Medical intervention is sometimes necessary - not nearly as much as it is being used, likely not even half as much, but interventions do have their place. I'd be a poor nurse if I said otherwise. I don't believe being 24 h post membrane rupture is reason to induce. I am aware infection is possible. It's always possible. It's the same reason we have to change tubing and plastics every 24 hours. You'll find medically necessary is a very fluid idea and subject to opinions in many cases - some docs use common sense, others just rely on policy and protocol. Choose a provider that agrees with your philosophy, both approaches have pros and cons.
I had told myself that I would go with the flow during labor an see whether I wanted one at that time. Well my water broke and my contractions started an hour later. They were 1 minute long with a 1 minute lapse in between and were already topping that machine thy measures them. Plus, I was puking my brains out because of the pain! Believe me, I wanted that epi!
I had no problems with it except that it wore off on my left side and I was basically pain-free for 4 hours in my 13 hour labor. Anesthesia seems to wear off on me...
It's a nice idea to go drug-free but you really don't know how your body will react to the pain unless you're knee deep in it. Keep an open mind is my suggestion.
Everyone ignores the risks of the epidural when discussing these things. It's not would you like water or juice - its do you think it's better to take heavy drugs with some - yes rare, but possibly extreme - side effects or just suck it up and take the pain every other creature since the beginning of time has been able to bear. Pain ain't going to kill you. An epidural could decrease your blood pressure, harm the baby, paralyze you, or cause permanent nerve damage. Not worth it to me.
Like I said before - it's a decision every woman must make, different women have different priorities, but I do want to point out that this isn't an arbitrary choice of pain or no pain. Those that have had an epidural shouldn't be ashamed of it, but also shouldn't be pressuring others to take the same risk.
Also valid point - pictocin/oxytocin to induce causes more pain. I'm glad it's already been pointed out, but worth reiterating - that skews things a little.
Research, understand the risks and benefits, and explore options - there's a hundred different pain interventions out there, there may be one you really take to, and ones you had no idea were options. Best thing to do is know the facts.
No one is pressuring anyone. There have been stories shared of complications with an epidural as well as wonderful success stories (women stating that it was great/right for them). She asked for women's experiences with an epidural. What did you expect from the post but stories about epidural use? If you want to talk about pressuring someone, your description of "do you think it's better to take heavy drugs with some - yes rare, but possibly extreme - side effects or just suck it up and take the pain every other creature since the beginning of time has been able to bear." seems like pressure to not get an epidural, that it's a horrible decision because everyone/everything can bear those levels of pain. Like the OP, I find it helpful to hear people's personal experiences with things. Does it make my entire decision? No, but it's nice to hear what other women have been through. There were also other methods mentioned to allow OP to look in to if she so chooses.
I had an epidural, my son was 9lbs 7oz and the epidural helped a lot with my contractions, they turned it off when it was time to push for me cause I couldnt tell when to push !! The needle didn't hurt at all, and my labor for my first child was only 8.5 hours ! It went really fast !
This is was my epi experience: My original birth plan was to use drugs only and no epidural (I should have stuck with it). I knew my contractions had started for real when I felt like I had to poop but nothing was coming out and it was consistent every 10 minutes then 5 minutes. The pain was not intense at all, just weird. I was already 3cm by the time I got to the hospital. A few hours later, I was at 6cm and ready for drugs. Well, even though I was dilating my water did not break so the doc broke my water and that is when ish got real! My pain level seemed to quantify from difficult to unbearable and went from 6-8cm in what felt like seconds. I was still requesting drugs when the hospital staff insisted on administering an epi, they basically said the epi was stronger and worked better. I felt pressured and reluctantly agreed and that is when things took a turn for the worse. I had to have my back poked twice since the first one was in the wrong spot and caused me to vomit then immediately my son's heart rate dropped and I was being prepped for a c-section before I could even figure out what was going on. Thank God, things calmed down before I was cut open and I was able to have a vaginal delivery. The moral of my story- do what you think is best for you and baby, don't let the hospital staff pressure you to do what you don't want to do. You are in control and medical intervention is only necessary if you or baby are in danger. That is all, goodnight.
I've also seen "epidural is the only way to go" and more that may not have said it but have the same tone.
The main thing I was trying to get out there was that this is not a risk free thing like most epi advocates seem to treat it. There's the possibility of serious damage to mom and baby ... if that's a risk you're willing to take, then that's your choice but it's foolish to ignore it.
