Thoughts on epidural?

Question

So I would like to hear from other mothers what they think about an epidural. Do you think that it causes your back problems in the future? I’ve heard that it does and that it doesn’t. And do you think that it is “unhealthy” for baby?

Answer

I had a epidural and it was the best thing ever! I didn’t feel anything but pressure when it was time to push.

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I loved my epidural and will be getting it again this time. No back problems 4 years later. My daughter is perfectly healthy, I’ve never heard of the epidural having any side effects on the baby other than slowing down the labor process. 
This time around I’ll get the medication, but even if I didn’t want it I’d have to have the access port put in. I’m having twins so they have to stick me anyways in case it turns to a c section.

Answer

Had an epidural with my first, no pain then nor since (12 years later). I plan to get one this time too. My daughter was happy and healthy.

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I’ve had an epidural with all 4 of my previous births.. I plan on getting another with baby #5 in a few weeks. Zero side effects!! I can’t imagine going through labor without one.

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Had my first baby 8 years ago with an epidural.  Never suffered any side effects like the headaches or back pain.  Planning to get it again this time.

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My epidural with my 1st failed. They even gave me a 2nd dose and it didn’t do anything for me. I was very skeptical for the same reasons. I wanted a natural child birth but after 20hrs and pitocin constantly being turned up and stuck at 5cm, I was in so much pain I didn’t even care anymore. I just wanted some relief and a moment to be able to fully breathe through contractions. They were 1.5-3min apart. I did have some back soreness for a few days to a week after. I think the placement was off and it definitely made it harder to stand for long periods after, my back would start hurting like a bad ache but only for a few months after I had my 1st. But I don’t think it causes long term effects for everyone. I think depending on if you had back issues, how many times you’ve gotten one and the placement can determine a lot. My 2nd, since it didn’t work, i was determined to keep my natural birth and I didn’t have to be induced so my only experience with the epidural wasn’t the greatest but you’re in so much pain at that point, sometimes you have to and I didn’t even feel her put it in, I was having contractions so bad it wasn’t my main focus.

Answer

Planned on no epidural but I was induced and pitocin had other plans. No back issues and I'm about 9 months post partum. I don't really respond to anesthetics (she had to numb me an extra 3 times during stitching because I could feel the needle going in for every stitch) baby came out fully alert and had no issues. I was terrified of getting an epidural at first but the guy who placed it was an absolute pro. Had it done in maybe 5 mins tops. Absolutely zero pain associated with placement and zero pain upon removal. No immediate or prolonged back issues. Not even a spinal headache.

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I got the epidural last time and I’m gonna get it again. My baby came out just fine

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I had the epidural and had a lot of back pain afterwards. I still do.. never had back problems before pregnancy. 🤷‍♀️

Answer

Pros of epidural - no pain
Cons - Potential to slow down labor, often can't feel to push baby out, can cause dangerously low blood pressure requiring lots of IV fluids, baby will have more water weight from IV fluids which leads to overestimation of weight that is lost rapidly and leads to unnecessary formula supplementation, epidural drugs stay in the baby's system much longer than mom's (baby may be sleepy and lethargic, not latch well immediately), takes longer for Mom to recover after birth, potentially greater risk of tearing or higher degree of tearing, mom is bed-bound during labor (requires catheter, some women birth best on all fours and other positions, compression of arteries from laying on back cuts off blood supply to baby)

Thoughts on epidural?

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