Epidural yes or no?

Hfin86 · January 2015

I'm a first time mom and today we went to the doctor. I'm 13 weeks and 4 days and was asked if i want to do the Epidural or not. Anyone else put any thoughts into this? Pros and Cons?

erinnlou · January 2015

With my first, I did no epidural. And I hope to do the same with this one, but every one's labor is different. Mine was super quick, so I didn't necessarily have time for one. But I'm definitely glad I went without it because I felt like I was really there and experiencing it fully.

getnauti · January 2015

Definitely yes. Med-free is not for me at all.

Mamamads · January 2015

This is a hard thing to plan for. Some moms go in dead set on not having one and get it and vice versa. All you can really do is educate your self on it, decide what your preference is and then make a decision once you are in labor. Cons: I've heard you can't feel yourself pushing and of course you can't walk (which can help labor progress), it can make labor stall. pros: you can relax and ease some pain. I'm sure there are plenty of others so just talk to your doctor further, research yourself and decide what's best for you.

mrspark812 · January 2015

I had one with my DD but I lasted as long as I could handle until I got it. I had been in labor for over 18 hours before pulling the trigger. (I was in labor for 24 hours total) I was exhausted and needed to sleep. I went into labor not set on one way or the other. I was open to natural if I could pull it off and I was totally ok with getting an epidural. I will be approaching this labor the same way. I'd love to go all natural but I am realistic that it might not happen.

muffyvonmuff · January 2015

Its a personal choice. I wanted to try to go no epi, while in the hot tub at the hospital during contractions I got too hot and had to get out. It was getting really hard to work through them so I asked for the stadol (basically a drug to ease contractions) THAT WAS TERRIBLE! I would never suggest that on anyone! Eventually I wound up getting the epi and it was the best decision of my life. I will be getting it again this time ASAP.

NYMominCA · January 2015

With DD (my first) I went in all, "NO EPIDURAL!!" because I was terrified of the whole needle + spine thing. Then my labor pains HURT. They gave me Stadol for them, but then they were like, "Yeah when you hit 9cm we can't give this to you anymore." WHAT?! Take away the pain and then give it all back to me for the end/hardest part? NO THANK YOU! So I got the epidural. Loooooved it. With DS, I knew right away I'd have no qualms about getting an epi and I did. For this baby? Sign me up!

But it's totally a personal decision. I'm a wuss when it comes to pain, so I'm all for the epi.

nimble33 · January 2015

I didn't have any drugs for my last 3 labours so I think this time I've earned to have every damn drug I'm being offered haha

MrsC0409 · January 2015

Absolutely! And just so you know... it's not as bad as you may think. Getting the epidural was the easiest part of the whole labor. I didn't feel a thing. It might not be like that for everyone... I'm sure some people may feel something, but honestly the Tdap shot I got in my arm after labor, hurt a lot more!

sekosmides · January 2015

Lots of hospitals give you a local first, so you don't even feel the big scary needle in your spine.

I was in labor for 33 1/2 hours and actively pushing for 3 1/2. Without the epidural I would have run out of energy and been forced into an emergency C (I was literally down to "last push, the OR is ready and we're moving you now").

I know it slows labor, but that was not the case, DD1s head was in the 97th% and she couldn't get through my pelvis. I was so bruised inside.... She was literally headbutting in me internally for about and hour.

Lulamae123 · January 2015

Depends. If being induced yes epidural. Contractions from induction are much worse than natural ones. I have a rule of thumb now. Under 6 cm dilated yes epidural over 6 cm upon arrival no. But for a first time mom enjoy the process and get an epidural. Conflicting I know. Even if you have your mind made up labour does it's own thing.

cuebaby15 · January 2015

Yes, yes and yes!!! Soon as I arrive to L&D I'll place my name on the waiting list! I tried natural with my DS and lasted about 9 hours and by that time I was ready to kill everyone . As soon as I drained my first iv bag with my daughter I got the epidural... What a relief

kate5all · January 2015

I feel like there's no harm in learning natural pain management techniques and having a go at a med-free birth. A lot of people are telling me it's not worth it to put yourself through the torture only to get an epidural 18 hours in, but I just feel like I want to give it a shot and see if I can do it.