I've had much more pressure from epidural moms to go that route than I have from natural moms to do it that way. I didn't mean to get snappy, I just find it a little irritating when there are so many epi advocates that just pretend there is nothing to talk about but pain or no pain.
Here's a suggestion: whether you're a FTM or not, keep an open mind that anything can happen when it comes to labor and delivery, and I am pretty sure we'd all agree the most important thing is mom and baby's health. Induction IS in fact medically necessary in many cases; so are epidurals and other medical interventions. Epidurals can help or hinder or something in between. Not every mom will react the same and even the same mom is likely to have a different experience every time. Having only one idea of how your birth will go is extremely closeminded, ignorant, and even potentially dangerous. Having clear goals and a plan, one that includes room for change and flexibility, is a great idea to prepare. Being overly idealistic is unrealistic when it comes to L/D. Moms here who've BTDT seem to know better, for good reason.
I'm slightly offended by the FTMs who seem to "know it all" about a process they've never experienced firsthand. I've never personally encountered an "epidural advocate", only those "all natural and proud" (i.e. lucky they didn't have complications) moms who feel the need to push that attitude on others. (Many more who've gone natural and aren't pushy about it, for the record. .. just saying the only pressure I've witnessed has been from that side.)
I labored at home for 36 hours (labor stalled in the middle), and then headed to the hospital with my doctor's advice. I knew the risks that would go into all of my options, after all, as a FTM, you tend to research everything and talk to everyone you know about their experiences (at least I did). I was planning on seeing how I felt. By the time I was admitted, I was 7cm and felt like I wanted the epidural. I am happy with my experience, and I will do it again.
I had an epidural with both of my girls. With my first my water broke at home, by the time I got to the hospital I was 9cm and in full blown labor. My contractions were every minute on the dot. That was very painful (clenching the bedrail, and stressing myself out more) to me, so I opted for the epi. I tore internally and had to get stitches, so I was glad to have that pain relief.
With my second I walked around 5 cm for weeks and had her via induction. I started to feel painful contractions at 7cm so I got the epi. It was honestly the perfect delivery.
You'll know your pain threshold though. Don't feel guilty if you do want to get one! It's your body.
Ugh I just can't with this whole process. Just so everyone understands: PITOCIN is synthetic oxytocin and makes contractions and labor 1000 times more painful than it actually is. If you're claiming that you HAD to be induced (which there is absolutely NO medical reason for ever) and then HAD to get an epidural because the pain was too much to handle, you're needlessly scaring the crap out of every FTM on here for the shock value. If you WANT an epidural because you're afraid of pain and don't trust your body to do something it was built to do, then say so. Women have been having babies for almost 200,000 years. I'm pretty sure the female anatomy has got this shit down to a science.
There is so much wrong with this an before you acuse people of scaring FTM's maybe read your own post! To tell someone induction is NEVER necessary is ignorant. What about low fluid levels, baby kinda needs that. It is why my dr reccomended induction for me and there numerous other conditions that require medical intervention of some sort such as placenta previa, placental abruption, preeclampsia you can't just breathe and push through these things. To say women have been doing this with no medical help for 200,000 years is ridiculous do you know what mortality rate is? Would you reccomend women who have medical issues to endanger themselves and their baby so as not to use medical intervention? Sometimes our bodies don't know what to do or just plain can't do it. Have you had a non induced birth and an induced birth? I ask Bc I have and the induced one did not increase the pain "1000 times". If you have had both its not a scientific fact it makes the pain 1000 times worse its your opinion. I have been through it and my opinion is while its a different kind of uncomfortable and pain it's not "1000 times" worse.
ThisIs My First Baby, Estimated Due Date Is October 21. I WatchedAn Animated Tutorial Video On Getting An Epidural. It Seemed Terrible!!!
