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I just had my first baby on the 14th of October. I could not have done it without the epidural! I had 2 pain medications through my IV, an epidural, and when it came time to push I was screaming in pain and the anesthesiologist had to be called back in where he gave me a 3rd pain medication, and said if the baby didn't come soon he'd give me a second epidural.

I really didn't have any pain though until it was time to push. I didn't feel the epidural even being placed in my back nor did I have any discomfort in my back from it, or feel it being removed.

The negative side effects I had were the fact that I couldn't feel my legs at all and I couldn't lift them on my own. After you get your epidural they usually try to keep you on your side and turn you often. The nurse and my husband had to lift me from side to side since I had no control over my legs. It wasn't until the next day that I could feel them again. The other side effect I had was that any time I was on my back for any period of time, even if it was just for a minute, I would start vomiting. They said that's really common with an epidural. The positive thing about that though was the vomiting helped to push my baby out very quickly. After 23 hours of labor I only pushed for less than 10 minutes about 5 pushes and my daughter was out! :-)

I would definitely suggest any pain medications you can. The nursing staff where I gave birth did an excellent job of managing my pain and I hope yours does too!

Good luck!

no, no negative side effects. Although I was a little annoyed that I couldn't walk.

No, I could not have done without it because my labor was induced. Toward the end my epidural wore off so I felt the very strong contractions. I just thought that it would have sucked if I had to go through that for the entire labor.

Well when i got mine i started shaking for about 30 minutes.. but then it stopped and i was at ease... I would do it over again... Some mothers suggest not to get one because you will always have spinal pain... But the only reason you would have pain in the future is if you moved during the epidural.

I had one with my daughter and i felt completely in control. It was the only way that i got to sleep, which is important because u need rest to push. No i could not have done it without it. The nurse told me to tell her when i wanted it. I had no negative side effects with it. They put it into your back and you don't feel anything, the only thing you feel when you r delivering is pressure.

Both times I had no side effects at all (except a complete lack of pain and faster labors). I loved them! I was up and walking withing a few hours and could move my legs just fine.

i knew about epidurals through my doctor but i was positive i wasnt having one. once i hit 4 cm dilated i was screaming for one. it didnt make me feel like i wasnt in control at all. i loved it. i was able to sleep for like 3 hours before pushing. they slowed down my drip so i could feel the contractions enough to push, but i was still in no pain. i really really dont think i could have done without out.

well i have never had one but my aunt did and it only worked on one side of her body she was still in pain on the left side she said it was the worst and weirdest pain she ever had