Epidural??

Question

I can not decide either to have apidural or just go with the natural birth. I heard that epidural can be very risky.

Answer 1

My son is 4 1/2 months old and he was my first. I was in labor for 41 hours. I was induced on Sunday night and he was born Tuesday. I planned on having an epidural but the first day or so of contractions was really not that bad. I mean, yes they hurt but I could bear it. On tuesday however, they became very painful and because I was tired I asked for the epidural. I don't mean to overexaggerate but HALLELUJAH! I thought I heard angels singing! It was WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!
It did not hurt at all to put in and within 5-6 minutes I was in BLISS. That's my experience and for my next kid I will definitely have another one. I also suggest wathcing TLC's A BABY STORY. It gives you a very good idea of what to expect. GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 2

My advice to you is to have an open mind. You don't know what's going to happen when you go into labor. I was leaning towards a natural birth before i went into labor with my son. Little did i know that i would have back labor AND front labor! I got the worst of both worlds, so after having been in labor for 5 hours and no painkillers, i finally decided to get an epidural. It took all of my pain away and i could talk and laugh and watch tv and i was even able to sleep for an hour! It was awesome. But whether i went "naturally" or not, i still would have ended up with an epidural as i had a c-section (my c-section had NOTHING to do with me getting an epidural; my son just never engaged. the epidural actually helped my labor progress faster as i went from being 4 centimeters to 8 centimeters in 2 hours). Personally, i think c-sections are riskier than epidurals, and i delivered a VERY healthy boy.

You'll know what's right for you when the time comes.

Answer 3

I have had 6 and am due with number 7 this month. I have had an Epidural, Nubian, and natural. Natural was the best experience for me. I also did my homework and took Bradley Classes. There is a lot more to natural childbirth then simply having no medication. The last two babies I had with no medical intervention as far as IV, monitor, medication. I stayed at home for most of the labor and did alot of walking as well as a deep muscle relaxation I learned during pregnancy when the contractions where less than 5 minutes apart, I went to the hospital and had them within the hour.
Without writing a book here in my answer I can tell you from experience that medications don't make labor painless and definitely have a significant risk factor that comes with them. Not to mention more often then not lying in a hospital bed, medicated and hooked up will slow your labor down and make it last longer.
I am only speaking from my own experience.
Best advice is to do your own research. I had four before I did natural childbirth thru the Bradley Method and I learned a whole lot and it was a great experience.
What ever you choose just keep in mind it all ends with a sweet little one in your arms. And there is nothing that can compare.
Congratulations

Answer 4

Birth has it's risks. Walking down the street has it's risks. Everything has risks. Personally just go into with an open mind. If you get in there and the pain is too much get some pain meds and if they don't work get an epidural. That's the best they can offer not the only thing they offer. Just don't go into saying you won't get an epidural and then you have to get one. You may feel like you let yourself down. I'm guessing this is your first pregnancy. Everybody is different. I had a GREAT labor but the pain was UNREAL!! There's nothing to ever compare it to. I have a very high pain tolerance also. Just take it into consideration. If you do get something great if you don't youre better than me!! LOL After labor I felt great. I walked around within hours. My daughter was bright eyed. It was great. Just don't feel like you let yourself down.

Answer 5

I gave birth naturally. I thought it was great. It wasn't the easiest thing to do... there are strong sensations involved... but it's bearable. I felt GREAT right after giving birth and was up walking around in no time. Mother Nature releases certain hormones into your (and the baby's) system to help with the pain during and the bonding after birth. I almost caved and got the epidural at 7 centimeters (when I thought things were going to get worse... or take a lot longer... which they didn't) but I'm sooooo glad I didn't.

Do what's right for you. But, I recommend natural. You won't regret it. Study the Bradley Method. Read all that you can about Natural Birth. Embrace that your body knows what it's doing. Surrender yourself during the birthing process and view each contraction as a positive thing. It's all in the mindset!

Answer 6

Epidural is not VERY risky. It is not 100% safe either. Many, many women opt for an epidural (including me) and have no problems. Talk about the risks with your OB/Gyn. Natural births are great but the pain can be severe. You'll know once you hit that first major contraction whether or not you can handle it to the end.

Answer 7

Aim to go natural, however keep an open mind. I was lucky, two natural births under 5hrs no stitches. It is personal decision based on what you will experience, Just remember there is a fairly small window of opportunity to have an epidural, so if you think you will need one ask for it early on. An epidural is not always successful, sometimes they do not work or only numb one side of your body. Also keep in mind that an epidural will make you useless from the waist down and can sometimes lead to further intervention, such as forceps and episiotomy. Good luck, what ever you choose will be right for you. It is your body and everybodies experience and ability to deal with the pain is different. If you feel you need the epi it is because you do.

Answer 8

It can be risky, but so can many other things in life. I had to have an epidural with my first due to a c-section. I had a v-back with my second and the epidural didn't even kick in so I was a bit mad. Some people I know that have had them say they kill any feeling at all so you don't have any "natural" feelings. I could still feel just about everything. It helped me to ease... not get rid of it completely. It's all up to you, but I say go with it.

Answer 9

Yes, there are risks with epidurals, but I think it is very rare. I had my first with an epidural and it was a breeze. My second child came to fast and I didn't have time for it. It was alot harder the second time even thought it was alot faster and my second child was only 6 lbs. 14 oz. and my first was 8 lbs. 9 oz. I would recommend having one, but it's ultimately up to you. Word of advice though. If you decide not to get one, and wait too long, then decide you want one, it might be too late. After you are a certain amount dilated, they can't give you one.

Answer 10

Um with mine they made my fiance (now husband) go away the room. And I needed to hug a nurse that I did not recognise for relief. I wasn't too glad approximately it. But oh good. Anyways by way of that factor I was once in SOO so much to quite believe them hanging the epidural in.But after supply which was once at 12:24 they mentioned they could be in in a while to take away the catheter from my again. Well they did not come till approximately 6 within the morning. It was once totally uncomfortable. And after they took it out it harm worse, or I spotted the suffering extra considering the fact that I wasnt in hard work anymore =D I feel the gigantic tape that's for your again is what harm while getting it eliminated. Overall it was once exceptional despite the fact that. I obtained my epidural at 6 cm's I suppose, and forty five mins after that (which that entire time I was once ready to nap) I was once nine a million/two and virtually equipped to provide. I recall my hubby calling my mom and dad, who had simply left for McDonalds, to hurry again otherwise they have been going to overlook supply! It gave the impression adore it helped pace alongside my hard work, however it should have simply been twist of fate!