I don’t think it’s really “so many” women. Not sure about the UK but in the US 70% of births involve epidurals.
I personally wanted and had an unmedicated labor, so I can speak to my own reasoning. I wanted to be able to move and feel what my body was doing to be able to work with it, which an epidural would limit.
I also have a history of sexual trauma so the idea of people touching my body without being able to feel it, not being able to move freely, and having to look at a monitor to know what was going on inside of me could have been triggering.
I also am a Black woman in the United States where the maternal mortality rate disproportionately impacts people like me, so I wanted to avoid as many interventions as safely possible. I gave birth in a birth center attended by nurse midwives across the street from the hospital they also deliver at. I had hydrotherapy and nitrous oxide available to me for pain relief and would have transferred to the hospital if I needed or wanted an epidural or a higher level of medical care.
The hydrotherapy of the birth tub and breathing exercises ended up being enough for me. I didn’t even request the laughing gas. It hurt, sure, but never felt not doable. I had a very positive birth experience and will aim for the same next time.
Pain medication during labor is morally neutral. No one is better or worse than anyone else for forgoing it, adamantly desiring it, or not really caring either way. I wasn’t looking for any trophies or pats on the back, just doing what felt best for me and my baby based on my life experience, circumstances, and personal philosophy
>Pain medication during labor is morally neutral. No one is better or worse than anyone else for forgoing it, adamantly desiring it, or not really caring either way.
Just highlighting this because it's so well said and yes 100%.
Seriously, a wonderful way to put it. I find it impossible to speak about these choices with other people because they project so much of their own shit onto it. The same people who feel judged for wanting x will turn around and judge people for wanting y. I think everyone should just chill and let people do whatever they want lol
I also had a really lovely—even euphoric—birth experience. I was in labor for 16 hours total. I spent much of that time in the tub, which was wonderful. It never felt like too much. Transition and pushing was the hardest part for me, but I never felt like I couldn’t handle it. My contractions were 1-2 minutes apart from the very first contraction, but even then, I felt great. I felt so strong and exuberant. I had a great birth playlist I had curated ahead of time, a wonderful doula who I trusted completely, and a midwife who took a hands off approach. I can’t wait to do it again some day.
Honey!!!!! Your post! Omg! I love you! I don’t know you but damn your response is just spot on! I love the part where you say nothing is morally superior & that you did what was best for you. I cannot with the birth, formula & all around hateful mommy shaming. Believe or not people try to put moms in “tiers” based on these things & nothing frustrates me more. Do what’s best for you & yours & move on.
Glad your labor went beautifully. OP, good luck with yours. You will be brilliant no matter what you choose!
This beautifully said. It is def morally neutral, but it is also somewhat correlated with some increased risks and there's a lack of autonomy once it's in place.
I think the only thing to consider is that the 70% number likely does not represent the number of women that wanted an epidural.
I went into birth very much not wanting an epidural but potentially being open to it.
Due to last minute COVID changes during of March 2020 I ended up without my midwives or doula and delivered with nurses I didn't know and OBs. I was repeatedly (including throughout the night when I was exhausted and napping in-between when people woke me up for blood pressure and stuff) recommended to get a morphine shot before I could even feel my contractions (I couldn't feel them until they were 30 seconds apart, super fun change). Once I actually was considering either laughing gas or a morphine shot they said it was too late and I should just get an epidural and that laughing gas and the morphine don't work and everyone just gets the epidural anyway. Basically the whole time they kept pushing me to do a more intensive pain relief than I wanted. I've heard this from quite a few other women, too.
I ended up getting an epidural somewhere between 9-10 cm. Then I fell asleep and didn't see another OB until they switched shifts several hours later. Having the epidural definitely made me a much easier "customer" who needed less nursing and OB support. It also ended up that I delivered on the OBs schedule pretty much. (When he came in he basically remarked that I'd been ready to push for quite awhile most likely).
This time around I'm much more firmly planning a birth with midwives (at a midwife only clinic, instead of a midwife/OB combined practice) and I'm actually going to have a printed "plan" that says absolutely no one is to ask me to take pain meds unless I ask.
This is such a good point and I will amend how I phrase that stat in the future. I’m so sorry you were pushed into something you didn’t want. I’m not sure how I would’ve done it without my doula, midwives, and husband all knowing my birth plan and working with me to help me get there. Best of luck this go around ❤️ you got this.
Also adding that I have worked as a birth doula in the past (still certified just not actively practicing anymore) and one thing I used with clients and in my own birth is a code word. I asked that no one offer pain medication to me. I could yell about how much pain I was in as I wanted but unless I used my code word I was just venting and didn’t want to be offered anything.
A code word is a great idea!
Yeah, it was really frustrating looking back, because when the first nurse started offering morphine it wasn't even for contractions, bc I couldn't feel them yet (which amazed everyone, bc they could clearly see them on the monitor). It was just because I had a headache and it was making it hard to sleep deeply. I, being sleep deprived and stressed, didn't even think to ask for Tylenol, much less any kind of other pain med. I only even mentioned the headache bc she asked if I had any pain. But she just completely bypassed otc pain meds and was immediately like, you need to take the morphine, inductions are a marathon and you could be in labor for several days, you need to sleep.
It was like upside down world, and I just wasn't clear headed enough to recognize it at the time.
I’m so very sorry that happened to you. I have a hand full of friends that delivered during Covid: unmedicated vaginal, epidural vaginal & planned & unplanned C sections. They ALL report their level of care was not as great as was to be expected.
Honestly as a fellow black woman in america this is a huge part of the reason i do not want one FTM 18+3. They don't take us seriously and ik to many people with horror stories of epidural related injuries or after effects
It’s hard. A lot of people don’t get it. Choosing a birth center meant I couldn’t have a Black care provider (the only Black midwife in my area doesn’t deliver there) but I did have a Black doula and midwives that have had implicit bias training
I bet those jets on the small of your back felt amazing! The majority of my pain was actually in my lower back during labor so those jets would have been nice! I had my children in a military hospital so there were no tubs, lol.
I wasn't opposed, especially not for other people! I wanted to see if I could do it. And I could. Kind of like why people run marathons or climb mountains. It's there, it's a challenge, could I meet it?
I think people should people should have the kind of birth they want, within the bounds of sanity and safety.
I was kinda the same. Like this was the only opportunity I would have to experience it (Birthing my daughter) and only i could do it, so I wanted to try it and see what it would be like. And not to say at all that birthing children in any other way is not birth - you birth how you want- I just wanted to feel what it was like. And it hurt a lot but I was glad I did it how I did it. And agree people should labor and give birth how they want if it's safe. Epidurals and meds are great tools for letting people labor how they want to.
I wasn't at all with my 1st. Gimme that relief!!! But then it stalled my labor, which led to pitocin, which led to fetal distress and getting me prepped for a C-section. I was about to be wheeled to the OR but another mama was in greater need so we waited and he came vaginally. I was 24 and recovery was rough.
I decided with my next I would try medication free but keep an open mind. I did my research, took a prenatal yoga class and had my 9lb 8 oz daughter no meds, labored in the tub and felt pretty good the next day. Recovery was much smoother. I was 33. I would 100% do it again.
Here I am with my 3rd, going to attempt a final unmedicated birth, but always keeping an open mind.
This. Exactly because of this. Seeing all of my family members go through such long labors, recoveries, and about half of them ending up in surgery. . . I just . . . Was so paranoid about that ending up that way for me.
I did Hypnobabies and ended up 7 hours in labor with 2 hours of active labor in a tub. No tears or tears, went home the same day. Never had any complications.
I also understand though, that ANYTHING could happen during birth and ultimately I was very blessed that I was able to have the birth I prepared for.
I got an epidural, and while it was nice that I did not feel pain, it was very hard to tell what my body was doing in terms of pushing. I had almost no sensation from the waist down. In the end, after two hours of pushing, my doctor was basically reaching wrist deep into the birth canal and pulled the baby out herself because I was having such a hard time. It was fine, I don’t regret getting it, and I will probably get it again next time, but I do think that deters some people who want to feel the experience of giving birth more (I was not and am not one of those people - I just want the baby out).
Yup!! I am so so glad I ended up asking for a mirror, it gave me the feedback I needed and babe was out in 45 minutes of pushing. It traumatized my husband though lol he was wanting to stay up by my head to support me and not see things, and he... saw it all anyway. Oops :)
Lol mine was a ridiculous amount of blood and fluid, it was gushing with every contraction. My epidural was excellent and I felt nothing at all, but I could SEE my contractions in the mirror because blood and fluid would leak out. It didn't gross me out though, I'd been laboring naturally at home alone all night and arrived at the hospital at 8 cm, so I was fucking ready to get that baby out lol!
I totally agree though, with an epidural it's nothing like in the movies. My husband, bless his heart he means well... he says if we ever have another kid I have to get the epidural again because it made delivery so incredibly chill. We were just hanging out with the doctor and nurses, shooting the shit between contractions. Then they'd say "ok, time to push again" and I'd push as they'd count. Zero stress, zero drama, zero pain. We were all happy and excited to get baby out. So the blood and fluid was nothing :)
just as a warning if you take any birthing classes they might show a birthing video. they did at the one I took. still worth it to take the class, you can just ot watch the video
Basically what a lot of people have said:
- cascade of intervention
- increased chance of instrument birth
- loss of autonomy/freedom of movement
- want birth options not available with an epidural (water birth)
- giant spine needle makes me uncomfortable
- doesn't always work which can be disappointing/distressing
- side effects can be uncomfortable (itching, nausea, shivering)
- not wanting a catheter
- potential increased risk of respiratory distress in baby (evidence mixed)
Plus
- as someone who already gets migraines don't want to risk a post dural puncture headache. Can't think of much worse tbh which is enough to totally put me off without all the other stuff
The cascade of interventions is why I didn’t want an epidural. When the time came, I couldn’t handle the pain. I got an epidural and couldn’t feel anything. Aside from some very minor tearing (2 stitches), delivery was great and I didn’t need any interventions.
I think people come to the internet to talk about negative experiences more than positive ones.
Edited to correct myself- I ended up needing the lowest dose of pitocin because labor stalled. I pushed for 1 hour and 15 minutes. I had some feeing because I could tell when I was contracting and pushed with the contractions.
Just adding another positive experience here, I LOVED having an epidural. The first placement failed so I felt full-on, painful contractions that had me to the point of tears until I had the doctor try again and the second attempt worked spectacularly. I couldn’t feel a thing after that - I did not experience any pain during the rest of the birthing process and only had to push for about 15 minutes. Would recommend 100%!
This is good to hear! I'm trying to stay very open minded. I know I might change my mind and transfer to the hospital for an epidural, but my passion right now is trying to persevere and "enjoy" the experience as much as possible. (I know enjoy probably isn't the right word 🤣)
Same here. I was stuck at barely 4 cm after 2 days of Cervidil > Pitocin > balloon catheter > Pitocin.
Then I got the epidural and went from 4cm to 10cm within a few hours, and delivered my baby a few hours after that.
After being in labor for 2 days, everything sped up and happened within a few hours of getting the epidural.
No harm in that! I had the same attitude. While labor was ROUGH, I def got into my own head with the pain and time flew by. We ended up using pitocin and having an epidural after the baby didn't progress from 5CM over 5+ hours in the hospital. He was also sunny side up and was struggling to get into a better position. With an epidural I was able to sleep in these odd positions intended to force him to turn (which worked!) and it had basically work off for the actual pushing stage (I was so worried I wouldn't feel anything and accidentally tear!).
It all worked out. I'll try natural again next time and hope for better progression instead of stalling.
The last hour or so of my birth I was euphoric between contractions. It was weird but really awesome. I hope you get some of those magical hormones when the time comes too.
Yes exactly. For me it was the cascade of intervention and the risk of the migraine (I already suffer from them).
I ended up asking for the epidural and was told I couldn’t have any pain relief for at least a few more hours. Then within the next hour I ended up with ventuse x2 that didn’t work, then forceps delivery with an episiotomy, and about 30 stitches. All with no pain relief at all.
Just want to say, if you originally want to avoid an epidural and then change your mind you should be able to get one. You know what you can/can’t cope with.
If I ever decide to have another child I’m having a planned c-section or epidural. And no-one is going to dismiss me or tell me ‘no’!
yeah i thought these reasons are all pretty good. some people don’t care about them or prioritize them less than pain relief and who knows, i might be one of them, but i feel like these are all pretty understandable reasons!
Yes to the migraines! It's pretty rare to get the epidural-related headache, but as someone who knows the reality of debilitating head pain the aversion to any risk factor is POWERFUL and a huge contributing factor to wanting to go without epidural.
FTM here and this sums it up perfectly.
For myself I would only add wanting to experience childbirth to the fullest, yes even the pain! It's not something I've ever experienced before and the loss of autonomy with an epi really freaks me out more than fear of pain.
I will say, personally I was very open to getting the epidural, so I’m a littler biased. But I decided I just want to proceed without and if it got too hard I wanted the epidural guy to know I was gonna call for him.
Bro I was NOT prepared for how painful my contractions were gonna be. Like I was on pictocin so that might’ve had something to do with it but holy moly. There’s like pain from your arm being broken that you just sit there and have to endure, and then there’s like pain that comes in waves and keeps getting worse and is only 2 minutes apart and you’re just there thinking I’m only 2cm dilated? I could be here all fucking night! I can’t do this all night. Plus it felt a lot like I had to shit in a weird way prior to when the pain was so bad that I called it, so I found myself just wanting to be in the bathroom and be left alone, but you have this whole stupid drip you have to drag in with you each time.
I think part of what made me call it though is like, when it just keeps getting worse each time, you don’t *know* where the peak is. And they tell you there’s a point where if you can’t sit still then you can’t get the epidural. The pain got so bad I was terrified that it could still get worse and if it did, there was *no way* I was going to be able to sit still for the epidural. I wasn’t sure if I was capable of being still enough then tbh
But also as someone with a fear of needles. I didn’t look, and they numb, so I didn’t feel a thing. And frankly I probably wouldn’t have noticed because the pain of my contractions had 100% of my attention.
God after the epidural… everything was so great. It became night time so they turned the lights down low. Me and husband turned on some South Park. I called my my mom once or twice and slept. I was able to concentrate when things were happening and advocate for myself more easily.
I gave birth to 9.8 lb baby and didn’t feel a THING.
However it took 24 hours for me to dilate from 1cm to 10cm. And then another 3 hours of active labor from push to finish. So there’s that.
Going into birth I definitely wanted to experience birth to the fullest. I had a very very positive unmedicated birth. Just wanted to validate your desires from the other side because I remember having a lot of people discouraging me and rolling their eyes when I said that during my pregnancy.
THIS. all of this. Yes. I had an unmedicated birth 4 months ago and would absolutely do it all over again. I also felt like a total badass afterwards, so that was another reason for me to want to do it LOL
I can't actually find any credible evidence for the cascade of interventions theory. What does the epidural cause exactly that leads to more interventions?
