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I'm five months pregnant and trying to figure out... should I use an epidural or not? I heard it isn't safe sometimes but I'm afraid of the pain of delivery. Any advice or alternatives?

2006-08-25 05:29:03 · 28 answers · asked by Amimai K 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting Pregnancy

(thanks for all of your answers so far- each one is helpful- I'm reading them all- making me feel better!)

2006-08-25 06:24:00 · update #1

28 answers

The first thing to remember is that it is called Labor for a reason; it is going to be painful. Once you accept that it IS going to hurt, you would be amazed at how much easier it is to get through it. If it wasn't a hard, difficult process, it would have been given another name! =)

Ok, so now you know it's going to hurt. There's a reason WHY. Painful experiences make you move, right? Take for example, burning your finger on a hot iron; you jerk your hand away, wave it around, maybe stick your finger in your mouth...you move your fingers away from the pain. Well, labor pains make you do the same thing. It's only recently that "conventional" doctors make you stay in bed. You are supposed to move! Any midwife/labor coach/nurse will tell you that. Movement helps get the baby into the correct position to fit through the pelvis; it also means gravity gets to assist you in the labor. See, your uterus contracts from the top (just under your ribs) down (your abdomen). If you are laying in a hospital bed, you are making your uterus do the equivalent of sit-ups to force the baby through the birth canal.

Ok, so you're moving, the contractions are getting intense, you do the pregnancy dance (lots of swaying..I enjoyed gently rocking from side to side on the "birthing ball" - I tell women the same motions that got you pregnant are going to get you "un" pregnant!) but are you breathing? See, breathing is a big part too. You've heard the classic "Whoo hooo hooo hoooo" and the "Heee heee heee heeee." Well, guess what? That really and truly works! Your breathing techniques will assist you through your labor.

Ok, so you are moving and grooving, your breathing/panting, do you have a focal point? That's important too! A stuffed animal, a picture of a favorite person (my girlfriend focused on the number 6 on the clock in her delivery room), anything that you can look at and focus through the labor pain. (I used my husband eyes-they area so beautiful and blue, it just worked)

Now, you've been breathing and panting your little heart out, you think you may actually be hyperventillating (a sign that you need to slow your breathing down!), you've focused on an object until you think you might actually make it levitate across the room and bash your husband in the head for getting you pregnant in the first place (or at the very least, make it burst into flames) and you think to yourself, "Oh just please shoot me...I didn't sign on for this!!!" I'm here to tell you, just when you think you can't possibly get through it, you can.

Every woman hits that "wall." (I think it's like the same "wall" that marathon runners or tri-athletes hit...only the labor "wall" is a LOT tougher!!!) At that moment, you will either "will" yourself to continue, or you will beg for the epidural/morphine/a blunt object to the back of the head. If you opt to push through it, realize that every contraction you have is one less that you will have to go through.

See, that's the cool part that no one thinks of. You may not know the total number of contractions you will ultimately have, but you at least know that number is "one less" with each contraction.

Now, the labor starts to pick up pace. You aren't so much breathing now as panting like a hound dog in the middle of July! That's ok, that's your body's way of taking over (and at some point, mother nature grabs the wheel and you are just a passenger!) Before you know it, the baby starts to crown (some women feel a burning type pain - I didn't - just lots of pressure like the ENTIRE universe was standing on my abdomen at that point!!) and in the blink of an eye, he/she is there and it's over. You have a beautiful little miracle and all the pain (believe it or not) is a distant memory.

I have always believed that the fear of what is going to happen is worse than what actually happens. Think of this, a hundred years ago, there was no other way to deliver. There was no medication; you labored for as long as it took. Now-a-days, believe it or not, only 1 out of 10 women will opt for natural childbirth. I actually used my mom as one of my big reasons for doing it naturally; she had 3 kids (and we were ALL HUGE babies - 9lbs 6oz, 9lbs 2oz and 8lbs 12oz) and she had us all naturally. (Yes, she is my hero!)

For me, labor wasn't scary...even prior to going through it. The idea of an epidural scared the beejeeezes out of me! I don't want ANYONE messing with my back; with my luck, I would the "Ooops. We missed!" I've also been told some "horror" stories (the stuff you may not know about); for example, labor getting stalled out and taking twice as long, needing to be catheterized(sp?), being told when to push, more possibility for troublesome hemorrhoids (since you can't control your pushing correctly), and the possibility of paralysis (honest truth; friend was paralyzed from the waist down due to a complication in the epidural process - it took 3 months for it to completely go away).

