2006-08-11 12:25:01 · 38 answers · asked by carlyxx 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Have had four children and had an epidural not by choice with my first. I think you should do what you feel is right at the time but remember to ask for the epidural early enough if you can,t cope with the pain, the downsides can be that labour can be slowed down but if it is pain free then who cares, good luck whatever you decide
2006-08-11 12:29:28 · answer #1 · answered by DOMINIQUE S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I will give you my experience and then you can decide for yourself!
My first son, I had no idea what I was doing and they just gave me pain meds, that made the labor that much longer! So after that I decided that I would do it naturally, and never again have anything for pain, cause it made it take so long and I would rather have some pain and be done faster!
With my second son, I did the whole thing naturally and I had REALLY bad back labor! It did hurt but the upside is that he was born in about 2 hours, instead of the 8 it took with the pain meds!And let me say that he weighed 9 pounds 4 ounces!
So since that went so well, with my first daughter, I also went totally naturally and she was born 51 minutes after we got to the hospital! She weighed 9 pounds even! So as you see, it was easier for me, those times to not have the epidural or anything for pain!
But here is the weird part, my second husband and I, decided to have a child and low and behold, I could not stand the pain, even after having 2 children, BIG children naturally! So I had the epidural, which also prolonged the labor and then they didn't have it in far enough and they had to do it again! And this time, I was in labor for 17 hours after having 2 hour labor kids and big ones and this little girl only weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces!
Now here we go, last baby, a girl, had the epidural, everything was great, or so I thought and then by the time I was ready to have her the epidural had worn off and they would not give me any more! So I was in so much pain at that point and after being in labor for 17 hours again and all that pain, I did not have the energy to push her out, so I had to have a c-section after having 2 naturally and going through all that other stuff! This baby weighed 8 pounds and 7 ounces! So you see, I guess that you kinds have to decide for yourself! I can't have any more kids, had my tubes tied, but if I could I would seriously try to go natural again! I prefer to be in a lot of pain for a short amount of time, then to be in labor all day long and then the pain is so unbearable, that you feel as though you would die! So for me, I would go naturally based on my experience! I hope this helps you, sorry for the novel! Congratulations and God bless!
2006-08-11 12:49:03 · answer #2 · answered by iLoveDawnDawn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a caesarian with my first baby, which didn't go well.
Decided to have the second one naturally, if poss, so decided not to have an epidural, which I read might slow the labour down.
I had a seven hour labour and yes, it was very painful. It reminded me of period pains but very much more intense.
However, each contraction, with its pain, is helping to push the baby out and we're built for this.
You need to do whatever feels right for you but don't rush into the epidural through fear of the pain. If there are no complications, it can be an amazing experience. I delivered a 10lb 10oz baby and felt like a hero!
My very best wishes to you
2006-08-12 13:55:14 · answer #3 · answered by Claudia G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had 2 epidurals because the pain was so intense, my view is have what you want the down side it that you can't feel anything below the waist for about an hour, it can sometimes make the babt groggy and it can also not work, and if this happens you can't have another one until an hour later. I had them but I didn't like not being able to feel my legs or when I was having a weee, very embarrassing. Either way take lots of gas and air it's great, and feeling pissed whilst giving birth is quite a strange idea don't you think??
Good Luck honeyx
2006-08-11 20:59:34 · answer #4 · answered by celiachic 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi I have 3 children and had an epidural with my first two. My first epidural I was totally numb from the waist down and my second epidural I was numb from the pain but still had some sensation this is called a mobile epidural. With my third I only had morphine and gas and air and the pain was terrible you only know that pain if you have experienced it. So I would say go for the epidural.
Good luck x
2006-08-11 13:39:46 · answer #5 · answered by KIRSTEN F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I haven't - I'm a man. However, having delivered babies naturally, I saw that some childbirths were quick and relatively less painful than those where labour was especially protracted. If it is your first child, then you may do well to consider it, but first do research the risks. The epidural itself can be quite painful. I believe that pain that many women suffer during childbirth is the most painful experience that any human being can suffer. You can check the alternatives such as gas and air which dulls the pain somewhat but can slow the delivery as is reduces your ability to 'push'. Also you may consider a 'water birth' but this should be in the presence of an experienced midwife. If this is your second of subsequent child you will be best able to answer your own question yourself. Whatever the case, the decision is yours. Very best of wishes for a painless, quick birth.
2006-08-11 12:50:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had an epidural with my first labor & I will not have another one. I don't reccomend them because they slow down labor for one thing. There are lots of other reasons why not to get an epidural, but I don't know them well enough to list them here. I suggest you take a look at some websites that show the pros & cons of epidurals because if your dr. is anything like mine, they won't be clearly explained to you. Good luck.
2006-08-11 14:25:15 · answer #7 · answered by Mommy Kai 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had an epidural midway during my labour with my first child. I personally would not recommend them. Because I was numb, I couldnt really push properly - oh I was straining and puffing and panting and my face was going red, but all that was happening was that my face was getting a workout! I ended up with a forceps delivery that damaged my son's eyes.
Subsequently I have had three more children and with each one used pethidine and gas and air (nitrous oxide) to alleviate the worst of the pain. This allowed me to feel the labour and to work with it. Yes its a painful process, but the gas really takes the edge off it and I found I could really work with my body. I have never felt so connected to my body and my inner needs than when I was in labour delivering my children.
2006-08-13 08:02:11 · answer #8 · answered by Allasse 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What I can tell you about an epidural is that it's administered via a large needle, injected into your spinal cord to relieve SOME of the pain during labor. You have a limited window to receive one and once you are dilated to a certain extent, it's too late. Most woman claim they wouldn't want to give birth without one but I have not had a child yet and cannot personally comment.
My sister had one and was unfortunate to get a serious complication. The injection point in her spine did not heal and had to be "patched" via a surgicial procedure (I believe minor). She was vomitting and severly ill for 2 days when they figured out the issue. Talk about a rough week!
2006-08-11 12:35:41 · answer #9 · answered by smiley_girl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An epidural will take away your pain, and I begged for one during my last labor, but it was too late. Before you accept one, read up, epidural patienst have a higher rate of interventions, especially c sections. Go in prepared with knowledge, if you want an epidural, at least know the risks.
2006-08-11 12:39:04 · answer #10 · answered by n_of49p 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