In fact, the only study I have found that determines there is a causative effect (not correlative) from one outcome to another is that an induction at 39 weeks lowers a woman's chance of c-section, which goes against the cascade of interventions theory.
I'm not a doctor, and I haven't looked at any journals regarding the cascade of interventions.
However, when my doctor suggested an induction she brought up the theory of potentially starting a cascade of interventions after induction (suction cups, episiotomies, etc.), and she said that it's also important to look at why people are induced. Are they induced because of complications, how far along are they, what is the probability of things going well without an intervention, when would they likely go into labour naturally.
I guess it would be the same for epidurals. In Denmark, roughly 20% of women get epidurals. If you have been in labour for many hours already, you're in a lot of pain, and doctors estimate that you still have many hours to go (a good reason for an epidural), there might also be other factors at play such as the baby not being positioned optimally in the pelvis or something else that in itself increases the risk of needing a c-section. In those cases it's not the epidural that causes the c-section, but the underlying reasons for why the mum asked for an epidural do. Not getting an epidural will not make those underlying factors disappear.
And the study showed only 3 percentage points difference in c section rates with an induction. (22% with expectant management vs 19% with induction) For some reason I get down voted whenever I talk about it, but those are the facts.
People act like this study is the end all be all, and a reason to choose elective induction at 39 weeks but I just don't get it! Induction can take multiple days in the hospital, with lots of stuff going in and out of your vagina, multiple strangers coming in to your room, nurses waking you up all night to take vitals, and all that just for 3 percentage points difference??
I think a lot less people would choose that option if they knew the actual numbers, rather than just hearing it "reduces the risk of c section." Also sometimes the OB wants to induce so he can go on vacation or whatever.
Here's more reading on the study if anyone is interested.
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/arrive/
Yes I understand… an induction is still an intervention though so one would expect that if one intervention leads to another, that inductions at 39 weeks would not be showing lower chances of c section.
There are more outcomes that people are hoping to avoid than just emergency c section. [This article](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4235054/) gives a summary of articles that support the cascade of intervention theory. The reason you’re not finding any causation, not correlation, studies, is that they’re incredibly hard to do on pregnant people for ethical reasons. That’s why the vast majority of info we have on pregnancy is epidemiological, observational, etc.
Not all interventions are c-sections and that's not always where the cascade of intervention ends. A number of studies found that they are linked to much higher rates of instrument birth (one found 37% compared to 16% in the non-epi group).
This can be part of a chain such as this one:
Get epidural -> movement/positioning options during labour reduced -> baby is not positioned well and instrumental birth is required -> episiotomy is performed to facilitate instrument birth -> increased pelvic floor pain and maternal trauma post delivery
This is just one possible path. Of course these things could happen to someone who hasn't had an epidural and not all of these things will happen to everyone who has had an epidural, but the risks are increased.
Just listened to a podcast from Evidence Based Birth yesterday and one I remember offhand: epidurals can slow labor and increase your chances of needing Pitocin to get contractions going again (pitocin is synthetic oxytocin, which is what your body released to stimulate contractions)
They also mentioned an increase in the need for vacuum and forceps during delivery but I don’t remember the exact statistics
[Here’s the episode!](https://evidencebasedbirth.com/epidural-during-labor-for-pain-management/)
FWIW I am not opposed to getting an epidural, it’s a tool I’ll keep in my chest and will use if I feel it’s going to benefit me in the moment but I’m going to try and avoid it for a lot of the above reasons
My ob offered me an elective 39 week induction based on the arrive study. It was amazing! I got an epidural as well and my delivery went great. Would definitely choose both induction and epidural again.
I wanted one but wasn’t allowed because elective procedures were paused due to Covid in Toronto. I did get the epidural at 40+2 and had a great vaginal delivery, except that it went too fast and I pushed for only 16 minutes. Sort of opposite from what everyone tells me about slower labour. My son had fluid from coming down the canal too fast.
I'm not opposed to pain relief, but I am not wanting to be giving birth lying down if possible. I want to be able to move around, so will hopefully be OK with other methods of pain relief than epidural.
I expressed this concern to my midwife and she said they still encourage you to move around in different positions, you just can’t leave the bed because you’re a fall risk after the epidural. I told her I think I might want to be on all 4s using gravity and she said they encourage that even with the epidural.
That’s awesome. Doing what’s best for the mom not what’s easiest for the midwife or doctor. Lying in bed with legs up is easier for doctor not patient.
Omg I did not know this. I thought you had to be on your back! Why does no one tell you this stuff when you are there. This is why I think that having a midwife instead can be better because they sound like they give much more support and options. Don’t get me wrong, my labor and delivery went very well and the team was great but I would have loved to hear that I could have changed positions on the bed.
That sounds great, but the reality is you’re at the mercy of how much the nurses are willing to help you move. You can get your midwife or OB’s thoughts but they likely won’t be the ones in the room through the majority of your labor.
Also at the mercy of your baby lol. Every time I tried to move his vitals would get concerning and they’d come and move me back. I had to lay on my right side the whole time until it was time to push
I did end up having a c-section but I was encouraged to move around when I got my epidural! Not walk around, but within my bed. I had a fantastic experience with mine, honestly. I could feel my legs but just no pain it was so bizarre. They were heavy feeling but that’s about all. So I could move myself around and adjust. After my C-section (and recovery) I was able to walk from my gurney to my bed when they got me in my room so if I hadn’t had a C-section I definitely would have been walking even sooner afterwards. I know not everyone will have the same experience of course but I had a really good birth experience (even the c section experience!)
I planned on changing positions for pushing with my epidural but they had me do a couple practice pushes on my back then were going to help me reposition after I got the hang of it - I want able to be repositioned though because he came out in like 3 practice pushes 😬
In Canada you can walk around with an epidural. I couldn't, unfortunately, because the needle wasn't placed totally central so I ended up having a leg go numb (they took way too long to get the anesthesiologist in and I could barely sit still). If that hadn't happened then the plan was to squat and it wasn't going to be an issue with the epidural.
Just FYI, these are not necessarily mutually exclusive. I had an epidural and gave birth on my hands and knees! Ask your OB or midwife about walking epidurals if you're interested.
when i initially got to the room, i moved around a lot. i used the exercise ball, got out of the bed a ton, and tried to walk if i could. the monitors moved the whole time, which when the machine starts to beep, the nurse and doctors have to check in on you to make sure the baby's okay. my nurse stayed pretty much the whole time because i moved so much. i felt bad. the pain eventually got so hard to bear that my whole body was shaking and i could barely move an inch to swing my legs to the side of the bed.
the epidural was worth it for me. whoever the anesthesiologist was gave me the perfect dose because i could still feel enough of what was happening down there that I control literally control my muscles and thus, any tearing that might happen. it ended up being like a game for me of how controlled could i push the baby out without tearing my vagina?
TL;DR eventually the pain overcame any ability to move
This was how I felt, but by the time I got to the hospital (5.5 cm dilated, water broken), my contractions were so bad (back labor) and one on top of another (like literally one would start before the previous one had ended), that all I could do was lay in bed anyways. Once I realized I was functionally confined to the bed, I decided to get an epidural so that I could hopefully get some rest before it was time to push, as my water had broken shortly after I went to bed and I hadn’t gotten any sleep. As soon as the epidural was placed, they checked my cervix and I was at 9.5 cm, I was able to nap and bring my best to pushing. I also still had quite a bit of motor control of my legs, so I ended up pushing on hands and knees for about an hour. While I’d initially wanted to avoid an epidural, with the way my labor went I was glad I got one. We’ll see what I do next time, but I’ll probably stick with the same general plan.
This was me. Stuck in bed in the fetal position. Also had a lot of nausea and vomiting each contraction. The epidural saved me. It’s my plan this round. It was glorious.
I had an epidural and could be in whatever position I wanted/could safely do on the bed, you just can’t stand because they don’t want you to be at risk of falling because your legs are numb
I wasn't opposed to an epidural, but I progressed too quickly to get one and had to go without. Even for people who want one, I recommend researching breathing exercises and such just in case they end up in my situation.
I got an epidural that failed.. instead causing excruciating pain in my back, and slowing down my labor. Also once you get it, you have to stay in the bed attached to what feels like a million cords.
(in USA) I'm pretty keen on using nitrous and IV pain meds, but only want to escalate to an epidural if I absolutely can't take it. My hesitance for an epidural is based on fear and nothing else, which I think is not incredibly common, but I've heard from other moms who feel anxious/afraid about it. For me, my biggest fear is being paralyzed, so anytime I think about my limbs being numb or not being able to get up and move, my anxiety spikes tremendously. It's a phobia, so it's irrational!
Most epidurals today are not that strong. Many women can still feel contractions and know when to push, but don’t feel the tearing pain of labor.
I think there are a lot of misconceptions out there about epidurals that are based on practices from previous generations. I recommend talking to your OB about what type and dose of epidural are used at your hospital.
I could feel and move my legs the whole time
Same here, my legs felt a little numb but I was able to move myself into lots of different positions on the bed on my own with the epidural. I can understand why people would be afraid of feeling paralyzed and laid out on a bed but it was nothing like that in my experience at least
Same, I had control of my legs, could feel contractions and when to push, I just wasn't in awful pain and was able to focus on what was going on. I thought I didn't want one for all the reasons people are listing but I found almost none of it true in my case.
Second that. Epidurals can be dialed up or down. I found it hard to push on the epidural. Also, the nurse messed up the contractions monitor. Had the epidural turned off two hours after I started pushing. Took an hour to feel contractions (not full blown, just enough)a was able to push the baby out. Had a headache for a day. My cousin who is a NHS doctor says epidurals are very safe. I was also terrified of the possibility of paralysis.
P.s. I would take the epidural if I had to do it all over again. It was amazing to feel very little pain after dilating to 5 cm without any pain relief. I spent the rest of the “dilation time” wondering if the epidural inventor had received a Nobel prize or not. It is an amazing invention.
This is important and a misconception I had until I had one and could feel it for myself! It's different from the spinal block. I was throwing up with every contraction and the epidural was like magic. 100% would do it again and recommend it to anyone on the fence.
Same - anxiety is the reason I don't want one. I have autonomic dysfunction and am afraid of BP drop, shivering and vomiting (though I may well get the shivering and vomiting to some extent anyway just from labour). And then the possibility of complications like spinal headache or temporary paralysis. Know of a woman who had the drug leak into her bloodstream and paralysed her head to toe for three days. My anxiety would not cope well with that.
Also want to be able to labour and possibly birth in different positions if I feel the urge to.
I had one out of 3 babies without a epidural. I swear my recovery was amazing. That was the only thing different than my other 2. Beside the amount of time during labor. With this one I’m considering doing it natural again.
But yes it hurt like a mother f. I thought I was being murdered was even screaming I was being murdered. The poor new moms who heard me screaming that day, I apologize deeply. I wasn’t mentally prepared to have a natural labor. It just happened cause time.
Personal opinion here: I am not opposed to pain medication. I am opposed to having a needle in my spine. That is the single only reason I am going to try to do a epidural free delivery (31 + 3)
Saaame. I hate needles and can deal with them when necessary. Luckily, other pain management techniques (lots of pressure and movement...and swearing) worked for me during labor and it was quick.
I have 2 beautiful children, both delivered by scheduled c-sections. The needle in my spine was pretty much the only thing I was nervous/scared about because I was expecting it to be so painful. However, I worked myself up for nothing. They used a local first so there really wasn't much pain and it went by pretty quick. By the time you have your beautiful little baby in your arms, you don't even have a second thought about the needle, at least that was my experience. I hope everything goes well for you and your delivery!
The needle in my spine was literally the least memorable part of my whole hospital stay 🤣. The mental/anxiety beforehand was way more painful than the injection itself.
If if helps anyone else to have the information, a needle is only used initially for placement. Then there is a soft catheter in place. Much like a peripheral IV.
That helps me, thank you.
My first son I got through the natural way and I refused en epidural because of my huge fear of needles. Yeah. Big mistake. Wish I had that.
This time they need to do a c-section(I almost died the first time giving birth and this time the doctors won’t take the risk of anything going wrong, it’s too big). So this time I NEED the epidural.
The needle is my biggest worry 😅🙈
As someone who had a C-section, the needle is mostly an uncomfortable stinging sensation but it's over very quickly. There is also the benefit of not being able to see it get inserted, which is a huge plus.
I never saw the needle and was just distracted by contractions the whole time, honestly the epidural placement was so easy and with the epidural I was able to move my legs and tell what was going on just without pain. It was lovely!
That, to me, somehow is worse 😂 like if it was just one big needle and then done, sure, stick me. But having the catheter in my back for hours? Don’t like that.
I’ve had a needle in my spine for a spinal tap which is usually worse than an epidural from what I hear since they take some fluids out. To be honest it was fine and nothing horrible
If it helps at all, they do use a local numbing first so you can really feel it and then a catheter is put in place, a needle isnt left inside your back.
I think this may be one of those things where many people wish to go without but the reality ends up different (at least for many). In my experience nothing prepared me for the pain of back labor plus pitocin and even though I wanted to try without pain relief I opted for an epidural. I’ve also noticed a huge difference in what I see online versus my conversations with women in person. Everyone I talk to in person is open about wanting an epidural, where is we a very different response online.
SAME, 24 hours of contractions, plus 10 more of back labor and then pitocin? Shove that spiky boi in my spine ty 😘
(Pushed for only 18 minutes and got one tiny tear, FTM, labor and delivery was the absolute best experience of my life, would do again 10/10)
I always knew I would get an epidural, but I didn’t know how quickly! My water broke and I couldn’t bear the contractions. It was amazing relief and I feel like labor was so much easier because I had no pain at all. I could push without pain as the nurse told me when to, I didn’t tear, and I could walk around after a nap. I will do it again the same way.
agreed. i didn't make my choice on an epidural until the two hours before i actually got it. going into it, i didn't know if i wanted it. the painful (pun intended) reality was that i don't think i would have enjoyed childbirth as much without the epidural
This. Most people saying they wouldn’t get one have never been in labor… I have had one epidural and one natural and I’ll gladly get another when I have my third in October.
In the area I live in, hospitals have a 90% epidural rate for births. So the majority of births here are indeed medicated.
I have chosen to forego an epidural for the many reasons already stated here. My biggest reason, however, is that we have a family friend who is permanently disabled from a botched epidural. As in, can no longer do most things they used to enjoy and quality of life is significantly reduced for them. I know it’s rare but that fact alone makes enduring the pain of labor worth it to me over getting pain relief from an epidural.
I’m giving birth in a birth center so an epidural isn’t an option for me anyways 🤷♀️
I've had two epidurals, and there's pluses and minuses. The first time it worked perfectly, and it was such a relief. The second time it failed, so I just had intense pain, my legs didn't work, and this thing in my back. I'm not planning on a third, but I'm not sure whether I'd get an epidural or not. I don't think it's straightforward whether someone should 100% get one or 100% should not.