Here's my 2 cents everyone's opinion and experience is different you just have to do your research, talk to your dr and decide what's right for you. Also I want to agree with several of the pp's that said try to be flexible with your birth plan and don't be sad if it doesn't go according to your plan. These little ones like to make plans of their own. I personally had a great anesthesiologist with both of my deliveries and was happy I chose that route. I went into labor with my son and got the epi when I could no longer talk through contractions at all. He was born less than 3 hrs later. It did not slow me down. My daughter I was induced and I probably could have held out a little longer but she was born about 4hrs after epi. My sister had 3 baby's 1 without and 2 with and said while the pain relief was nice she liked her labor without drugs better. I have a cousin who had her first 3 with no drugs and the 4th with and was like omg why did I go without!! So for a FTM's it kinda sucks bc you have no idea what will be best for you so just go with the flow and do what your body tells you. If it says you can do it without an epi awesome if it says nope I want some help don't feel guilty its your body:)
Ok so I had #1 with the epi no real problems no major complaints about it. Was in labor like 14 hours though but only pushed for 45 minutes. Now when #2 came along my mom took 2 hours to come get me. So by time I got to the hospital I didn't have time for anything! They barely got my IV in. My OB was like I promise its easier without the epi. She was absolutely right it was easier. I only pushed twice that's right twice. Now I won't lie it did hurt, it burned more than anything. I could feel everything so I could control everything. Best part was when the nurses were cleaning up my daughter and weighing her doing all the stuff she needed I got right up and got to go in and shower. You lay there helpless for hours with an epidural waiting for it to wear off. So Now pregnant with #3 I will go without unless something happens out of my control.
I reluctantly gave in to an epidural with my first. My labor was long I was going on 18 hours and I was exhausted. Made it to 6cm and I need rest to push. It took longer for the dr to find the correct space. Afterward it was immediate comfort. I went from 6-10 and broken water in less than 2 hours after the epidural. But when I was pushing they had to turn it off bc I couldn't feel my contractions. Next time around I'm hoping it's quicker bc I do not want one. My back hurt for awhile after in same spot of epidural and sometimes still today.
I guess the reason I am thinking natural is that I don’t want to be out of it…I want to walk around, I want to get massage, I want to even do some reflexology to stimulate the uterus and pituitary gland. I don’t want to expose my infant to narcotics and I don’t want to feel numb. I want to work with my body not against it. I think if you if you say I’ll just wait and see you most likely will end up getting drugs but if you prepare for 9 months mentally then you can deal with it. However, I’ve never had a baby before so I might realize during birth that it’s too much! And be like give me the drugs!! I’ve never had any back trouble and I don’t want to think about having any sort of back problems afterwards. I don’t like hospitals or doctors really but my husband refuses to have a home birth. Every person is different and just do what is best for you. The end result is getting to hold that baby in your arms and the rest you probably forget about soon enough no matter how labor happens! I hope everyone has a safe labor and delivery no matter what your choice is!
Ugh I just can't with this whole process. Just so everyone understands: PITOCIN is synthetic oxytocin and makes contractions and labor 1000 times more painful than it actually is. If you're claiming that you HAD to be induced (which there is absolutely NO medical reason for ever) and then HAD to get an epidural because the pain was too much to handle, you're needlessly scaring the crap out of every FTM on here for the shock value. If you WANT an epidural because you're afraid of pain and don't trust your body to do something it was built to do, then say so. Women have been having babies for almost 200,000 years. I'm pretty sure the female anatomy has got this shit down to a science.
There is so much wrong with this an before you acuse people of scaring FTM's maybe read your own post! To tell someone induction is NEVER necessary is ignorant. What about low fluid levels, baby kinda needs that. It is why my dr reccomended induction for me and there numerous other conditions that require medical intervention of some sort such as placenta previa, placental abruption, preeclampsia you can't just breathe and push through these things. To say women have been doing this with no medical help for 200,000 years is ridiculous do you know what mortality rate is? Would you reccomend women who have medical issues to endanger themselves and their baby so as not to use medical intervention? Sometimes our bodies don't know what to do or just plain can't do it. Have you had a non induced birth and an induced birth? I ask Bc I have and the induced one did not increase the pain "1000 times". If you have had both its not a scientific fact it makes the pain 1000 times worse its your opinion. I have been through it and my opinion is while its a different kind of uncomfortable and pain it's not "1000 times" worse.
Thank you. As someone who had hoped for a natural birth but then became ill (pre-eclampsia, monitored in the hospital for a week because we wanted to go natural) the ignorance of the statement about induction never being medically necessary is absurd. For the FTMs, take opinions with a grain of salt. Research so that you can trust your judgment and make sure you and your dr/midwife are on the same page so that you can trust their recommendations.
