Why would a woman choose to have an epidural instead of giving birth naturally?

How can an epidural affect my baby? As stated above, research on the effects of epidurals on newborn health is somewhat ambiguous and many factors may be contributing to newborn health at the time of birth. How much of an effect these medications will have is difficult to judge and could vary based on dosage, how long labor continues and individual babies. Dosages and medications vary, so concrete information from research is lacking. Studies reveal that some babies may initially have trouble "latching on" among other difficulties with breastfeeding. While in-utero, they may become lethargic and have trouble getting into position for delivery. These medications have been known to cause respiratory depression, and decreased fetal heart rate in newborns. Though the medication may not harm the baby, the baby may experience subtle effects like those mentioned above.

Thought that would interest you. I had an epidural ONLY because my body couldn't take the labor. My contractions were coming quicker then they were supposed to and staying too long. My body was actually going into shock and the epidural was needed. Now, if my body didn't do that and it actually gave me time in between contractions I would have opted the epidural definitely!

Edit: Also, wanted to add I found that interesting while reading it. My son actually had troubles latching on. I couldn't get him to breastfeed for a whole month!

Ok.. Im choosing to go all natural just because I want the experience. I am 100% all natural all the way but even I find this question a bit ridiculous. There are small risks to having an epidural (in which case I would rather not have it) but the effects of an epidural in no way compares to drugs, alcohol, cleaning solutions etc. If it was in any way detrimental to the baby there would be NO pain meds allowed during delivery. You do what's best for you and let other people choose what they feel best for them. Some folks just can't handle pain as well as others. This question will stur a pot hun that you dont want stirred.

I hope this question pertains to those who are fortunate enough to have a vaginal birth b/c you can't possibly expect a woman to be cut open with out receiving an epidural. Assuming so the answer is b/c labor friggin hurts! Why endure unnecessary pain for a substantial amount of time? For some women, contractions last >10 hours. I was in labor for 13 hours after not having slept for 17 hours prior b/c of the stress of it all. Why shouldn't I be able to sleep through the contractions? That way I can awaken and be refreshed for delivery time, instead of an exhausted, crippled zombie.

You make your decisions and the rest of the world will make theirs.

People that say they are gonna have an all natural birth good for you its worth a try but don't put people don't down because they decide its to much! I tried & got to 7 cm before I had to be given an epidural due to high risk to my baby.I'm pregnant again and when the time comes I'll try again but if I need it I'll take it.

Basically you are saying if you needed it for a c-section you wouldn't take it because it a drug? Eeh no a don't think so!

An epidural is a pain killer, not alcohol or cleaning products or harmful drugs. And no... women are not asked to stay away from all prescription drugs, just ones that could be harmful to the fetus. If epidurals weren't safe for the baby then they wouldn't give them. Taking something for pain is completely different than downing a bottle of wine or smoking weed. Plus, epidural goes into your spinal fluid, I don't even think it gets to the baby.

Well, normally any healthy human being should stay away from drugs, alcohol and harsh cleaning solutions. An epidural isn't all kinds of drugs - it is one anesthetic. You can still take Tylenol while pregnant, medications to resolve urinary tract infections, some even continue their anti-depressants.

Your conclusion is that these drugs are harming the baby. Clearly the millions upon millions of babies have not been harmed. The logic is faulty.

Well first off, not all women avoid drugs alltogether, just the unsafe ones. I know many women who have taken a tylenol or 2, or dicleton when they are throwing up all the time. So just like the epidural (which is safe for use), people use drugs all the time during pregnacy. I dont understand why people choose to not use drugs. People always say its better natural...thats how people "used" to do it. Well, people also used to have surgery with Ether. Would you have surgery done without drugs? Exactly...so why not use modern medicine for labour as well?

its a womans choice however she might decide to handle the pain of childbirth and since epidurals are available many women put it to use and i dont blame them.

i had two completely natural births, out and away from any hospital so i didnt have the option for an epidural but i dont judge any woman that makes different choices from me. i understand what childbirth is like and for that reason, i dont blame any woman for gettin the epi.

If it was so harmful for the baby, it wouldn't be given so much by doctors. Doctors aren't out to hurt our babies.

I've never had an epidural (too freaked out about the needle), but I'm not going to bash other women for doing it and tell them they're hurting their babies.

Have you ever had a baby?? lol because giving birth is very very painful.

Even more so when you birth a large child. like my daughter who was 9lbs 13oz.. OUCH!

-it doesn't harm the baby, I had an epidural and plenty or extra pain medicine and my daughter was not at all loopy when she was born. If it wasn't safe it wouldn't be so readily available. : )