oxytocin after epidural to increase pushing. And yes you were correct, they do limit you from pushing, which means labor is often longer than a natural birth.

They also go into the baby's bloodstream, and it can take up to 8 hours for the drugs to leave the baby's system. Some studies show this stresses the baby's immune system, raises their heart rate and body temperature, can cause jaundice, among many other things.

Not to mention, in rare cares it can cause paralysis. (very rare cases, 1 in 1/2 million).

The World Health Organization reported that one in four women or 23% of all women who got epidurals experience some sort of complications.

Many women also report that they bond less with the baby immediately after birth because of the side effects of the epidural.

These are just some of the reasons I made my decision, and again I respect and support others' different choices.

Edited for wording and typos

supersarah77 · October 2014

I think thank goodness there are so many great options for giving birth! There's no shame in getting an epi and lots of benefits, as PPs have said. I personally chose med-free for a number of reasons, among them wanting to be mobile and not stuck in the bed, i didn't want to be hooked up to a bunch of things (epi, catheter, IV, etc) and I wanted to avoid the potential for an epi triggering other interventions/complications. My way worked for me but I certainly don't judge anyone who chooses differently. And as PPs said, I think it's good to have a birth plan but also be flexible to roll with unforeseen circumstances.

ashleymritchie · October 2014

Right there with you trying to decide. I would like to experience it naturally, just don't know if I have the guts to follow through!

lindsey85d · October 2014

I had an epi that lasted for about 2 hours and stopped. They pumped more juice in and I could still feel everything!

staccajaye · October 2014

What an amazing question, thanks OP. I'm in the same boat as yOu. What an eye opener. - the nerdy FTM x

kj808 · October 2014

MrsPDX said:

I am absolutely 110% against epidurals (for me)! Its obviously a very personal choice, but for me I could never get one. Here is why I am choosing to not get one.

Epidurals triple the chances of tears, increase the risk of C section (some say by 160%), they quadruple the chance that the baby will be face up, therefore lowering the chance of having a spontaneous vaginal birth. It raises blood pressure, can cause nausea and vomiting, severe itching of the skin... and creates a door for other interventions. For example you are 3x more likely to be given oxytocin after epidural to increase pushing. And yes you were correct, they do limit you from pushing, which means labor is often longer than a natural birth.

They also go into the baby's bloodstream, and it can take up to 8 hours for the drugs to leave the baby's system. Some studies show this stresses the baby's immune system, raises their heart rate and body temperature, can cause jaundice, among many other things.

Not to mention, in rare cares it can cause paralysis. (very rare cases, 1 in 1/2 million).

The World Health Organization reported that one in four women or 23% of all women who got epidurals experience some sort of complications.

Many women also report that they bond less with the baby immediately after birth because of the side effects of the epidural.

These are just some of the reasons I made my decision, and again I respect and support others' different choices.

Edited for wording and typos

Sure, all that COULD happen, but it could also be a really amazing experience. There are negative statistics for everything. If we always went off of what COULD happen to us, none of us would ever leave our houses.

I respect the fact that you'd prefer to have a med-free birth, but I'm just saying never say never.

Mimi63 · October 2014

I planned on a med free birth. At the last minute I needed to be induced. Because if that I was not able to shower or use my yoga ball. I barely even got in a chair. I had back labor and was in so much pain. The epidural saved my experience. I was able to relax physically and emotionally. The second half of my labor flew by. I pushed for 40 minutes, but the dr wasn't even there for the first 20 minutes.

Honeydewchestnut · October 2014

I'm shooting for an unmedicated vbac. To each their own. I'm a doula and I tell clients the only thing that matters is what they want -it's their labor, not mine.

lauranicole91 · October 2014

Loved my epi. I was having beastly contractions for hours but not progressing. I was stuck at 1cm for a long time. I got the epi and it finally allowed my body to relax enough to start to dilate. Sooo I'm pretty pro epi. :P

KellyFM522 · October 2014

I had an epidural and I loved it. Even though mine only worked across my belly. I had 100% full mobility of my legs which was great when I pushed. I hated having people hold my legs they gave me a footbar. I was up walking around after 45 mins of having DS. I needed the epidural though I had been in labor for 24 hours when I asked for it. It helped be get a few hours of sleep. Not sure what I'll do this time, but I would describe the process as intense, not necessarily painful. I also didn't tear or have any complications.

a316b · October 2014

Pintobean39 said:
Nope not for me. I pushed for 15 min and my first son popped out and 1 push and my second son popped out. Epidurals are the bomb!!!