My epidural with my second was a breeze. My doctor was a pro and I don't remember the needle stick. I had been laboring at home for about 15 hours before we went to the hospital. When we got there the nurse checked me and my water broke. I was at a 6 and the contractions got very intense after that. (Contractions felt like very intense menstrual cramps for me). At that point, the relief was pretty nice. Then we watched TV for a few hours before I felt the urge to push then she was out within 45 minutes. My doctor said it was good that I had the epidural because I got a third degree tear when her shoulders came out. He had to do a lot of stitching down there.
Sometimes I wonder if the epidural numbed my bodies natural instinct to push and to maybe push a bit slower (I was working hard to get her out and just wanted to be done) and maybe I wouldn't have torn if I could follow my body's natural timetable. But who knows? The epidural wasn't a choice for me because my 2nd birth was a VBAC. Doctor said I needed the anesthesia in place in case something went wrong during the birth and they would have to do another C-section. My first was an emergency C-section where I was knocked completely out and that was not fun at all. We all wanted me to be awake for this birth if at all possible. I'm not sure if they will let me try for a natural birth this time around since this would hopefully be my 2VBAC. I will discuss all this with my doctor and see what my options are. If I have to do another epidural I will, all that matters is a healthy, screaming baby.
I would recommend to anyone wanting a natural birth to do some research ahead of time on how you plan to manage your pain because I agree with a previous post that if you just go into it with a 'see how it goes' you may not feel prepared to handle the pain. I know a few woman who have told me they were scared so when the doctor offered the epidural they just did it and regretted it.
Another great thing is to have a written up birth plan so all nurses and doctors know how you want your birth to go. We had in our birth plan for my midwife to tell me when it would be the last opportunity for me to receive an epidural. I did this bc I wasn't sure if I could handle it or not. It turns out I could but it was nice to know I could have one if I needed it.
Ok so I had #1 with the epi no real problems no major complaints about it. Was in labor like 14 hours though but only pushed for 45 minutes. Now when #2 came along my mom took 2 hours to come get me. So by time I got to the hospital I didn't have time for anything! They barely got my IV in. My OB was like I promise its easier without the epi. She was absolutely right it was easier. I only pushed twice that's right twice. Now I won't lie it did hurt, it burned more than anything. I could feel everything so I could control everything. Best part was when the nurses were cleaning up my daughter and weighing her doing all the stuff she needed I got right up and got to go in and shower. You lay there helpless for hours with an epidural waiting for it to wear off. So Now pregnant with #3 I will go without unless something happens out of my control.
Not having an epi made YOUR experience easier in comparison with your first. This isn't a blanket statement for everyone or every birth, and it is surprising your OB said that, though it was probably said because of your situation at the time. Just wanted to clarify. I'm glad you've had good experiences and also appreciate that you said something could happen out of your control... as a third time mom, you recognize this! Oh, and for FTMs:an epi also doesn't usually render you helpless on a bed for hours afterward while it wears off - it shouldn't, and I would not say this is the norm. Maybe an hour or less-- during which time you're likely birthing the placenta, getting stitched up, and most importantly, bonding with your baby. During the first hour you are right where your baby needs you to be: resting and holding and feeding him/her. Many hospitals now require that only mom gets to hold baby for the first hour -- taking weight, bath, Dad or other family holding baby comes after that first hour or more whether mom had an epidural or not (assuming baby and mom's health of course). It's very important for baby and you. By that time you should be ready to get up if you did have an epi. I think it's great that more and more hospitals are making this a standard policy and procedure.
I was also induced and had an epidural when my labor started not progress. The doctor had told me that if I didn't have my DD by 5 I would have to get a C-section. It went into the process swearing that I would not get the epidural and would do fine. The pain started to get to me and since I wasn't allowed out of bed anyhow I had it. I think it actually hurt more getting my IV in the it did the epidural. I went from 6-10 within an hour of getting it. I was still able to feel my legs and a lot (which was good and bad). I do have back pain from it now though. It did help me from not having a C-section though. This time I am hoping not to have to be induced and am trying for a natural birth! Just keep your options open and do what is best for you and the baby
I had an epidural and did not feel a thing. I had a total of 5 hours active labour (water broke at 530 and he was out by 1030), so no- it did not slow anything down. Everyone is different and I think you need to make the decision for yourself. I have had friends that wanted "natural" and when it came time- they got an epidural..
