Pain Relief

[Bassey86]

Hello ladies,

Just wondering what everyone's pain relief methods are and especcially if those of you who have been through childbirth before could offer some advice?  I know the US is different from the UK in what is considered standard practice, but I'm pretty sure the main pain relief methods are the same.

I will definitely go for gas and air, although I've heard it can make some people a little ill.  I've also been told about a TENS machine (my Mum had one - although not for pregnancy).  My Mum had an epidural with me, but they gave it too late, which has always made me a little adverse to the idea.

What are everyone's plans?  If you have had children what did you find worked for you previously - if anything?

I have no real idea, but I'm not looking forward to pushing something the size of my cat out of my body!!  I am a petite girl and my husband is 6'5"...I'm a little nervous!

Hope everyone is doing ok!

[tryingfor1sttime815]

Epidural, it really wasn't very painful at all.  I will use it again this time around as well.  I want to think they gave me some other pain meds because I requested more but it could just been the epidural.  I didn't wait for the pain to get bad, I went ahead and took it when they offered.  I wasn't going to play around.  I had been miserable for days so I am glad I took it when I did.  

[xrayz]

I have had 3 natural and one epidural. I plan on going unmedicated again with this one with just IV pain meds if it gets too bad.

[Bassey86]

Thank you ladies...I'm still not sure about what to do...I will definitely ask to be cut rather than risk tearing...a friend's wife is still having issues and she gave birth 5 months ago!  I'm thinking epidural or TENS machine now...had some people recommend TENS.

[moni21]

I am such a baby when it comes to pain. I have a very low tolerance for it so when I was dialated at a measily one I was ready to pull my hair out. I had to dialate to 5cm before my dr. would even allow me to get an epidural. And that took almost 13 hours!!!! By that time I was crying and begging my mom, yes my mom, to do something. I felt horrible. With that being said, I'm all about the meds.

I did have the gas before getting the epidural, but it did nothing for me.

Good luck making your choice.