Why do women feel the need for pain killers during child birth?

Question

2nd question is why do doc push epis? all of my docs pushed epis on me i told them i wasn't going to take any drugs they ALL almost passed out! and asked WHY??? with a confused look on their faces. Many people judge me for not taking drugs.
I am against drugs of all sorts while pregnant from time of conception through delivery. The drugs that the hospital gives you goes right too the baby through the uterine wall. these drugs are opioid.

Answer 1

Good for you !!! During the 70's & 80's, almost ALL women gave birth without any drugs. We were taught breathing techniques in our LaMaze classes. And we did just fine!

Now, it is a trend to give patients the epidural. To me it seems annoying that doctors can be so lame-brained that they all follow trends like that.

It's your body, and if you believe you can manage without that epidural... insist on your right to do this your own way.

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/childbirth/640.html

Answer 2

Funny because when I tell people that I didn't use drugs they don't judge me but usually pat me on the back. Who on earth would judge a woman for such making it through labor drug free?

I am very careful about what drugs I take from conception to birth as well. I use Tylenol sparingly and stay away from caffiene and other stimulants. I agree that we as mothers need to try and make the best decisions we can about the things we put into our bodies when we are carrying/nursing a baby but having experienced the migraine headaches, nausea, back pain, and terrible labor pain I wouldn't think to judge another for trying to find relief.

You are holding all women to your high standard and that isn't fair because not all women can tolerate the same amount of pain and discomfort. I remember crying and screaming during labor in a panic because I wanted out of the pain so badly. It was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life and I don't expect that every woman will do exactly the same as I did. Some women have other risk factors that increase their anxiety and pain (low socioeconomic status, young age, marital status, poor support system) and they might struggle far harder than I did to get through the pain and fear of giving birth.

They don't give out mommy medals for drug-free births. All that matters is that mom and baby are healthy and that can be accomplished even if mom does opt for an epidural.

Answer 3

I don't think it is a need, but it is there for women who would like it. I congratulate you on using no form of drugs during your deliveries, but that was your choice and every woman has the choice of yes or no. I have had 2 children and am preparing for my third I had no drugs for baby no 1, but no 2 they gave me an epi (though it did not do a thing for me). I always said that I would never have one, but after not pushing for 6 hours I was ready for any relief. In the end I ahd to have an emergency C section and because I could still feel everything (even when they started to cut me open) they had to put me to sleep for the procedure. Many woman who go through this feel bad enough without people critisising them for what they have chosen. I think it is a choice not a need.

Answer 4

If you want to do it the hard way, more power to you girlfriend! I know many that agree with you. I am not one of them. With my first I did the "natural" childbirth thing. My son was almost 10 lbs and I thought I was going to die! With my second, I requested an epidural and thought it was heaven sent. There was still pain of course, but NOTHING like the first one. I was able to enjoy the delivery more. I have had epidurals with my subsequent deliveries also and never would do it without. That of course is my choice and opinion and do not impose it in any way on others.

To answer your second question, Dr's push pain meds because you are easier to deal with if you are in less pain. Also, if emergency c-section is needed, epi is already in place which makes for faster and safer surgery.

Answer 5

The drugs given to women during child birth have been PROVEN to be safe; that is why DOCTORS recommend them. I don't know who told you they are not safe, but they were likely not a doctor. I can understand having a moral or religious reason for not taking drugs, but your misconceptions are simply paranoid.

The only real risk from taking an epi is an increased chance of operational intervention, but those results are conflicting as well:

Epidural analgesia is a relatively safe and effective method of relieving pain in labor. It provides immediate pain relief in most cases. Epidural analgesia is associated with longer labor. Some claim that it is correlated with an increased chance of operational intervention. The clinical research data on this topic is conflicting. For example, a recent study in Australia (Roberts, Tracy, Peat, 2000) demonstrated that having an epidural reduced the woman's chances of having a vaginal birth, without further interventions (such as episiotomy, forceps, ventouse or caesarean section) from 71.4% to 37.8%. Conversely, a 2001 study by researchers at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and a 2002 study by researchers at Cornell University and the University of Ontario demonstrated that epidurals do not increase the likelihood of a caesarean section. In 2005, a meta-analysis of 21 studies also showed that epidurals do not increase the likelihood of caesarean section, but they do increase the chance of a forceps or ventouse delivery by a factor of about 1.4 (Anim-Somuah, Cochrane Review, 2005).

Answer 6

I admire women who have natural childbirth, however, I had epis with both children. Why? Because it hurt. If pain relief is available, why not use it? What kind of point are you proving if you go natural, other than you can endure pain. So what? Epidurals leave no long term consequences on the baby. My children are bright and beautiful. I don't judge women regardless of the decision they make. You do whatever works for you.

Answer 7

Because the pain is intense! It takes lots of preparation to be ready for the pain with no painkillers whatsoever. I've had an epidural birth and a pain med free birth. I'd say that the technocratic culture relies on chemcial pain relief during childbirth and that's not going to change. It would be unfitting to have a dreamy, peaceful childbirth in a society that relies on machines and technology every single minute of every single day. We also rely on that technology when we give birth and when we die. It's a ritual of this technocratic culture.

Answer 8

Women need pain killers to kill the pain which they cannot tolerate. Do you not know the definition or the purpose of pain killers???? - - - The fact is that this drug does not affect the child... I had pain killers when I delivered my son and my son turned out to be "just normal" - - so the fact that you choose not to take any pain killers does not mean that all women are going to follow your decision... .. If the world would revolve around YOU, you would be God and you are not, therefore, to each its own... You need to worry about your own kids and let each mother worry about hers... Nobody should judge you as you should not judge either because of the decision that a woman makes while bringing her child into the world...

Answer 9

Sounds like this is your first baby. When my son's girlfriend told me she wasn't going to have any drugs I just laughed at her. She got an epi when it got to be to much. I commend you if you can do it without drugs. I actually HAD to have my second without any drugs because my regular doctor couldn't be there and the doctor that was on duty was an ***. He told me to quit screaming because I was bothering the other patients and that it didn't hurt 'that' bad!!! I said well my first doctor gave me something~he went off on me and wouldn't give me a damn thing. That was by far the hardest delivery I had, and I had 4 BIG babies. My second son weighted 9 lbs 12 oz....and he was the second smallest!

Answer 10

most women realize they are not hero's and most doctors KNOW that it puts stress on both Mom and BABY if a person is not equipped to handle such pain. If you have children I can not believe that you would feel that way. Read some information and join the rest of the world in the 21st century.

Also I can't believe that any Doctor would ask you why you would not want drugs....it is a personal choice. Get off your high horse.

Answer 11

Honey!! When I am helpless my doc knows best and I put my life in his hands. You have never experiency pain with a baby coming breach. So if someone wants to take painkillers its entirely a personal decision.
Do you know and could you imagine some religions not accepting blood for whatever reason they prefer to die before taking it. And, honey while giving birth, if they need to operate on you could you stand that pain without drugs. Think about it, the decision is entirely up to you.