Considering an Epidural but Paranoid About the Needle

Honestly, I was in so much pain I didn't even know it was happening. It shouldn't slow down labor, but it may not help much since you tend to have quicker labors.

It seriously feels like a bee sting. Thats it. I got all worked up about it too, but when it came right down to it, I held my breath and thought about how much better I would feel once the meds kicked in - and before I could finish that thought, it was over. I felt IMMEDIATE relief from the pain, and was able to breathe comfortable and even take a long nap before delivery.

Its 100,000 times worth it!! ...I promise its not that bad at all. And I'm the girl who cried when she got her ears pierced... LAST YEAR. You will do great!

Congrats!

3 babies. One totally natural. The other two epidurals. The needle didnt hurt. they explain every single step to you. tell you when you will feel the poke, and some pressure. nothing unbearable. if you can give birth naturally, you can handle the epidural. you do have to have a catheter, which they insert after you are numb, so you dont feel that. you might feel a little tug when they take it out the next day, doesnt hurt one bit.
the epidural helped me relax so that when i was ready to push i had lots of energy to do this. pushing in my opinion is harder, you cant feel when you are pushing... but having a baby is not easy at all. just depends on what you want. my kids never had side effects... BF just fine after delivery... didnt seem to be effected by the epidural at all. from what i understand, the epi deadens your nerves, doesnt go into your blood stream.... but some of the medicine could be passed to baby...
i guess it could slow labor down... my first baby, i was in labor for 15 hours, no epi, totally natural. the second baby, labor 8 hours with epi... the last baby.. 5 hours with epi.....
in my opinion i think they are pretty safe. i would totally suggest having an epi to any woman having a baby. its safe and if its out there to help you, take advantage of it.

I found the epidural painful, and only consented because it was an "emergency" c-section. To me it felt about as bad as a transition contraction, but then the contractions ended.

If the delivery is fast, my understanding is that it is unlikely that you'll be able to get an epidural.

If you want statistical info about epidurals and all their risks/ benefits read Henci Goer's The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth. It's very readable and very informative.

Great advice already about a doula. And Yes, there is a very good chance that the epidural will slow your labor down. There is a lot of information out there about complications in births being related to epidurals. Sure, for the most part they are safe and many people get them (I've have had a natural birth, and I totally understand why they want them.;-)), but there are a ton of studies about how this one medical intervention leads to another, then another, then another. Complications and c-section rates are much higher in women who get epidurals, mainly because it often does slow the labor down. I would highly suggest you take a Hypnobirthing class. I did and it helped soooooooo much with the pain of labor. Plus, it would be really helpful to help you with your fear of needles too if you decide to get the epidural. It just teaches you to be calm, realxed and focused doing whatever you are doing. Good luck!

I had two epidural deliveries and I wouldn't change anything at all!! IMO, the needle really isn't that bad, but I am not scared of needles at all. Contractions definitely hurt more than the needle IMO.

Not looking at the needle or the equipment will help you to deal with it, your fear is spooking you more than anything else. Don't peek.

I hate needles!! Don't like to see them and always turn away so I don't see a needle before a shot or whatever. Also feared the needle into the back for the epidural. Once you're in so much pain you just want the pain to stop. I just thought of the relief I would feel after. It actually wasn't very painful. They did it in between contractions and I just had to hold very still. I don't remember it hurting. :)

I didn't like the idea of them either:( Really, I was more freaked out about the risks. 1-in-4 odds was too high to me to agree to it.
Yes, an epidural can slow down labor. It does for some women, it doesn't for others, and there's no way to tell witch group you'll be in. Many women progress just fine until the epidural and then when they get it labor slows, dilation stops, and then pitocin has to be started, then baby goes into distress and mom ends up with a c-section all because of the epidural. Other women have slow labors and then the second they relax from the loss of pain, they dilate, BUT the same thing happens with getting in a tub of warm water which is much safer:)

In the end, you just have to decide what's most important to you. Some women want a painless delivery no matter the risks, no matter the outcome. Some women want to stay totally safe and deal with the pain with things like baths or hynobirthing, so that they can feel every part of birthing their babies. Weigh the risks and decide what you didn't like about your natural deliveries and explore your pain-relief options, there are TONS of them out there!