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It is terrible. Esp when you are having Contractions at the same time. But SO WORTH IT!! with both of my kids i had one and then slept for 6-8hrs before giving birth whole the woman next door opted out and was screaming the entire time. I believe everyone is different and has a right to decide but motto is don't be a hero.
I guess the oversimplification of the arguments for "all-natural" birth (however you define that ;-) ) is what bothers me. It's not just about "sucking it up" and choosing "pain or no pain." Ha! Childbirth is a painful process (the vast majority of the time) whether you get drugs or an epidural or not. Newsflash: an epidural does NOT equal no pain! Most women feel plenty of pain before, after, and even during the epidural- the goal is usually to use the epidural to relax enough for the cervix to dilate, but to hopefully retain enough feeling so that you know when to push and can do so successfully. Often they will turn the epidural down or off before you begin to push for this very reason. As pp said, you really have no idea how your body will respond to labor until you go through it. The pain and intensity of contractions can cause high blood pressure and dangerously affect the baby's heart rate, or make labor/recovery twice as long because your body tensed up so much and had trouble dilating. Epidurals can cause vomiting, chills, and shivering... guess what? So can intense labor pain. It's not just about being able to handle pain or not... again, this is a major oversimplification and anyone who's gone through it knows that. I really don't believe choosing an epidural is putting your baby at huge risk. I think far more problems can arise from not having one-- which is why so many women end up with one for one reason or another. If you are able to prepare yourself with alternative techniques to get through the pain, prepare yourself mentally (as @Rikki_5 said), and you're openminded and flexible (because this is a situation that is much easier with that attitude) you are setting yourself up for the best possible outcome. If you are lucky enough to be able to have a healthy birth without an epidural, that's awesome! But be aware there are many situations beyond our control when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth, and if an epidural provides a smoother and safer birth for any of the countless variables involved, that's great too. Be thankful for all the lifesaving medical practices we have today should you or baby need them. Not everyone has a complication-free pregnancy or birth, and no one needs to be faulted for it if they don't.
Epidurals cause more than a little vomiting. They can cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure, require continuous fetal monitoring because the baby's heart rate may drop to an unsafe rate, they can cause leakage of spinal fluid - which causes a long lasting and very nasty headache at the very least, they can cause permanent nerve damage that can range from creating a chronic pain issue to paralysis, they can cause labor to slow down or stop, they can make pushing difficult and can increase the likelihood your doc is going to want to do a c-section or use forceps or vacuums which can deform or harm the baby, you won't be allowed to walk or do anything by yourself, likely because you won't be able to feel thing properly or move properly, they almost always contain a narcotic (bad news for women like me who are sensitive to narcotics and thus mean it's very easy to overstep the 'effective' dose range - effectiveness differing based on who you ask), they can cause the fetus to be poorly positioned due to decreased pressure of the pelvic floor, have been known to increase the likelihood of episiotomies, can cause the baby to have difficulty latching or other breastfeeding difficulties, and the good ol' ringing of the ears, back pain, shivering, nausea, difficulty urinating, urinary retention and vomiting.
For some women natural - however you want to define it - is simply not an option. I just don't want a completely uncomplicated, healthy pregnant lady to opt for one out of fear of pain and end up exposing herself or her baby to risks and complications that didn't have to happen in the first place. Complications complicate things, lol.
I'm pretty sure my doctor and elevated blood pressure and swelling knows better than you about whether I HAD to be induced.
I made it through 12 hours of 60 second contractions with 60 second breaks, and made it to 8 cm before I gave up. Ended up in an emergency c section when the epidural dropped my blood pressure and put my daughter in distress.
I definitely think alternative pain relief methods need to be more readily taught and available. It's all about educating and preparing yourself as much as possible. There just aren't any guarantees when it comes to childbirth, so being educated and flexible are both key.
I didn't feel a thing with my epidural. I mean nothing other than the doctor pushing on my back. I was so scared to get it that I put it off as long as possible. I was getting weekly 17p injections during my pregnancy and I thought that was worse than the epidural. This time I will definitely feel more relaxed.
As a couple of PP's have mentioned, I think it's really important to go in with an open mind. If you've got your heart set on a peaceful home birth where you labor in a kiddie pool with no drugs and your doula massaging your back to ease the pain but you end up with pre-e or placenta previa or your baby is transverse or any number of things that might require intervention, it doesn't mean your whole birth experience has to be ruined it that you've somehow failed. If you have your heart set on a drug-free hospital birth and end up needing to be induced and decide to get an epi because you can't stand the pain, it doesn't mean you're any less badass than women who push 9-lb babies out of their vag without any medical assistance.
