Epidural or go meds free?

Question

So this is my second and last pregnancy and I’m 36 weeks. With my son I got an epidural at 7 cm, I felt like I could of gone longer if I had a little more support (my husband was in shock as a first time dad and the minute I said I was in pain the staff jumped right to an epidural and yes I know I have to advocate for myself, lesson learned). Seeing as this is my last pregnancy I’d really like to experience a med free delivery but my epidural delivery was truly seamless and dare I say “easy” I’m torn to do it again. Thoughts? Opinions?

Accepted Answer

The way I see it is, you don't get a medal for doing it med free, if we can take the pain away with modern medicine why not? However, women have been having unmedicated births for 1000s of years so if unmedicated is your choice then more power to you.

Answer

Epidurals come with too many risks, I've dealt with back pain for 7 years because I got one with my first. Since then I've had two completely med free births. One was in a birthing center and my last at home. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. If you're scared to advocate for yourself I really suggest getting a doula. They are amazing and have so many tips and tricks that can help. 💕

Answer

I'm pregnant with my first baby and exploring the option of going need free. My main reason for not wanting and epidural is I want the ability to walk around and I want to feel party of the birth. Friends of mine that have had the epidural say they could feel nothing which would make me feel like I was kinda missing out on the Birthing experience.
I have a high pain tolerance though so I think this plays a lot into my curiosity.
I am open to other pain relievers that help with some of the pain but not block it all. Does anyone have experience with this?
I have heard of you go without an epidural don't get induced though because the contractions are never ending and you will be miserable. If you aren't induced you at least have some break time between each contraction.

Answer

If you dont want one dont get one but its not a decision you have to make right now. Im personally going to go as long as i can without one (and hopefully not need one) because they increase the risk of csections and i really dont want another surgery. But its all up to you and what you want

Answer

I had 2 unmedicated births, if you want to try and thing you can handle it go for it! I mostly did it because I dont like the idea of a needle going into my spine lol

Answer

Epidurals have pros and cons. Do what you feel most comfortable doing!

Answer

I had two super easy almost pain free deliveries both times I gave birth thanks to the epidural....

Answer

I've gotten a epidural with all my pregnancies and plan too with baby #4. 
My cousin didnt get one her 1st baby and 2 kids later she ened up getting them both times said she'd never go natural again lol All i can say is every pregnancy and  EVERYBODY is different 🤷🏽‍♀️ so just do what you want.

Answer

My first delivery was with an epidural from the second I could get one, and I had my baby 12 hours later. My second delivery started the same, but had to get the epidural needle in my back twice... It was brutal because I hate needles, and it definitely wasn’t as seamless as my first, but I was holding my baby within 5 hours. I always tell myself that I’d rather have the pain of getting an epidural multiple times than contractions. 🤷🏻‍♀️ But to each their own!

Answer

I don't like medication in general so I tried to go without one for my first, worked fine until they broke my water. I'll probably do the same this time, hold out until I can't. It's just a personal preference. I have friends that have done it natural and friends who got them as soon as they could but we all made our own choices.

Epidural or go meds free?

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