I would never rule the epidural out completely, though. My SIL did that--went to a birthing center that doesn't have epidurals so she'd be forced to deliver naturally and then she ended up getting transferred to a hospital for an epi so she could sleep a bit before she had to push. They got hit with two separate admission bills and the labor was waaaay too long (42 hours)!

Cfabretti2 · January 2015

I will if i can. I did with my 1st. My back did hurt for months after. Idk if it was from the epidural or pregnancy itself. But i was totally numb while i was pushing, then there ended up being a leak in my epidural so it wasn't as strong as it was supposed to be. I remember feeling the pain of ripping when my daughter's head crowned .

werehavingababy2233 · January 2015

MrsC0409 said:
Absolutely! And just so you know... it's not as bad as you may think. Getting the epidural was the easiest part of the whole labor. I didn't feel a thing. It might not be like that for everyone... I'm sure some people may feel something, but honestly the Tdap shot I got in my arm after labor, hurt a lot more!

All of this. Getting the IV taken out was the worst part of all!

SAHMommie · January 2015

Hfin86 said:

I'm a first time mom and today we went to the doctor. I'm 13 weeks and 4 days and was asked if i want to do the Epidural or not. Anyone else put any thoughts into this? Pros and Cons?

Dang they asked you already?
I didn't talk about that stuff with my OB until I was in third tri.
Things to think about.
How well are you with pain? High or low tolerance?
Are you good with managing pain? Do you tend to freak out or can you keep yourself calm?

Mark51610 · January 2015

No epi for me. 10 hour labor and 10 minutes of pushing. Baby was alert and looking around, not all drugged up (what meds you take, baby gets). I labored in thd shower on a yoga ball. It was great. I had zero interventions.

mrsnala · January 2015

Yes I will, had one with my first, though I tried to hold out as long as possible. Plan to get one with this baby as well.

CouEddy · January 2015

Yes please!!!!

looneyru · January 2015

I told the anesthesiologist I was going to name my daughter after him. That's how amazing my epi was. She came out alert and ready to go.

Will definitely be getting with this one as well.

gotdiesel2007 · January 2015

I've done one with and one without. The one without was easier on me.

jamtoast · January 2015

It's hard to plan for something like this. My sil went in and got it right away and it was great for her, my cousin wanted one but there was no time and she had to do it med free.

With My first, the epi was great. After 45 hrs of labor I had enough of the pain, i was too tense and stressed and I wasn't progressing, so I got the epi, got some rest and had my baby 3 hours later.
With my second my labor was 24 hours and I got the epidural sooner that time, but I could still feel every damn thing. Definitely didn't work like the first time. It's different every time for everyone.
I'd also like to add that I got a "walking epidural" so I could get up and walk around, I wasn't confined to my bed. It was nice. I plan to get an epidural again this time around.

SAHMommie · January 2015

Mark51610 said:

No epi for me. 10 hour labor and 10 minutes of pushing. Baby was alert and looking around, not all drugged up (what meds you take, baby gets). I labored in thd shower on a yoga ball. It was great. I had zero interventions.

I had an epi and my kid wasn't "all drugged up" and was alert too.

RaquelandBabyRodarte · January 2015

I got the epidural for the first child, I was 19 and really didn't question it. I was planning on having it with my second but by the time I got to the hospital I was already dilated at a 7 so I went without it..it hurt but the feeling after giving birth was worth it. I was able to walk easily to the bathroom; I felt like I didn't even give birth..it was so refreshing and made me realize how groggy I was after my first born.

I am excited for childbirth with my third; no epidural..just mentally strong and being fully there during and after

MrsC0409 · January 2015

Are you sure they didn't give you other pain meds that made you feel strange after giving birth. I had an epidural and felt totally fine. Not drugged up at all. I was completely with it and so was my baby. These posts seem a little misleading to me.

lcourter24 · January 2015

It's good to be educated in every aspect of your birth. That way you can make informed decisions. You can make a plan but it all will come down to that day and then you do what feels right to YOU!

