Is an epidural really safe for labor?I read that it can make a need for deep lacerations when pushing.?

Answer 1

Having an epidural was the best decision I ever made (well at least when it comes to how to go through labor.)
In fact..if it weren't for the option of an epidural..I wouldn't have gone for a third baby.
No kidding.

Answer 2

I was luck in giving birth to my 2 kids because the labor was so short (4 hours) that I did not need an epidural. If I had to endure something like 18 to 20 hours of labor, then taking the risks involved, I would get an epidural. However, there is a certain time span that you can get it. I believe that you need to be under or about 8 cm. Anything more then the hospital won't administer it. Best is to do some research and if this is your first child to attend a lamaze class. They also go over this.

Answer 3

No, an epidural is not 100% safe. It's USUALLY safe.

An epidural can slow down or even stop labor, requiring all sorts of medical intervention. An epidural can even leave a woman paralyzed for life. However, the statistics are in your favor.

Having an epidural is a risk, but so is taking aspirin or using a tampon. There is *always* fine print.

I had 2 epidurals and one birth without an epidural. If I was pregnant again, I'd have an epidural.

Answer 4

Like anything there are pro's and con's to an epidural. Yes it may slow down labor and cause extended pushing, but on the flip side it reduces pain so that you can concentrate on something other than the pain and believe it or not it could actually speed up your delivery! When I had my son the contractions were so bad I would tense up and curl into a little ball. Well the uterus is a muscle and it needs to be relaxed to dilate not tensed up. The nurse recommended I get the epidural to help relax my muscles and guess what? 45 mins after I got my epidural not only had I fully dilated, I had delivered my son.

Answer 5

If you are thinking of having one I hope you don't rely on the anwers you get on here, talk to your Doctor and do your own research. One guy said if they "miss" you spinal column you would be paralyzed, actually, you want them to miss your spinal cord! And somone else said that it can prolong labor, and I've always heard this too, but a couple of months ago they released results from studies saying that an epidural does not prolong labor after all. I've had two epidurals, one was for a knee surgery and the other one was when I had my daughter. When it came to my labor, all I know is that I wanted to hug the anesthesiologist after he gave me my epidural and the pain stopped!

Answer 6

i went into labour saying to my husband don't let me have an epidural the risk is to high, 15hours later i was begging for one, i ended up having two because i needed a c-section because my baby was to big to come out naturally , nothing to do with epidural, i couldn't have gone through it without one, be open minded keep your options open and discuss it with a doctor.

Answer 7

I know alot of moms who have had epidurals done, including myself... but we all have mild lower back pains because of it.

It was great at the time - but I would discuss with your physician what the chances of developing lower back pains later on are...

Congrats

*Pssst - don't be fooled! Laughing gas just makes you go "OW" but with a smile on your face!

Answer 8

All medical procedures have risks. Even having a baby does!

Answer 9

I would worry about them missing your
spinal cord, more than anything else.

if they miss you could be paralized for life......

Answer 10

http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/episdrgs.html
http://www.parenting.com/parenting/pregnancy/printarticle/0,20152,648006,00.html