PM me if you want info on non-invasive pain relief methods:) I just want to correct what one L&D nurse said. You are MUCH more likely to tear with an epidural. The best way to not tear is to be able to feel where there is pressure and use counter pressure. Women tear, and tear horribly with epidurals because the doctor has no idea where the head is putting the most pressure at the time. Plus, you have to do "purple pushing" which is when you do the take a breath, hold it, push to 10, breath out, take a breath, hold it, push to 10, breath out, take a breath, hold it, push to 10, breath out while people yell at you to push harder. When you don't have an epidural, you push when you feel the need, and however you feel is right (at least if have a good doctor or midwife who knows that purple pushing isn't good for natural birth). Women rarely get 3rd and 4th degree tears without an epidural, but they get them all the time with epidurals. I'm not sure where that nurse got the idea you're less-likely to tear with an epidural:(

My I.V. needle hurt WAYYYY worse than the epidural needle.
I didn't even feel the epidural needle.
It was great!

I guess the nice thing about an epidural is that you can't really see what they're doing behind you. You can just breathe and try to relax and it's over pretty much.
I had zero pain meds with my first baby, but my second was high risk and by that time, I was over the needle thing. I didn't pay attention and just let them do their thing.
I was able to get some rest between contractions which was really nice because I hadn't slept at all the night before and I was exhausted.
An epidural may slow your labor down a bit, but not necessarily.
You had your babies quick! What a lucky woman!
My anesthesiologist was so kind and gentle to me that I didn't really feel a thing. I had no side effects or problems afterwards.
I don't regret having done it at all. I didn't really have a choice because if my baby or I had gotten into trouble, they had me prepared for a c-section so the epidural was nothing compared to any of that. And, I was able to vaginally deliver but to tell the truth, I'd almost have rathered the alternative. It was pretty hard on me.
It sounds like your labors come fast and furious, which is a good thing.
After having given birth both ways, I wouldn't hesitate to have another epidural. Compared to everything else, at least for me, that was the easy part.

I wish you the best.
Let us know when your baby arrives!

Epidural's can actually help move labor along because it relaxes you and you progress faster.

I've had two kids and two epidurals. My experience with both was Not good. With the first birth they hit a nerve and I had severe pain from my back all the way down my left leg. It took several attempts to correct this and the pain never totally went away. Once however the drugs started flowing I did feel better. It was seriously the easiest and quickest labor and delivery of a first birth :) With my second I reluctantly decided to get the epi at 7 centimeters as I hadn't progressed over 3 hours. I got the epidural and was fine for the next few minutes until I started feeling the contractions again. For whatever reason the first did not "stick" so the anesthesiologist had to come give me a new one. Once that was in place I started having a reaction to whatever drug they were giving me and my blood pressure was decreasing so low that I was setting off the alarms and they had to administer a second drug to bring my BP back up. Mind you that when there is a large decrease and then rebound of your blood pressure it makes you literally sick. So for the next two hours I was throwing up and could barely move from the low BP. It sucked. There was no counting to 10 while pushing as I had to stop and throw up after 5 seconds. :( I ended up having to bite the bullet and just push as my sons heart rate was descending. I ended up needing a 3rd drug after I gave birth to stop the puking.

So, although some women I'm sure having no issues with epidurals. Keep in mind that the needle is the Least of your worries. There are so many other side effects and complications that can occur.

