Why be in pain, if you dont have to?? (Epidural)

Member Name: bella21

Product:	Epidural
Date:	11/12/08 (127 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Relieves pain, keeps a clear head

Disadvantages: none for me

An epidural is a form of anestetic primarly used during child birth to reduce sensation from the stomach down, it is also used as an alternative to general anestetic for certain operations and as a form of pain relief for chronic pain.

This review is based on my opinion and own personal experience and the reason I had an epidural. I am writing this because I feel there is a stigma against women who choose pain relief during labour as oppossed to those who choose the natural option. I felt women would chose the natural option feel they are somewhat better than women who have epidurals, they arent, they just did what was right for them. I went into labour with an open mind that I would be willing to consider any form of pain relief should I need it. I was also point out I was absolutely terrifed.

This was my first baby and it was not straight forward from the start. At 5 weeks pregnant I was hospitalised with Hypermesis (severe morning sickness) I was then hospitalised again at 34 weeks with Pre-eclampsia I was in and out of hospital for the last 6 weeks up until the date I was induced.

When labour is induced it is often that the body is not ready for it, this is exactly what happened with me I was 2 and half centimetres dilated when I was induced and 8 hours later I was the same, I had already had pethadine and gas and air, but I could simply not relax, the contractions where extremely intense they where strong due to the induction drugs. It was at this point I was advised by my consultant to consider an epidural she said that in her professional opinion I would be in labour for a long time, but not only would the epidural relieve the pain and allow me to rest, it would also relax my body and help me to dilate.

OK so the epidural itself was straight forward, you just lean forward whilst the anethetist places a needle in your back and a small tube is inserted the epidural drug is set up on a drip to administer a certain amount at at a time this can be increased depending on your pain, the idea is to relieve the pain not block the sensation completely. The process took about 20 minutes in total as they work between your contractions, the reaon being you have to stay still so the needle goes in the right place (anyone who has had a baby will understand this is easier said than done haha!!!)

From then on the labour was fantastic, I had a rest and a sleep, could still feel the contractions but they where bareable and within 3 hours I was ready to push, and within the hour my beautiful baby boy was born. I still used the gas and air whilst pushing as it was slightly uncomfortable but not painful. I was up and having a shower within about 90 minutes (my other half had to hold me up as my legs where quite wobbly!)

***Pro's***

* Pretty much complete pain relief from stomach down
* Makes the experience enjoyable, less traumatic
* You can stay focused, not disorientated as with other methods
of pain relief

***Cons***

* Can cause headaches
* Takes a while to wear off so you cant get up straight away
* There are studies to imply epidurals can cause long tem back problems

***Conclusion***

I would personally say dont rule the epidural out all together labour cannot be planned everyone is different, so just go with the flow. I found the worst thing when I was pregnant was people telling me not to have an epidural as it would harm my baby? and how when they had a baby (most people saying this didnt have kids!!!) they would do it with no pain relief. My midwife made a valid point when we where discussing pain relief options, she said "if you need something have it, no ones going to give you a medal for doing it natural, do whats right for you" Thats exactly what I did and this helped me to have a positive child birth experience.

Summary: If somethings avaiable to make your life easier, then take it!!