Epidurals are so worth it!

[brighton123]

I had my baby 10 days ago and had been planning a drug-free water birth, but as often happens, this didn't go to plan. I ended up having to be induced at 40+1 because a late scan showed my baby was quite small. Once the induction meds started to kick in, contractions became so strong, the idea of not having an epidural was just not an option. Even after I'd had it, I still felt the contractions a bit and had to top up with gas and air, but the epidural was an absolute life-saver. I don't regret it for a second. I would rather have had a lovely water birth without pain relief, but given the way my labour was, an epidural made it bearable. I just wanted to post this because for months leading up to the birth I kept debating the pros and cons of epidurals and kept getting mixed messages from people.

I say, if in the moment you feel like you want it, have it!! you're not letting anyone down.

[DesperateDelilah]

Thanks for this - being induced in 36hrs. Terrified and already decided I would have an epidural - more pleased to hear you survived the induction part...

[OrangeMochaFrappucino]

I had a water birth first time - no pain relief needed. Induced with number 2 and would definitely have had an epidural if there had been time! The induction was fine, but such a different experience and my needs were different accordingly - you just have to go with what you want at the time.

[brighton123]

DesperateDelilah, good luck! You'll be fine. It's a different experience than you would have planned, but just go with what you feel is right. It's not as terrifying as I had expected, but was just more intense I guess, as it all happened quickly. Labour from induction to baby being born was 13 hours. Even if you have the epidural, ask for gas and air while you wait for the epi to be injected, as that way you'll be relaxed (well as relaxed as you can be in labour!) when they put the epi in. hope all goes well!

[dennant]

If you are open to the idea ofcan epidural, defo go for it, i have just had one and it was amazing! Couldnt feel the conteactions and even managed to getvabout 4 hours sleep through theclate stages! I was determined to only go for the pethedine at most, but my labour was so long and so unbeleivably painful i was grateful to have the epidural in the end. Would recommend!