Consider the effect the drug will have on your baby. If you had 2 somewhat quick deliveries barring no complications, then this delivery will b more than likely the same.Epidural deliveries r typically slower because u r forced to remain in a supine position and can not move around to help progress delivery. The baby is effected by the drug and your recovery will b effected. Having my 1st with an epidural, my birthing experience, although less painful, was more traumatic on my body and lasted 16 hrs. With my 2nd, although more painful, from start to finish was only 4 hrs and mentally so much more satisfying knowing that this new little person was beginning her life drug free.I would say do some research to understand the cons to epidurals and decide for yourself. Whatever you decide know that it is your experience and u have reasons for your decision either way. You have to do what is best for you.Good luck to you!

If you delivered two babies totally natural, you can handle the epidural. I almost had my son totally natural (not by choice) & a bullet would've been pleasure!!!! The nurses didn't realize I was crowning & I guess they thought I couldn't have given birth that quickly!!! So when I got my epidural it was a total relief - the hardest part was staying still for the needle & I do not remember any pain from it - just the immense pain of birth before I received the shot

Best of luck to you & congrats!!!

I was in so much pain from the labor itself that I barely felt the needle; although that was partly because my labor was induced and then came on like gangbusters all at once. I tried to do it naturally with my second delivery, and made it to 6 cm, but then I broke down and got an epidural. I think women that can hang in there and do it with no pain medication are rock stars! If you've done it twice before, I bet you can make it a third.

I may be the only one in the WORLD....but my epidural was EXTREMELY painful. I am plus size, so that may have had a little something to do with it. But, it did not feel like pressure or someone pushing hard on my back. It felt like someone pushing a hurkin' needle into my back! I had to grit my teeth and groan and even yelled a bit with the second one. (I have had two kids) I had labored with the second one for almost 36 hours and that hurt LESS than the epidural going in. I will say, once it was in it was heaven. But if you have been able to do two births without one then I would suggest doing the third one without it too.
Good Luck, L.

Hi Hopie,

I chose not to use an epidural because of information my chiropractor provided me. That was a looooong time ago, lol....Here's a pretty objective website that gives pros and cons....
http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/articles/birth/epidura...

Congratulations....and may whatever you choose go smoothly for you and the little one!

M.

I myself hate needles i told the nurse when she came into meet me that i do not like them. She put a sticker on my chart and when it was time for the epidural the cart came in with a blanket over it so i didnt see anything at all. and the way you get an epidural is you have to hold onto a pillow and you cant even see anything at all..... I would do it again i was scared myself but it wasnt bad at all

Well, even though you already wrote back, I'm going to throw in my 2 cents. I have had 2 epidurals (1 with my 2 year old and 1 w/ my 6 week old). I have had good experiences with both. My 2nd pregnancy was a little rougher though. With my 1st I had all back labor and w/ my 2nd I had the cramping and back labor. So needless to say after the doctor broke my water, I was asking for the epidural.

Sometimes the epidural can fasten your labor. It did with mine! My 1st pregnancy, I was 10 cm after having the epidural for 2 hours. My 2nd pregnancy, however, I was 10 cm after having the epidural for 30-45 minutes. So, in my experience I dilated very quickly after getting the epidural. That's why I really chose the 2nd pregnancy to get it. I had preclampsia so I was getting pitocin to increase my labor but then I was getting magnesium to help lower my BP, but then the magnesium would offset the pitocin. So I wasn't getting anywhere until the doctor broke my water. After that, I went from 3cm to 5cm in a matter of minutes. That's when I opted for the epidural. I just knew it would dilate me faster.

Good luck with your decision, but boy would I have loved to been you and didn't get the epidural at all. I wish I had that kind of pain tolerance! Of course I had pitocin both times with my kids so I guess I really didn't have an all natural labor.

Oh and about the needle, I didn't even feel it. It feels like a little pinch in your back. My only downfall with the epidural was with my 2nd pregnancy. It numbed both my legs, but it didn't numb my left lower back. Which was good because then I knew when I was having the contractions to push! With my first pregnancy, I was numb from my waist down so I couldn't feel a darn thing.