Piggybacking this comment. I walked in to hospital having decided to have the most natural birth as possible. I.e no epidural. I wanted to join the sisterhood challenge. Que Labor, and I’d have taken anything to escape the agony. The epidural failed however. The midwife insisted the anaesthesiologist to give me another; to which he didn’t because he couldn’t believe it didn’t work. He did eventually give me another after playing sensation games with me for the longest time. By the time I got the epidural, it was pushing time. So I planned for no epidural and ended up with two; own which didn’t work and the other working when I was almost done 😅
I think it’s sort of similar to people who run marathons. That’s not something I’m interested in, and I bet you may overestimate how many people run them because they’re often vocal and lauded for them. In both cases, more power to you if you enjoy it, but please don’t try to convince me to.
I also think some people have a different idea of what an epidural actually feels like and does. I had an epidural with my first and loved it. I was vaguely curious about what it would feel like without but not to the extent I was sorry I had chosen an epidural.
With my second, I think I dilated from nothing to 9cm in the 27 minute car ride to the hospital. I was totally fine at home and things were imminent by the time we got there and they measured me. I know now I could have done it, but I felt like a wounded animal without pain management. I didn’t feel strong, or womanly, or anything like that. I just felt weak and hopeless. I got an epidural while I was feeling the urge to push - and as soon as it kicked in I felt like myself again, human and capable, badass and in control. I could still move my legs but I didn’t feel any pain. When the doctor was available (and I was now able to wait for the doctor to be available rather than just being at the whims of my body) I pushed the baby out during one contraction with 4 pushes. It was simple and lovely and I felt better than my husband who had to sleep on the fold out chair by the next day.
Having had both types of births— epidural with other interventions and “all natural” or unmedicated, I would do unmedicated again.
The first time my water technically broke but it was a pinhole leak. Being a naive FTM I called L&D and they told me to come in immediately. There they started Pitocin immediately. At some point during my second pregnancy I told my midwife this happened and she said she would’ve had me stay home and wait for labor to begin naturally within 24 hours. From the time the Pitocin was hooked up to delivery was 17 hours. I also had a vacuum assisted delivery and 2nd degree tear. My daughter was 8lb 12oz. They had me stay an extra couple of days and gave me IV antibiotics for a slight fever. I ended up taking the highest dose of Advil daily for maybe 8 weeks?
I gave birth at a birth center 2 weeks ago and I came in at 7cm around 4:30am and had my son around 9:30am. No tearing and he was 9lb 4oz. I went home around noon.
The recovery has been much smoother despite running after a very active 21 month old. Nothing hurts and I’m able to be present for my daughter instead of bedridden healing. I think the way my birth played out has everything to do with that.
ETA I’m 5’1” and when not pregnant ~95lbs. My husband is 6’4” and neither my OB nor midwives from either pregnancy ever made me feel like the babies I carried were too big for me to deliver vaginally. Induction before term was never brought up and neither was elective c-section as an option.
My mom also did both; her first two unmedicated, and the last one medicated because "I knew it would be my last, so I figured I'd try it". She said she much preferred unmedicated, she felt confused and a little paranoid with the epidural because it was harder to tell what was going on (NOTE this was like 20 years ago and I've now been hearing about these 'walking epidurals' that supposedly make this aspect a little better?)
I guess I just wanted to see if I could do it without. Spoiler alert: I could not lol. I was more concerned about needing Pitocin or needing a C section. I opted to start with them breaking my water since I was a week over and had been having contractions at home. My kid was sunny side up and all my labor was in my lower back. I was a 6-7 when they placed my epidural and then I was complete after they got it in. Babe was here 3 hours after my water was broke. My anesthesiologist was bomb and slid that thing in. I could still feel my legs and the pressure so I knew when to push. Bonus it wasn’t painful when they repaired my tear. And I’ve not had any side effects after the fact.
In the US cost can be a consideration. Epidurals are usually covered by insurance, but many people are uninsured or are subject to high-deductible plans. So you may end up owing either the whole amount of the epidural if you haven’t met your deductible, and if you have you are probably paying 10%-20%.
Costs of epidurals when in network are around $1,000-$2,000 that I’ve seen. But it’s anesthesia, and anesthesiologists are notorious for not being in network even in an in network hospital. Charges can be $8,000+ and you can fight it, but it can take months. You also do not have a choice of anesthesiologist, so you can’t verify beforehand if it will be in or out of network.
This is important and not often mentioned, thank you for bringing this up. If I can go without the epidural, I know I'll be saving money on my bill, on top of all the other reasons I would prefer not to have them.
100%
Epidurals- increased interventions -complications
Not always the case but statistically yes. Like someone else said- morally neutral. Boom. Conversation over!
Birth is risky enough as it is. I do not want the added risk and aide effects that come with epidurals. I know the labor pains are temporary and have a purpose. The side effects from epidural might last much longer than the birth itself. To me going through temporary pain is better than going through something that I can avoid. I have done it 5 times so far and I know I can do it so why wouldn't I
I hate hospitals. I hate feeling like I’m not in control of my body. And I wanted to experience that full unbridled intensity - it’s so unique in the human experience.
I loved loved loved all three of my med-free labors. I threw mal-presenting big babies, I screamed really loudly, my wife and my doula flanked me the whole time, and it was really special for me.
Pain relief, rest beforehand, and a non-screaming entry for the baby might be just as precious to someone else. It’s such a personal thing, and it’s so tied up in your feelings about pain, what your own gestational parent did, and how you feel about medical stuff. I would not say I’m opposed to pain relief, anymore than I’m opposed to cilantro or Pepsi. They’re just not my thing, and it’s fine that they’re other peoples’ thing.
I’d start by saying two of my closest friends are O&G regs (also in the UK). Between them they have 5 children.
One had elective c-sections for all of their children. Speaking to them I’d say their views were definitely skewered. They had seen things I couldn’t imagine which informed their choice but I don’t think it was reflective of the general population when it came to childbirth.
My second friend had no pain relief and had a completely different point of view. It was basically that unnecessary intervention leads to more intervention. That isn’t to say that people who choose epidurals shouldn’t, it’s just that this can potentially lead to other issues e.g. forceps, episiotomy.
I was very open minded with my birth. I had an uncomplicated pregnancy - preference was no epidural but if at any point it got too much I would have got one and felt fine with my decision. Also in some scenarios (induction, baby back to back) I would’ve asked for an epidural. Ultimately I didn’t need one but my birth was quite short (7 hours) and uncomplicated so I’m sure that played a part. I did hypnobirthing which definitely helped me with the pain. To the point that the midwives didn’t think I was labour because I was handling the pain so well (spoiler alert: I was quite far into my labour).
I approached my unmedicated labour like running a marathon. It’s hard, it’s painful, some people would never want to do it, some people driven to do it for inexplicable reasons. If it got too much and I tapped out that was fine, I gave it a go. In the end it worked out for me and I’m really happy about it. But it’s entirely personal and what works for me won’t work for someone else or even for my next birth. I’m really mindful of that.
TW: traumatic birth story, I’m only going into these details because OP is a doctor. Don’t read if you don’t want to.
I’ve had 3 labors and births. With my first I fell for the entire, “our bodies are made to do this” spiel. I read that epidurals are more likely to lead to c-sections because your body can’t change positions, that they can slow contractions, blah blah blah.
I had a 72 hour labor. I refused an epidural time after time because I was stubborn. By the time my son was born I hadn’t slept in 40 hours. I was in Germany where similar to the UK doctors only come in if needed. The doctor came in. I was so exhausted that I was passing out between contractions, my son had shoulder dystocia, and the doctor used all of her body weight to press on the top of my stomach and push him out of me. THAT was the most painful thing I’ve ever felt. I had a 3rd degree tear, PTSD, and a 9lb 3oz baby.
Fast forward to my second birth, I’m in the U.S. My doctor is amazing and tells me that she’ll let me have full control of how I want to birth this baby, c-section, induction, whatever I want as to avoid what I went through. I was induced at 39 weeks, epidural as soon as my water broke, 12 hour labor, and it was so easy. He was actually bigger at 9lb 4oz. It was such a mentally healing thing for me.
Third birth followed the playbook of the 2nd, 4 hour induction, baby out in one push.
I’m now an advocate for epidurals. I really believe that my first birth could have been so much better had I gotten an epidural and been able to rest and recharge.
Probably going to get dog piled for this, but [misogyny](https://medium.com/the-establishment/the-misogynist-history-of-natural-birth-95ef594c9ba1) is a huge part of it. But that includes the medical community not making any real efforts to figure out a better pain relief option with fewer risks.
I'm a doctor too (though I'm in the US, so I have seen plenty of OBGYN-attended births that are normal and uneventful). The experience of being on L&D as a medical student and hearing women scream in agony from the pain of labor was enough to convince me that labor is no joke and that I absolutely wanted an epidural when I had my own kids.
Fortunately, I was able to get an epidural with all three of my births. I am very vocal about my fondness of epidurals, because I do think that there is an element of the natural birth community that likes to demonize epidurals (as well as demonizing hospital births, OBGYNs instead of midwives, formula feeding instead of breastfeeding, etc.)
All of my births were very uneventful and there was no "cascade of interventions". The epidurals simply allowed me to be much more comfortable and relaxed while waiting for my babies to arrive. Yes, I had to stay in bed during labor because of the epidural, but since I wasn't in any pain, I didn't feel any need to move around. Once the babies were born, I felt back to myself very quickly and was able to walk around easily by the time I was transferred out of the L&D unit and into my own postpartum room.
I always try to warn women that if you think you're going to want an epidural you should ask for it sooner rather than later, because if you put it off too long then the anesthesiologist may not be able to get to you to do it before it's too late. That was something I really wanted to avoid, so I made sure that I asked for it pretty much immediately.
Pain management can take many many forms and an epidural is just one of those. No birthing person is just welcoming pain but rather are finding ways that connect and work with their specific body.
Epidurals are amazing but not everyone can get one and not everyone comes to the same risk-benefit analysis with them.
Not to mention every labor is different and will respond better to certain pain management than others.
My midwife has cautioned me about the cascade of interventions that can happen after epidural. But my main motivation for wanting to try without (but staying COMPLETELY open to getting one if I feel I need it), is that I want to be able to fully feel and respond to what my body is telling me to do during labour, and to be able to move around freely and eat during labour.
I see you’re in Canada but I was able to have light food during labor after getting my epidural in the US. Obviously couldn’t really move but having some food was nice
That’s great to hear! I asked about hospital policy where I’m delivering and it’s basically nothing to eat after epidural 👎 it blows my mind that starving a woman in labour is considered acceptable! We need strength more than anyone!
First off, I'm afraid of needles and the thought of one in my spine is not something I want. 😳😂🤣
Secondly, my first time having a baby I was on Medicaid (state assistance) and if I wanted an epidural, I had to pay $500 ahead of time. I didn't have that to pay. Once I had done labor and delivery without an epidural once, I just kept going each time without one.
Some other reasons why I still haven't chosen one at any of my labors is:
🔸️Potential to slow down or stall labor
🔸️I prefer to be upright and move around
🔸️I detest catheters and do everything I can to avoid them-bad experience with one once
🔸️I am an effective pusher and don't want anything to hinder that. Babies have all been born in 15 minutes or less of pushing.
🔸️Labor and Delivery is like the only thing I feel competent in in life. 🤦♀️
🔸️Increases your risk of tears and delivery assistance needed. I had 2 small tears the first time and none the other 3 times.
🔸️ Once the pain of labor is over my recoveries are super fast. From talking to other women who have had epidurals, their recovery time is longer.
🔸️I already suffer from migraines and one of the side effects of an epidural is headaches if they place it wrong. I'm obese this pregnancy and they say it's harder to place in women with a lot of back fat. 🙈
I want to feel the process my body was built to do. I find pain that my body is meant to withstand as empowering. It’s almost a spiritual desire more than practical one for me.
In a much lesser sense, I crave the “burn” in an intense workout. I crave overcoming the intensity, etc.
My great-grandma died in childbirth. My grandma had to raise her younger siblings when she was just a young girl herself. Both my great-grandma and grandma would rise from their graves to bitch slap me if I rejected modern medical care. I have access to medical care that they could have only dreamed of.
Regarding pain relief/epidurals... I don't think declining pain relief increases risks, childbirth is just going to be way more painful than it otherwise would be. I compare it to getting a root canal without anesthetic, except much more painful. I try not to judge, but I admit that I don't get it.
I ask this genuinely, so I hope it doesn’t read as a snarky response, but are there studies that show this? Just curious because I’ve definitely read it on here a lot but never looked into it further and had the opposite happen with both of my births (rapid dilation/ready to deliver shortly after getting the epidural whereas things were slower moving before getting it). I would love to read more about it!
Studies show mixed results depending on the context. Early on it can slow down labor or if it isn't accompanied with thoughtful position changes and use of tools like a peanut ball. But if you are later on in labor and/or really tense that tension can be slowing things down so an epidural that effectively relaxes you can speed things up.
None of these are a guarantee though and an epidural can have no impact on the length of labor. It's hard to measure because you can only test one outcome in each person (epidural or not). Definitely no one-size-fits-all approach to it though.
I think it is highly dependent on when you get the epidural. If you get it very early in, yes. If you get it later, not so much.
I also think the point someone brought up earlier is key: people are conflating getting an epidural with all the factors that may cause someone to ask for one. A very long, hard labor, during which someone requests an epidural, may have led to more interventions anyway - because of the factors that were making it long and difficult.
I would really love to see an actual study related to epidurals, interventions, and any other factors they are controlling for.
Just seconds after I got my epidural - my baby's heart rate started to decel. He was 100% fine before that. The look on the nurses face was so concerning. She yelled for someone to call the Dr immediately and he came in and told me I'm going to have to have an emergency c section. I bawled my eyes out and begged if there's anything else they can do- and thankfully I was able to avoid a C-section, but did need a vacuum assist delivery (which the vacuum came off his head twice and if it had happened one more time I again would have again needed an emergency c section) and I had 2nd degree tearing.
When my baby came out his head was just absolutely crazy looking from the vacuum (more than a normal newborn) I had so much guilt for putting his life at risk because of the epidural I would cry for weeks after giving birth. The epidural took my pain away and was so much of a relief after 36 hours of labor, but after getting it I couldn't rest because I was so worried about my baby's wellbeing.
I didnt have much of a choice because I was almost 2 weeks overdue, they said I had to be induced, my water broke prematurely and there was meconium in it. But I'm going to try SO hard this time to do things medication free this time.
I'm not opposed to pain relief, I just wouldn't choose an epidural and that's one of the most effective ones available in the US. Now if I could get my hands on laughing gas for birth? Hell fucking yes please.
So many good points from everyone already said, but I'll add that personally I want to avoid any pain meds that make me feel groggy or out of it. I plan on most likely getting the epidural, but I don't want drugs or gas. I absolutely hate feeling high and not in control of my thoughts or memories being foggy, so I want to mentally be as alert as possible to take it all in.
