You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.
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An epidural is pain medicine that you get through a very thin tube (catheter) inserted into your back. Your lower body becomes partly or totally numb, depending on how much medicine is used. But you stay awake and alert.
Some hospitals and birthing centers offer a "light epidural" or "walking epidural." This is a light dose of medicine that makes it possible for you to walk around and to push during contractions. Ask your doctor if your hospital or center offers a "light epidural."
Sometimes you can't get an epidural:
After delivery with an epidural, you may have:
This is usually a personal decision, but an epidural might be recommended in certain situations, such as when:
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What is usually involved? |
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What are the benefits? |
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What are the risks and side effects? |
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These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
When I had my first child, I didn't use pain medicine at all. I was very firm about not using any, and luckily I didn't have terrible pain. For this pregnancy, I had an OB who encouraged me to plan ahead "just in case." It's a good thing I did, because I had such unbearable back labor that I had to have some kind of pain relief. I'm glad I'd already gone over my options and decided that a light epidural would be acceptable if needed. Having that relief, but still being able to feel enough to push, made all the difference in the world!
Carmen, 29
I am so nervous about the idea of having a needle in my back that I just couldn't consider an epidural. Actually, I couldn't come up with any type of pain medicine that I was comfortable with taking. Women have had babies for centuries without pain medicine, and I managed to, too.
Theresa, 34
Pain shuts me down, but I really want to feel good about having my baby. I've talked to my nurse-midwife about the risks and benefits of having an epidural, and it seems like the perfect fit for me.
Anne, 37
I didn't really think too much about how I was going to handle labor pain. When I was in the middle of labor, they told me I could have an epidural, and I just said yes. I didn't like it at all. I couldn't feel enough to push. Then, I had a bad headache for days afterwards. Of course, it only matters that my baby is healthy, but I won't have an epidural again.
Courtney, 22
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to have an epidural
Reasons not to have an epidural
I have a low tolerance for pain. I'm worried that I won't be able to control it without medicine.
I have a high tolerance for pain, so I think I can control it without medicine.
I think it's fine to use pain medicine during labor.
I'm against using medicine during labor.
I'm not worried about the risks involved with an epidural.
I'm worried about the risks involved with an epidural.
I'm not worried about needing an assisted delivery because of an epidural.
I'm very worried that an epidural might require an assisted delivery.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Having an epidural
NOT having an epidural
Check the facts
Decide what's next
Certainty
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
Author | Healthwise Staff |
---|---|
Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
An epidural is pain medicine that you get through a very thin tube (catheter) inserted into your back. Your lower body becomes partly or totally numb, depending on how much medicine is used. But you stay awake and alert.
Some hospitals and birthing centers offer a "light epidural" or "walking epidural." This is a light dose of medicine that makes it possible for you to walk around and to push during contractions. Ask your doctor if your hospital or center offers a "light epidural."
Sometimes you can't get an epidural:
After delivery with an epidural, you may have:
This is usually a personal decision, but an epidural might be recommended in certain situations, such as when:
Have an epidural | Do not have an epidural | |
---|---|---|
What is usually involved? |
|
|
What are the benefits? |
|
|
What are the risks and side effects? |
|
|
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"When I had my first child, I didn't use pain medicine at all. I was very firm about not using any, and luckily I didn't have terrible pain. For this pregnancy, I had an OB who encouraged me to plan ahead "just in case." It's a good thing I did, because I had such unbearable back labor that I had to have some kind of pain relief. I'm glad I'd already gone over my options and decided that a light epidural would be acceptable if needed. Having that relief, but still being able to feel enough to push, made all the difference in the world!"
— Carmen, 29
"I am so nervous about the idea of having a needle in my back that I just couldn't consider an epidural. Actually, I couldn't come up with any type of pain medicine that I was comfortable with taking. Women have had babies for centuries without pain medicine, and I managed to, too."
— Theresa, 34
"Pain shuts me down, but I really want to feel good about having my baby. I've talked to my nurse-midwife about the risks and benefits of having an epidural, and it seems like the perfect fit for me."
— Anne, 37
"I didn't really think too much about how I was going to handle labor pain. When I was in the middle of labor, they told me I could have an epidural, and I just said yes. I didn't like it at all. I couldn't feel enough to push. Then, I had a bad headache for days afterwards. Of course, it only matters that my baby is healthy, but I won't have an epidural again."
— Courtney, 22
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to have an epidural
Reasons not to have an epidural
I have a low tolerance for pain. I'm worried that I won't be able to control it without medicine.
I have a high tolerance for pain, so I think I can control it without medicine.
I think it's fine to use pain medicine during labor.
I'm against using medicine during labor.
I'm not worried about the risks involved with an epidural.
I'm worried about the risks involved with an epidural.
I'm not worried about needing an assisted delivery because of an epidural.
I'm very worried that an epidural might require an assisted delivery.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Having an epidural
NOT having an epidural
1. If you decide to have an epidural to control pain, are you doing the wrong thing?
2. Is an epidural the best type of pain relief for childbirth?
3. Is an epidural completely safe, with no risks or side effects?
1. Do you understand the options available to you?
2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
By | Healthwise Staff |
---|---|
Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
Current as of: November 9, 2022
Author:
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