Epidurals get a bad press (Epidural)

Member Name: elbar1

Product:	Epidural
Date:	15/01/09 (648 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: instant pain relief

Disadvantages: scary

I was terrified of having an epidural and was determined to have a natural water birth... the best laid plans and all that.

I had to be induced and so the contractions came on strong and quickly and I wasn't even 3cm dilated before I was screaming out and my husband begged them to do something. Bring on the epidural!

I had had a pethadine injection beforehand because there was a delay in the epidural so I cannot say whether it hurt or not - I was just far too spaced out to notice to be honest!

The numbness kicked in instantly. It was such a wonderful release from the pain. It meant I could not labour very effectively but the relief from the pain was worth it.

The downside was that my legs felt numb in one place for several weeks after the birth which was scary.

I also slipped on the needle slightly during labour and it affected how much of the drug was released which meant my baby's heartbeat suddenly dropped. This was terrifying but the midwife was on hand and reacted immediately.

It is scary and something could go wrong but they are pretty safe and there are times when you really cannot cope without one. I know!

Summary: I couldn't have coped