What is your opinion on epidurals?

Answer 1

Thank God for medical science. They are wonderful...what do you want to know.

Answer 2

I've given birth to 2 children, one with an epidural, one without. I had a much better experience with the epidural. Although, I wasn't set on having a "natural" birth. So I was "forced" into it. Had I been expecting it, it may have been a better experience. The epidural stops the pain. If someone has severe pain in any other instance, usually pain medication is perscribed. That's how I looked at it. I had a much longer labor with the first baby (epidural) but I have only pleasant memories of it. I was so relaxed and happy after he was born. I also felt better sooner. With the second (no epidural) I was just relieved to have the baby out and was in pain, so I didn't get to have that really sweet loving moment with him. The pain got in the way. I was very sore for a long time after, even in my arms and other muscles-- just from being so tense from the pain. I also was very embarrassed because I made so much noise. My first guy was perfectly healthy. He had no ill effects from having been "exposed" to the epidural and he actually left the hospital the same weight as his birth weight. Usually babies lose a little weight. My second boy came too fast to have an epidural. He was born healthy as well, but ended up losing a little weight. Well, that's my opinion. I know some people are against any kind of medication. But I'm not one of them.

Answer 3

I have not had an epidural and i don't ever plan on having one. I had a c-section and i was put under which i asked for.

The reason why i am not for epidurals is because my sister had one and they had stuck the needle in too far into her back which caused her to collaspe 2 days later. She had severe headaches right after they gave it to her and after she got out of the hospital that is when she went paralyzed and when they done a cat scan on her she had air bubbles/pockets in her brain and they had to do a blood patch on her where they take blood from your back and put it in your hand (weird huh) but after that she was alright and she is fine today. Her baby is now 2 years old but i would never ever have one because of what happened to my sister.

Answer 4

I've had three and well sometimes I feel a pain in my back. I've been told it's because of the epidurals, but I had to get something for that unbearable pain plus it helped with my three c-sections.

Answer 5

I had an epidural with both my kids and I recommend it. They do not hurt while they are inserted at all just follow what the anesthesiologist says and you will be OK they will tell you to stay very still which may seem impossible but its very important to do as they say. Good luck!!

Answer 6

I went through 14 hours of pitocin induced labor. I had nubain to calm me down. After 14 hours, I wanted the epidural. I got it, and I LOVED IT! I wish I had got it earlier because I was able to enjoy the last few hours of my labor without screaming my head off.

Answer 7

Some people say they have back problems from epidurals but i think it affects everyone differently. the worst thing about mine was that i had a contraction while getting it and its hard not to move. as soon as i got mine it was time for me to push because it helped me relax and i was already 7 centimeters dialated

Answer 8

by the time you pass the transition phase becasue after that it isn't all that painful. And feeling of pushing out the baby is so incredalbe. I wouldn't miss it for the world.

I had one baby with the epidural and one without. Each has its pros and cons.

Answer 9

labour is long process esp for the 1st birth which can take up to 16hrs or more. as the labour progress, the pain became more intense & more regular. if you think you can take it, of course it'll be better not to have epidural cos it's invasive & risky. but if you go w/o it & the labour is long, then you'll be very exhausted & have no strength to push the baby out. do your research - ask around. once you decided, no more 2nd thoughts.

Answer 10

Just make sure you know the risks associated with them. Doctors tend to breeze past this when discussing them with you.

Realistically, if you plan to do without, you will have a much better chance for success if you take a really good childbirth class (Bradley Method) and have a doula. These are tough choices. Good luck.

Answer 11

Unless absolutely necessary don't do it. My neighbour had twins 10 yrs ago and is now in hospital with severe back pains which the doctors believe was from the epidural she had all those yrs ago.