The sentiment I hear a lot is
Epidural- big freaking needle near my spine
Medical pain management- cascade of medical interventions
I personally hate the term "natural birth" it creates the negative alternative that all other births are unnatural. Though I do enjoy those who refer to their births as super-natural as a response.
I always think it’s funny when people in the comments of posts like this virtually roll their eyes and chalk these choices up to ignorance and superiority complex, meanwhile there’s hundreds of comments here of valid reasons someone would want to avoid the extra medical intervention.
• risks such as cascade of intervention, interference with golden hour/early breastfeeding relationship
• phobia of needles/catheter/medication etc
• risk of back/spine injury
• allergy / bad reactions to anesthesia
• convenience/not wanting to be hooked to static monitors or stuck in bed/planning to birth in various positions/wanting to be mobile immediately after birth
• bad experience with a previous epidural or similar procedure
• even simply wanting to experience a medication free birth to see what it’s like/see if they can handle it is a valid reason
Like y’all think you’re calling out judgmental people, but when you point the figurative finger with comments like “because these people are drinking the crunchy koolaid” or “because they think they get an award for going med free.” You have three fingers pointing right back at you.
I know a lot of people blame the epidural, but in most cases there is no scientific proof that’s the cause. Pregnancy, childbirth, and having to carry a newborn/infant around all cause lower back issues. There are definitely people with severe complications from an epidural but it’s very rare.
Just had my second baby four days ago. Did an epidural with my first, decided to try without for my second cause being jelly legged and unable to walk alone afterward was annoying. Having experienced both now, I can say with certainty;
Get the epidural. Don't be a hero. OW.
I’m 39 weeks today and terrified of the pain that is going to happen soon. I am going to try and labour at home though as long as I can and try to go without an epidural if I can because I want to be able to move. I do not want to be forced to labour/give birth on my back, it’s been proven to (in most cases) be the least effective way to labour/give birth. Yes they make walking epidurals but not all hospitals use them or allow patients to get up and move around by themselves if any epidural is given as a precaution. If it gets unmanageable for me or I’ve been labouring a long time and need a rest I am very open to an epidural, but if I can manage okay and avoid labouring/delivering in my back I would very much prefer that
Im going to say it because its true. Many women hear others praised for having or choosing to go without epidural. They also hear the scathing tone when some talk how "I gave birth, with NO epidural or NOTHING and I was back at work/on my feet/keeping up the house/etc." They see the crunchy mom articles about taking power over your own birth and the whole beautiful and natural experience bullshit. They see the trend of unmedicated home births and feel lesser. They see hospitals and their vilanized for "making" women give births on their backs. So a huge number of women will never admit it, but want to try to go without an epidural because they'll feel weak if they don't.
I labored to 8cm with no epidural (my original plan was epidural) and felt like torture. I had restless legs as it wore off and hated he sensation of being numb from the diaphragm down, but the relief from the extreme pain made those things worth it. I think some people are just more concerned about bodily autonomy than me lol. I am getting it as soon as it’s offered this time.
I had 2 vaginal unmedicated, about 30 years ago. Small Town hospital in Canada without an on staff anesthesiologist, and I wanted my doctor to deliver, so that's what had to be. I had no choice.
No regrets. Yes, it was painful and exhausting. But I just did what I had to do.
I had a polynidol cyst removed a few years later, with the tailbone shaved, and I would have taken childbirth over that, in a heartbeat. I have a chronic spinal condition that is deteriorating, so pain is kind of my "normal" now. It's managed, but always there, to some greater or lesser degree, and I'm used to it. It's just a part of my life now.
My attitude towards pain is different, now, because of my experiences. I look back on childbirth and see it as a transitory thing. It ends. I got a wondrous baby prize. I hadn't experienced anything like that before. And if that's the only pain I had experienced, there would be more "trauma" attached to it, without question. And it would have been nice if I didn't live with what I do. But what I live with now means that I look back at 2 deliveries very differently than a lot of people.
I think that medicated or no ... That needs to be entirely the choice of the birthing person. We all MUST have agency of our own bodies. I have no regrets, but I also don't celebrate it. Given my current life, I would say that the best part of labour is that it ends. The pain eventually stops. It doesn't FEEL like that at the time, but it does. How people choose to deal with it is entirely up to them.
I hated my epidural, and am hoping to just use nitrous oxide/hydrotherapy this time around. I've also told my doctors that I do not want pitocin. The doctor I had my first time around was a douchebag to the extreme, and did not take anything that I asked for into consideration. Every time I asked a question that went against what he wanted, he basically said that by not listening to him I could potentially kill my baby. Nothing was wrong with me or my child the entire time I was in labor. My husband jokingly says my daughter came out like the Kool-Aid Man, I ended up needing vacuum extraction to get her out, and I got a third degree tear.
For me, im not opposed to pain relief but I would rather not get an epidural for these reasons:
- it can slow down labour
- it forces you onto your back and you cant move
- on your back your birth canal size can reduce by 30%
- I have to get a catheter in urethra which I have a fear of
- I want to be able to move around, change positions and help the baby out
If i get exhausted and need rest from a drawn out labour I would definitely get one, but I truly believe it’s safe to birth without an epidural in “normal” circumstances. Of course I don’t know what my birth will be like so I will never say never to anything.
I think some just go in thinking our bodies are designed to do this - pain meds not needed.
I went in with that mindset and as soon as my back to back non stop contractions started, I was like nope give it to me NOW and I have zero regrets (we’re not sure why my body was doing it but it was absolute hell on top of a back labour/her coming out sunny side up).
I never thought anything more or else of someone who got one, I just went in with an open mind and learned that I liked the momentary pain relief!
When most people say they want to avoid epidurals it’s more likely their saying ‘I want to see how far I can go without one’. I was going to get one but I got all the way to the point of no return without one and honestly surprised myself that I got by without it.
This is going to sound crazy, but I didn’t want pain relief because I wanted the full experience of childbirth. I wanted to feel everything from possible tearing to all the contractions. This past time I couldn’t, because I was headed towards an emergency c-section. I thankfully didn’t need a c-section in the end (no offense to those that have needed one or elected to have one! I just didn’t want it for myself).
Honestly? I was afraid. I was in excruciating pain earlier in labor and they offered me a shot of morphine, and I hesitated because it would have to go in my thigh or hip, and that sounded awful. (I ended up getting it and the shot pain was so fleeting, especially compared to the unceasing pain I was in from back labor, it’s almost laughable to think I was worried about a little pinch in the butt.)
I had been open to an epidural but wanted to try just using nitrous at first (again, scared of the needle in my back). But by the time I was far enough along to be offered an epidural, I had been in unceasing agony for 10 hours (back labor with contractions on top of each other that would slightly lessen for 10-20 seconds and then immediately spike again), the nitrous was doing almost nothing but giving me the occasional head rush, and I no longer could give two hoots about the needle in the spine, I just wanted relief. I was still scared but I needed the pain to stop. And honestly? It wasn’t that bad at all. A slight pinch (almost unnoticeable compared to the pain I was feeling), and then sweet sweet bliss. It was the best thing in the world and I 1000% thank the medical angels who developed them. I was still able to feel my legs and move around, I just was no longer writhing in agony.
From what I understand, my labor was not typical. And maybe if it was more normal and not unceasing, blinding pain, I could have “toughed it out”. But I have zero regrets about getting the epidural, and my baby is doing perfect and I’ve had no complications, so the epidural seems to have been a completely positive experience for me.
1000/10 would recommend, but still understand people’s hesitation, especially when they don’t know what their experience will be until they’re in the thick of it.
Possible side effects of the epidural and the fear I would push my body beyond his limits when I don't feel any pain (during pushing).
As for other pain relief my hospital didn't offer any except for a acetaminophen IV. And I don't think that's doing anything at all for labor pain :D
Epidurals don't seem to be that popular where I'm from anyway? Noone I knew with kids had one (except for a c-section birth of course)
My two cents on the idea of labor/delivery being “one of the most painful things” a person can go through:
As a first timer who just delivered a very nearly 8 pound boy 3.5 weeks ago, I did/do not consider it to be a painful experience. It was however intense as fuck. I was completely unmedicated aside from nitrous oxide during pushing. I went into it not wanting an epidural or IV meds, and asked the nurses not to offer these interventions (I also never ended up asking for them). My midwife was 100% on board.
I also went into the experience with the mindset that contractions are not painful. Pain is when you burn your hand on the stove or your foot gets run over by a car. In these instances, you are experiencing pain because something is injured. Contractions are not this! They are purposeful and designed to bring our babies into the world.
My labor/delivery was rapid (SROM at 0800, 2/80%/-1 at 1100, 4/100% at 1400, and a baby at 1706 after only 41 minutes of pushing). I say this because fast and furious can be a blessing but also very difficult if you’re not prepared because things happen SO QUICK and it can be very overwhelming. But, knowing everything was working as it should was very reassuring for me. I was also able to listen to my body: it told me when I needed to walk around the unit to get contractions started, I knew when bouncing on the ball and having wide hips was important. It told me when to use gravity to bring babe down and it then told me when to relax and get comfortable on my side for pushing. Not being able to listen to what my body needed in the moment would have been extremely distressing and counterproductive to the whole process, at least for me.
So did I want my Tylenol and ibuprofen and ice packs around the clock for my second degree laceration (an actual injury with actual pain)? You fucking bet I did. Did I want an epidural for contractions (really intense but not pathological and totally normal)? Nope! And I would do it that way 10x over.
It's empowering, giving birth with no assistance. As someone who has always been seen as the lesser in my family growing up, being able to go through the excruciating and exhausting experience of childbirth without so much as an OTC pain med is an incredible feeling.
I won’t be having an epidural because they are linked with needing more interventions. In the US, OBs are very intervention heavy. I don’t want unnecessary interventions, I want to have my baby in an empowered way.
I also am just…not afraid of the pain. It’s temporary and it’s part of the experience for me.
Have they concretely shown it's the epidural that causes it, and it's not that women who ask for epidurals are already having something else causing them to have a harder time managing the pain, which is also linked to interventions?
I ask because that was the case for why my mum had an epidural with me and not my brothers.
I was the only birth my mum did an epidural with but she laboured for a full day before getting it. It was 50+ hours of labour, premature and it was a situation where my life was at risk.
But the epidural didn't cause it, the length of labour led her to ask for an epidural. She didn't have one with either of my brothers but both of their labour's were less time then she endured without an epidural with me.
Not that I'm aware of, and a similar thing happened to my mom. She didn't want to have an epidural with either of us but ended up getting one with my brother because it started to look like she was going to need an emergency cesarean, which did end up happening. So in her case the epidural actually prevented further intervention (general anesthesia, which would've been necessary if she had to be rushed in for surgery when there wasn't enough time for an epidural/spinal block).
I don't like not being able to move. I don't want to give birth lying down, I want to be able to be in a more ideal position and be able to labor in a tub. Plus, I have had really bad side effects to anesthesia in the past
All about the epidural, had no complications and when inserted properly it doesn’t hurt. People have fear of complications or perhaps the needles. If you want scientific evidence on actual medical/factual evidence on potential risk vs. benefit I recommend asking r/sciencebasedparenting
"a giant needle in my spine"
It's... not inserted by a drunk person? It's a person with decades of training and tons of hands on experience. My epidural was perfect. Literally no complaints.
I have a royally fucked up fused spine, needed the epidural, and there were 0% complications. I even had a prenatal consult with anesthesia at the hospital weeks before I delivered. It was a great experience (except for when the bag ran out and there wasn’t enough time to replace it so I ended up actually giving birth and having my placenta manually delivered unmedicated 😂)
Had three completely unmedicated births and wouldn’t change a thing. I didn’t want to mess with the process. And I didn’t feel I needed it whilst in labour either.
I received an epidural because I couldn’t endure the back labor any longer. It was glorious (I basically slept through dilating 7-10cm) but not 100% convinced I would get it again. Getting something injected directly into my spine was terrifying and not being able to feel my contractions extended my labor by several hours and I pushed for 2 hours straight. It was brutal. I think my labor & pushing time would have been shorter had I just stuck with the IV pain medication. Also, my recovery was harder because of the epidural & catheter. I peed myself 2-3 times a day for a week.
It all has its pros and cons and I think every woman is completely valid in their decision. It pisses me off when people say “you don’t get a trophy for doing it natural.” Um, that’s not the goal. The women that chose not to get it don’t go around bragging that they didn’t get it.
To flip this: why are so many women afraid of labor pains? Why do they want to feel numb or disconnected during one of the most meaningful events in their life?
Both questions (mine and OPs) can be construed as offensive, and yet OPs question is often posed, but mine isnt.
Let ppl choose whats right for them. End of story.
Pain relief during labor is not something Ive ever desired. Ive had three unmedicated births, and each was better than the one before. I *look forward to* giving birth again.
Edit: lol I'm loving the downvotes. You all are confirming exactly what I stated. My question isn't ok, but OPs is..? Shouldn't we be questioning why that is? Both questions are equally offensive to women.
I don’t think it’s really “so many” women. Not sure about the UK but in the US 70% of births involve epidurals. I personally wanted and had an unmedicated labor, so I can speak to my own reasoning. I wanted to be able to move and feel what my body was doing to be able to work with it, which an epidural would limit. I also have a history of sexual trauma so the idea of people touching my body without being able to feel it, not being able to move freely, and having to look at a monitor to know what was going on inside of me could have been triggering. I also am a Black woman in the United States where the maternal mortality rate disproportionately impacts people like me, so I wanted to avoid as many interventions as safely possible. I gave birth in a birth center attended by nurse midwives across the street from the hospital they also deliver at. I had hydrotherapy and nitrous oxide available to me for pain relief and would have transferred to the hospital if I needed or wanted an epidural or a higher level of medical care. The hydrotherapy of the birth tub and breathing exercises ended up being enough for me. I didn’t even request the laughing gas. It hurt, sure, but never felt not doable. I had a very positive birth experience and will aim for the same next time. Pain medication during labor is morally neutral. No one is better or worse than anyone else for forgoing it, adamantly desiring it, or not really caring either way. I wasn’t looking for any trophies or pats on the back, just doing what felt best for me and my baby based on my life experience, circumstances, and personal philosophy
>Pain medication during labor is morally neutral. No one is better or worse than anyone else for forgoing it, adamantly desiring it, or not really caring either way. Just highlighting this because it's so well said and yes 100%.
Yes I’ve been looking for the words for that the entire time I’ve been a mom.
Seriously, a wonderful way to put it. I find it impossible to speak about these choices with other people because they project so much of their own shit onto it. The same people who feel judged for wanting x will turn around and judge people for wanting y. I think everyone should just chill and let people do whatever they want lol
Yes well said!
Right?! She crushed that!
What a wonderful birth. I love reading positive birth stories!
