Giving birth with no epidural?

Question

I am 32 weeks and would like to give birth with no epidural. I don't want to be stuck in the bed! I also would like to not have an IV, but would like pain meds. Is this a reasonable request?

Of course if the pain is bad I am open to an epidural, but I am pretty tough and would rather stick it out if the extreme pain doesn't last that long. Any advice?

Answer 1

Good for you! So many women don't even consider attempting childbirth without an epidural - it's just become so engrained in our society that it seems "normal" now. I hate that you've received so many discouraging comments regarding not wanting the epidural. My first suggestion is to surround yourself, during delivery, with those people who you know will be supportive of your wishes. Be sure the medical staff knows that you would prefer not to have an epidural, and direct them not to offer it to you. (If you decide that you want it later on, you'll be able to ask them for it!) Consider having a birth doula present - she'll be able to offer suggestions to help reduce pain, and help your partner to help you. (Bonus: if you can find a doula that's still in the process of certification, she'll very often attend your birth at no charge!)

As with every medical decision, you have the right to refuse an IV. However, most hospitals will insist on at least inserting a heparin ("hep") lock, which is basically the needle inserted but no line attached. This is in case of an emergency situation where drugs may be needed immediately - also to facilitate the giving of medications if you decide you want them later on. As with any needle, it's not horribly comfortable going in, but once it's inserted and taped, it's not so bad and does not hinder your movement at all. More than the IV, it's usually the fetal monitors that land you stuck in the hospital bed, and some hospitals will insist on continued monitoring - although, without an epidural, your chances of being allowed intermittent monitoring (ie, they hook you up to the monitor once every half hour to hour or so) are much, much greater.

Your requests are entirely reasonable, and there are medications you can be given without an IV. Be sure to discuss your preferences with your OB or midwife, and write a birth plan prior to delivery to ensure that everyone is on the same page when the time comes.

Most importantly, go into childbirth with the correct attitude - that is, know what you would prefer, but don't allow yourself to feel any sense of failure if things go differently from your plan. In the end, a healthy mom and baby is your goal, and you have my best wishes that that's exactly what you'll have. :)

Please feel free to email me if I can be of any further assistance!

Answer 2

I can completely understand your desire to avoid an epidural. Just the thought of that huge needle and my spine scared the beejeesees out of me. After 13 hours of labor however, that needle wasn't looking so big. And my son still wasn't born for another 5 hours. Each woman is different. Some women have an easier time than others. It doesn't make you weak or strong, whatever you decide. Some women aren't bothered at all with their monthly visits, some are in the fetal position in bed crying. Personally, my labor's have always been so excruciatingly painful, I would have been no help in delivery. Seriously, the nurse's beg me to get the epidural because I'm screaming and crying so loud. I just found out I'm pregnant with my 3rd, and will wait and see how I feel at the time. Do what you need to do for you, it's safe for the baby, and it doesn't make you a bad mom. Nor does it make you a good mom if you don't. Good luck.

Answer 3

Its up to you on the epidural.

Not having an IV, however, might be problematic. First IVs allow the doctor to carefully give you pain medication in increments while monitoring to make sure the baby isn't being adversely affected. IV pain meds also kick in IMMEDIATELY. Other avenues of giving the medication take awhile...when you need the relief now.

The next reason you will meet resistance from the doctor is that the IV provides the staff with quick access to giving you IV fluids or blood if there is an emergency. Trying to start an IV after the emergency is already in process puts you and the baby at greater risk. It is hard to find a vein when you have lost a lot of blood, for instance.

BTW, You don't have to be stuck in bed with an IV. They can unplug the IV and let you walk around in the early stages of labor.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Give it a try. I wanted to have a natural birth with my first child, but my labour was so long (28 hours) and painful that I finally caved and got an epidural. I tried going into the shower, sitting in the hospital's jet tub, using a birthing ball just as my instructor had advised in my child birth class...but nothing helped to ease the pain. After 22 1/2 hours, I got the epidural. Boy, did I feel great after wards. It allowed me to rest for a while before I had to start pushing. An no, I have not had any back problems because of the epidural.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I am a mother of 3 boys. I gave natural birth each time with no drugs what so ever. The first 2 times were routine deliveries with no issues at all. No tearing, no need for cutting, etc... With my last pregnancy I had decided to go easy with it considering I had a difficult time during the course of it. I planned on having an epidural and the whole nine...Unfortunately, things do not always go as planned. I ended up "trying" to receive the medication though unsuccessfully. I was stuck in my spinal region 6 times without the epidural taking place. What's even worse is 2 of the 6 times punctured my spine which ended up causing a lot more complications. My advice to you is to definitely try delivering natural- the whole process is so worth it in the end!

Answer 6

It is totally reasonable to give birth with no epidural. In regards to the IV though, I would definetly let them put one in. It doesn't have to be hooked up to fluids so you won't have to lug around an IV pole- but if you do end up needing an epidural, or stronger pain meds, or if there is an emergency, you will need an IV anyway. If you don't have one already it can waste precious time while the nurses try to find a vein. Also, if you do end up wanting an epidural, you'll need an IV also.

Additionally, any other pain meds that you might want are IV medications. Oral meds aren't given to laboring moms for several reasons. (Email me if you want me to elaborate.)

Answer 7

I had natural childbirth with my first child and it was not as bad as some say, however everyone is different, my labor only lasted 10 hours and my little girl was 8 lbs 8 oz the worst part was some of the contractions,I never screamed and yelled or anything like they show on TV- i had an epidural with my second (a request from my LDR nurse who is also my mother in law) and I will definetely have another in April when I have my 3rd child. I enjoyed my second birth so much more not having to concentrate on breathing and controlling the pain when contractions came. Hope I could help!

Answer 8

I was of the same mindset. I have friends who had one with and one without and epidural and they all prefer without. The consensus is that you are up & about faster and heal quicker.

However, my doctor encouraged me to keep an open mind and not go into it deadset on not pain meds.

They do start an IV as standard procedure (they don't always know what meds you'll need), I imagine you can refuse this.

Because they induced me (which brings on very strong labor), they gave me a very light muscle relaxant thinking I would want an epidural. I didn't get the epidural and it wasn't a big deal. It's no picnic, but I can honestly say it's not as bad as I thought it would be.

ps: I agree with the person above - you don't have to be Super Mom. It's like a badge of honor if you suffer through it no matter what. See how it goes for YOU and do what you need to.

Congratulations!

Answer 9

My friend Karen just had a baby November 5 it was her first child.She went into labor on a friday and had the baby sunday.She stayed home thru most of her labor she didn't go to the hospital untill 8:30 that night and had her daughter courtney at 10:48.I would stick out most of the labor at home.She also said the labor wasn't as hard as she thought it was going to be.Rember though you dont have to be supermom it's ok if you do decide you want an epidural,but I think they will give you an iv anyways for fluids and all that and if you ask for pain medication other than epidural they will give you stadol.Good luck

Answer 10

I had an epidural and wish I would not of had one. I dont know about the IV, if you have to have one or not. I think it is a reasonable request. If you arent in labor that long then you probably wont need an epidural but if it is a long time you might want one in the end.