Did you use an epidural during labor?

I got an epidural after being in labor for almost 36 hours. At first I tried a IV pain medicine and all that does is make you feel high/drunk (atleast it did for me). It didn't take the pain away but made it to where you can handle it better. I opted for an epidural after that. However, I personally won't get an epidural again because even after 5 months since I've had my son, I still have numbness in my thigh and was told it is permanent. But it's really up to you. You can always go for the milder pain medicine and then opt for an epidural if that doesn't work. Also, I was told that water births aren't so bad because the hot water helps relax you. Good luck tho and congrats! :)

I didn't use an epidural. I had my daughter at home in a water birth. It was completely natural. I loved it.

I think you should consider your pain tolerance levels and what helps you relax. Use these techniques during labor. I used hot water in the water tub (calming and helped relieve pain). During the entire pregnancy I imagined how my labor would go and just kept picturing it. The experience turned out better (faster and less pain) than I imagined. I also had the room dark (don't know if you can in hospital) with soft music (of my choice) playing. The room was also warm so I didn't get cold. I believe all these things helped with my labor. Plus when pushing I was able to get in the positions I wanted and move freely.

My 1st - no epidural, just the gas. Pain was bearable, did not require an epidural even though induced.

My 2nd - half epidural after 6 hours of induced labour. Contractions were non stop from beginning, no break and no relief. After 6 hours and only a little dilation, I opted for a half epidural where I could feel contractions and move about on bed. Son slept through labour and didn't move, he stayed snuggled up in the same position, ended with a c section after 18hrs of labour.

My 3rd - spinal given as scheduled c section as children too close together to consider vbac.

My advice is be flexible. Go in and hope for a natural birth and see how your body copes with labour. But keep an epidural available for if you need it. Just leave it as an option, after all, you don't have to opt for it if not needed.

Keep your options open, options don't need to be used, but least they are there.

I used an epidural for both births. However my second one failed to work/'was not put in correctly so I wound up having my daughter natural. I wanted to use it to ease the pain obviously and I would like to use it again if/when I have a third cause the pain was pretty intense. Lol. I was given pitocin to induce my labor which intensifies your contractions so it was not fun but so worth it. The choice is up to you. Congrats on your baby!

I have had four babies and never had an epidural. I used the Bradley method with all my births. It has a 90% success rate of unmedicated birth. Look for the book, Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way.

Ahhh. I know exactly how you feel. everybody who gets one(well most peopele) say they loved it andit helps alot. but to me the risk are so scary. i hate medications all together.

I say plan on going natural. When labor comea you can always get one if you need to

there are also other medications they can give you that "take the edge off" but if i was going to get anything id just go staright for the epi.

When u go in tell them ur not sure n try to do it natural - also there's other options . I said I wasn't going to but now that I'm 5 months I think I might but I'm still Gon take child birthing classes so I'm more confident n in control