I personally went med free with DS and will plan to do the same this time. That's just how I prefer to do it. To each their own, IMO! Healthy baby, and healthy mama are the main priorities.

forevergraceful · January 2015

SAHMommie said:

Mark51610 said:

No epi for me. 10 hour labor and 10 minutes of pushing. Baby was alert and looking around, not all drugged up (what meds you take, baby gets). I labored in thd shower on a yoga ball. It was great. I had zero interventions.

I had an epi and my kid wasn't "all drugged up" and was alert too.

Seriously @Mark51610, know what you are talking about before you go spreading false information.

OP, also remember that sometimes women are so tired from labor pain when they go unmedicated, that they are unable to push like they need to, which can result in a C-section. If you really have a strong to desire to do an unmedicated birth, than go for it! With my DD, I got an epi, that didn't work. I never planned for that and was completely unprepared for that kind of pain. I was also induced and put on ungodly amounts of pitocin, so my contractions were so strong that I thought I wasn't going to make it a few times. Either way, it is your choice, and it is also ok to change your mind once you are in labor.

MrsE20 · January 2015

I got an epidural with my first. I went in with an open mind but the pain became to great so I got one. The first time the guy gave it to me, it didn't take. I still felt every single contraction. So they called him back in and he told me that in the 10 years he has been doing this, he has never been called back in to redo an epidural. By the time the second epidural kicked in, I was ready to push and you feel those contractions. So I had no relief whatsoever! Then the after affect was my left leg from my knee up to my hip was numb my entire stay at the hospital. I am going to try to go without this time just because I didn't have a good experience the last time. I understand every person is different but just wanted to share my experience.

Emeraldeyed315 · January 2015

My best advice to you is to plan on NOT using one. Learn how to labor and work through the pain, different pain management tips. If during labor you decide you need an epidural go for it! But having "tools" to help deal is essential.

I say this because I have (not one, but a few) friends who missed "the window" of time they could get an epidural and had to deliver med free. Each one of them had no idea how to cope with the pain.

Laura8415 · January 2015

I had one with my last pregnancy, and got it when I was at 7cm. I was able to sleep for a few hours which was wonderful. I only pushed for half an hour and even though I couldn't feel myself pushing, my body knew what to do. DS came out crying, alert and ready to nurse right away. I will absolutely get an epidural this time around.

bookworm7495 · January 2015

Yes. Yes. Yes.

BabysMomma4 · January 2015

This is a hot topic if you speak to anyone in you meet about it. I've done it both ways. Once without one (36 hour labor and my first) and twice now with one. Both times I had it, my labors were significantly shorter and much more enjoyable. I didn't get that sense of "power" that others describe by going without it. I just felt overwhelmed, tired, and miserable. But that is definitely going to differ for everyone.

My epidural labors were 12 and 9 hours respectively. I have video of me putting lipstick on before i went to push with my last labor...LOL. There are some side effects to the epidural during and after, but they're no where near enough bad that I would say I wouldn't want one again.

I'll do as I've done with the last two this time and just hold off as long as I wish and then get one without blinking!

I think you should do what you feel is best for you and keep an open mind because a huge percentage of women change their minds once they're in active labor and especially if it's their first and have no idea how hard it can get. If you decide to go with an epidural, don't feel bad about it at all!

keniialise · January 2015

Educate yourself about everything that comes with a epidural. I was allllll for it, come to find out epidurals are not a guarantee. I was given the epidural and the only thing it did was make my son come out the wrong way, posterior birth is a side effect from epidurals. Not saying it will happen every time but it's a chance you take. So in the end the epidural actually made my birthing experience more painful than if I hadn't. With my second I still opted to try it again, thinking maybe it was just the way it was given to me and maybe the second time would be different and would take, only it didn't. - I agree with the other moms that say prepare yourself for a natural birth either way

mom3babies · January 2015

I had it for both my kids. Each time I waited till I was completely exhausted and couldn't take the pain anymore. I was finally able to sleep and get some rest before I had to push. Both my baby's were fully alert and not "drugged up" and I was fully aware of what was going on. Not once did I feel like I wasn't in "the moment". I plan on doing the same as the last 2.