I had an epidural with both children. But I had 24-36 hours of contractions. Both times I had things happen. With the first, they accidentally punctured my epidural space and I got a really bad headache. They tried to patch it in the hospital while I still had the epidural in, but it failed after I left the hospital and had to sit in the ER with a new born while slouched in a chair only to get another epidural again to patch it. The send epidural fell out during contractions. So I had to have them twice each delivery. But the pain for me was back labor and I will still have another one if ever faced with that issue. With you having such quick deliveries, I would pass on it, but it is up to you on how bad the contraction pain is. I H. this helps.

Hopie,
Yes, the epidural will slow you down. But, it is wonderful!! As far as the needle goes, it's not bad at all. First, dont even look at it. They give you something to numb the area before they stick the epidural needle in. It honestly feels like a tiny prick. You dont even feel the epidural going in. There are probably women who had their babies without any drugs ready to shoot me for encouraging you. But you are able to sit back & "enjoy" those last few hrs before the baby comes. I say, go for it!!
Good luck either way!!
H.

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The epidural can slow down the delivery and make it a lot longer. Also it can harm you and the baby. My friend has a mentally handicapped child and the doctor said it was from the epidural at the time of delivery. They are not 100% guarenteed safe. I would have this baby natural if at all possible. Any time you put something in your body it is causing a risk to your baby. Skip the epidural. Your labor is nothing to the possible damage it could cause.

Ok, I am going to answer honestly but I have no stake in what you decide!!;) I had a bad experience the first time with the epidural. They tried four times to get it, never did and I got a horrible migraine due to the fact they pulled out some of my cervical spinal fluid bc they punctured the dural cavity. I was on heavy vicoden for two weeks after birth and still had very significant pain. On the nice side I am like you, I have super fast births, I went from 2-10 in a about an hour and pushed him out in 15min. So I ended up with no pain med but not by my choice. My second birth I chose to skip the epi and was in labor about 6hrs and pushed him out in 4min!! The dr was blown away:) I did tear pretty bad, but hey, at least I was out of the pain of pushing fast! My SIL just had a baby and she went in at a 5, was at an 8 in an hour and then got an epi. Once she got it, everything stopped. After being at an 8 she didn't actually have the baby for another 8 hrs or so and 4 of those hrs was pushing. Of course she didn't have pain, but she was so exhausted after. My MIL actually had the nurse turn down the epi and then she actually started to progress again. So I would say yes, they can slow you down, but you aren't in pain so it isn't the end of the world I guess. I also had a friend who had no problem getting the epi, but she still got a terrible migraine. They tried a blood patch on her but it didn't work and she had a migraine for a week. So that does happen from time to time. H. I haven't terrified you!! I also have lots of friends who had them and had no problems with them. I didn't think the needle stick was bad at all when they tried to do me. Just shut your eyes if you decide to go for it, you will be in labor anyway, so your mind will be preoccupied anyway! bc of the the pain of labor, I hardly noticed the prick, even though they did it four times to me!! Best wishes whatever you decide and congrats:)

If you decide to get an epidural, by the time you get it you will probably not notice the needle. It is small, and after contractions will seem like nothing. I have done both, natural and with an epidural. Things went much quicker after the epidural and I think its because I could finally get some relief.
good luck to you:)

I didn't have an epidural when I had my son, now (4.5), I was induced with cervidil and was fine with morphine, however, when I had my daughter (now 3), they induced me with petocin and morphine wasn't touching it. I had the epidural and the prick of the needle was only slightly more painful then when I donate blood for the red cross, but compared to the pain of the contractions, it was NOTHING! lol ... The one thing I hated about the epidural is that the nerves in my bladder didn't bounce back once the epidural was turned off and I was unable to urinate; they had to put me on a catheter for a day and a half; but two days after I was home with my daughter, I had to be put back on a catheter for another two days. I would suggest using morphine if possible, but if it doesn't touch the pain, upgrade and get that epidural! lol

I haven't had an epidural, but two unmedicated births. I can't help wondering why you are considering the epidural this time. There are certainly studies that suggest epidurals slow down labor/cause you to labor less effectively. (And I think that most people want them during the greatest discomfort, which is transition. So if labor went really fast afterward, I think it's just because they completed transition.) Definitely research the risks. And other things--like catheters and not being able to get up right away afterward.

