epidural or no epidural ?

Question

How did some of you ladies do it ? With or without epidural ?

Answer

Without epidural both times. It was painful. But I felt more in control - I didn’t need a catheter, I could move around, etc. Also, I figured I could live with the pain of child birth because that only lasts a limited amount of time, but some of the side effects of the epidural are debilitating (chronic back pain, spinal migraine, etc.). I know those complications are uncommon but I just didn’t want to risk it. I also think the reason I did not tear with either of my children (9lbs 2oz and 10lbs 2oz) is because I did not have the epidural so I could push more efficiently and also push more carefully during the crowning and delivery. However, these were just my personal feelings and there is no right and wrong answer. It’s what you feel most comfortable with. And you better believe as I was getting closer to the end during my second pregnancy I seriously evaluated if I wanted to do it without an epidural again. Luckily this time it was much easier to go meds free. Also, you should know there are other forms of pain relief. Especially if you are close or at transition - you are already so close that something in your IV will probably carry you through. With my first I got some fentanyl in my IV and it helped so much and by the time it wore off I was ready to push. Pushing literally makes all the pain go away because your working with your body. Good luck!

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Without. Gas and air was fab however. Felt in control and the pain was strong but manageable and I felt I knew what was going on and how things were progressing.

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Epidural both times. I couldn’t do it without it!

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I tried to do it without an epidural. I was induced so I think that made the labor worse, but I ended up getting an epidural about 3 hours after they broke my water.

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without, i was too scared to get it.

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i went in with the mindset of ill take the pain meds but if i can manage without an epidural id prefer not having one. the narcotics did not take away any pain, didnt even take the edge off and so after fighting with myself to ask for on i did at i think i was 6or 7 cm. anesthesiologist came in and set up but when she was asking me my medical history and the things she needed to know, she called her boss and they said i could not get one due to my blood factor. I WAS DEVASTATED. i was in so much pain and she told me that after shed already set up and given me hope haha and while i was sitting on the toilet. I would sayto go in with the same mindset. dont be dead set against one if you can. i was someone throughout the pregnancy who kinda went with the flow of things and didnt want or feel the need to have a plan as things change and i wasnt going to worry. i had an amazing nurse who i will tell people i couldnt get through it without her and just trust the staff taking care of you bc i went to an amazing hospital and had an amazing doctor who was collected and super chill about everything haha she came in to break my water and while waiting for me to progress told me she was going to run some errands, every bit of calm and worry free you can get helps a lot so good luck momma

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I did epidural when I hit the 8/9 cm mark but had trouble pushing her head under my pelvic bone. So my (amazing) nurse suggest we shut off the epidural and I was able to push better and didn’t have really any pain!

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I don’t plan on receiving one 😊

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Without I just had gas, my baby was even stuck in my hips and had the vacuum

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with my first the epidural didn't arrive in time. I really hope it does this time around!!!

epidural or no epidural ?

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