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It totally depends on the person. I went completely natural and was thrilled I did that. I felt great afterwards. It hurt, but it wasn't terrible. It was tolerable. Lucky, I progressed very fast once it got to where it was really hurting. But look, go and talk to the anesthesiologists about it, be prepared to get it if you need it, and just see how you feel. If the pain is tolerable, you won't need it. If you can't take it, you will be prepared to get it.

I had an epidural that only took on the right side of my body. That was baby#1, now when considering baby #2 due in March I don't think I'm going to get one or even go to a hospital (depending on what my DH says).

If you do opt for no epidural you can get other drugs and do relaxation techniques that will help you get through. Also, other people on Y!A have suggested the "bradley" method which I plan on finding out more on.

Regarding Mommyto2's message about Stadol I WOULD'NT RECOMMEND IT!!!. I had stadol intravenously which put me to sleep and I woke up for every contraction rather than being able to try other techniques to prepare for the next one. It was miserable for me.

I went natural with all 4 of mine. I wont lie it hurts like hell and just when you think you are going to die it is all over. You feel better and the baby is better without the drugs, but if you cant handle the pain than use drugs there is nothing wrong with it. When you go into labor try without at first and then if it gets to bad request it. Just remember after you dialate to about 6 or 7 the pain doesnt really get any worse. good luck

You don't have to make that decision until you are actually having the baby, and I would keep your mind open about it. Everybody is different, as is every pregnancy. Just because one person feels that it is a must, it doesn't mean that you will. Likewise, just because one person feels that natural childbirth is the only way to go, doesn't mean that you will. If I was you, I'd read up on what your options are, and then just see how things go. Good luck!

I made it 20 hrs without one, and had to have one or get a c-section, so I got the epidural rather than surgery. It helped very little, except for while I was pushing, I felt to burning or pain as the baby came out.

It gave me a very very bad headache 3 days later and hurt my back very very badly for about 5 weeks- I could barely walk, it made taking are of my newborn very difficult. Also, even now, my back is not the same, it gets stiff. It also costs alot of money.

I would recommend trying not to have it, since my experience was that it didnt help with contractions at all. but every women is different. I would go into labor with an open mind and see what happens. Good luck@!

i had one with my 1st son as I'm a baby when it comes to pain lol and i felt no pain what so ever but i do suffer with my back now, not sure if it is to do with that and also the labour lasted alot longer, I'm going to see if i can go without one this time round

with both of my pregnancies I went 100% natural. I do not like needles. It was painful but well worth it and you forget all about the pain once the baby is out. At least I did.

They do have a pain med that takes the edge off called Staydol (or something like that) they put it in your IV, talk to your doctor about it.

it's a VERY good idea lol. They are wonderful! if it is done right you will not have bad after effect. Like the lady with the back pain that is not normal they messed something up and I would be finding out who is responsible.

I was going to go all natural with my first but by the time my water broke the contractions come so quickly i was screaming for my epidoral. I would say go with the epidural!!!!

i had nubain through my iv bc i was induced and that worked for me. you can get it every 2 hours. i figured, i already have a needle in me, might as well geteverything you can through it so i dont need another needle in me... i hate needle so much