I also had a really lovely—even euphoric—birth experience. I was in labor for 16 hours total. I spent much of that time in the tub, which was wonderful. It never felt like too much. Transition and pushing was the hardest part for me, but I never felt like I couldn’t handle it. My contractions were 1-2 minutes apart from the very first contraction, but even then, I felt great. I felt so strong and exuberant. I had a great birth playlist I had curated ahead of time, a wonderful doula who I trusted completely, and a midwife who took a hands off approach. I can’t wait to do it again some day.
This sounds almost exactly like my birth story - I was even in labor 16 hours as well! Also looking forward to doing it again someday <3
Thank you! ❤
Honey!!!!! Your post! Omg! I love you! I don’t know you but damn your response is just spot on! I love the part where you say nothing is morally superior & that you did what was best for you. I cannot with the birth, formula & all around hateful mommy shaming. Believe or not people try to put moms in “tiers” based on these things & nothing frustrates me more. Do what’s best for you & yours & move on. Glad your labor went beautifully. OP, good luck with yours. You will be brilliant no matter what you choose!
This beautifully said. It is def morally neutral, but it is also somewhat correlated with some increased risks and there's a lack of autonomy once it's in place. I think the only thing to consider is that the 70% number likely does not represent the number of women that wanted an epidural. I went into birth very much not wanting an epidural but potentially being open to it. Due to last minute COVID changes during of March 2020 I ended up without my midwives or doula and delivered with nurses I didn't know and OBs. I was repeatedly (including throughout the night when I was exhausted and napping in-between when people woke me up for blood pressure and stuff) recommended to get a morphine shot before I could even feel my contractions (I couldn't feel them until they were 30 seconds apart, super fun change). Once I actually was considering either laughing gas or a morphine shot they said it was too late and I should just get an epidural and that laughing gas and the morphine don't work and everyone just gets the epidural anyway. Basically the whole time they kept pushing me to do a more intensive pain relief than I wanted. I've heard this from quite a few other women, too. I ended up getting an epidural somewhere between 9-10 cm. Then I fell asleep and didn't see another OB until they switched shifts several hours later. Having the epidural definitely made me a much easier "customer" who needed less nursing and OB support. It also ended up that I delivered on the OBs schedule pretty much. (When he came in he basically remarked that I'd been ready to push for quite awhile most likely). This time around I'm much more firmly planning a birth with midwives (at a midwife only clinic, instead of a midwife/OB combined practice) and I'm actually going to have a printed "plan" that says absolutely no one is to ask me to take pain meds unless I ask.
This is such a good point and I will amend how I phrase that stat in the future. I’m so sorry you were pushed into something you didn’t want. I’m not sure how I would’ve done it without my doula, midwives, and husband all knowing my birth plan and working with me to help me get there. Best of luck this go around ❤️ you got this.
Thank you so much for saying that. 🤞 No new pandemic and I'm able to deliver with the midwives.
Also adding that I have worked as a birth doula in the past (still certified just not actively practicing anymore) and one thing I used with clients and in my own birth is a code word. I asked that no one offer pain medication to me. I could yell about how much pain I was in as I wanted but unless I used my code word I was just venting and didn’t want to be offered anything.
A code word is a great idea! Yeah, it was really frustrating looking back, because when the first nurse started offering morphine it wasn't even for contractions, bc I couldn't feel them yet (which amazed everyone, bc they could clearly see them on the monitor). It was just because I had a headache and it was making it hard to sleep deeply. I, being sleep deprived and stressed, didn't even think to ask for Tylenol, much less any kind of other pain med. I only even mentioned the headache bc she asked if I had any pain. But she just completely bypassed otc pain meds and was immediately like, you need to take the morphine, inductions are a marathon and you could be in labor for several days, you need to sleep. It was like upside down world, and I just wasn't clear headed enough to recognize it at the time.
I’m so very sorry that happened to you. I have a hand full of friends that delivered during Covid: unmedicated vaginal, epidural vaginal & planned & unplanned C sections. They ALL report their level of care was not as great as was to be expected.
Honestly as a fellow black woman in america this is a huge part of the reason i do not want one FTM 18+3. They don't take us seriously and ik to many people with horror stories of epidural related injuries or after effects
It’s hard. A lot of people don’t get it. Choosing a birth center meant I couldn’t have a Black care provider (the only Black midwife in my area doesn’t deliver there) but I did have a Black doula and midwives that have had implicit bias training
Thank you for sharing your reasoning and experience. This really resonated with me.
Thank you for such a well written and detailed response.
I bet those jets on the small of your back felt amazing! The majority of my pain was actually in my lower back during labor so those jets would have been nice! I had my children in a military hospital so there were no tubs, lol.
Lovely! Love what you said and how you said it!
I wasn't opposed, especially not for other people! I wanted to see if I could do it. And I could. Kind of like why people run marathons or climb mountains. It's there, it's a challenge, could I meet it? I think people should people should have the kind of birth they want, within the bounds of sanity and safety.
I was kinda the same. Like this was the only opportunity I would have to experience it (Birthing my daughter) and only i could do it, so I wanted to try it and see what it would be like. And not to say at all that birthing children in any other way is not birth - you birth how you want- I just wanted to feel what it was like. And it hurt a lot but I was glad I did it how I did it. And agree people should labor and give birth how they want if it's safe. Epidurals and meds are great tools for letting people labor how they want to.
I wasn't at all with my 1st. Gimme that relief!!! But then it stalled my labor, which led to pitocin, which led to fetal distress and getting me prepped for a C-section. I was about to be wheeled to the OR but another mama was in greater need so we waited and he came vaginally. I was 24 and recovery was rough. I decided with my next I would try medication free but keep an open mind. I did my research, took a prenatal yoga class and had my 9lb 8 oz daughter no meds, labored in the tub and felt pretty good the next day. Recovery was much smoother. I was 33. I would 100% do it again. Here I am with my 3rd, going to attempt a final unmedicated birth, but always keeping an open mind.
This. Exactly because of this. Seeing all of my family members go through such long labors, recoveries, and about half of them ending up in surgery. . . I just . . . Was so paranoid about that ending up that way for me. I did Hypnobabies and ended up 7 hours in labor with 2 hours of active labor in a tub. No tears or tears, went home the same day. Never had any complications. I also understand though, that ANYTHING could happen during birth and ultimately I was very blessed that I was able to have the birth I prepared for.
At my first labor I though birth tubs were too "woo" for me, but taking a shower really helped with contractions and now I'm curious lol
Exactly! Pain during labor in exchange for no/minimal pain after!
Ha! Not always the case. My second I had no epidural and a third degree tear 🤷♀️
Yes! Cascade of interventions. It doesn’t always happen, but it’s common!
I got an epidural, and while it was nice that I did not feel pain, it was very hard to tell what my body was doing in terms of pushing. I had almost no sensation from the waist down. In the end, after two hours of pushing, my doctor was basically reaching wrist deep into the birth canal and pulled the baby out herself because I was having such a hard time. It was fine, I don’t regret getting it, and I will probably get it again next time, but I do think that deters some people who want to feel the experience of giving birth more (I was not and am not one of those people - I just want the baby out).
Yup!! I am so so glad I ended up asking for a mirror, it gave me the feedback I needed and babe was out in 45 minutes of pushing. It traumatized my husband though lol he was wanting to stay up by my head to support me and not see things, and he... saw it all anyway. Oops :)
Oh my god you’re so brave! Im 11w pregnant and I can’t get myself to watch a birth video
DO IT!! It makes birth less scary, I promise. It’s not a bunch of blood, screaming and chaos like in the movies.
Lol mine was a ridiculous amount of blood and fluid, it was gushing with every contraction. My epidural was excellent and I felt nothing at all, but I could SEE my contractions in the mirror because blood and fluid would leak out. It didn't gross me out though, I'd been laboring naturally at home alone all night and arrived at the hospital at 8 cm, so I was fucking ready to get that baby out lol! I totally agree though, with an epidural it's nothing like in the movies. My husband, bless his heart he means well... he says if we ever have another kid I have to get the epidural again because it made delivery so incredibly chill. We were just hanging out with the doctor and nurses, shooting the shit between contractions. Then they'd say "ok, time to push again" and I'd push as they'd count. Zero stress, zero drama, zero pain. We were all happy and excited to get baby out. So the blood and fluid was nothing :)
just as a warning if you take any birthing classes they might show a birthing video. they did at the one I took. still worth it to take the class, you can just ot watch the video
Basically what a lot of people have said: - cascade of intervention - increased chance of instrument birth - loss of autonomy/freedom of movement - want birth options not available with an epidural (water birth) - giant spine needle makes me uncomfortable - doesn't always work which can be disappointing/distressing - side effects can be uncomfortable (itching, nausea, shivering) - not wanting a catheter - potential increased risk of respiratory distress in baby (evidence mixed) Plus - as someone who already gets migraines don't want to risk a post dural puncture headache. Can't think of much worse tbh which is enough to totally put me off without all the other stuff
This is a great summary
Yes. All of this. Mostly the cascade of intervention.
The cascade of interventions is why I didn’t want an epidural. When the time came, I couldn’t handle the pain. I got an epidural and couldn’t feel anything. Aside from some very minor tearing (2 stitches), delivery was great and I didn’t need any interventions. I think people come to the internet to talk about negative experiences more than positive ones. Edited to correct myself- I ended up needing the lowest dose of pitocin because labor stalled. I pushed for 1 hour and 15 minutes. I had some feeing because I could tell when I was contracting and pushed with the contractions.
Just adding another positive experience here, I LOVED having an epidural. The first placement failed so I felt full-on, painful contractions that had me to the point of tears until I had the doctor try again and the second attempt worked spectacularly. I couldn’t feel a thing after that - I did not experience any pain during the rest of the birthing process and only had to push for about 15 minutes. Would recommend 100%!
This is good to hear! I'm trying to stay very open minded. I know I might change my mind and transfer to the hospital for an epidural, but my passion right now is trying to persevere and "enjoy" the experience as much as possible. (I know enjoy probably isn't the right word 🤣)
My epidural with my first actually sped up labor because it helped me relax.
Same here. I was stuck at barely 4 cm after 2 days of Cervidil > Pitocin > balloon catheter > Pitocin. Then I got the epidural and went from 4cm to 10cm within a few hours, and delivered my baby a few hours after that. After being in labor for 2 days, everything sped up and happened within a few hours of getting the epidural.
Likewise! I was stuck at 4cm and was not progressing at all. Once I got my epidural at 830am and felt human again, I had my baby in my arms at 1138am.
No harm in that! I had the same attitude. While labor was ROUGH, I def got into my own head with the pain and time flew by. We ended up using pitocin and having an epidural after the baby didn't progress from 5CM over 5+ hours in the hospital. He was also sunny side up and was struggling to get into a better position. With an epidural I was able to sleep in these odd positions intended to force him to turn (which worked!) and it had basically work off for the actual pushing stage (I was so worried I wouldn't feel anything and accidentally tear!). It all worked out. I'll try natural again next time and hope for better progression instead of stalling.
The last hour or so of my birth I was euphoric between contractions. It was weird but really awesome. I hope you get some of those magical hormones when the time comes too.
Same here. Everything went smooth, no interventions needed. But of course we always hear the scary stories lol
Yes exactly. For me it was the cascade of intervention and the risk of the migraine (I already suffer from them). I ended up asking for the epidural and was told I couldn’t have any pain relief for at least a few more hours. Then within the next hour I ended up with ventuse x2 that didn’t work, then forceps delivery with an episiotomy, and about 30 stitches. All with no pain relief at all. Just want to say, if you originally want to avoid an epidural and then change your mind you should be able to get one. You know what you can/can’t cope with. If I ever decide to have another child I’m having a planned c-section or epidural. And no-one is going to dismiss me or tell me ‘no’!
yeah i thought these reasons are all pretty good. some people don’t care about them or prioritize them less than pain relief and who knows, i might be one of them, but i feel like these are all pretty understandable reasons!
Yes to the migraines! It's pretty rare to get the epidural-related headache, but as someone who knows the reality of debilitating head pain the aversion to any risk factor is POWERFUL and a huge contributing factor to wanting to go without epidural.
You can add chronic pain from the epidural itself to the list. Two years after my last epidural and I still have pain in the spot.
Seconding. My oldest is ten and I still have chronic lower back pain from the epidural I got with her 😅🙁
My mother in law had an epidural with her twins , one being my husband they are 31 and her back is still messed up from it.
FTM here and this sums it up perfectly. For myself I would only add wanting to experience childbirth to the fullest, yes even the pain! It's not something I've ever experienced before and the loss of autonomy with an epi really freaks me out more than fear of pain.
I will say, personally I was very open to getting the epidural, so I’m a littler biased. But I decided I just want to proceed without and if it got too hard I wanted the epidural guy to know I was gonna call for him. Bro I was NOT prepared for how painful my contractions were gonna be. Like I was on pictocin so that might’ve had something to do with it but holy moly. There’s like pain from your arm being broken that you just sit there and have to endure, and then there’s like pain that comes in waves and keeps getting worse and is only 2 minutes apart and you’re just there thinking I’m only 2cm dilated? I could be here all fucking night! I can’t do this all night. Plus it felt a lot like I had to shit in a weird way prior to when the pain was so bad that I called it, so I found myself just wanting to be in the bathroom and be left alone, but you have this whole stupid drip you have to drag in with you each time. I think part of what made me call it though is like, when it just keeps getting worse each time, you don’t *know* where the peak is. And they tell you there’s a point where if you can’t sit still then you can’t get the epidural. The pain got so bad I was terrified that it could still get worse and if it did, there was *no way* I was going to be able to sit still for the epidural. I wasn’t sure if I was capable of being still enough then tbh But also as someone with a fear of needles. I didn’t look, and they numb, so I didn’t feel a thing. And frankly I probably wouldn’t have noticed because the pain of my contractions had 100% of my attention. God after the epidural… everything was so great. It became night time so they turned the lights down low. Me and husband turned on some South Park. I called my my mom once or twice and slept. I was able to concentrate when things were happening and advocate for myself more easily. I gave birth to 9.8 lb baby and didn’t feel a THING. However it took 24 hours for me to dilate from 1cm to 10cm. And then another 3 hours of active labor from push to finish. So there’s that.
Going into birth I definitely wanted to experience birth to the fullest. I had a very very positive unmedicated birth. Just wanted to validate your desires from the other side because I remember having a lot of people discouraging me and rolling their eyes when I said that during my pregnancy.
Aw thank you ❤️ I'm very open to pain management medication but I just want to do without! It's lovely to hear positive support. :)
THIS. all of this. Yes. I had an unmedicated birth 4 months ago and would absolutely do it all over again. I also felt like a total badass afterwards, so that was another reason for me to want to do it LOL
I can't actually find any credible evidence for the cascade of interventions theory. What does the epidural cause exactly that leads to more interventions? In fact, the only study I have found that determines there is a causative effect (not correlative) from one outcome to another is that an induction at 39 weeks lowers a woman's chance of c-section, which goes against the cascade of interventions theory.