As PP said it's all about how you are feeling in that moment.

sschwege · January 2015

My advice is go into it knowing your preference, while also acknowledging that it might change. Even if you know you want an epi make sure you find some other forms of pain relief (breathing, position changes, warm compress, soothing music, visualization, etc) in case you get there too late, or too early for one, or your epi doesn't work as well as you hope.

I had both my babies med-free and had a great experience, I did Hypnobirthing and thought it was absolutely amazing! Hope to have this one med-free as well, but if plans need to change then I'm not going to hang my head about it. As far as pros and cons:

Pros: Freedom of movement: I could walk sit in the jacuzzi bath tub, sit on the exercise ball, etc.           Not being attached to anything: I had no monitors, IV/saline lock, blood pressure cuff, etc.
          Being fully mobile after giving birth: I loved being able to get up and use the bathroom right
          away and then just walk over to see DS (he was in the Special Care nursery for breathing
          problems) I could stand next to him and hold his little hand.
          No Chance of side-effects from epi: it's rare but some women do experience back pain or
          a spinal headache after the epi

Cons: If you tear they have to give you Liticaine (sp?) to sew you up and those shots hurt, I would imagine with an epi you wouldn't feel as much if anything. Ask them to use liquid Liticaine first to numb you before the shots, but even still with my second I felt everything, they couldn't get me numb enough. Also once the baby is born ask for pain meds Tyl/Motrin right away. I didn't think to ask, they didn't offer it and consequently about two hours later I was in so much pain I didn't even want to hold DD. Next time around I had someone in charge of reminding me to ask and that was much better.

Once that initial high wears off you may be more tired than if you had an epi because you couldn't rest while in labor. I didn't feel that way with my second because labor was so short, but with my first I was just so tired and yet wired and unable to sleep. Not fun.

Either way don't let people tell you your baby will be drugged up, unable to nurse, etc with an epi. I've just never heard of that happening and most women I know have had epis. One thing I will say, try to stay away from the IV drugs such as Stadol. First off, of all the people I've known who have gotten it, only one person said she would do it again. Everyone else says they hated it. Even my cousin who liked it, did admit they had to keep telling her to take deep breaths because she was falling into too deep of a sleep with it. Plus as pp said it has to be shut off well before delivery because it can make the baby groggy, that almost seems worse to all of a sudden be slammed with monster contractions out of no where!

Good luck with your choice!

mrspark812 · January 2015

My DD wasn't drugged up at all. She was so alert and interacting with my DH and me, it was incredible! Her APGAR scores were perfect. Like literally perfect. They were extremely impressed with her scores. So to say your baby will be "drugged up" from an epidural is not accurate at all.

Now there are other pain medication options that will affect your baby because they are giving via the mother's IV and go into the blood system. But the affects of an epidural on the baby are extremely low.

Edited to fix my preggo brain typos.

jamtoast · January 2015

SAHMommie said:

Mark51610 said:

No epi for me. 10 hour labor and 10 minutes of pushing. Baby was alert and looking around, not all drugged up (what meds you take, baby gets). I labored in thd shower on a yoga ball. It was great. I had zero interventions.

I had an epi and my kid wasn't "all drugged up" and was alert too.

Same. I hate when people instantly assume your baby will be born all doped up. My first had complications due to nearly being strangled by the cord, but my second was born alert, screaming, nurses almost immediately, and I had an epi with him.

Mark51610-You are lucky to have laboured and delivered so easily. Not everyone is so lucky.

And I'd also like to add that there's no special place in heaven for those to go med free... Just sayin. Go in with an open mind, anything can happen
(trust me when I say that the doctors and nurses won't get together during their break and talk about how tough you are for refusing Meds, they'll talk about how loud you screamed)

erinnlou · January 2015

sschwege said:
My advice is go into it knowing your preference, while also acknowledging that it might change. Even if you know you want an epi make sure you find some other forms of pain relief (breathing, position changes, warm compress, soothing music, visualization, etc) in case you get there too late, or too early for one, or your epi doesn't work as well as you hope.