Also, consider a doula. I thought I "did everything right" during my first labor, but didn't have a doula (birth assistant). Having one really helped with my second labor. Pushing was a joy because she coached me so well.

Good luck!

First let me say that I am the biggest baby in the world when it comes to pain!! I've had 3 epiderals and have never felt a single ounce of pain with them! They number the area before they give you the shot and it does NOT hurt. Labor is 100x times more painful than the epideral shot.
Also, I had fast deliveries with the epiderals, I don't believe it effects the labor speed; I would definetly get the epideral.

I didn't feel the needle at all. I just felt relief and it was great! My labor was 6 hours, start to finish. I still felt the pressure when it was time to push (way before the nurses thought I would be fully dilated) Good Luck!

I was a bit nervous too about the needle, which doesn't stay in your back by the way...it is like an IV they use the needle to place a very fine iv line in your back.

The numbing of the skin is like some one pinches you on the back...not great but not bad. The epi itself is like a great pressure and then a huge relief as the pain goes away.

I have had two and would elect to do it again. My second one was better than my first...I could move my legs/wiggle my toes, but had no pain. It wore off very quickly and with in an hour I was up using the restroom.

Oh it also relaxed me so I went from a 4.5 to 9.5 is less than 20 minutes...didn't slow a thing, they almost went to fast after wards, but the nurse could have caught the baby...lol.

My 1st was absolutely great - had no problems and it helped soo much with the pain. My 2nd was just ok - but nothing like the first. The first I felt a pinch and that was it. My 2nd tho by the time I got my epi my contractions were alot closer and harder than when I had my 1st and it made a difference. While they were inserting the needle I kept contracting and my water had broke so every contraction I was having more water just gushing out of me and it just didn't help the matters of the needle going it. Not that I am saying it was a bad experience but my point was that the pain was just different b/c I got my epi and two different times of my labor - one sooner than later.

If you can do natural again I would - but me, hehe, I am a wimp so the pinch of the needle was way more better than the true actual labor pains.

Good Luck and Congratulations!

Yes, an epidural will typically slow down your labor. Since you've had two natural deliveries, I'm not sure why you would choose an epidural this time. Keep in mind that every intervention can lead to another. With an epidural, you will first get an IV for 1-2 hours (more needles) and the IV needs to stay in place until after delivery. Then you'll have the first needle, then the epidural placed, and then you will likely get a catheter (you won't be able to feel if you are peeing or not so they solve that problem with another medical intervention). After all of this, you may or may not be able to feel enough to know when to push and you will be hooked up to monitors if you do an epidural - likely continuous monitoring.

I don't know how natural your previous births were - but if you are used to being able to move around as needed, not tied to anything - then you will find this to be a very, very different experience.

Read about epidurals as well - possible side effects, etc. Oh, and yes, the medicine does get to the baby. You can really see the difference between a true natural birth baby and an epidural baby. The epidural baby will be groggy initially and might have trouble breast feeding.

I H. this helps some.

I too hate needles & was worried about it. I always look away when I get shots / blood drawn lol But by the time the doctor got there to give me the epidural, I was already in sooo much pain I didn't care about a needle I couldn't see! lol I went from being dilated 2 cm to 9cm in a fairly short time after my doctor broke my water (nurse was fussing that I was going up my pain scale too fast haha) But the epidural was quick & I couldn't feel anything afterwards! It was GREAT! LOL

With any procedure with needles, I always look away & focus on my breathing!

