Contemplating natural birth vs. epidural?

Question

So I know this is a very popular topic around this time, but even at 31 weeks I am still undecided what to do. The entire first 30 weeks of my pregnancy I really thought that I wanted an epidural, like no questions asked. HOWEVER for some reason lately I find myself leaning towards trying it without. I am not afraid of either option, but I am still on the fence. My internal argument is basically: less pain but with a potentially longer labor or experience the real deal so that I can say i've done it. Opinions? What do you other mamas have in mind? Should I maybe just try natural at first and then decide if I need the needle or not? I hear that happens often especially with ftms, which I am. So unsure😭

Answer

As a mother of 2 (almost 3) i can speak with experience that the BEST thing you should do, is whatever you want in the moment. Dont make up your mind before. Of course try and handle the pain the best you can so that if you dont need drugs you dont have to get them, but if you need them dont feel guilty. That baby is coming out wether you feel it or not! Ill be having my 3rd (hopefully if all goes well) drug free birth in june. But if i just cant do it, im not gonna be upset. No matter how you birth, its still kick ass

Answer

I didn’t like the epidural with my first. I had a panic attack when I went numb because I couldn’t move at all. The anesthesiologist ended up having to take it out, so I’ve gone natural from the start with the others. I plan to be unmedicated this time as well. 
The lack of control over my body with the epidural is too overwhelming and scary. I’d rather work through the pain. I like to be able to feel what’s going on and work with my body.

Answer

Like you, I'm going in pretty opened minded. I would like to do it naturally but I wont completely rule out an epidural. If I get induced, I think I'll do an epidural as I've heard it hurts more when you're induced. I'm a ftm as well so I'm not really sure how accurate that is.

Answer

You can always just tell your dr you want the epidural just in case.. this way, they will at least put the order in for it so you’ll have it if needed. And just give natural a try! See how it goes and if you need the epidural, you need the epidural!

Answer

With my first, I went as long as I could and gave into the epidural around 7cm. But I also went in with the mindset that I didn’t need to be a hero, and I would get it as soon as I was ready. I loved being able to talk and joke around with my family and relax before pushing. However, I did not enjoy continual monitoring, being restricted in ways that I could lay and push, and the inability to move for hours. 
My thoughts are: you can always go and get it if/when you’re ready. But you cant undo it once it’s done if you get it right away!

Answer

have you had a baby before? if not, just wait until you feel those comtractions. i had an epidural way too late with my first and was miserable until i had it. next time around im getting it right away; also it didnt delay my labor.. it was short with pitocin and an epi

Answer

I was put on pitocin after my water broke and was only at a 1. For hours a stayed at a 3 with no progress. A nurse suggested the epidural so I went for it. I began to dilate and was at a 10 within 1-2 hours and pushed twice. I was tense and the epidural calmed me and made for a quick delivery in my opinion.
Everyone is different, this pregnancy I will try to go natural. If the same thing happens then I’ll switch it up and get the epidural. 
I don’t see why anyone should feel guilty for wanting any type of pain relief when it’s an option. You could always have it as a backup plan, you never know what’s going to happen until you’re in labor.

Answer

I didn’t go in with a plan for my first. I was so exhausted when I was admitted that I got the epidural right away. I don’t regret my decision because I had a perfect labor & delivery, but I think this time I’m going to try to hold off a bit longer before getting it. My first was 9.2 lbs and between his size and the epidural, labor stalled for a while and I had to be started on pitocin. I slept through the whole thing though and literally woke up to push for 20 minutes before I met my son. I don’t think I want to attempt 100% natural knowing I make huge babies. I think it’s a good idea going in with an open mind. Don’t get set on it going one way or another because things are so unpredictable, it’s best to plan on just going with the flow. You have no clue how you’ll feel the day you go into labor. I know so many moms that are 100% set on an all natural birth and end up being really disappointed for a long time that things didn’t go how they planned. I’d start with the idea of holding off as long as possible and then you can see how everything feels when the time comes.

Answer

With my first, I didn't want one to start, but I had a long, exhausting labor with no dilation so they started pitocin, and I needed rest. It was definitely the best choice for that situation, but like others have said, I didn't like being immobile, and I definitely didn't like pushing in that position without much control. I also felt like my support team backed off their support once I had it, like the epidural was a babysitter that let them off the hook somewhat.
My second and third deliveries were much faster, and while it was hard work, I wouldn't want to get one for that. It was doable, and just when you feel it's not, you're ready to deliver. I liked being in control and having freedom of movement, especially for pushing. So everyone is different, I personally don't feel like normal labor is over the top unmanageable and you may not find you need it.

Answer

This is baby #2 but first was a scheduled c section. I didn’t hate the epidural but didn’t love it either so my plan is to go in believing in myself to be able to do this but also accepting that I might change my mind and that is ok. My hubby and midwife know that I want the option available to me but that I will let them know if I want it.

Contemplating natural birth vs. epidural?

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