is it better for natural or drugged ??

Question

is it better having a natural birth or a drugged epideral ?? the thing is that, i want a natural because i can be proud of accomplishing it. because i know it's the most painful experience, but it's also the best experience that many women have. then when it's all over with, you feel like you're amazing and that you brought this little baby in this world.

Answer 1

Hey there, I am 27 years old. I have had both natural and epidural. My first, a girl, 7 1/2 lbs, I got an epidural when I was at 8 cm. I have to admit I felt a huge relief and It took the fear out of pushing. I pushed for only 1/2 an hour. My second baby was a boy, 8 lbs, 12 oz. a BIT bigger I ordered the epidural when I was at 8 cm again only there was an emergency so the doctor could not get to me. I had to push him out naturally... It only took 1/2 an hour again but it was pretty unpleasant, granted it could have just been because of his size. Either way I did not rip or anything. The pushing was so hard though, I had broken blood vessels everywhere, my eyes, my shoulders and face where speckled with tiny red dots. Looking back on it though "painwise" the contractions are much worse then the pushing. The pushing just takes alot out of you. If you can handle the contractions, and it the baby is not huge, you could probably do it natural. I have some friends and co-workers who have who had less of a hard time then me. If I had to choose again, I think I'd get the epidural earlier then ever, your totally alert and they can turn the amount entering your body to aid in the pushing. Anyways, hope that helps and good luck!

Answer 2

Each woman has a different idea of how her *ideal* delivery will be. A natural delivery is a very good thing, but for some women either the pain is too great or there is a complication or risk of injury to herself or the baby which means intervention (either drugs or surgical) is necessary. I do not believe that you should not feel proud if you have used epidural or other drugs or had surgical intervention - in any event, you have done one of the most wondrous things possible, by bringing a baby into this world.
I had an epidural with my first pregnancy as labour went on for hours leaving me exhausted; my second labour was natural; my third was a c-section as baby was breech! I am no more proud of any delivery than the others.

Answer 3

I know what you mean I want to have a natural birth too, mostly because I am scared of an epidural. I think it is good to go in with the mind set that you can do this, but to be open to other options.
My doc said that if you arrive at the hospital and are dialated to about 4 or 5 and feeling pretty good you might be able to do it. If you arrive and are in a great deal of pain at 4 or 5 you will probably need some assistance.
YOU are going to bring this baby into the world no matter what, being a super hero is not important.
Good luck to you and the baby.

Answer 4

I think the best approach is to go in prepared for a natural birth, with a full repertoire of coping techniques, but to be open to the idea of medication if it turns out that you really need it.

I had a natural birth, but I was screaming for drugs by the end. Of course, by the time you get to the point where you're screaming for drugs, you're almost done and it's too late, anyway. :) Once you start pushing, all the pain stops (except for the crowning, which hurts a lot). But pushing itself felt really good.

It's worth a try. I do believe that natural birth is safer for both mom and baby. All of the drugs they use have side effects that can be very serious. The book "The Thinking Woman's Guide To A Better Birth" by Henci Goer is an excellent resource.

Answer 5

Do whatever's best for you. Don't put too much pressure on your self to do something because you think it's what you should do if it could make your birthing experience less positive. One thing to keep in mind though is that an epideral slows down labor, which can potentially increase your chance of requiring a C-section if the Dr. feels too much time has passed by without the labor progressing quickly enough

Answer 6

I have two kids and is pregnant with my third. If you can take the pain the go for it. I used epidural with both my kids and because both where induced the gave me alot of meds to strengthen the contractions. I couldn't take it and i was in labor for a long time. After receiving epidural my kids came out within 30 mins. With all that said I still feel amazed about my accomplishment and I still felt the pain so if you think you can handle it then go for it but when those other meds kick in tell the nurse to call an exorcist

Answer 7

That's totally up to you. I had an epidural. Natural or epi it's still hard work. I pushed for well over an hour. What ever you are comfortable with. If you decide natural you can try laboring in water or using a birthing ball those may help. Good Luck

Answer 8

I had both my boys naturally and drug free. And plan on having this one the same way. Now should you need help (drugs) there is nothing to be ashamed of. Everyones pain level is different. I don't like meds in general and try to avoid them unless I really need them. I also am from the (crunchy) school of thought when it comes to drugs and birth. Both my boys were alert and looking around after they were born. Drugs that go into you still can make their way into their little systems as they are being birthed. And as much as Dr's deny it, there are effects on them. Weigh your options, have it available to you, but let the Dr know you would like to stay drug free if possible. That way if it gets too bad, you have an option. If you make it CONGRATS! Sometimes it helps to have a Doula with you, they will advocate for you to keep it drug free.

Answer 9

well it sounds like in a way you've answered you're own question, and if you go natural I admire you! Women did it natural for centuries but there are pros and cons to both. I think it depends on what happens when you go into labor and if there are any complications. I am 5 months and I am definitely having an epidural, but that's because I'm a wimp and can't handle very much pain for very long. Good luck!

Answer 10

I think its a very personal decision. I went completely natural with both of my kids, but I also take into consideration that my labors were pretty quick,6 hours with one and 4 with the other, I cant say I would have done the same if I had a really long drawn out labor. My best advice is to take each contraction one at a time, telling yourself "I can make it to the next one" Hope all goes really well for you!