Epidural???

Question

My doctor has told me there are quite a few risks involved with getting the epidural. I just need some feedback from people that have actually gotten it or decided not to get it fro some reason. Would u recommend it?

Answer 1

yes i would highly recommend it.

Answer 2

I had an epidural when i was going to have my son and let me tell you i jumped at the chance! I knew there were risks but there are risks for everything. I wasn't about to lie there in that pain for the next 6 hours. The pain is terrible and there's no way to describe it until you experience it for yourself. The epidural gives you a chance to relax and get some rest before it's time to push. When the time comes you'll know for sure if you need it, you wont need any ones advice on the situation! A lot of women say their not getting an epidural (before) they go into labor but they change their minds real quick once they actual feel how painful it really is. You'll know what to do when the time comes and remember an anesthesiologist is the one who puts the epidural in place, they are highly trained professionals.

Answer 3

I had an epidural with my first child. i had to because i was induced and the labor came so hard and fast that there was literally no break between each contraction. I had no bad side effects from my epidural. You have to make sure you don't move when they put it in. Also a resident (Doctor in training) put mine in. You can deliver the baby even while completely numb from the epidural. I know because I had to push my daughter out even though I could not feel anything. I kind of pushed even though I had no sensation of pushing and wasn't even sure if it was happening or not. I guess my body took over because out she came.I have heard bad stories from other people about their epidurals...ie..severe headaches that last for a week after delivery. If I were you I would at least try to have a normal delivery but leave epidural open as an option. If you are unable to stand the pain you will desperetly seek the epidual, you will be screaming for one. My 2nd delivery I managed to have a normal birth without pain aids. My husband rubbed my lower back all the way through. This majorly helped ...it relieved some pain and helped keep my mind off it.Good luck to you.

Answer 4

Well, I had a c-section, so I had to have an epidural. My baby had no complications from it. It is a personal choice if you have a natural birth. I am pregnant again, and if I have a natural birth this time, I will choose to get an epidural depending on the severity of the pain. Some women say the pain is worse than others. It just depends. As for the effects on the baby, I am not going to argue with your doctor, but the effects are minimal if at all. It is up to you and don't let anyone scare you from making your labor a little easier. Good luck...

Answer 5

Epidurals are very safe. There was a big study of over 15,000 patients, and there were no long term side effects.

The most common problem from them is to get a spinal headache, but that's easily treatable with a "blood patch".

I think an epidural makes the birth process so much more enjoyable for the mom because instead of writhing around in pain, you can participate in your delivery. Another big advantage is that unlike IV medications, the pain medication doesn't travel to the baby. Sometimes the baby is groggy after mom gets IV meds, and then isn't as interested in breastfeeding, etc. Or worse, needs to be resuscitated after the delivery.

Labor and delivery nurses, obstetricians and anesthesiologists virtually always get epidurals.

Answer 6

This is my third pregnancy. With my first two deliveries I had an epidural, neither of which were ideal, but I wouldn't think of not having one. Thr first time I had a spinal fluid leak which caused a headache for about 2 weeks after delivery and several returns to the hospital for blood patches. The second time I ended up without any feeling at all and could not move the lower half of my body for about 12+ hours after delivery. The nurses had to come in and turn me. Although these experiences were far from perfect, I will without a doubt go for an epidural this time. The pain is tooooooo much.

Answer 7

I hated it. I had 3 children and only had an epidural for the first. Yes the pain is bad, but my fear of them screwing up my back was bigger than my pain. Also, the one I had was bad, so of course I'd never self-torture like that again. My sister loved her's so I know people can have a good epidural, I just didn't. The thought of my back getting messed up or the doctor having to try twice to insert it was all I needed to have 2 natural births. Whichever you decide, you'll be that much more educated for next time. I don't consider myself better because I've had natural. I consider myself a HUGE scairdy cat of needles!!!

Answer 8

I am a mother of 2 children. My son is 5 and my daughter is 15 months. With my son's labor I didn't get the epidural, and did the whole natural birth route. It wasn't horrible and I actually planned to have my daughter the same way, HOWEVER she decided to be sunny side up, so the pain was more in my back. I opted for the epidural, and WOW was it awesome! The anesthesiologist lady was my best friend that night! I teased with her and told her I may be back to get one just randomly. It is ultimately your choice, but I have done both ways, and would completely opt for the epidural if I ever became pregnant again.

Answer 9

I have gone both routes....childbirth with and without the epidural.

I would highly suggest that you get it.

Also, when they give it to you, have them do it while you're sitting up leaning forwards and NOT on your side. They hurt when you're on your side but only cause slight discomfort when you're sitting up.

Risks with that procedure are minimal in the world today, doctors just have to give you the disclaimer beforehand due to legal reasons.

Remember though, you can go up to a certain stage of labor before they will tell you it's too late to start one...so don't go too far into labor or you'll be in a lot of pain!!

I've had two epidurals and no complications. If I had to go in to have a baby tomorrow, I would ask for the epidural straight up to avoid the labor pains....

Answer 10

There are risks with everything you do in life and epidurals are no different. The risks are far smaller than the pregnancy you are going through, however. If your pregnancy goes as planned and you are in a hospital setting in a timely manner, an epidural is a good choice. That is, unless your are married to Tom Cruise.

Answer 11

I recommend the epidural over other forms of pain medication. The other meds cause the "loopy" effect where you arent all there. The epidural is a spinal injection of the meds which are numbing. It effects your lower half of your body and makes labor more managable. I had an epidural with my daughter. I remember every moment of it. They stop allowing you to use it when you reach a certain dialation so you can feel your contractions and push with them. Its been around for so long, and you'll have pleanty of doctors and hospital staff around so i say go for it. You'll be in less pain and more up for visitors and pictures and most of all spending time with your new bundle of joy. Congrats!