I had both my babies med-free and had a great experience, I did Hypnobirthing and thought it was absolutely amazing! Hope to have this one med-free as well, but if plans need to change then I'm not going to hang my head about it. As far as pros and cons:

Pros: Freedom of movement: I could walk sit in the jacuzzi bath tub, sit on the exercise ball, etc.           Not being attached to anything: I had no monitors, IV/saline lock, blood pressure cuff, etc.
          Being fully mobile after giving birth: I loved being able to get up and use the bathroom right
          away and then just walk over to see DS (he was in the Special Care nursery for breathing
          problems) I could stand next to him and hold his little hand.
          No Chance of side-effects from epi: it's rare but some women do experience back pain or
          a spinal headache after the epi

Cons: If you tear they have to give you Liticaine (sp?) to sew you up and those shots hurt, I would imagine with an epi you wouldn't feel as much if anything. Ask them to use liquid Liticaine first to numb you before the shots, but even still with my second I felt everything, they couldn't get me numb enough. Also once the baby is born ask for pain meds Tyl/Motrin right away. I didn't think to ask, they didn't offer it and consequently about two hours later I was in so much pain I didn't even want to hold DD. Next time around I had someone in charge of reminding me to ask and that was much better.

Once that initial high wears off you may be more tired than if you had an epi because you couldn't rest while in labor. I didn't feel that way with my second because labor was so short, but with my first I was just so tired and yet wired and unable to sleep. Not fun.

Either way don't let people tell you your baby will be drugged up, unable to nurse, etc with an epi. I've just never heard of that happening and most women I know have had epis. One thing I will say, try to stay away from the IV drugs such as Stadol. First off, of all the people I've known who have gotten it, only one person said she would do it again. Everyone else says they hated it. Even my cousin who liked it, did admit they had to keep telling her to take deep breaths because she was falling into too deep of a sleep with it. Plus as pp said it has to be shut off well before delivery because it can make the baby groggy, that almost seems worse to all of a sudden be slammed with monster contractions out of no where!

Good luck with your choice!

I tore slightly with my first birth, and they actually didn't give me any lidocaine shots. They just sewed me up. Depends on the severity of your tear I suppose.

Cfabretti2 · January 2015

SAHMommie said:

Mark51610 said:

No epi for me. 10 hour labor and 10 minutes of pushing. Baby was alert and looking around, not all drugged up (what meds you take, baby gets). I labored in thd shower on a yoga ball. It was great. I had zero interventions.

I had an epi and my kid wasn't "all drugged up" and was alert too.

Actually my daughter came right out starring me in my eyes wide awake. Epidural as well

rachellemons · January 2015

It's a personal choice but as most people are saying educate yourself. I absolutely believe the more afraid you are...the more pain you feel. I personally am way to afraid of needles (almost cried when they put the IV in) so I didn't want it. It was nice to be so in tune with my body that I knew exactly when and how I needed to push. I used hypnobirthing to cope with the pain. I don't think I could have done it otherwise. I needed a plan. But no matter what your "plan" is try to stay open minded. I wanted absolutely no interventions or drugs. I ended up having to be induced...since it was my first I don't think it made labor any harder than without pitocin because I didn't know how it would feel anyway. Around 9cm I was asking for anything to kill the pain luckily my husband stuck to my wishes and reminded me of what I wanted. 22 hrs of labor and only pushed for 2 minutes. I did feel like I could conquer the world. I think you would feel that way with either though...you still gave birth!

daniellelea1985 · January 2015

Epidural all the way.

Tried all natural... labored to 10cm with a lip..and he was stuck sideways. Transferred to hospital from birth center. Thank effing God for the friggin epidural.

I'm actually stoked to have it earlier this time. Lol

I didn't have any effects afterwards and neither did the baby

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