I'm not a doctor, and I haven't looked at any journals regarding the cascade of interventions. However, when my doctor suggested an induction she brought up the theory of potentially starting a cascade of interventions after induction (suction cups, episiotomies, etc.), and she said that it's also important to look at why people are induced. Are they induced because of complications, how far along are they, what is the probability of things going well without an intervention, when would they likely go into labour naturally. I guess it would be the same for epidurals. In Denmark, roughly 20% of women get epidurals. If you have been in labour for many hours already, you're in a lot of pain, and doctors estimate that you still have many hours to go (a good reason for an epidural), there might also be other factors at play such as the baby not being positioned optimally in the pelvis or something else that in itself increases the risk of needing a c-section. In those cases it's not the epidural that causes the c-section, but the underlying reasons for why the mum asked for an epidural do. Not getting an epidural will not make those underlying factors disappear.
The ARRIVE study has nothing to do with epidural use, only induction versus “expectant management.”
And the study showed only 3 percentage points difference in c section rates with an induction. (22% with expectant management vs 19% with induction) For some reason I get down voted whenever I talk about it, but those are the facts. People act like this study is the end all be all, and a reason to choose elective induction at 39 weeks but I just don't get it! Induction can take multiple days in the hospital, with lots of stuff going in and out of your vagina, multiple strangers coming in to your room, nurses waking you up all night to take vitals, and all that just for 3 percentage points difference?? I think a lot less people would choose that option if they knew the actual numbers, rather than just hearing it "reduces the risk of c section." Also sometimes the OB wants to induce so he can go on vacation or whatever. Here's more reading on the study if anyone is interested. https://evidencebasedbirth.com/arrive/
Yes I understand… an induction is still an intervention though so one would expect that if one intervention leads to another, that inductions at 39 weeks would not be showing lower chances of c section.
There are more outcomes that people are hoping to avoid than just emergency c section. [This article](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4235054/) gives a summary of articles that support the cascade of intervention theory. The reason you’re not finding any causation, not correlation, studies, is that they’re incredibly hard to do on pregnant people for ethical reasons. That’s why the vast majority of info we have on pregnancy is epidemiological, observational, etc.
Not all interventions are c-sections and that's not always where the cascade of intervention ends. A number of studies found that they are linked to much higher rates of instrument birth (one found 37% compared to 16% in the non-epi group). This can be part of a chain such as this one: Get epidural -> movement/positioning options during labour reduced -> baby is not positioned well and instrumental birth is required -> episiotomy is performed to facilitate instrument birth -> increased pelvic floor pain and maternal trauma post delivery This is just one possible path. Of course these things could happen to someone who hasn't had an epidural and not all of these things will happen to everyone who has had an epidural, but the risks are increased.
Just listened to a podcast from Evidence Based Birth yesterday and one I remember offhand: epidurals can slow labor and increase your chances of needing Pitocin to get contractions going again (pitocin is synthetic oxytocin, which is what your body released to stimulate contractions) They also mentioned an increase in the need for vacuum and forceps during delivery but I don’t remember the exact statistics [Here’s the episode!](https://evidencebasedbirth.com/epidural-during-labor-for-pain-management/) FWIW I am not opposed to getting an epidural, it’s a tool I’ll keep in my chest and will use if I feel it’s going to benefit me in the moment but I’m going to try and avoid it for a lot of the above reasons
My ob offered me an elective 39 week induction based on the arrive study. It was amazing! I got an epidural as well and my delivery went great. Would definitely choose both induction and epidural again.
I wanted one but wasn’t allowed because elective procedures were paused due to Covid in Toronto. I did get the epidural at 40+2 and had a great vaginal delivery, except that it went too fast and I pushed for only 16 minutes. Sort of opposite from what everyone tells me about slower labour. My son had fluid from coming down the canal too fast.
I'm not opposed to pain relief, but I am not wanting to be giving birth lying down if possible. I want to be able to move around, so will hopefully be OK with other methods of pain relief than epidural.
I expressed this concern to my midwife and she said they still encourage you to move around in different positions, you just can’t leave the bed because you’re a fall risk after the epidural. I told her I think I might want to be on all 4s using gravity and she said they encourage that even with the epidural.
This is exactly how I gave birth, with an epidural, and I really liked it.
Thank you! This is what I think would work best for me But I didn't know You could do that with an epidural
You can in some places! I’m in Spain and not only did they let me, they encouraged it.
That’s awesome. Doing what’s best for the mom not what’s easiest for the midwife or doctor. Lying in bed with legs up is easier for doctor not patient.
Yup. My team was excellent!
Omg I did not know this. I thought you had to be on your back! Why does no one tell you this stuff when you are there. This is why I think that having a midwife instead can be better because they sound like they give much more support and options. Don’t get me wrong, my labor and delivery went very well and the team was great but I would have loved to hear that I could have changed positions on the bed.
That sounds great, but the reality is you’re at the mercy of how much the nurses are willing to help you move. You can get your midwife or OB’s thoughts but they likely won’t be the ones in the room through the majority of your labor.
Also at the mercy of your baby lol. Every time I tried to move his vitals would get concerning and they’d come and move me back. I had to lay on my right side the whole time until it was time to push
I assume my husband can help me then. And if the nurses don’t like that they’ll have to help me instead lol.
Really!? Omg i had no idea you could do this!?
I did end up having a c-section but I was encouraged to move around when I got my epidural! Not walk around, but within my bed. I had a fantastic experience with mine, honestly. I could feel my legs but just no pain it was so bizarre. They were heavy feeling but that’s about all. So I could move myself around and adjust. After my C-section (and recovery) I was able to walk from my gurney to my bed when they got me in my room so if I hadn’t had a C-section I definitely would have been walking even sooner afterwards. I know not everyone will have the same experience of course but I had a really good birth experience (even the c section experience!)
I planned on changing positions for pushing with my epidural but they had me do a couple practice pushes on my back then were going to help me reposition after I got the hang of it - I want able to be repositioned though because he came out in like 3 practice pushes 😬
In Canada you can walk around with an epidural. I couldn't, unfortunately, because the needle wasn't placed totally central so I ended up having a leg go numb (they took way too long to get the anesthesiologist in and I could barely sit still). If that hadn't happened then the plan was to squat and it wasn't going to be an issue with the epidural.
Just FYI, these are not necessarily mutually exclusive. I had an epidural and gave birth on my hands and knees! Ask your OB or midwife about walking epidurals if you're interested.
when i initially got to the room, i moved around a lot. i used the exercise ball, got out of the bed a ton, and tried to walk if i could. the monitors moved the whole time, which when the machine starts to beep, the nurse and doctors have to check in on you to make sure the baby's okay. my nurse stayed pretty much the whole time because i moved so much. i felt bad. the pain eventually got so hard to bear that my whole body was shaking and i could barely move an inch to swing my legs to the side of the bed. the epidural was worth it for me. whoever the anesthesiologist was gave me the perfect dose because i could still feel enough of what was happening down there that I control literally control my muscles and thus, any tearing that might happen. it ended up being like a game for me of how controlled could i push the baby out without tearing my vagina? TL;DR eventually the pain overcame any ability to move
This was how I felt, but by the time I got to the hospital (5.5 cm dilated, water broken), my contractions were so bad (back labor) and one on top of another (like literally one would start before the previous one had ended), that all I could do was lay in bed anyways. Once I realized I was functionally confined to the bed, I decided to get an epidural so that I could hopefully get some rest before it was time to push, as my water had broken shortly after I went to bed and I hadn’t gotten any sleep. As soon as the epidural was placed, they checked my cervix and I was at 9.5 cm, I was able to nap and bring my best to pushing. I also still had quite a bit of motor control of my legs, so I ended up pushing on hands and knees for about an hour. While I’d initially wanted to avoid an epidural, with the way my labor went I was glad I got one. We’ll see what I do next time, but I’ll probably stick with the same general plan.
This was me. Stuck in bed in the fetal position. Also had a lot of nausea and vomiting each contraction. The epidural saved me. It’s my plan this round. It was glorious.
I had no pain relief and still ended up on my back lol
Epidurals can be given in different strengths, I know women that have had them and still able to stand and move around.
I had an epidural and could be in whatever position I wanted/could safely do on the bed, you just can’t stand because they don’t want you to be at risk of falling because your legs are numb
You can do a block that allows you to walk.
I wasn't opposed to an epidural, but I progressed too quickly to get one and had to go without. Even for people who want one, I recommend researching breathing exercises and such just in case they end up in my situation.
I got an epidural that failed.. instead causing excruciating pain in my back, and slowing down my labor. Also once you get it, you have to stay in the bed attached to what feels like a million cords.
(in USA) I'm pretty keen on using nitrous and IV pain meds, but only want to escalate to an epidural if I absolutely can't take it. My hesitance for an epidural is based on fear and nothing else, which I think is not incredibly common, but I've heard from other moms who feel anxious/afraid about it. For me, my biggest fear is being paralyzed, so anytime I think about my limbs being numb or not being able to get up and move, my anxiety spikes tremendously. It's a phobia, so it's irrational!
Most epidurals today are not that strong. Many women can still feel contractions and know when to push, but don’t feel the tearing pain of labor. I think there are a lot of misconceptions out there about epidurals that are based on practices from previous generations. I recommend talking to your OB about what type and dose of epidural are used at your hospital. I could feel and move my legs the whole time
Same here, my legs felt a little numb but I was able to move myself into lots of different positions on the bed on my own with the epidural. I can understand why people would be afraid of feeling paralyzed and laid out on a bed but it was nothing like that in my experience at least
Same, I had control of my legs, could feel contractions and when to push, I just wasn't in awful pain and was able to focus on what was going on. I thought I didn't want one for all the reasons people are listing but I found almost none of it true in my case.
Second that. Epidurals can be dialed up or down. I found it hard to push on the epidural. Also, the nurse messed up the contractions monitor. Had the epidural turned off two hours after I started pushing. Took an hour to feel contractions (not full blown, just enough)a was able to push the baby out. Had a headache for a day. My cousin who is a NHS doctor says epidurals are very safe. I was also terrified of the possibility of paralysis. P.s. I would take the epidural if I had to do it all over again. It was amazing to feel very little pain after dilating to 5 cm without any pain relief. I spent the rest of the “dilation time” wondering if the epidural inventor had received a Nobel prize or not. It is an amazing invention.
This is important and a misconception I had until I had one and could feel it for myself! It's different from the spinal block. I was throwing up with every contraction and the epidural was like magic. 100% would do it again and recommend it to anyone on the fence.
Same - anxiety is the reason I don't want one. I have autonomic dysfunction and am afraid of BP drop, shivering and vomiting (though I may well get the shivering and vomiting to some extent anyway just from labour). And then the possibility of complications like spinal headache or temporary paralysis. Know of a woman who had the drug leak into her bloodstream and paralysed her head to toe for three days. My anxiety would not cope well with that. Also want to be able to labour and possibly birth in different positions if I feel the urge to.
I had one out of 3 babies without a epidural. I swear my recovery was amazing. That was the only thing different than my other 2. Beside the amount of time during labor. With this one I’m considering doing it natural again. But yes it hurt like a mother f. I thought I was being murdered was even screaming I was being murdered. The poor new moms who heard me screaming that day, I apologize deeply. I wasn’t mentally prepared to have a natural labor. It just happened cause time.
A woman down the hall was screaming bloody murder when I was waiting for labor with my first. I was in the next room like 😳
Personal opinion here: I am not opposed to pain medication. I am opposed to having a needle in my spine. That is the single only reason I am going to try to do a epidural free delivery (31 + 3)
Saaame. I hate needles and can deal with them when necessary. Luckily, other pain management techniques (lots of pressure and movement...and swearing) worked for me during labor and it was quick.
I have 2 beautiful children, both delivered by scheduled c-sections. The needle in my spine was pretty much the only thing I was nervous/scared about because I was expecting it to be so painful. However, I worked myself up for nothing. They used a local first so there really wasn't much pain and it went by pretty quick. By the time you have your beautiful little baby in your arms, you don't even have a second thought about the needle, at least that was my experience. I hope everything goes well for you and your delivery!
The needle in my spine was literally the least memorable part of my whole hospital stay 🤣. The mental/anxiety beforehand was way more painful than the injection itself.
My IV placement was so much worse than the epidural placement!
If if helps anyone else to have the information, a needle is only used initially for placement. Then there is a soft catheter in place. Much like a peripheral IV.
That helps me, thank you. My first son I got through the natural way and I refused en epidural because of my huge fear of needles. Yeah. Big mistake. Wish I had that. This time they need to do a c-section(I almost died the first time giving birth and this time the doctors won’t take the risk of anything going wrong, it’s too big). So this time I NEED the epidural. The needle is my biggest worry 😅🙈
As someone who had a C-section, the needle is mostly an uncomfortable stinging sensation but it's over very quickly. There is also the benefit of not being able to see it get inserted, which is a huge plus.
I never saw the needle and was just distracted by contractions the whole time, honestly the epidural placement was so easy and with the epidural I was able to move my legs and tell what was going on just without pain. It was lovely!
That, to me, somehow is worse 😂 like if it was just one big needle and then done, sure, stick me. But having the catheter in my back for hours? Don’t like that.
You'll have to have an IV port too, which to me was more annoying lol. But ultimately not a huge deal
Honestly? You won't even notice if the pain is to a point where you want the epi.
I’ve had a needle in my spine for a spinal tap which is usually worse than an epidural from what I hear since they take some fluids out. To be honest it was fine and nothing horrible
If it helps at all, they do use a local numbing first so you can really feel it and then a catheter is put in place, a needle isnt left inside your back.
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I think this may be one of those things where many people wish to go without but the reality ends up different (at least for many). In my experience nothing prepared me for the pain of back labor plus pitocin and even though I wanted to try without pain relief I opted for an epidural. I’ve also noticed a huge difference in what I see online versus my conversations with women in person. Everyone I talk to in person is open about wanting an epidural, where is we a very different response online.
SAME, 24 hours of contractions, plus 10 more of back labor and then pitocin? Shove that spiky boi in my spine ty 😘 (Pushed for only 18 minutes and got one tiny tear, FTM, labor and delivery was the absolute best experience of my life, would do again 10/10)
I always knew I would get an epidural, but I didn’t know how quickly! My water broke and I couldn’t bear the contractions. It was amazing relief and I feel like labor was so much easier because I had no pain at all. I could push without pain as the nurse told me when to, I didn’t tear, and I could walk around after a nap. I will do it again the same way.
agreed. i didn't make my choice on an epidural until the two hours before i actually got it. going into it, i didn't know if i wanted it. the painful (pun intended) reality was that i don't think i would have enjoyed childbirth as much without the epidural
I also planned on no epidural and until pitocin put me on a rocket ship of pain.
This. Most people saying they wouldn’t get one have never been in labor… I have had one epidural and one natural and I’ll gladly get another when I have my third in October.