Just some things to think about if you truly want an epidural. For myself, the cost benefit analysis just didn't work. I would rather go through the "pain" of the labor process than risk long term complications. Additionally, you don't necessarily get an epidural right away. You will still experience a good portion of the labor without any medication. If you've gone that far, why not go a little further????

Now, I also HIGHLY recommend a birthing class (or 12!) if offered by your hospital or OB. I went to a few different ones just to see where there were differences in opinions, what was discussed, etc. (I am a nerd and believe being forewarned is forearmed) Plus, I got some great techniques for the delivery process between all the different classes!

And a final note, you wanna know what I was really afraid of? Not labor, not delivery, not even the episiotomy! I was afraid of when my little nugget was out of his convenient carrying case and I was booted out of the hospital with a thank you, see you in 6 weeks, here's your hat and BOOM! You are a parent and COMPLETELY on your own with your very own alarm clock...errrm..I mean bundle of joy! Which by the way doesn't come with instructions much less a warranty.

Now that, ladies and gentlemen....THAT made my blood run cold!

=)

Best of luck, and ultimately, YOU have to choose what is best for YOU. I can only offer the descriptions and experience of someone who did it the "old fashioned way" (and survived just fine!)

2006-08-25 08:20:14 · answer #1 · answered by RavenSand 2 · 3 0

I have a scary story about the epidural. Due to the spacing in my spine I was poked 9 times with the needle when trying to get the epidural in. I was having back labor and trying to sit still for 45 minutes to get it in was painful but despite all that, I would get an epidural again. Epidurals are your friend. Once I had it I had no more pain and was giggling. During delivery I had two episiotomies and still tore having 4th degree tears. My daughter came out in one big explosion, tearing me. If I didn't have that epidural I'm sure I would have gone crazy from the pain. It was uncomfortable having my doctor stitch me up for 30+ minutes but I am so thankful for the epidural. Don't be scared. I am smiling and happy as I think about my labor and delivery of my beautiful princess. It's amazing how much you forget afterwards and it is so worth it. I can't wait to have my second. Remember, epidurals are your friend!

2006-08-25 12:41:24 · answer #2 · answered by Precious 7 · 2 0

There is alot to consider, are you bottle or breast feeding? f you plan on breast feeding, the epidural can effect the baby sucking reaction, and you may have a hard time getting him to latch on. I opted to breast feed and gave birth all natural. I loved it. I had made the choice to deliver drug free early in my pregnancy. So, I started taking a prenatal yoga class. That was the best thing ever, I didn't go through the normal pregnancy back pain, and the exercises I learned made delivery amazing, and beautiful. It was a wonderful experience for me and my husband. I never yelled, raised my voice, I was happy the whole time. There was discomfort, but honestly the scariest thing about delivery is wondering how bad the next pain will be. You get scared and think you cannot handle it. But, when it is over you realize the pain never got that bad and it kinda like "that was it?" Everyone's pain and stress thresh hold is different. You may need an epidural you may not. Don't be pushed to make a decision you do not want to make. You know you, and in the end all that matters is everyone is healthy and looking into that beautiful baby's eyes.

2006-08-25 12:46:29 · answer #3 · answered by silent*scream 4 · 1 0

I felt the same way, and I'm terrified of needles. So I waited until the last possible minute before I would have had to go all natural, before deciding to have an epidural. It was not very pleasant, beings as how you have to hug a pillow..and attempt to bend over as far as you can while having contractions and not move lol. For me, the first time they did it, they actually missed. I went numb from the waist up, which wasn't altogether entirely unpleasant, but I was too doped up to push for a little while lol. They had to redo it, got it in the right spot, and it worked pretty darn good. I am due in 7 weeks with my 2nd and I know I will have another epidural. It ends up being one of the better options you have, considering a saddle block and other things they can do, but when faced with the natural end of it, and most especially if they use Pitocin for induction (makes it 10 times worse for some women - not all), then you are going to want drugs. Just do exactly what they tell you to do. It feels weird at first, and yes it hurts a little, but considering the pain of labor, who cares at that point lol. It sits in your back, pumps the drugs in, doesn't affect the baby, effectively kills the pain, and after a day they remove it, or less depending on the hospital. Just don't let them leave it in for any longer than that. It actually does leave a sore spot in your back if they leave it in for too long.
You might just wait and see how its all going, they will keep asking you if you want it until they say you don't have any time left...it's either now or never! But its worth it, and very minimal.
Good luck!