Do your research, know the risks (even the most uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries can suddenly go wrong), and have a plan. Don't let hospital staff or Rikki Lake or anyone else bully you into thinking there's one right or wrong way to give birth, and be open to things not going according to plan.
What we all want out of this is a healthy baby, right?
As a couple of PP's have mentioned, I think it's really important to go in with an open mind. If you've got your heart set on a peaceful home birth where you labor in a kiddie pool with no drugs and your doula massaging your back to ease the pain but you end up with pre-e or placenta previa or your baby is transverse or any number of things that might require intervention, it doesn't mean your whole birth experience has to be ruined it that you've somehow failed. If you have your heart set on a drug-free hospital birth and end up needing to be induced and decide to get an epi because you can't stand the pain, it doesn't mean you're any less badass than women who push 9-lb babies out of their vag without any medical assistance.
Do your research, know the risks (even the most uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries can suddenly go wrong), and have a plan. Don't let hospital staff or Rikki Lake or anyone else bully you into thinking there's one right or wrong way to give birth, and be open to things not going according to plan.
What we all want out of this is a healthy baby, right?
Yes!!! Even though I'm planning a home birth, I will not be "upset" if I end up having to get transferred to a hospital. If there is something wrong, I'll be GLAD to have the medical assistance! In fact, I'll be making sure my MW feels comfortable with transfers, etc. so I know she's not going to wait until it's too late to send me in and something goes awry. I want a healthy home birth but sometimes babies do funny things!
I had an epidural and did not feel a thing. I had a total of 5 hours active labour (water broke at 530 and he was out by 1030), so no- it did not slow anything down. Everyone is different and I think you need to make the decision for yourself. I have had friends that wanted "natural" and when it came time- they got an epidural..
@KTMonson11-totally random and off topic but where you in the Feb 2013 mommy group? Your pic is your signature looks familiar.
I had an epidural and for me it was the best choice.
I think once you do some more research you will know which way you want to go. Some women want no drugs while others are all for it. You will get push back from both sides but trust your momma instincts.
I find it ridiculous that as fellow mothers we can't get on here and share our story without getting condemed. Before medical interventions MANY women and babies died during childbirth so when I am delirious from pain laying in a hospital bed and my doctor who went to school for this and who I have built a trusting relationship with for the past 8 months says she's needs to give me pitocin I am going o trust her. Those of you on here telling me pitocin is never necessary I would love to see your degree and how many babies you have delivered! No one is trying to scare anyone into getting an epidural we are simply sharing our experiences. And I'm sure in the moment we were all doing what we thought was best for us and our child.
Why make someone feel wrong or inadequate because they chose or felt they couldn't handle the pain any longer? Is it amazing if you don't get pain medication sure is there anything wrong with a woman if she does of course not! I was in labor for about 25 hours before I got an epidural, I was in labor for a total of 36 hours and ended up needing a c-section because my son's head was completely stuck behind my bones. Without medical intervention he would have died there was no way for him to come out naturally. So the moral of the story is do what you feel YOU want to do and in the end it's up to your baby how labor goes plan all you want but I truly believe your best option is to research and talk to your doctor about all options and possibilities. That way when the time comes it's not all rash decisions, don't let anyone guilt or bully you into anything you don't want.
My first ended up turning breech and we had to do and emergency cesarean the epidural wasn't bad it was a pinch and then everything went numb pretty quick i was crying and shaking because i really wanted a natural birth but that wasn't the plan my lo had she was 6 weeks early.
I'm not one to say medical intervention don't have their place, I do firmly believe that they are overused. I am a nurse, I work in the medical field, and as where many people seem to believe it's a sure point blank profession, it's not. There are differences in opinion. There are differences in research. Doctors disagree all the time.
The point of the matter is, epidurals and inducing are things that are over used, and in a healthy birthing process can expose mother and baby to unnecessary risks. That is clearly evidence and indisputable. What you find an "acceptable" risk and what you define as "necessary" are fluid and opinion and no two women or two doctors will whole heartedly agree on every point within that wide topic.