Same. Except daughter, son.
Going same route this time.

MrsPDX · October 2014

Sure @GhostOfPostersPast

https://chriskresser.com/natural-childbirth-v-epidural-side-effects-and-risks

https://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth/epidurals-real-risks#.VEhlH4vF-Dl

https://www.mybirth.com.au/intervention/epidurals.html

@ramy3 I am a FTM and open to emergency medical intervention of course. That which is necessary for a safe birth (for example C section if baby is breached and cannot be moved naturally), but from what I have read and heard normally epidurals are not necessary and are avoidable.

SassyPants150 · October 2014

MrsPDX said:

Sure @GhostOfPostersPast

https://chriskresser.com/natural-childbirth-v-epidural-side-effects-and-risks
https://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth/epidurals-real-risks#.VEhlH4vF-Dl
https://www.mybirth.com.au/intervention/epidurals.html

@ramy3 I am a FTM and open to emergency medical intervention of course. That which is necessary for a safe birth (for example C section if baby is breached and cannot be moved naturally), but from what I have read and heard normally epidurals are not necessary and are avoidable.

I beg to differ on that "normally" being the case...sounds more like what you hear in your average propaganda materials.

Edit: words are hard...hope that came out right

TBsquared · October 2014

I got one the first time around. Didn't need any intervention at any point. It didn't slow down my labour and I only pushed for 34 minutes. I swear it messed with my head though as I'm super foggy about specifics during the labour and birth. But that might have just been my mind deciding to block it out...this time around I will try to go natural, I have a midwife and I'm getting a doula so I hope to have more support to deal with the pain. I don't have any issues from the epidural at all, just want to experience a natural birth if I can.

kj808 · October 2014

Does the use of the word "natural" when referring to a med-free birth bother anyone else?

Epidural/med-free, vaginal/c-section... they're all natural to me. They're all human babies who come from the same place. Unless you're birthing a velociraptor out of your ass I think every childbirth is natural.

MrsPDX · October 2014

I never said there was anything wrong in choosing epidurals, I just said for me I am not and explained why I was not. For anyone who does choose to get one, more power to you.

That's what I have read and heard (also from the experience of many friends and family). In some cases I am sure that it is needed in order to deliver safely, I just haven't heard about as many of those.

sarahchrismck · October 2014

On this topic, as a FTM and a major needle phobic, my concern is obviously the pain and the needle. The size of the needle and the fact that it would go in my spine scares the shit out of me.
But I like what PP are saying about it helping them relax and enjoy labor a little more. So... this may be a silly question... but does it hurt and do you feel it? I understand that labor hurts far more, but to a needle phobic, the idea of the needle scares me more than pain.

SassyPants150 · October 2014

@sarahchrismck‌ I didn't even look at it. It felt like a small bee sting to me. Just a quick hot feeling and pressure.

Unknown · October 2014

This content has been removed.

sarahchrismck · October 2014

@mbbach You and I are so alike in that sense!
:x

ETA: I assume I'll be able to deal with this when I have to, but I'm terrified. Thanks for replying @SassyPants150 and @ksmith0803 ! Sounds like I'm going to have other things to worry about by that point.

expecting1stlilmiracle · October 2014

I would keep an open mind because once you're in labor you may opt for meds. Totally respect your decision. It didn't hurt for me and baby was out in 3 pushes. It did wear off and DR did not want me to have more to avoid issues pushing. It still took the edge off. Good luck!

Jillibean68 · October 2014

I labored med free for 30+ hours. Once I got the epidural, I was in a much better place to push DS out. The pain can be exhausting, and I would have never made it through without the epidural. My mom was there with me and she was the one who pushed me to finally say yes to the epi.
Honestly, looking back, I was dumb for going so long without one. Labor didn't have to be as bad as it was before the epi, I was just stubborn and didn't want to be 'weak'.
This time around, I will likely get one much earlier so I can actually try to enjoy labor this time around.

evakatharina · October 2014

I want to try for a med-free birth (mostly because I don't want to be strapped in, needled, etc, I would like to be able to move around at will), and I'm trying to boost my chances by delivering with a midwife and a doula. HOWEVER, I'm going to be a FTM and I have no clue what labor feels like. So there is a wait and see side to it too, and I'm not closing off any options.

katietopaz · October 2014

Whoever said we can't have a good, respectful conversation about a potentially hot topic? I appreciate this board.

