epidural or natural birth, which to choose?

Question

I am pregnant with my third child. I have talked to my husband, but he says that I'm the one who has to feel it, so I should make the desicion. With my first and second I got an epidural. With my first my labor was 23 hours, so I'm glad I got it and got some sleep, but with my second I was induced, and it didn't numb everything in enough time. After that, I was drowsy, not from the birth, from the epidural. Now we have a baby due at the end of March, and I am thinking of not getting an epidural, and go natural. Has anyone else used an epidural for your first and not for your next? I think I can make it through the pain, because I know what the reward is in the end. But I was wanting some advice from women that have tried this before. And have anyone tried it and not been able to deal with the pain, and ended up getting an epidural? Thanks to everyone!!

Answer 1

I didn't have an epidural with my son. My labor went fast for a first labor (10.5 hours), the baby was healthy, and it was a great birth experience.

I strongly suggest taking a birthing class and reading up on how to deal with labor pains. Breathing techniques, walking, birth balls, water, imagery, music, massage, etc.

Honestly, it's all about mind-frame. If you go into it thinking you might want the epidural, you'll definitely want it when the pain gets worse. If you know exactly why you don't want an epidural, you'll be more likely not to get one.

What's the worst that could happen? You try it without the epidural and you end up getting one? If you think you might want a natural labor, try it.

Also, read up on alternatives to the epidural. They gave me two doses of phentenol. It only helped the first time--for about 30 minutes, but it was a nice break. The rest of it was natural.

Answer 2

I was induced twice and the first time the pain was too much so I took the epidural. The second time I was worried that the contractions would make the pain too much for me to handle so I took the epidural again. If you can handle the pain without an epidural more power to you but if you need to be induced again you might want to consider another epidural. Another option is discuss alternate birthing positions and squatting so that you dilate a lot before you go into labor and deliver quickly. Good luck.

Answer 3

With my first, I went natural. I know that I screamed and screamed. I actually got told that I had to be quiet because I was upsetting the other women in labor. I just had an epidural for a back surgery and I can tell you that they are wonderful. I'm 7 weeks pregnant now and I'm getting an epidural. I don't think I could go through that pain again.

Answer 4

I have not done what you are thinking of doing, but have thought about it. And I know that I could not do it. My sister with her last pregnancy didn't have enough time to get the epidural, and it made it really hard for her, but like me she is not tolerate of pain. We are wimps I know.

But you said that they did not get it numb in time, did you feel a lot of what was going on or just a little? Because this is the real question, how much do you think you could handle, are you pretty pain tolerate or a cry baby like me? I think that you need to really think about it.

Also I do believe that if you feel that you can do it with the epidural then you should try. But stay focused on what you are doing and if the pain does get to much do what you have to do.

Answer 5

I wanted to go completely natural for my first child I just had... thought I could do it, however, once my water broke, and hard contractions came, I could barely breathe! It was just too difficult for me to not tense up when I had a contraction, it brought tears to my eyes in the beginning, so I decided to go ahead and get the epidural. My mom really didn't want me to get one, but I said, you know what, it's me who has to go through this- not every delivery is easy... and mine really wasn't. I'm glad I chose to get the epidural, however, one thing- I have never known this could even happen.... about 15 hrs into the epidural/labor, I had to have it replaced because it wore off ENTIRELY! By then I was almost 9cm dilated... and in the worst pain of my life! So they replaced it, and 2 minutes later, the pain was back.... about 4 hrs of crying my eyes out because the pain was so unbearable, and my baby just was taking forever to come out, the doctors said it was time to rush c-section- I was almost fully dilated 19 hrs of labor, and crying harder than ever. The spinal epidural didn't even work for me- I felt them poking at my belly! So I told them I could feel it, and they said I had to be put under- also scary for me. Anyways, I ended up having a 9lb 10oz baby! Also a shock! I really don't think he would have fit! And that's prob why I was in such terrible pain.

Every delivery is different though... and if you've had children before, you'd know. I say you should go in thinking you'll have it without the epidural... try to relax and breathe through it... but if it gets tooooo painful, you can always ask for the epidural- it's not too late until the very end-by then you will definitely feel the pain! Also, since this is your third, you might have a quicker delivery, so it might go just fine for you without the epidural- just be optimistic and know you can always get one!

Hope this helps some!

Answer 6

Well i only have one child but I work as a RN on a OB floor...I have seen MANYYYYY women saying that they will have no other way than natural no drugs at all...then a few hours into their labor process they scream for an epidural...then theres others that say they want a epidural then find out they are already too far along to get one and are fine...it WILL HURT but It really is your decision... The day you go into labor you need to tell your doctor that you are wanting to TRY to go natural but have the anesthesiologist on call just in case you decide you cannot take it anymore

Answer 7

I had my first child with all the drugs I could get. My second was done natural. With my third child I only took the epidural and not any pain medication. For me, the third time was the most rewarding experience. I was sober and able to remember everything and fully experience the birth without too much pain. With my second child, I couldn't really enjoy the experience because the only thing on my mind was the pain and not my daughter.

Answer 8

I had an epidural with my first and it worked GREAT. I had an epidural with my second and it slipped out of place, so it didn't work AT ALL. I kept asking them to come in and fix it but they didn't get to me until right when the baby was being born (seriously - the anesthesiologist walked in and said "did you need me to check your epidural?" AS I WAS PUSHING MY SON OUT!!) So technically, yeah, I had an epidural the first time, but not the second. My advice ... stick with the epidural. My first birthing experience was so much nicer and more enjoyable. I know it's supposed to hurt, but it's nice to not be crying the whole time like I was with my second.

Good luck!

Answer 9

With my son I had the epidural, and the Demerol ( a needle, I think it's a tranquilizer) and with my second I had 100% not even a Tylenol. I have to say I definitely preferred the second birth.
I felt sedated after having my son, I imagine because the drugs, and after my 100% natural birth with my daughter I felt totally elated and amazed. It was a much more rewarding experience.
I'd go natural again if I were to have another.
I think though it's best to decide while in labour because that's when you'll be most certain about what you want!

Answer 10

I had an epidural when I had my son. I believe you just have to go with your instincts on what is right for you and you can let them know that you may want an epidural later just in case the pain becomes too much to handle. Good luck and I pray that everything goes smoothly for you!