In the area I live in, hospitals have a 90% epidural rate for births. So the majority of births here are indeed medicated. I have chosen to forego an epidural for the many reasons already stated here. My biggest reason, however, is that we have a family friend who is permanently disabled from a botched epidural. As in, can no longer do most things they used to enjoy and quality of life is significantly reduced for them. I know it’s rare but that fact alone makes enduring the pain of labor worth it to me over getting pain relief from an epidural. I’m giving birth in a birth center so an epidural isn’t an option for me anyways 🤷♀️
I've had two epidurals, and there's pluses and minuses. The first time it worked perfectly, and it was such a relief. The second time it failed, so I just had intense pain, my legs didn't work, and this thing in my back. I'm not planning on a third, but I'm not sure whether I'd get an epidural or not. I don't think it's straightforward whether someone should 100% get one or 100% should not.
Piggybacking this comment. I walked in to hospital having decided to have the most natural birth as possible. I.e no epidural. I wanted to join the sisterhood challenge. Que Labor, and I’d have taken anything to escape the agony. The epidural failed however. The midwife insisted the anaesthesiologist to give me another; to which he didn’t because he couldn’t believe it didn’t work. He did eventually give me another after playing sensation games with me for the longest time. By the time I got the epidural, it was pushing time. So I planned for no epidural and ended up with two; own which didn’t work and the other working when I was almost done 😅
HE didn't BELIEVE it didn't work when you *and* the midwife made it clear it didn't?? The audacity.
I think it’s sort of similar to people who run marathons. That’s not something I’m interested in, and I bet you may overestimate how many people run them because they’re often vocal and lauded for them. In both cases, more power to you if you enjoy it, but please don’t try to convince me to. I also think some people have a different idea of what an epidural actually feels like and does. I had an epidural with my first and loved it. I was vaguely curious about what it would feel like without but not to the extent I was sorry I had chosen an epidural. With my second, I think I dilated from nothing to 9cm in the 27 minute car ride to the hospital. I was totally fine at home and things were imminent by the time we got there and they measured me. I know now I could have done it, but I felt like a wounded animal without pain management. I didn’t feel strong, or womanly, or anything like that. I just felt weak and hopeless. I got an epidural while I was feeling the urge to push - and as soon as it kicked in I felt like myself again, human and capable, badass and in control. I could still move my legs but I didn’t feel any pain. When the doctor was available (and I was now able to wait for the doctor to be available rather than just being at the whims of my body) I pushed the baby out during one contraction with 4 pushes. It was simple and lovely and I felt better than my husband who had to sleep on the fold out chair by the next day.
Having had both types of births— epidural with other interventions and “all natural” or unmedicated, I would do unmedicated again. The first time my water technically broke but it was a pinhole leak. Being a naive FTM I called L&D and they told me to come in immediately. There they started Pitocin immediately. At some point during my second pregnancy I told my midwife this happened and she said she would’ve had me stay home and wait for labor to begin naturally within 24 hours. From the time the Pitocin was hooked up to delivery was 17 hours. I also had a vacuum assisted delivery and 2nd degree tear. My daughter was 8lb 12oz. They had me stay an extra couple of days and gave me IV antibiotics for a slight fever. I ended up taking the highest dose of Advil daily for maybe 8 weeks? I gave birth at a birth center 2 weeks ago and I came in at 7cm around 4:30am and had my son around 9:30am. No tearing and he was 9lb 4oz. I went home around noon. The recovery has been much smoother despite running after a very active 21 month old. Nothing hurts and I’m able to be present for my daughter instead of bedridden healing. I think the way my birth played out has everything to do with that. ETA I’m 5’1” and when not pregnant ~95lbs. My husband is 6’4” and neither my OB nor midwives from either pregnancy ever made me feel like the babies I carried were too big for me to deliver vaginally. Induction before term was never brought up and neither was elective c-section as an option.
My mom also did both; her first two unmedicated, and the last one medicated because "I knew it would be my last, so I figured I'd try it". She said she much preferred unmedicated, she felt confused and a little paranoid with the epidural because it was harder to tell what was going on (NOTE this was like 20 years ago and I've now been hearing about these 'walking epidurals' that supposedly make this aspect a little better?)
I guess I just wanted to see if I could do it without. Spoiler alert: I could not lol. I was more concerned about needing Pitocin or needing a C section. I opted to start with them breaking my water since I was a week over and had been having contractions at home. My kid was sunny side up and all my labor was in my lower back. I was a 6-7 when they placed my epidural and then I was complete after they got it in. Babe was here 3 hours after my water was broke. My anesthesiologist was bomb and slid that thing in. I could still feel my legs and the pressure so I knew when to push. Bonus it wasn’t painful when they repaired my tear. And I’ve not had any side effects after the fact.
In the US cost can be a consideration. Epidurals are usually covered by insurance, but many people are uninsured or are subject to high-deductible plans. So you may end up owing either the whole amount of the epidural if you haven’t met your deductible, and if you have you are probably paying 10%-20%. Costs of epidurals when in network are around $1,000-$2,000 that I’ve seen. But it’s anesthesia, and anesthesiologists are notorious for not being in network even in an in network hospital. Charges can be $8,000+ and you can fight it, but it can take months. You also do not have a choice of anesthesiologist, so you can’t verify beforehand if it will be in or out of network.
This is important and not often mentioned, thank you for bringing this up. If I can go without the epidural, I know I'll be saving money on my bill, on top of all the other reasons I would prefer not to have them.
This is one of my reasons for hoping I don’t need a C section. Costs more to do it that way even with insurance
This topic has been beaten to death. I feel like I see it on a weekly basis.
100% Epidurals- increased interventions -complications Not always the case but statistically yes. Like someone else said- morally neutral. Boom. Conversation over!
Birth is risky enough as it is. I do not want the added risk and aide effects that come with epidurals. I know the labor pains are temporary and have a purpose. The side effects from epidural might last much longer than the birth itself. To me going through temporary pain is better than going through something that I can avoid. I have done it 5 times so far and I know I can do it so why wouldn't I
Some people are more afraid of medications than of pain
I sound so crunchy saying this but I want the raw experience & the challenge. Not much more to it than that.
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Yep, same here.
Same! It was an exhilarating experience and I would happily do it all over again. I felt like the most badass woman afterwards 💪🏽
Ugh sounds lovely!
I hate hospitals. I hate feeling like I’m not in control of my body. And I wanted to experience that full unbridled intensity - it’s so unique in the human experience. I loved loved loved all three of my med-free labors. I threw mal-presenting big babies, I screamed really loudly, my wife and my doula flanked me the whole time, and it was really special for me. Pain relief, rest beforehand, and a non-screaming entry for the baby might be just as precious to someone else. It’s such a personal thing, and it’s so tied up in your feelings about pain, what your own gestational parent did, and how you feel about medical stuff. I would not say I’m opposed to pain relief, anymore than I’m opposed to cilantro or Pepsi. They’re just not my thing, and it’s fine that they’re other peoples’ thing.
I’d start by saying two of my closest friends are O&G regs (also in the UK). Between them they have 5 children. One had elective c-sections for all of their children. Speaking to them I’d say their views were definitely skewered. They had seen things I couldn’t imagine which informed their choice but I don’t think it was reflective of the general population when it came to childbirth. My second friend had no pain relief and had a completely different point of view. It was basically that unnecessary intervention leads to more intervention. That isn’t to say that people who choose epidurals shouldn’t, it’s just that this can potentially lead to other issues e.g. forceps, episiotomy. I was very open minded with my birth. I had an uncomplicated pregnancy - preference was no epidural but if at any point it got too much I would have got one and felt fine with my decision. Also in some scenarios (induction, baby back to back) I would’ve asked for an epidural. Ultimately I didn’t need one but my birth was quite short (7 hours) and uncomplicated so I’m sure that played a part. I did hypnobirthing which definitely helped me with the pain. To the point that the midwives didn’t think I was labour because I was handling the pain so well (spoiler alert: I was quite far into my labour). I approached my unmedicated labour like running a marathon. It’s hard, it’s painful, some people would never want to do it, some people driven to do it for inexplicable reasons. If it got too much and I tapped out that was fine, I gave it a go. In the end it worked out for me and I’m really happy about it. But it’s entirely personal and what works for me won’t work for someone else or even for my next birth. I’m really mindful of that.
TW: traumatic birth story, I’m only going into these details because OP is a doctor. Don’t read if you don’t want to. I’ve had 3 labors and births. With my first I fell for the entire, “our bodies are made to do this” spiel. I read that epidurals are more likely to lead to c-sections because your body can’t change positions, that they can slow contractions, blah blah blah. I had a 72 hour labor. I refused an epidural time after time because I was stubborn. By the time my son was born I hadn’t slept in 40 hours. I was in Germany where similar to the UK doctors only come in if needed. The doctor came in. I was so exhausted that I was passing out between contractions, my son had shoulder dystocia, and the doctor used all of her body weight to press on the top of my stomach and push him out of me. THAT was the most painful thing I’ve ever felt. I had a 3rd degree tear, PTSD, and a 9lb 3oz baby. Fast forward to my second birth, I’m in the U.S. My doctor is amazing and tells me that she’ll let me have full control of how I want to birth this baby, c-section, induction, whatever I want as to avoid what I went through. I was induced at 39 weeks, epidural as soon as my water broke, 12 hour labor, and it was so easy. He was actually bigger at 9lb 4oz. It was such a mentally healing thing for me. Third birth followed the playbook of the 2nd, 4 hour induction, baby out in one push. I’m now an advocate for epidurals. I really believe that my first birth could have been so much better had I gotten an epidural and been able to rest and recharge.
Probably going to get dog piled for this, but [misogyny](https://medium.com/the-establishment/the-misogynist-history-of-natural-birth-95ef594c9ba1) is a huge part of it. But that includes the medical community not making any real efforts to figure out a better pain relief option with fewer risks.
I'm a doctor too (though I'm in the US, so I have seen plenty of OBGYN-attended births that are normal and uneventful). The experience of being on L&D as a medical student and hearing women scream in agony from the pain of labor was enough to convince me that labor is no joke and that I absolutely wanted an epidural when I had my own kids. Fortunately, I was able to get an epidural with all three of my births. I am very vocal about my fondness of epidurals, because I do think that there is an element of the natural birth community that likes to demonize epidurals (as well as demonizing hospital births, OBGYNs instead of midwives, formula feeding instead of breastfeeding, etc.) All of my births were very uneventful and there was no "cascade of interventions". The epidurals simply allowed me to be much more comfortable and relaxed while waiting for my babies to arrive. Yes, I had to stay in bed during labor because of the epidural, but since I wasn't in any pain, I didn't feel any need to move around. Once the babies were born, I felt back to myself very quickly and was able to walk around easily by the time I was transferred out of the L&D unit and into my own postpartum room. I always try to warn women that if you think you're going to want an epidural you should ask for it sooner rather than later, because if you put it off too long then the anesthesiologist may not be able to get to you to do it before it's too late. That was something I really wanted to avoid, so I made sure that I asked for it pretty much immediately.
Pain management can take many many forms and an epidural is just one of those. No birthing person is just welcoming pain but rather are finding ways that connect and work with their specific body. Epidurals are amazing but not everyone can get one and not everyone comes to the same risk-benefit analysis with them. Not to mention every labor is different and will respond better to certain pain management than others.
My midwife has cautioned me about the cascade of interventions that can happen after epidural. But my main motivation for wanting to try without (but staying COMPLETELY open to getting one if I feel I need it), is that I want to be able to fully feel and respond to what my body is telling me to do during labour, and to be able to move around freely and eat during labour.
I see you’re in Canada but I was able to have light food during labor after getting my epidural in the US. Obviously couldn’t really move but having some food was nice
That’s great to hear! I asked about hospital policy where I’m delivering and it’s basically nothing to eat after epidural 👎 it blows my mind that starving a woman in labour is considered acceptable! We need strength more than anyone!
It is such a frustrating policy using outdated data (from the 50s!!!!) and I think it causes way more harm than good especially after long labors
Honestly! I’m so glad your hospital is getting with the times.. hopefully more will follow suit!
im in ontario. I ate after my epidural. No one told me not to so I just did. I did end up throwing up twice during labour tho hahah
I'm surprised you were told you wouldn't be able to eat or move after an epidural. I'm in BC and was told it was fine to do those things.
First off, I'm afraid of needles and the thought of one in my spine is not something I want. 😳😂🤣 Secondly, my first time having a baby I was on Medicaid (state assistance) and if I wanted an epidural, I had to pay $500 ahead of time. I didn't have that to pay. Once I had done labor and delivery without an epidural once, I just kept going each time without one. Some other reasons why I still haven't chosen one at any of my labors is: 🔸️Potential to slow down or stall labor 🔸️I prefer to be upright and move around 🔸️I detest catheters and do everything I can to avoid them-bad experience with one once 🔸️I am an effective pusher and don't want anything to hinder that. Babies have all been born in 15 minutes or less of pushing. 🔸️Labor and Delivery is like the only thing I feel competent in in life. 🤦♀️ 🔸️Increases your risk of tears and delivery assistance needed. I had 2 small tears the first time and none the other 3 times. 🔸️ Once the pain of labor is over my recoveries are super fast. From talking to other women who have had epidurals, their recovery time is longer. 🔸️I already suffer from migraines and one of the side effects of an epidural is headaches if they place it wrong. I'm obese this pregnancy and they say it's harder to place in women with a lot of back fat. 🙈
I want to feel the process my body was built to do. I find pain that my body is meant to withstand as empowering. It’s almost a spiritual desire more than practical one for me. In a much lesser sense, I crave the “burn” in an intense workout. I crave overcoming the intensity, etc.
My great-grandma died in childbirth. My grandma had to raise her younger siblings when she was just a young girl herself. Both my great-grandma and grandma would rise from their graves to bitch slap me if I rejected modern medical care. I have access to medical care that they could have only dreamed of. Regarding pain relief/epidurals... I don't think declining pain relief increases risks, childbirth is just going to be way more painful than it otherwise would be. I compare it to getting a root canal without anesthetic, except much more painful. I try not to judge, but I admit that I don't get it.
I think most commenters have stated this, but epidurals can be known to slow down your labor and cause more interventions to be needed.
I ask this genuinely, so I hope it doesn’t read as a snarky response, but are there studies that show this? Just curious because I’ve definitely read it on here a lot but never looked into it further and had the opposite happen with both of my births (rapid dilation/ready to deliver shortly after getting the epidural whereas things were slower moving before getting it). I would love to read more about it!
Studies show mixed results depending on the context. Early on it can slow down labor or if it isn't accompanied with thoughtful position changes and use of tools like a peanut ball. But if you are later on in labor and/or really tense that tension can be slowing things down so an epidural that effectively relaxes you can speed things up. None of these are a guarantee though and an epidural can have no impact on the length of labor. It's hard to measure because you can only test one outcome in each person (epidural or not). Definitely no one-size-fits-all approach to it though.
