2006-08-12 11:04:36 · 23 answers · asked by CHUMBY 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
No, it isn't. An epidural has significant risks for both mother and baby. I have personally seen that women who have an epidural have a baby who is very sleepy up to 1-2 months after birth. In fact, it is so common that many mothers believe that it is *abnormal* for a baby to be awake much for the first weeks of life!! This frequently causes breastfeeding difficulties, but it also could cause developmental delays--a baby is learning *so* much from the moment they are born!!
2006-08-12 22:10:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are risks involved with an epidural but you should do what you think is right for you. You can also have pain meds through an IV that will take the edge off of pain. I tried to have a natural child birth with my first but had to have a c-section in the end. I was very tired and sometimes wonder if I had opted for an epidural would I have had more energy to push and would it have even made a difference.
2006-08-12 15:11:52 · answer #2 · answered by Maggie K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had three epidurals, I child natural (would never do it again) and 1 c-section. They all have their risks. The one with complications? The c-section. All my epidurals were fine. It takes a little time to get them in sometimes but I had no problems during or after. If they weren't safe do you really think they would administer them?
2006-08-12 11:12:52 · answer #3 · answered by ~SSIRREN~ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure about the safety aspects, but I did ask a lot of questions before I had mine and they reassured me that it was not harmful to the baby and would ease my labor and boy did it!! I basically fell asleep for 5 hours and missed the hard contractions!! They woke me up to push and it was great. I was relaxed and could totally focus on pushing since I wasn't in pain.
When they give it to you, you do have to remain completely still. My contractions were pretty strong at that point...well that and I'm a wuss!...and I actually laid on my side to have mine done. I didn't think that I would be able to stay still leaned over the side of the bed.
If I have any more children (I have 8 month old boy girl twins) I will definitely be getting another epidural!!
Oh and you might itch afterwards. I itched my chest and tummy for about 2-3 hours after the epidural wore off but it wasn't that bad....just annoying.
Best of luck!!!!!!
2006-08-15 10:56:38 · answer #4 · answered by heatherle74 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is JUST MY EXPERIENCE ok!!!
The Dr. didn't numb the spot where my Epidural would be right & I FELT EVERYTHING he was doing!!! It was horrible & the epidural made my contractions stop & I had to have a C-Section!!
My Advice??
Research everything, be flexible about what you want, Breastfeeding is always best & ENJOY your little one!!
Also if you do get an epidural you will itch like crazy afterward & might shiver & shake even if you aren't cold
2006-08-12 11:13:54 · answer #5 · answered by Catcanscratch 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The epidural is very safe and u wont have to go through all the pain.
2006-08-12 18:33:53 · answer #6 · answered by ericamoore25 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes and no.
lol obviously no drugs at all would be safer for the baby.
but if the mum is in a lot of pain (let's face it, most are!) then an epidural will lessen the pain and the stress associated with it, therefore making the delivery a lot less complicated!
i had a general anaesthetic with my first as he was c.section and had an epidural with my 2nd. because of the epidural i was a lot happier having a vaginal delivery and would def recommend it!
ps...have just read thru some of the other answers...eek! they'd put anyone off! lol speak to your doctor about your concerns. s/he prob has statistics to back up their recommendations.
and as for the side effects, well none of those listed apply to my kids, except for the hyperactivity. no wait, both my kids are hyper and i only had an epidural with one! damn...probably genetic!
my point is, everyone's pregnancy is as unique as the individual concerned...there are horror stories about all medical procedures, you just have to take them with a pinch of salt!
2006-08-12 11:12:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
No. There is a very slight risk when you have an epidural (things like the needle missing and hitting your spine, long term pain at the sight where the needle goes in, etc.) They say the risk is really very small of these things happening. All I know is that child birh hurts so much, after having the back of my baby's head banging against my back bone every time I had a contraction, the epidural was such sweet relief!
2006-08-12 11:13:10 · answer #8 · answered by nimo22 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
yes. i had an epidural and i would definitely take another one for the rest of my births. I had no problems at all.
2006-08-13 07:49:21 · answer #9 · answered by LL 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it is not as safe as natural child birth. Major complications are rare, but do occur. Epidurals can cause paralysis and even death, however, this is highly unlikely. More common side effects are prolonged back pain, fever, tremors, and fainting.
2006-08-12 11:32:33 · answer #10 · answered by dixiechic 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