2006-09-04 07:55:25 · 27 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
The difference is: With an epidural, you can enjoy the birth experience. Without it, you get the nightmare of pain. It is not just about the pain of labor, it is about the pain of delivery. When you are trying to pass something about the size of an oversize football through an opening, that is only 10cm wide, it will definitely get and hold your attention. With an epidural, your eyes will not be crossed with agony and you brain will not be on the borders on insanity from the pain as you deliver. Even if you can handle the labor pain fairly well, the delivery is the kicker. And once you start to deliver, it's too late for the epidural. There is no badge of courage, or honor in the pain. Your question is best asked: Do I want to enjoy my birth experience, or do I just want to suffer through it?
2006-09-04 08:18:13 · answer #1 · answered by Lord L 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The question is, why would you not? Back when... they didn't have modern medication women had to go through that pain. It's the 21st century... But, be advised, it is not that great. When I had my oldest, I had him with an epidural, he weighed 7 lbs and 1 oz... I still felt like I had pooped a watermelon for about 4 months afterward. When it was time to deliver my 2nd child and there wasn't much water left in my placenta the doctor suggested a c-section. I was all for it, even if I thought that he was doing it to make it more convenient for him. It wasn't nearly as bad recovering with her. Or my other 2 after her. I had a gf, however, whose baby was born 10 days after my son, and she said it wasn't hardly any pain. Women are different. You will know after the first few contractions if you will need it or not. They won't give it to you until you dilate to 4 anyway. So, keep the option open.
Smiley must be doing a paper on this, and must be a man also.
2006-09-04 15:12:36 · answer #2 · answered by jennifer c 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do not waste your time asking this question, everyone's answer will differ; every experience is different, some women are able to go through labor and deliver the baby without the need of the epidural as oppose to some other women that cannot tolerate the pain and need it., so you can only go by YOUR own experience and nobody elses... good luck... you will know if you will be able to tolerate it or not, and if you are not, then you get the epidural and hopefully you will be able to tolerate the delivery with no problem.
2006-09-04 16:46:14 · answer #3 · answered by Snowwhite 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have had 3 children and had epidurals with all of them. They are happy, healthy children - and I wasn't in pain during labor!
I did have trouble with my first epidural. It worked great but I had a horrible headache afterward. I can't remember what they said happened but it seems like the medicine when somewhere it wasn't intended to go. It was a quick fix (drew blood from my arm and put it in my back). All was fine after that. And listen, it wasn't as bad as that just sounded. I had 2 more babies and epidurals after that. I would do it again now if I had another.
Good luck! Oh, and don't let everyone's horrible tales of their "48 hour" labors and all scare you. I was in labor with mine for no more than 3 hours. Not everyone has trouble and horrible tales.
And as for Mr. Knowitall above, well, they used to cut off limbs without medication. Things in this world progress and when advances are made, people accept new things and new ways of doing them. Until you have had a baby, then don't pull the "they have been doing it without meds for years" comment. By the way, I have also had 3 kidney stones and that is the closest thing a man go through to know what it is like to give birth. But if you all have known a man who had a kidney stone, odds are, he was curled up in the fetal position in the floor begging for morphine - or for someone to put him out of his misery. :0) So go for the epidural if you want. Don't let people make you feel guilty about wanting to keep from going through pain.
2006-09-04 15:05:18 · answer #4 · answered by danceteacher 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You will know when the time comes and the contractions keep coming closer and closer and more and more intense wether or not you will want something for pain. But dont try to be a martyr and wait too long. With my first pregnancy I waited too long to ask for one and when they finally gave it to me it was basically too late and it did not help at all. I am due with my second child in 3 weeks and plan to have one again. I asked my dr. at last weeks appointment how soon I can have one. He told me once they confirm I am in labor that I can have the epidural when I am 3-4 centimeters dialated. Hopefully I will have better luck with it this time. By the way in case you are wondering, the epidural itself does not hurt, they numb your back first. Good luck to you.
2006-09-04 23:53:05 · answer #5 · answered by sooz 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had my baby in May and the epidural really made it an almost easy thing. I was in labor for a total of 16 hours but I slept through 9 of them and watched TV pain free for the rest. They even left it in for like 2 hours after so that I would stay pain free until the contractions were over. (Because they don't end just because you have the baby) It truly was a blessing to have I was able to get the rest I needed in stead of being in constant pain. Get it the second you can!! It gives you much more control over your delivery when you are not in unbearable pain.
2006-09-04 15:17:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well I wasnt going to have an epidural and I am glad now that I did. My daughter was 9 pounds 5 ounces. She was too big to pass and almost had a c section. I was on my last push when they said if you dont get her head out this time we have to do one. I pushed as hard as I could. She then came and I tell you Thank goodness for drugs because I still felt pain.
2006-09-04 15:00:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just wait to see how much pain you can bear. Make sure that you ask you doctor to discuss the side effects. I could not do it without the epidural.
2006-09-04 17:20:15 · answer #8 · answered by Reeta 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can't decide until you know how painful it is. go for natural, but the epidural is always an option if you find the pain is too great, or the labout takestoo long. Just remember one thing, the more relaxed you are, the faser things proceed.
2006-09-04 15:02:16 · answer #9 · answered by judy_r8 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess it depends on how tough you are. If pain is a big problem for you then you might opt for the epidural. If you have the ability to overcome the pain through concentration of "mind over matter" then you should be fine cold turkey.
Women have been giving birth for thousands of years with no meds at all. Your body is designed perfectly for this process so just go with it.
2006-09-04 15:02:21 · answer #10 · answered by Mr. Knowitall 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