epidural or no epidural?

[DCS]

Stalking..... i had an epi with DS i think i had it about 2am and DS wasnt born untill 10.43am. But i was very very poorly the last few months of my pregnancy. I dont kniw how i would have got through it all without the epi i was physically exhausted, couldnt keep food down at all and barely slept. I ended up needing help from the foreceps, and had an epistomy ( sp). I healed fine, i suffered back aches but iv always had a bad back so cant put it down to the epi. When doing whatever they do with the needle, the lady tried 3 times before she gave up and got someone else in.
Im feeling much better this time so im not sure what i will decide.

 

[lazymum]

I think in the nearest future hospitals will start to strongly promote natural birthing. They were really into epidurals and other methods of knocking women out but gradually start to sagest going without it. It is the same pattern as happened with breastfeeding - in 60s they were taking babies away from moms and only bringing them every 3-4 hours for feeding or altogether suggesting bottle-feeding. Nowdays they are providing support and encouragement for breast-feeding.
Our local hospital just finished a new ward for no intervention labour that is like a 5 star hotel, they also run a hypnobirthing classes.

 

[Julia35]

I will be getting the epidural, if possible...for sure. I've had great deliveries with epidurals in the past.

 

[yourstruly10]

I had two epidural births. They were both fantastic. Both of my labours were 8 hours start to finish and only 30 mins of pushing with my first and 10 with my second. I had an episiotomy with my first but it was because her head came to fast an was going to tear me worse. I was giving the option cut or not as it was me who opted for cut. My second I only had 1 stitch in a graze and no tears.
With my second daughter I asked for a lower dose of the epi so I could still roll in bed and feel the contractions but it eased it enough that I could still relax. I was up and walking within 30 mins of both deliveries. No complications pre or post delivery with either baby.

This time I am going in open minded and just taking it as it comes. If I decide to have one great, if not that's great too. I think it's a very personal decision and I think you just have to go into labour with an open mind and take it as it comes. Know your options and go from there.

 

[Unexpected212]

I loved my epidural.

I was in labour for 38 hours total and I got stuck at 7cm. They were going to give me a drip to induce labour quicker. I hadn't asked for one but they pretty much said 'We seriously recommend an epidural because it' been so long and your tired and in pain'

So I had it. The first epidural was amazing. I could still move my legs and wiggle my toes and could feel the contractions tightening just not the pain.

I needed forceps and a cut in the end but that was more due to it having already taken so long and cord compression. I HATED the epidural they gave me in the theater. They gave me the one they give if your having a caeserean as they were convinced I'd need one. So I was completely dead from the waist down.

Next time I'll see how it goes. If I'd had a quicker labour I would have been fine with the gas and air, if it's taking as long as last time and I get as tired I wouldn't mind asking for another

I had no after effects or issues

 

[Moom7900]

I had only gas & air with my first two, and had an epidural this time round - I'm so glad I did!! My first labour was bearable, but the second was intense, overwhelming and so painful!! It left me scared of going into labour this time. I decided to have an epidural, and it turned out to be the best decision I could have made. I think it slowed the pushing stage down, but this was a blessing as she came out with her arm up by her head. She came out so slowly that luckily I didn't need stitching (did with the other two). The relief from the pain was wonderful, but I could still move my legs. I felt much calmer and able to cope, and the labour was way more positive and enjoyable. I felt more "with it", rather than just wanting it over with to be out of pain.

Ultimately it's your choice. You have nothing to prove by being in more pain than you need to be xxxxxxxxx

 

[ms.tjulz]

Ckelley is absolutely right about perineal massage. With my first child the nurse did this and I didn't even know why. I did know I didn't want an episiotomy however. With both my second and third child I had the massage and did not tear. My first was 8lbs 8 ounces, my second was 9 lbs 1 ounce. I'm praying this one isn't bigger than the last lol yikes!

 

[sheilarae07]

I have a long way to go, but I have decided to try for a natural delivery. I don't want to go in thinking I HAVE to have an epidural. However, I will go ahead and pre-register with the anesthesiologist. I have had numerous friends to not pre-register and they were not able to get the epidural when they wanted it (for paperwork reasons). Basically, for me, I am striving for natural but I don't have to have it and I want an alternative if I get too weak or exhausted during delivery. This is my first child. I have a very high pain tolerance but I am sure that I have never experienced anything close to the pain of labor before. To me, it's better to be prepared with options.