I had a great experience with my epidural. After over 24 hours of active labor but poor progression, I delivered my baby within 30 minutes of getting the epidural, and was able to have my much-hoped for VBAC (I was on the road to another CS). I will say that I experience random tingling occasionally where I received the shot, but was aware of and accepted that risk.
Can't say what will happen with this baby. If I've learned anything from my previous two births, it's that you have to have an open mind and very flexible "plans" during labor.
Re: moms who have had an epidural
I had no problems with it except that it wore off on my left side and I was basically pain-free for 4 hours in my 13 hour labor. Anesthesia seems to wear off on me...
It's a nice idea to go drug-free but you really don't know how your body will react to the pain unless you're knee deep in it. Keep an open mind is my suggestion.
I'm slightly offended by the FTMs who seem to "know it all" about a process they've never experienced firsthand. I've never personally encountered an "epidural advocate", only those "all natural and proud" (i.e. lucky they didn't have complications) moms who feel the need to push that attitude on others. (Many more who've gone natural and aren't pushy about it, for the record. .. just saying the only pressure I've witnessed has been from that side.)
With my second I walked around 5 cm for weeks and had her via induction. I started to feel painful contractions at 7cm so I got the epi. It was honestly the perfect delivery.
You'll know your pain threshold though. Don't feel guilty if you do want to get one! It's your body.
For the FTMs, take opinions with a grain of salt. Research so that you can trust your judgment and make sure you and your dr/midwife are on the same page so that you can trust their recommendations.
My epidural with my second was a breeze. My doctor was a pro and I don't remember the needle stick. I had been laboring at home for about 15 hours before we went to the hospital. When we got there the nurse checked me and my water broke. I was at a 6 and the contractions got very intense after that. (Contractions felt like very intense menstrual cramps for me). At that point, the relief was pretty nice. Then we watched TV for a few hours before I felt the urge to push then she was out within 45 minutes. My doctor said it was good that I had the epidural because I got a third degree tear when her shoulders came out. He had to do a lot of stitching down there.
Sometimes I wonder if the epidural numbed my bodies natural instinct to push and to maybe push a bit slower (I was working hard to get her out and just wanted to be done) and maybe I wouldn't have torn if I could follow my body's natural timetable. But who knows? The epidural wasn't a choice for me because my 2nd birth was a VBAC. Doctor said I needed the anesthesia in place in case something went wrong during the birth and they would have to do another C-section. My first was an emergency C-section where I was knocked completely out and that was not fun at all. We all wanted me to be awake for this birth if at all possible. I'm not sure if they will let me try for a natural birth this time around since this would hopefully be my 2VBAC. I will discuss all this with my doctor and see what my options are. If I have to do another epidural I will, all that matters is a healthy, screaming baby.
Another great thing is to have a written up birth plan so all nurses and doctors know how you want your birth to go. We had in our birth plan for my midwife to tell me when it would be the last opportunity for me to receive an epidural. I did this bc I wasn't sure if I could handle it or not. It turns out I could but it was nice to know I could have one if I needed it.
I made it through 12 hours of 60 second contractions with 60 second breaks, and made it to 8 cm before I gave up. Ended up in an emergency c section when the epidural dropped my blood pressure and put my daughter in distress.
Do your research, know the risks (even the most uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries can suddenly go wrong), and have a plan. Don't let hospital staff or Rikki Lake or anyone else bully you into thinking there's one right or wrong way to give birth, and be open to things not going according to plan.
What we all want out of this is a healthy baby, right?
Married: 05/14/2011
DS Was Born: 02/10/2013
EDD: 10/19/2015
I had an epidural and for me it was the best choice.
I think once you do some more research you will know which way you want to go. Some women want no drugs while others are all for it. You will get push back from both sides but trust your momma instincts.
Married: 05/14/2011
DS Was Born: 02/10/2013
EDD: 10/19/2015
Before medical interventions MANY women and babies died during childbirth so when I am delirious from pain laying in a hospital bed and my doctor who went to school for this and who I have built a trusting relationship with for the past 8 months says she's needs to give me pitocin I am going o trust her. Those of you on here telling me pitocin is never necessary I would love to see your degree and how many babies you have delivered!
No one is trying to scare anyone into getting an epidural we are simply sharing our experiences. And I'm sure in the moment we were all doing what we thought was best for us and our child.
Can't say what will happen with this baby. If I've learned anything from my previous two births, it's that you have to have an open mind and very flexible "plans" during labor.