I only went 7 hours without the epidural. It was pretty excruciating for me. I was in labor for 20 hrs total. I think it really just depends on the person. I tried to go without it because I researched all of the possible side affects and wasn't comfortable with them. In the end it was just too much for me. I say try natural first. Everyone is different and you might be able to handle it! Plus you will be super proud of yourself if you can do it natural! I kind of felt like I failed lol!
Well, depends if you handle pain well. I was handling my contractions for about a day and a half, but once they induced me it really became unbearable so I ended up getting an epidural at 8cm. It doesn't hurt, they numb you before you get the epidural. So that part only burns/stings for a few seconds, then the epidural kicks in within minutes and you feel NOTHING! So, it depends on how you are taking the contractions.
Oh and another thing, it may be diff for some, but the day after I delivered... my back was in SO much pain and I assumed it was from the epidural.
I went natural with my daughter and labored about nine hours and pushed for two. Honestly the worst part was the pitocen in the beginning but they turned it off when I dialated to a five. I truly believe every woman can go natural for a normal delivery. BUT excruciating pain for hours isn't normal and I'm so glad we have a reasonably safe pain relief method.
I tried to go natural with my last baby, I was on petocin to strengthen my contractions & it was unbearable for me, I made it until I started crying. I wanted an epidural! Lol epidurals are wonderful. I guess it comed down to one question: do you want a easy smooth birthing experience or a painful one? Lol this is baby # 3 & I will def be getting my epidural as soon as my contractions start.
I'm in UK n just couldn't get an epidural cos they freak me out! I had pethidine and my labour was pretty smooth just over 8 hrs n then 3 pushes, also I was induced with syntosin
At 35 weeks my water broke at 2 a.m I got to the hospital at 3 I was 3 cm. A half hour later I was hurting so bad I called the nurse in an told her to give me the epidural ASAP! She checked me an said sorry ur 10cm an 100% effaced. So another words I went from 3 to 10 in a half hour there was no time for the epidural. I had my daughter at 521 a.m so my labor totaled 3 hrs an 21 mins. I'm pregnant now with ny second I'm 21 weeks tom. If I can get the epidural I'm going to.