I was induced, so the contractions were way strong! so I did get an epidural and I don't regret it at all! I am scared of needles as well..but the doctors are great at explaining what they are doing every step of the way. It just felt like getting a shot, and then in about 5 mins..relief!!! The only part that sucked was having to stay in bed, and getting a catheter.
As far as slowing down your labor, I think that differs person to person. I was in labor for 11 hrs and got the epidural half way through. So I don't think it slowed my labor down. And then when it came time to push I didn't feel a thing!!
But in the end the decision is up to you. I had a great experience with it and would do it again. Good luck to you!

I had three epidurals, and I was totally against it for my first one until about the 12th hour of labor. It was not a big deal and once I could relax, my babies were all born quickly. None of my other labors were that long or difficult, and within about two hours of the epidural, I went from 3 cm to 10 and delivered, so my expeirence was very good.
M.

You wont even know the needle is in there! I was in labor for 28 hrs and i wasnt dialated enough to get the epidural until i was 20 hrs in labor needless to say it was the worst pain ever. But you wont feel it....my left leg was numb for a day longer than anything else.

I was scared about getting the epidural too, but still had every intention of getting it. It honestly wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. To me, it felt like a bee sting and hurt much less then the contractions I was having. I had instant relief from the pain and plan on getting it again this time. I had a fast delivery so the epidural had no effect on that. I dilated 5-10 in 20 minutes and only pushed for about 20 minutes. Good Luck with whatever you decide to do!!

Well If you have fast deliveries, it might not be worth it. But I had a decent experience with it. First they give you a small numbing shot and it takes away most of the pain of the big one. My numbing shot wasn't bad at all. Have you ever used sewing needles or something like it and pricked yourself? It's like that. Nothing that a second of time won't help. The actual epidural is odd. I just felt pressure and that's all. BUT my epidural moved and I hear it moved with most of my friends. So if you aren't prepared for the pain it's a lot to deal with. I thought I could handle it because I know more breathing exercises from my acting classes. . . .I was wrong. But since you know how the pain can be, it might not be a problem for you. I hoped this helped at all.

Just so you know, I never even saw the needle. I didn't look and it was over before I knew it. It's a little pinch but once it takes away those painful contractions, it's so worth it. Just tell the nurses and the anesthesiologist that you don't want to see it and you'll be none the wiser.

When you read about the procedure it sounds awful I almost didnt do it cause I was scared of the pain from the needle...I didnt feel a thing and loved the man who gave me the epidural at that moment he was my hero...lol

I had an epidural when my son was born... although the needle was frightening (like you, I used to be terrified of them) the pain was minimal compared to the pain I was experiencing from my contractions. The only pain I felt was from the initial needle that was used to numb me... it felt very similar to a bee sting. Once the medicine took effect, I was far more comfortable. It was overall completely worth it in my opinion. I did, however, experience pains at the injection site (due to slight nerve damage) for up to 6 months after birthing my son. My OB/GYN said that it happens to a lot of women. I personally believe that without my epidural, I wouldn't have labored as well as I did. It moved things along and made me feel much more relaxed.

I had my first at Presybterian Hospital in Dallas, my second at the American Hospital in Paris. I wanted to have an all natural, epidural free delivery with my first, and after 6 hours of unbearable pain and exhaustion - i begged for an epidural and then had to wait for another hour because there was a line up (other moms were also delivering that night). I was in so much pain - the little prick of the epidural was unmemorable. Second time epidural in an overseas hospital was also unmemorable and uncomplicated. Botht times, the pain relief was incredible - and done so well that i was still able to move my legs, push out baby, etc, etc.

In my case, both times, the epidural did slow down my delivery...particularly second time - i almost fully dilated when i arrived at the hospital and after the epidural - things slowed down.