 

[petite ping]

I had a positive experience with the epidural. The dose was very strong - I think it was because I didn't pick up any weight in the last month - and I didn't feel anything from the waist down.

I was able to sleep and it meant that I wasn't afraid of tearing or of an epistomy. I did require stitches in the end but there was almost no pain from the stitching. I don't know if I was able to walk after the birth as the MW left me and OH alone to bond with the child for an hour or two.

I was happy to be able to sleep as afterwards it was exhausting. The LO was in my room and I had to take care of her straight away.

I will have one this time round too.

 

[mrsmummy2]

I would say if you managed without one first time, you know you can do it without. So my suggestion would be opt out for one unless when the time comes you feel like you cannot cope without one.
I almost had one with my first, but they were in an emergency c-section so were unable to come and give me one. By the time they turned up I was already pushing so it was too late.
I definitely don't want one with the second. Hopefully I don't end up changing my mind once I feel the pain!!

 

[wifeywoo2]

I had an epidural with my 1st & it didn't work. I had it due to being scared of tearing. I had no pain relief from it whatsoever. It numbed my thighs & that is it. I had forceps & an episiotomy & no pain relief from either. Due to this I am not having an epidural this time. I am hoping for a water birth x

 

[leahtaba]

Thanks everyone for the varied replies, I hope to decide way in advance as once you commit to going natural you are admitted to the midwife led unit and they pretty much refuse the epidural if you then change your mind and ask for it!

just wanted to let you know I am still reading it just takes too long to thank everyone on my phone!

 

[Seity]

I had a Fentanyl shot with my first. It's a one shot deal and lasts 2 hours, so different from an epidural where they leave a catheter in place. My labor was only 3 hours and by the end of the first 30 min, I was in agony. Had to wait 30 minutes for the anesthesiologist to drive to the hospital, so by the time he arrived it was all I could do to keep breathing. I didn't get breaks between my contractions. That shot was the best decision I ever made. The next two hours I was watching TV, chatting with the nurses and resting. The shot wore off just as I reached 10 cm and I pushed him out in one push on the second try. Took all of 5 min pushing.
Second baby I wanted the same thing, but by the time I finished the paper work and they had me on the monitor and were getting ready to prep me for the IV drip, I had already started pushing. 30 minutes labor and again only 2 pushes to get baby out.
Having done it both ways, I'd definitely opt for the shot again assuming the baby didn't arrive before getting the chance.
With the shot you can still feel your legs and contractions, just no pain.

 

[themarshas]

With our son my water broke at home at 10pm without me having any noticeable contractions beforehand. There was meconium present in the waters so I was immediately admitted to the hospital which killed my plans of laboring at home. When I got admitted I was very slightly dialated and having regular (weak) contractions at 2 minutes apart which I didn't really notice but you could see on the machine. At 7 am I was started on pitocin to induce as my contractions were not getting any stronger and once your water breaks (at least with Meconium present) they give you 24 hours before c-section at my hospital. I started progressing well, walked around, soaked in a tub, ect. At 7:30pm and 6cm I opted for an epi and honestly it was fantastic! It worked perfectly. I felt just enough and got to rest during a critical time. It also allowed me to relax and progress quicker than I had all day. At 10:30 pm after 15 minutes pain free pushing my 7lb13oz man with a 15.5" head was born. I had no tearing, no side effects, and was up and walking around shortly after. That being said I did feel that I'd let myself down by "giving in" to having an epi and with baby #2 I plan to do more birthing tub and natural-- even though I do think the Epi is a large factor in what I would label a smooth 1st delivery.