2006-08-25 12:41:48 · answer #4 · answered by saintlyinnocents 3 · 2 0

Try to do without. It is so much better to go natural plus the added advantage is that when your child is older you can use the labor pains as leverage.
My first I went all natural. It didn't really hurt until the last 2 hours and then you are almost on a natural high. It goes fast.
My second was emergency C and I had to have an epidural. The c section hurt (but it could have been because I was very septic) and they finally had to put me out to sew me back up.

Just choose wisely. Even if you go natural and change your mind they can give you something (harmful to the baby) to smooth the edges. Epidurals usually make the labor last longer because your body can not do the pushing that it should be doing.

2006-08-25 12:56:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1 1

Keep your options open. Investigate all of the different pain relief methods and decide what is right for you. Make a small list in your mind of what methods you would like to try first and which you would like to use last.

My husband is a P.A. and we know many doctors. I have happily used epidurals and the doctors wives have all used them too. The complications from them are generally very mild compared to the benefits for most women.

Make sure to ask your doctor what he/she is comfortable with using and what concerns she has about your specific case and pain management.

If you go through labor for awhile you may decide that the pain is too much and you would rather undergo an epidural than continue at the pain level you are at. Some women find the pain of labor rather tolerable and forego the epidural in favor of the quick recovery from a totally natural birth.

I had one child vaginally with no epidural and 3 by C-section with an epidural and spinal blocks. I recovered faster from the C-sections because I hadn't endured the long hours of painful labor--especially painful for me because my body just isn't suited to vaginal delivery. So, listen to your body and keep your options open.

2006-08-25 12:51:47 · answer #6 · answered by psycho-cook 4 · 1 0

I had an epidural with my first kid. (labor 14 1/2 hrs.) And I didn't feel a thing. Nothing what so ever. It was great but recovery was longer. And with my second kid I went into labor at 32 weeks got put on bed rest and he din't come till 39 weeks and I did it natural. (14 hours) I would recommend the natural way from having it done both ways. I was put on pitocin (with the 2nd) so that made the contractions hurt worse but they can give you a mild pain reliever in your iv drip. It's painful but I feel that it is so much more rewarding doing it natural.(i also recovered a lot faster natural than with the epidural) Congrats on your pregnancy and no matter what you choose you will be so in love like you never knew was possible

2006-08-25 12:44:50 · answer #7 · answered by _mommyof2_ 3 · 1 0

Yes they do hurt.When you get one a nurse will hold you between her legs so you can't move around then the doc takes this really long needle(about 11 inches)sticks it into you'r back pulls out the middle which leaves a center to stick another needle into you'r spinal column which again hurts so bad my legs were twitching around and I was screaming for them to stop anyway ounce it was all done no I couldnt feel a thing to the point where I was just so tired I wanted to take a nap from the labor before.Cuz ounce you get the epidual you got 45 minutes to push it out so you do have to go through most of it.Anyway lets just say it prolongs you'r labor and with my other three I had said no to the epidural and was able to push them out in 1 hour and a half.But good luck and if you are really scared then yes get the epidural.

2006-08-25 13:16:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2 0

Tolerate the pain as much as you can bear, then ask for the epidural. No need to be a hero to give birth. Ask your doctor if you have other options other than an epidural. Everyone has a different birthing story and what may not have worked for them may work for you. Stop listening to everyone else and do what you feel is necessary to have a safe delivery.

2006-08-25 12:36:33 · answer #9 · answered by mergirl 4 · 2 0

Get the epidural. Having a baby hurts. The epidural makes it so much easier. I didn't feel ANY contractions with my daughter. It hurt a little for the delivery, but I can imagine I would have been screaming the F word over and over if I hadn't gotten the epidural.

2006-08-25 12:35:35 · answer #10 · answered by strawbrrybabe 3 · 1 0

Get the epidural! I did it was so much easier! I got demerol with my first as I was scared of having a needle in my back but al that did was make me sick and too tired to push. Epidural is great! Yes there are risks but you could also fall down your steps or get hit by a car you still walk down the steps and cross the street! Get it it will help! I DID NOT FEEL A THING with either children and I remember every second of delivery it was wonderful! My mother in law went natural with all 4 of her children and cannot remember a second of it except blinding pain. (she also jogs 5 miles every morning I think she enjoys being wonder woman) Good Luck

2006-08-25 12:39:34 · answer #11 · answered by rye252000 3 · 2 0

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