Before getting pregnant, I always joked and said there's no way I won't get an epidural. Having had a lot of friends go through pregnancy and L&D (DH and I are on the tail end of our group as far as getting pregnant goes), I've heard their wide range of experiences. With that in mind, I'm going to continue to do research and come up with my ideal birth scenario, but be completely ready to throw it all out the window. I'm planning to be as flexible as possible and prepared for it not to go according to (my) plan.

queenhoneybee · October 2014

I was hoping for a med-free birth with DS. By the time I arrived at the hospital, I was 9cm and my contractions were on top of each other, I couldn't catch my breath. I chose to have an epidural so I would be comfortable enough to labor down. The hospital I delivered DS in is a teaching hospital and a resident entered with the anesthesiologist. I don't remember the Dr mentioning the resident would be administering the epidural, but the resident placed the epidural in the wrong spot. This resulted in a 3 day epidural migraine. I couldn't even move my eyes without feeling excruciating pain. As an educator, I understand the importance of having hands-on experience, but should I have an epidural again, I will insist the anesthesiologist administer the epidural.

SassyPants150 · October 2014

SunshyneShay said:

I am for sure no hero, so I'm pretty positive I will be getting one, no shame. I have a low pain tolerance. (

Oddly enough, I have a high pain tolerance...still got me though

Ibliss · October 2014

I was planning on a med-free birth the first time around. However I was a week over due and chose to be induced. Still went four hours without but then decided I couldn't participate in the way I wanted through the pain (read I was too distracted by pain to enjoy the fact that I was giving birth to my child). So I got an epidural. Everything went great. I pushed for 3 hours and did have two small tears. It did take a while to wear off one leg so that was interesting.
This time I want to try med-free again am open to plans changing. I want an epidural free because I want to be able to move around.

Gatorsgirl731 · October 2014

I always knew I would get the Epi. I also labored for over 30 hours with DS, with no progress. I got the Epi 33 hours in and had him just at the 36 hr mark. I don't remember the needle at all and I remember most every detail of the birth. Any info I've lost from it is more due to the fact it's been 13 years.

With DD I planned on having the Epi again, but she had other ideas and I delivered 23 minutes after arriving at the hospital. I honestly felt more "high" from the adrenalen rush of DD's delivery than I did with the Epi.

There is no wrong choice, you do what feels right to you. And you allow yourself to change your mind. Too many women get hung up on a certain type of birth that they forget the most important part. You are not going to care 20 years from now about wether you had an Epi or a water birth, your only going to care about that beautiful baby.

RustyGirl3 · October 2014

I had two med free births and I hope to do it again but I know plans don't always go the way you want so we will be prepared for any circumstance.

I was 7cm when I got to the hospital with my first and 8cm with my second. Didn't have much time for the epi anyway!!

Do your research and just be prepared.

gemmagirl · October 2014

I wanted to go comepletely unmedicated at home, but my pain was so high i couldnt relax and i was kind of passing out from exhaustion in between contractions, i had been awake for something like 16+ hrs in some pretty tough labour. My birth didnt go as planned, we rushed to the hospital in a taxi with me breathing through contractions. I got the epidural which wasnt as scary when i was in pain. I very muc appreciate what it did for me. I needed to sleep so i could continue labouring. I do think it made pushing more difficult. I couldnt feel anything , amd i honestly wouldhave prefered to continue having sensations espacially for this part. I plan on trying for natural unmedicated at home labour, but i will be more prepared for plans to change. Two things i will do differently 1) i will sleep for as muc of the early labour as i can, 2) It is important to pack a bag for your husband/partner who is coming to the hospital with you, because they likely wont want to leave even to get food so pack snacks and change fore vending machines. Its good to have hospital bags packed before you go into labour, my husband didnt pack anything, he couldnt. Lol and to all the first time mums, try to roll with things, motherhood is never how you imagine it but it is great because of this. It teaches you life lessons you couldnt buy.

queenrich · October 2014

Thank you everyone for the input! I have been loving reading all of them! Its so hard to know what to do if you don't know what to expect. I will try and go med free but I will keep an open mind once I'm in the eye of the hurricane!

13kel13 · October 2014

I had an epidural with my second baby, it was an amazing and relaxing birth, the pushing part was fine, my midwife turned down my epidural and told me when to push, easy!!!
I was hoping to have another with my third but he didn't want to wait!
I would say just go with the flow, any birth plan can go out off the window once your in labour

lladymack · October 2014

Thank you ladies for all the info and stories. I'm still on the fence. Has anyone had any experience with any other drugs? stadol? Laughing gas etc?

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