I will tell you, that both times, i was so overwhelmed with the pain that i found it very difficult to relax and breathe...if i were to be pregnant again - and being more comfortable and aware/understanding of the mind-body connection - i would definitely try without an epidural.

First and foremost - if you have delivered 2 naturally and successfully - why an epidural now??

I am not an MD - so i can only tell you what i would do:

A. if i couldn't tolerate the pain, knowing the pain of an epidural is exponentially minor in comparison and provides incredible relief - i'd go with the epidural...knowing my delivery will be longer but pain free.

B. If i want a fast delivery, and can remain calm/breath/survive the contractions and the actual crowning of the baby/etc...i would walk as much as possible during the deliver and breathe (or what ever works) through the contractions and pop that baby out as fast as possible.

Go with your gut...i don't think you have to commit to anything - i labored for a good 6 hours before deciding on the epidural...it's your decision.

My 2 deliveries were the 2 most incredible moments of my entire life...and so i think it's important that you do what ever makes that time as positive as possible for you & your baby.

Good luck.

I had an epidural during both of my labors/deliveries. With my first labor, my nurse started out by giving me a shot of Stadol to control my pain but it caused me to have panic-inducing hallucinations so I certainly didn't want a second dose of that and I decided to just grin and bear it. After my water broke, my contractions became absolutely unbearable. I was crying tears, hyperventilating, and I was ready to pass out from the pain but as soon as the epidural drip was started, I was immediately much more comfortable. It was amazing! Plus, the pain from the contractions was so intense that the skin on my entire back felt numb and I don't even remember feeling the injection. Including contractions before I went to the hospital, it was 24hrs from the start of my labor before I got the epidural and it was another 9hrs before I delivered. It was a sloooow process.

My second labor was much quicker and more tame. I got to 7 cm in about 5 hrs and I wasn't sure I could handle the contractions any longer so I asked for the epidural. There was a big pinch when they injected the numbing solution but the actual epidural catheter insertion was more of a feeling of pressure in my spine. I delivered 4 hrs later.

Everybody's response to pain is different but I honestly didn't think it was that bad and I would get an epidural again if I felt I couldn't handle the contractions. I didn't have a post-epidural headache like some women experience but my back was sore/bruised at the injection site for about a week after. I also didn't have any problem with feeling or control when I got to the pushing phase. You sound like a tough woman... if you've had two natural deliveries then I bet your third will be quick too and you might not even need to get an epidural especially because getting one will probably slow things down. Best of luck to you. I'm sure you'll do great! :)

It just feels like someone pushing REALLY HARD on your back. Since it's behind you, you don't have to see it.

I had an epidural 12 years ago and it really didn't hurt much at all. I was scared too, and relieved that there was not much pain. It did take many hours after the epidural for me to deliver, and I wonder if the epidural was reason for that. I didn't have a good experience, as after the epidural I had dry heaves, which were awful and lasted until my son was born. However, I didn't feel any labor pains. I was glad when it was over! They say every woman has a different birthing experience. Since this is your third pregnancy, I'll bet it'll be a breeze for you---I'm hoping it will be. I wish you and your family the very best.

I had two births myself with epidurals for both. It does slow things down a bit but I wouldn't have done it any other way. The needle was really not that bad. They will numb you with some medication before they stick you with the big needle for the epidural. Just remember to stay as calm as possible and hunch over like the letter C as much as you can. Concentrate on deep breathing and you will be fine. That is what I did and all I really felt for both epidurals was the sting form the numbing medication. Didn't even feel the epidural needle at all. It did take a whole day for my right leg to get all its feeling back to where I was able to walk on it but that is normal. I was able to enjoy my birthing experience with each child and not have to concentrate on breathing threw terrible contractions. I was also able to feel very slight contractions to let me know when to push once i was fully dilated. Nothing off the rector scale that would have me screaming through it all. My mom had five girls with no pain medication and once she saw me with my epidural, her exact words were " I guess I should have got one of them!" Good luck with the birth and don't let a needle discourage you from having a more relaxed birthing experience! It's a mind thing, relax your mind and you'll be fine!