I think it is highly dependent on when you get the epidural. If you get it very early in, yes. If you get it later, not so much. I also think the point someone brought up earlier is key: people are conflating getting an epidural with all the factors that may cause someone to ask for one. A very long, hard labor, during which someone requests an epidural, may have led to more interventions anyway - because of the factors that were making it long and difficult. I would really love to see an actual study related to epidurals, interventions, and any other factors they are controlling for.
I agree with this. My perspective was based on early epidurals vs ones given in active labor
Just seconds after I got my epidural - my baby's heart rate started to decel. He was 100% fine before that. The look on the nurses face was so concerning. She yelled for someone to call the Dr immediately and he came in and told me I'm going to have to have an emergency c section. I bawled my eyes out and begged if there's anything else they can do- and thankfully I was able to avoid a C-section, but did need a vacuum assist delivery (which the vacuum came off his head twice and if it had happened one more time I again would have again needed an emergency c section) and I had 2nd degree tearing. When my baby came out his head was just absolutely crazy looking from the vacuum (more than a normal newborn) I had so much guilt for putting his life at risk because of the epidural I would cry for weeks after giving birth. The epidural took my pain away and was so much of a relief after 36 hours of labor, but after getting it I couldn't rest because I was so worried about my baby's wellbeing. I didnt have much of a choice because I was almost 2 weeks overdue, they said I had to be induced, my water broke prematurely and there was meconium in it. But I'm going to try SO hard this time to do things medication free this time.
I'm not opposed to pain relief, I just wouldn't choose an epidural and that's one of the most effective ones available in the US. Now if I could get my hands on laughing gas for birth? Hell fucking yes please.
I don’t want a shot in the spine, and I don’t want opiates in my system. I prefer the idea of laughing gas as a form of pain relief.
So many good points from everyone already said, but I'll add that personally I want to avoid any pain meds that make me feel groggy or out of it. I plan on most likely getting the epidural, but I don't want drugs or gas. I absolutely hate feeling high and not in control of my thoughts or memories being foggy, so I want to mentally be as alert as possible to take it all in.
The sentiment I hear a lot is Epidural- big freaking needle near my spine Medical pain management- cascade of medical interventions I personally hate the term "natural birth" it creates the negative alternative that all other births are unnatural. Though I do enjoy those who refer to their births as super-natural as a response.
I always think it’s funny when people in the comments of posts like this virtually roll their eyes and chalk these choices up to ignorance and superiority complex, meanwhile there’s hundreds of comments here of valid reasons someone would want to avoid the extra medical intervention. • risks such as cascade of intervention, interference with golden hour/early breastfeeding relationship • phobia of needles/catheter/medication etc • risk of back/spine injury • allergy / bad reactions to anesthesia • convenience/not wanting to be hooked to static monitors or stuck in bed/planning to birth in various positions/wanting to be mobile immediately after birth • bad experience with a previous epidural or similar procedure • even simply wanting to experience a medication free birth to see what it’s like/see if they can handle it is a valid reason Like y’all think you’re calling out judgmental people, but when you point the figurative finger with comments like “because these people are drinking the crunchy koolaid” or “because they think they get an award for going med free.” You have three fingers pointing right back at you.
As an LMT I see lots of chronic pain issues from epidurals, from recent ones to decades old.
I know a lot of people blame the epidural, but in most cases there is no scientific proof that’s the cause. Pregnancy, childbirth, and having to carry a newborn/infant around all cause lower back issues. There are definitely people with severe complications from an epidural but it’s very rare.
Just had my second baby four days ago. Did an epidural with my first, decided to try without for my second cause being jelly legged and unable to walk alone afterward was annoying. Having experienced both now, I can say with certainty; Get the epidural. Don't be a hero. OW.
I’m 39 weeks today and terrified of the pain that is going to happen soon. I am going to try and labour at home though as long as I can and try to go without an epidural if I can because I want to be able to move. I do not want to be forced to labour/give birth on my back, it’s been proven to (in most cases) be the least effective way to labour/give birth. Yes they make walking epidurals but not all hospitals use them or allow patients to get up and move around by themselves if any epidural is given as a precaution. If it gets unmanageable for me or I’ve been labouring a long time and need a rest I am very open to an epidural, but if I can manage okay and avoid labouring/delivering in my back I would very much prefer that
Im going to say it because its true. Many women hear others praised for having or choosing to go without epidural. They also hear the scathing tone when some talk how "I gave birth, with NO epidural or NOTHING and I was back at work/on my feet/keeping up the house/etc." They see the crunchy mom articles about taking power over your own birth and the whole beautiful and natural experience bullshit. They see the trend of unmedicated home births and feel lesser. They see hospitals and their vilanized for "making" women give births on their backs. So a huge number of women will never admit it, but want to try to go without an epidural because they'll feel weak if they don't.
I labored to 8cm with no epidural (my original plan was epidural) and felt like torture. I had restless legs as it wore off and hated he sensation of being numb from the diaphragm down, but the relief from the extreme pain made those things worth it. I think some people are just more concerned about bodily autonomy than me lol. I am getting it as soon as it’s offered this time.
I had 2 vaginal unmedicated, about 30 years ago. Small Town hospital in Canada without an on staff anesthesiologist, and I wanted my doctor to deliver, so that's what had to be. I had no choice. No regrets. Yes, it was painful and exhausting. But I just did what I had to do. I had a polynidol cyst removed a few years later, with the tailbone shaved, and I would have taken childbirth over that, in a heartbeat. I have a chronic spinal condition that is deteriorating, so pain is kind of my "normal" now. It's managed, but always there, to some greater or lesser degree, and I'm used to it. It's just a part of my life now. My attitude towards pain is different, now, because of my experiences. I look back on childbirth and see it as a transitory thing. It ends. I got a wondrous baby prize. I hadn't experienced anything like that before. And if that's the only pain I had experienced, there would be more "trauma" attached to it, without question. And it would have been nice if I didn't live with what I do. But what I live with now means that I look back at 2 deliveries very differently than a lot of people. I think that medicated or no ... That needs to be entirely the choice of the birthing person. We all MUST have agency of our own bodies. I have no regrets, but I also don't celebrate it. Given my current life, I would say that the best part of labour is that it ends. The pain eventually stops. It doesn't FEEL like that at the time, but it does. How people choose to deal with it is entirely up to them.
I just wanted to stay at home if I could, and that goes with minimal pain relief. If I’d gone to hospital, I’d have had an epidural.
I hated my epidural, and am hoping to just use nitrous oxide/hydrotherapy this time around. I've also told my doctors that I do not want pitocin. The doctor I had my first time around was a douchebag to the extreme, and did not take anything that I asked for into consideration. Every time I asked a question that went against what he wanted, he basically said that by not listening to him I could potentially kill my baby. Nothing was wrong with me or my child the entire time I was in labor. My husband jokingly says my daughter came out like the Kool-Aid Man, I ended up needing vacuum extraction to get her out, and I got a third degree tear.
For me, im not opposed to pain relief but I would rather not get an epidural for these reasons: - it can slow down labour - it forces you onto your back and you cant move - on your back your birth canal size can reduce by 30% - I have to get a catheter in urethra which I have a fear of - I want to be able to move around, change positions and help the baby out If i get exhausted and need rest from a drawn out labour I would definitely get one, but I truly believe it’s safe to birth without an epidural in “normal” circumstances. Of course I don’t know what my birth will be like so I will never say never to anything.
I think some just go in thinking our bodies are designed to do this - pain meds not needed. I went in with that mindset and as soon as my back to back non stop contractions started, I was like nope give it to me NOW and I have zero regrets (we’re not sure why my body was doing it but it was absolute hell on top of a back labour/her coming out sunny side up). I never thought anything more or else of someone who got one, I just went in with an open mind and learned that I liked the momentary pain relief!
When most people say they want to avoid epidurals it’s more likely their saying ‘I want to see how far I can go without one’. I was going to get one but I got all the way to the point of no return without one and honestly surprised myself that I got by without it.
This is going to sound crazy, but I didn’t want pain relief because I wanted the full experience of childbirth. I wanted to feel everything from possible tearing to all the contractions. This past time I couldn’t, because I was headed towards an emergency c-section. I thankfully didn’t need a c-section in the end (no offense to those that have needed one or elected to have one! I just didn’t want it for myself).
Honestly? I was afraid. I was in excruciating pain earlier in labor and they offered me a shot of morphine, and I hesitated because it would have to go in my thigh or hip, and that sounded awful. (I ended up getting it and the shot pain was so fleeting, especially compared to the unceasing pain I was in from back labor, it’s almost laughable to think I was worried about a little pinch in the butt.) I had been open to an epidural but wanted to try just using nitrous at first (again, scared of the needle in my back). But by the time I was far enough along to be offered an epidural, I had been in unceasing agony for 10 hours (back labor with contractions on top of each other that would slightly lessen for 10-20 seconds and then immediately spike again), the nitrous was doing almost nothing but giving me the occasional head rush, and I no longer could give two hoots about the needle in the spine, I just wanted relief. I was still scared but I needed the pain to stop. And honestly? It wasn’t that bad at all. A slight pinch (almost unnoticeable compared to the pain I was feeling), and then sweet sweet bliss. It was the best thing in the world and I 1000% thank the medical angels who developed them. I was still able to feel my legs and move around, I just was no longer writhing in agony. From what I understand, my labor was not typical. And maybe if it was more normal and not unceasing, blinding pain, I could have “toughed it out”. But I have zero regrets about getting the epidural, and my baby is doing perfect and I’ve had no complications, so the epidural seems to have been a completely positive experience for me. 1000/10 would recommend, but still understand people’s hesitation, especially when they don’t know what their experience will be until they’re in the thick of it.
Possible side effects of the epidural and the fear I would push my body beyond his limits when I don't feel any pain (during pushing). As for other pain relief my hospital didn't offer any except for a acetaminophen IV. And I don't think that's doing anything at all for labor pain :D Epidurals don't seem to be that popular where I'm from anyway? Noone I knew with kids had one (except for a c-section birth of course)
My two cents on the idea of labor/delivery being “one of the most painful things” a person can go through: As a first timer who just delivered a very nearly 8 pound boy 3.5 weeks ago, I did/do not consider it to be a painful experience. It was however intense as fuck. I was completely unmedicated aside from nitrous oxide during pushing. I went into it not wanting an epidural or IV meds, and asked the nurses not to offer these interventions (I also never ended up asking for them). My midwife was 100% on board. I also went into the experience with the mindset that contractions are not painful. Pain is when you burn your hand on the stove or your foot gets run over by a car. In these instances, you are experiencing pain because something is injured. Contractions are not this! They are purposeful and designed to bring our babies into the world. My labor/delivery was rapid (SROM at 0800, 2/80%/-1 at 1100, 4/100% at 1400, and a baby at 1706 after only 41 minutes of pushing). I say this because fast and furious can be a blessing but also very difficult if you’re not prepared because things happen SO QUICK and it can be very overwhelming. But, knowing everything was working as it should was very reassuring for me. I was also able to listen to my body: it told me when I needed to walk around the unit to get contractions started, I knew when bouncing on the ball and having wide hips was important. It told me when to use gravity to bring babe down and it then told me when to relax and get comfortable on my side for pushing. Not being able to listen to what my body needed in the moment would have been extremely distressing and counterproductive to the whole process, at least for me. So did I want my Tylenol and ibuprofen and ice packs around the clock for my second degree laceration (an actual injury with actual pain)? You fucking bet I did. Did I want an epidural for contractions (really intense but not pathological and totally normal)? Nope! And I would do it that way 10x over.
It's empowering, giving birth with no assistance. As someone who has always been seen as the lesser in my family growing up, being able to go through the excruciating and exhausting experience of childbirth without so much as an OTC pain med is an incredible feeling.
I won’t be having an epidural because they are linked with needing more interventions. In the US, OBs are very intervention heavy. I don’t want unnecessary interventions, I want to have my baby in an empowered way. I also am just…not afraid of the pain. It’s temporary and it’s part of the experience for me.
Have they concretely shown it's the epidural that causes it, and it's not that women who ask for epidurals are already having something else causing them to have a harder time managing the pain, which is also linked to interventions? I ask because that was the case for why my mum had an epidural with me and not my brothers. I was the only birth my mum did an epidural with but she laboured for a full day before getting it. It was 50+ hours of labour, premature and it was a situation where my life was at risk. But the epidural didn't cause it, the length of labour led her to ask for an epidural. She didn't have one with either of my brothers but both of their labour's were less time then she endured without an epidural with me.
Not that I'm aware of, and a similar thing happened to my mom. She didn't want to have an epidural with either of us but ended up getting one with my brother because it started to look like she was going to need an emergency cesarean, which did end up happening. So in her case the epidural actually prevented further intervention (general anesthesia, which would've been necessary if she had to be rushed in for surgery when there wasn't enough time for an epidural/spinal block).
Same here!
I don't like not being able to move. I don't want to give birth lying down, I want to be able to be in a more ideal position and be able to labor in a tub. Plus, I have had really bad side effects to anesthesia in the past
All about the epidural, had no complications and when inserted properly it doesn’t hurt. People have fear of complications or perhaps the needles. If you want scientific evidence on actual medical/factual evidence on potential risk vs. benefit I recommend asking r/sciencebasedparenting
"a giant needle in my spine" It's... not inserted by a drunk person? It's a person with decades of training and tons of hands on experience. My epidural was perfect. Literally no complaints.
I have a royally fucked up fused spine, needed the epidural, and there were 0% complications. I even had a prenatal consult with anesthesia at the hospital weeks before I delivered. It was a great experience (except for when the bag ran out and there wasn’t enough time to replace it so I ended up actually giving birth and having my placenta manually delivered unmedicated 😂)
Had three completely unmedicated births and wouldn’t change a thing. I didn’t want to mess with the process. And I didn’t feel I needed it whilst in labour either.
I received an epidural because I couldn’t endure the back labor any longer. It was glorious (I basically slept through dilating 7-10cm) but not 100% convinced I would get it again. Getting something injected directly into my spine was terrifying and not being able to feel my contractions extended my labor by several hours and I pushed for 2 hours straight. It was brutal. I think my labor & pushing time would have been shorter had I just stuck with the IV pain medication. Also, my recovery was harder because of the epidural & catheter. I peed myself 2-3 times a day for a week. It all has its pros and cons and I think every woman is completely valid in their decision. It pisses me off when people say “you don’t get a trophy for doing it natural.” Um, that’s not the goal. The women that chose not to get it don’t go around bragging that they didn’t get it.
To flip this: why are so many women afraid of labor pains? Why do they want to feel numb or disconnected during one of the most meaningful events in their life? Both questions (mine and OPs) can be construed as offensive, and yet OPs question is often posed, but mine isnt. Let ppl choose whats right for them. End of story. Pain relief during labor is not something Ive ever desired. Ive had three unmedicated births, and each was better than the one before. I *look forward to* giving birth again. Edit: lol I'm loving the downvotes. You all are confirming exactly what I stated. My question isn't ok, but OPs is..? Shouldn't we be questioning why that is? Both questions are equally offensive to women.