Epidural or natural?

Question

This is my first pregnancy. I'm being induced around 38 week for medical reasons.

I wanted to do epidural(because I know inducing could make labor much longer and harder), but talking to my mom(who did natural with all 3 children) told me it only hurts until the baby is born.

I need some advice, I'm on a 50/50 now.
Mom's induced or not induced, did you get an epidural, or go natural? Stories if possible?

Answer 1

Simply google "risks of epidural" and the answer should be pretty obvious that the risks arent worth the temporary releif. Plus, you're likely to labor longer, and need interventions that will make the healing process far more painful and long than you can imagine.

Its far better to go without an epidural. Yes, you're going to feel the contractions, but its better for you and your baby in the long run. IVs, epidurals, and pain medications contribute to jaundice in babies and an over-supply of milk in mommies. It also increases your chance for a c-section (and c-section increases the chance of you and/or your baby dying).

When you have an epidural, you are forced to labor on your back, working against gravity. This commonly causes mom and baby to go into distress and interventions such as episiotomy, vacuum, c-section, etc., to be used. None of these things are good for you and the baby.

While an epidural may seem like your best friend at the moment, the possible long term consequences arent worth it.

Talk to your doctor about using a labor pool. This significantly decreases the pain without any negative effects on you or your precious child. Plus, it eases the pressure on your perineum and eliminates the need for an episiotomy. When in water, every stage of labor progresses faster, so thats a big plus too!

You can do this! Our bodies are designed to give birth. The more you are able to relax, the better your labor will go. So just trust your body, and keep your mind peaceful.

Answer 2

I got an epidural after the Dr. broke my water. I was hurting so bad I was shaking. On a scale from 1 to 10, I was at 10. I had to get the epidural done twice, the first time there was blood in the line which is bad. But I still have two fully funtional legs, don't worry. If you have a high pain tolerance, you can try natural. But if the pain gets to be too much or you think that soon you will not be able to handle it, ask for the epi. Also, I hear a ton of horror stories about that epi hurting like crazy, but I didn't even feel it when I had mine done.

Answer 3

im sorry but....... im 30 weeks pregnant and the only way im going natural is if my labor is progressed so far before i even get to the hospital and they can't give me anything. I do know from many friends having children that have been induced the labor was long and they were thankful for the epidural... Personally i would take the epidural, why experiance pain if they can safely make you more comfortable.

Answer 4

I have a 15 month old daughter.. and I was soooo ready for that epidural! I was in labor for 23 1/2 hours. As soon as I made it to 3 centimeters they went ahead and called the anesthesiologist in to do the epidural.. well... he didn't make it in there until I was almost 8 centimeters! After 8, they won't give you one! So I was freaking out big time! I was having contractions while they were giving me the epidural, so as far as the needle hurting.. I didn't feel a thing. IMMEDIATE RELIEF. Within 2 hours of me getting the epidural my daughter was born.. so I feel like I was able to "experience labor pains" long enough! :) With the epidural I was finally able to just relax.. Good luck and God bless! Remember.. this is YOUR decision! :)

Answer 5

i was induced both time, with my first i got the epidural...i was in labor for 38 hours and 54 mins... i needed some relief!
my second i was only in labor for 7 1/2 hours, and i did not get the epidural.
now i havent had natural labor yet b/c both times i was induced, but i have to say that it is HARD!!!!! very hard to go with out the epi...
i am prego again with baby # 3!!! and i am going to try to go without it again.
it really depends on you and how you can handle pain, and how long you are in labor for!
good luck and congrats!

Answer 6

This is my first pregnancy as well and I am in the same boat. I want to go natural but I am a wimp when it comes to pain. I've heard horror stories and good stories. Most people say to get an epidural, you won't regret it. I think what I may do is see how it goes and if it gets too bad beg for an epidural and pray its not too late for it to take.

Answer 7

I was induced and did not have a good experience with the epidural but my sister was twice and they also gave her other drugs see if you can get those she was like high through most of the first part, my cousin was her RN and knows when to give it so you are not high at delivery, ask about those other drugs and pray you don't have a back labor because I did and it didn't work for that kind of pain. good luck

Answer 8

First of all you are not doing it natural; you just said you are going to be induced. An induction is not natural. The majority of people say that an induction hurts MUCH worse than regular labor. Almost no one can go without pain medication with an induction.
I have had four children with no pain medication, using the Bradley method. I'm not sure if even the Bradley method can work for an induction. Actually, pushing contractions don't hurt.

Answer 9

I had a really hard labor and was going to go natural. Trust me the epidural is great. You can focus on the baby, its a wonderfull experience. Even with the epidural there will be some pain. But it makes you relaxed and the process goes much quicker. I couldnt imagine not having one the pain i felt when i was 7 cen. was horrible. afterwards i am happy with the overall experience.

Answer 10

I went natural with both and was induced with the second. You are correct it was harder and longer but I would do it the same. They can give you some medications that will help and not hard the baby ask you doctor about alternatives.