I am also PARANOID about needles. I hate them with a passion and would rather be sick than get a shot to feel better. That said, the epidural was totally worth it. I am NOT kidding when I say I barely felt a small pinch. You only feel the numbing shot. And seriously, it feels like a small pinch. That's IT! I promise, promise, promise and I would NOT lie about this. You don't even feel the epidural b/c the numbing shot works it's magic quick. =) I'm not sure if you have had to have an IV when delivering your babies since you had them naturally. In my opinion, this was the absolute worst part of getting an epidural... you have to get an IV. The IV hurt me so bad. I cried and cried. But if you have to get one of those anyway, and you're thinking about getting an epidural, I would just get one! The epidural did not seem to slow down my labor. I had a 12 hour labor/delivery from start to finish and I think that was pretty quick for a first timer... not quite as quick as yours lol... but quick nonetheless! If you want it, try it. The epidural really isn't bad at all and I enjoyed the delivery so much more than I would have if I hadn't got it (I really dislike pain in any form). H. this helps!

By the time I was ready for my epidural, I would have inserted the needle into my own back, if I had no other recourse. I also hate needles. I do not even remember the insertion. I also had no ill side effects. I did have to be given pitocin after the epidural, as it did slow things down a bit.

If I were in your situation, I'd say no epidural because you have had fast deliveries for the first two, so it's likely your 3rd will be even shorter. If you do decide to go with the epi, my suggestion would be to not look at the needle! I never did for both of my two, and I have no recollection of the needle. I didn't like the idea of it, but knew that I wanted the epidural for pain relief, so I'm glad I did. Get it too early in the process though and it will wear off...too late and you won't be able to feel to push. Just my experiences.

I also HATE needles, but I had an epidural with my first, and it was wonderful! I made sure NOT TO LOOK at the needle when the anesthesiologist came in, and then since it goes in your back, you can't see it. It doesn't really feel like a needle - more like pressure. Don't think about it as a needle, and I don't think it will bother you as much as you are expecting. Absolutely don't think about the size! I never saw the needle, and I think this helped me. The IV and blood-draws are MUCH harder for me!

But yes, an epidural does slow down labor. I recommend that you talk to your doctor about the possibility of an epidural, and keep it open-ended. You never have to have one. If you sign the permissions, then if the pain gets to you (it got to me at about hour 10 when they decided they needed to induce me - the pitocin also creates very intense contractions and that is when I asked for the epidural) and if you never feel like it gets too intense for you to tolerate, you don't need to get it.

When it comes to an epidural, it is a personal decision. I have one friend who would NEVER consider an epidural, and another friend who things all people who refuse an epidural are self-righteous with something to prove. For me, it came down to the experience. I am not good with pain, and I wanted to have good memories of the birth of my son. I do not regret my decision, and if I am able, I plan to have another epidural with my next baby. But it may not be for you, and that's okay.

ADD: I had no soreness at the injection site, no epidural headache (thank goodness), and I was COMPLETELY able to feel when I needed to push.

After they get the needle in, it's totally no big deal. If you're in a lot of pain and would really like the relief an epidural can provide, then go for it. Sounds like with your pretty quick labors you might not even have time for one. I was in such pain with my first and labor was not progressing until I had the epidural, then I relaxed and was able to dilate, and delivered as the epidural was wearing off. It did give me a fever, which they then gave me antibiotics for, and since I had a fever they then wanted to give the baby antibiotics, which i refused. So yes, epidurals can have side effects. If I could have gone without one, I would have, but I don't think they are a necessarily "evil" procedure either.

If you did the first two natural then why would you want to do anything else. I think all natural is the way to go, I won't of had it any other way with my last. Everyone thought i was nuts but I think it really made me a stronger person.