 

[lazymum]

Well, when I had my first with an epidural and hearing other ladies screaming like mad next door I thought I won a lottery. However I remember nudging thoughts that may be my daughter would not be pulled out with forceps, may be I will be up and running more quickly, may be I will not feel so physically ill for weeks afterwords and being in a bad mood if not for epidural. I most likely would not need an episiotomy ( they do it to put forceps in the right place) and would not feel myself stupid when someone just dig the baby out of me rather than my pushing it out. Obviously it is not enough for a proper statistic but my natural birth f a second child was an opposite. I read more about labour process and that actual womb muscles are not feeling pain (it is almost all in our head), I exercised and did relaxation technics. I was more prepared of what about to come and went into labour by induction but had no other medication and I felt fantastic afterwords.
My contractions (due to gel induction - I was overdue) were super strong and only 1.5-2 min apart. There was also almost no build up to it, they started abraptly. I had almost no time to recover, it was overwhelming, I was rolling and screaming on the floor. I would not lie it was painful BUT it was all over in 2 hours ( from 0-10 cm, pushing and placenta) and I was full of energy despite being in labour at night, went for a shower straight after and literally felt rush of happy hormones for weeks afterwords. I put it all down to my body doing what was natural for it to do.
I know that my experience was quite exaggerated because of the induction and normally contractions should not be that close or that strong. If I am not induced this time I will try to relax more and I am sure I will experience much less pain and will be able to even enjoy the whole process. I wish everyone to trust their bodies and learn more about what is actually happening during the labour so you are more empowered.

 

[amy_lou]

I am not against pain-killers, but I really don't want to have an epidural. The biggest reason is my sister had a really bad and scary reaction to one, and that makes me very nervous. Also, as others have mentioned, I would prefer to be able to move around freely if it feels right, and I don't want labor to be slowed down if possible. There are definitely pros and cons. I just think it is important for everyone to do their research, talk to their doctor, and decide what is best for them.

 

[claudinator]

Didn't want one, went 16days over due after sweeps and pessaries over 4days. I got the pitocin drip it took 2hours to work so it was a very high dose I passed out and had heart failure. I got the epidural wow it was like going to the dentist I had to get vacuumed and I'd a fourth degree tear and a failed placenta delivery Nd they could be all taken care of in the delivery suite as I had epidural it was brilliant, I was with it. Also I was literally only got contractions for 10mins before my heart failed so I genuinely have absolutely no concept of reAl contractions.
Take what you need you'll know. Never wanted one as I taught I could manage the pain, but because they were so strong I literally went blind the whole room went black also I went from 1-9 in 10minutes and they kept saying they were going to put me under if the epidural wouldn't work. I took the Epi it worked I could move my legs and feet and I didn't need to get put under and go to theatre. The only thing is I could feel the stitches in my bum cheek .
And I'd absolutely have another baby in the morning. I could feel the sensation of him coming out it was beautiful.

 

[Buttercup84]

I had one with my first as I was induced via hormone drip and found the contractions came thick and fast and I was struggling to cope. Didn't help that I was quite anxious by that point aswell and I found being continuously monitored (and hence not able to be very mobile) difficult. The epi worked really well but I was still able to feel when I needed to push and I feel it was the right decision for me at that time but I wouldn't automatically have one again. I'm going to play it by ear and see what happens, i'd really like to not have one if possible but i'm not ruling it out.

 

[kimmy04]

I had a natural birth with my son, not by choice. I would joke around saying id be getting an epi after I felt my first contraction. The pain really wasn't unbearable until about 7 cm, but then I got stuck at 7 cm for hours! I finally was asking for an epi after about 20 hours of labour I was just so tired. By the time the anesthesiologist got to my room I was finally 10 cm and ready to push. Once the urge to push kicked in I felt such a relief like it was finally time. In the end I was really glad I didn't get the epi, even though I know I would have if I had the chance. I had him out in 3 big pushes and he was 8.5 lbs. I didn't need any stitches and I was up and walking around shortly after, and recovery was really quick.

This time around, I'm hoping to stay strong and not ask for an epi again but I know there's a chance I will haha. I know I can do it with out, so I'm going to try and go as long as I can but I'm also open to the idea of getting one if I feel like it's the right choice in the moment! So fore I'm not really planning one way or another.. Just going to wait and see what happens.

 

[Jinga]

With my first, I was planning to go without meds as long as possible. I'd taken classes that taught all sorts of coping techniques and whatnot, but that all went out the window when my labor came on very fast and intense. The epidural (given after 7cm dialated) was awesome and allowed me to rest a little while, then enjoy my labor. I had no after effects of the meds and was so happy I had them. I will definitely be considering an epidural again this time.