epidural good or bad idea?

[Bri_blushh]

Well I'm getting closer to my due date and I'm a little worried. Wondering if I should get the epidural or just stick with the drugs given through th iv? I do not want to go natural. That's my final decision. I know I want some sort of help to relieve the pain. But I'm just scared because I've heard a few bad things about the epidural. My mother had an epidural many years ago and some of the spinal fluid leaked out and she ended up with a spinal headache.  I do not want that. Kinda nervous. I'm hoping that it was just a long time ago and that the hospital is more advanced now.
But if you were given an epidural not too long ago, can you please let me know how it went? I just need to see if I hear more negative or positive things about it to help me with my final decision.

[MommyOfTwoBoysVerySoon]

My experience was that I didn't need it. I went in to be induced with my first son knowing that I didn't want it. I think you should go in open minded. If you personally need it then go ahead. But if you find yourself doing ok without it then try going all the way with demeral. That stuff is amazing!!! I got one dose after 9 hrs in labor when I was almost at 8cm dialated. It relaxes me so much that I was able to take a power nap for about an hour. And wen I woke up it was time to push. In my personal opinion I've heard a lot of good and bad about epidurals. For most women they work fine. But for some it causes effects that last the rest of your life. I didn't wna take that chance. With my luck I'd be that one person that it didn't numb,end up with a headache and shakes, and back pain for the rest of my life. So as nervous as you are keep all opinions in mind. And see what's best for you. I plan and doing it without(: I know I can handle it. And some advice if you decide not to.... Breathe during your contractions. Deep breaths. It's gna hurt and for me holding my breath felt like a solution but the nurses would freak out and ask if I needed the epidural everytime i did this!! It got really annoying. Lol  

[tracetrace]

Get it! I was in labor for 12 hours I went from pain and couldn't even function right. To talking otp getting on Fb on my phone until it was time to push. The epidural saved me the pain

[gingery_person]

Just had my daughter a few days ago. refused the epidural and stuck to laughing gas and liquid Tylenol. I feel so much better for it! Pain is there for a reason, to tell you something is wrong. A lot of the time the epidural will leave mothers with terrible back pain because they weren't in a good position while pushing baby out.

[cecilia_morgan]

I hated it! I had no lasting poison or issues with it just didn't like it and having to be confined to bed and get a catheter etc. But at the same time I got it bc I could not tolerate the pain I tried so hard for hours but finally couldn't anymore so thigh I didn't like the I guess effects of it and how it knocked me out fir his etc the pain relief was amazing and much needed lol so im very two sided on it haha

[lacynicole]

My experience with the epidural wasn't very good. I didn't want it, but the doctor's made me to relax everything and I needed rest after 3 hours of pushing. It wasn't bad when they put it in my back, but it didn't work for me. It numbed half of my left leg and that was it. I still labored on my knees and could hold myself up and everything. I pretty much delivered naturally (like I wanted) because I felt EVERYTHING. For about 3 months after I had shooting pains going through my back randomly. This pregnancy I will definitely not be getting it.

[specialmom]

I found the epidural to be a blessing.  A much needed blessing.  I found that I do not tolerate pain as well as I thought I did and wanted a peaceful delivery.  I also didn't find it bad having the epidural placed.  I was so uncomfortable and in pain prior to that----  I found this to be nothing but a little pinch.  

At least that was my experience.  I had one with both my deliveries.  good luck in whichever way you go.  peace

[doulamommy]

Never had an epidural but I did have a spinal for surgery following my daughter's birth last month. I hated it. I got the headache and the back ache (and I've had a baby before so I know it's not just normal post delivery pain). I got the shakes so bad I can't imagine trying to deliver a baby while I was numb.
I would caution you with iv drugs though that they can't give them to you once you're too far dilated because they cross the placenta and can give baby problems. So you might have pain relief during labor, but not dieting the delivery.

[Gloria_BG]

I got epidural both times.
My first time went smooth.
The needle goes in your spine you will feel a pinch and pressure as they put the epidural in. It's best to try your best to stay still cause if you move they will have to try it again. It's not as bad as it sounds tho lol

[brittanynichelle]

My sister has thee babies she got the epidural every time and she highly recommends that I get it

[brittanynichelle]

My sister has thee babies she got the epidural every time and she highly recommends that I get it

[MommyToBe_0704]

I had my daughter about about a week ago and I was planning on going natural but the pain was too intense . The epidural was a life saver for me , the doctor did everything smoothly , you just have to make sure you don't move . My contractions were two minutes apart so he waited until one contraction was over , stuck the needle in and the other contraction began . Just breath through it and I promise you'll be okay , I had a little back pain after but it went away . Good luck !

[mommyjenh]

I just had an epidural 5 weeks ago, I thought it was great. No  problems with it, and with the demurral I already had in the IV I didn't even feel them put it in. I'd say definitely get it, made my labor very easy!