Epidural or natural birth?

Question

If you are given a choice, would you go for natural birth or have an epidural?

It's my first time to have a baby and I'm thinking of having a natural birth, do you think I'm crazy?

Moms, Appreciate if you could share your experiences.

What are the side effects of epidural anyway?

Answer 1

Oh I could go on and on about this. So many side effects, leading to a cascade of inventions and complications.

I think, for your first baby, you should *hope* for a natural birth but don't be ironclad. Have preferences, share them with your partner, do *not* have a birthplan. Whenever we see a couple with a birthplan, it's almost always ends up being a c-section or at least a long medicated birth.

Take one minute at a time, one hour at a time. If you think you want medication, try an IV med first to relax, change position, do some breathing, have some ice chips, see how you feel in 30 minutes. Once you get to the end, I won't lie, the pain is very intense but it's easier to get through it knowing it's almost over.

If you need the epidural, that's ok too. Remember to wait as long as you can before getting it and have it turned down or removed for pushing. This is very important, you cannot push effectively if you are completely numb.

If you are hoping for a natural delivery, very important you attend a birthing class with an emphasis on natural delivery, pain control techniques, massage, breathing, etc.

Answer 2

I wanted to have a natural birth, too. I don't think you're crazy for wanting to do that!

But during my labor, an anesthesiologist came to speak to me. He explained that having an epidural would not only ease my discomfort, it would actually ease the stress on the baby. The baby does not feel any effects of the medications because it's inserted into your back. If you were having medication through an IV, meaning it goes through your veins, then it would have an effect on the baby. The risks to you are also very low. There's a common myth that it could cause paralysis. That's only a possibility if the JANITOR is inserting your epidural. They insert it well below your spinal cord, so there's no harm in it.

After the anesthesiologist explained this to me, I went with the epidural. It was MUCH better. I was more comfortable, and was even able to sleep, even though I was having contractions. I didn't feel any pain at all through my entire labor and delivery, but I could still feel the baby descending, and I could feel him as I was pushing. It made it to be a wonderful and joyful experience. It was less stress and pain for both me and my baby.

There are some side effects of having an epidural. It pretty much numbs you from the waist down. :o) I thought it felt pretty good. It will sometimes slow down the progression of your labor, but because you aren't feeling any pain, you won't really care. I sure didn't. It was just wonderful, and even though I was only in pain with contractions for five or six hours, the 12 hours I was in labor after the epidural was MUCH better. I could rest, and save my energy for when it was time to push. And it turned out beautifully. So think about it, talk with your midwife or OB, and decide what's right for you. Since it's your first, go in planning on trying it naturally, and if it gets too much, ask for the epidural. :o) It's easy enough. But there's no reason a woman should have to go through all that when we have something that can ease her pain. Good luck!

Answer 3

I had an epidural the first time, and it wasn't so great - I got a few hours of pain relief, and then my doctor turned it off "so that I could feel to push", which I still maintain was unnecessary. Also, afterwards, I had a terrible headache for about a week. Not sure if that was epidural related, but it's possible.
I'm 30 weeks pregnant, and I'm aiming for a natural birth this time. If that's what you want to do, go for it! You have to make your birth experience work for you.

Answer 4

Natural... I don't like any chemical alterations If I don't actually have to
Depends on your pain toleration level...
Epidural actually numbs you and you can't feel what you have to do, when you have to push, you can't support your body with your legs, and it just makes it more difficult.
I actually had an epidural with my first baby, it was a partial Epidural after 33 hours of labor, becasue I was totally exhausted, and the baby was overdude by 2 weeks. They needed to relax me so I can do my job. My legs were totally numb, and I wasn't even given the normal dose. Two hours have passed before I could do anything with my legs... Well, finally they had to perform and emergency c-section on me on account that the fetus didn't progress down the birth canal and I was already way overdue.
But really, it's better if you can feel it, because you can control your birth giving better.
The only side effects are headdaches. I still have them.

Answer 5

I had a natural birth for my guy, and I hope to have them with any other kid I may have. But it all depends on how your labour is-mine wasn't all that bad. I agree with BabyRN-take one moment at a time, after a few hours if its really bad and you can't handle it any more, or your just plain exhausted-the epidural is there to help

Answer 6

I had my first baby through a C-section. My second was a vaginal birth. No drugs, there's nothing like the real thing.

TIps to ease the pain:

Before you go to the hospital try taking a hot bath. Let the hot water run through your lower back.
Try having some hot cinnamon tea when you start to feel the contractions.
Walk as much as you can as soon as you start to feel the contractions.
Try not to go to the hospital right away.

My mom was a midwife back in Mexico and she helped me through labor. I was in labor for 7-8 hours and my baby was born about 5 min after I got to the hospital.

Answer 7

the reason they give you a choice is just for you not to feel the pain,but naturl is the healthiest thing for your baby .if you check up the difference having an epidural stops some of the contraction from your uterus to the babies chest and you need those to help get your babies lungs started breathing on their own,consult the differences with your doctor.

Answer 8

i thought i would have my baby naturally but i got morphen and the Epidural and because of it my babys heart rate dropped and i wasn't able to have the baby natural at all

Answer 9

i hv low pain tolerance, definitely opting for epidural in dec when my baby is due, i'm also a 1st time mum

Answer 10

Epidural

P.S.
If a baby is God's opinion that life should go on, then why did he kill all the dinosaurs and other extinct animals? Is a death God's opinion that life should not go on? Cuz lots of ppl die.. everyday.