I am classed as obese on the BMI as am only 5ft. I also took on a lot of fluid which was the problem. I didn't want any pain relief I wanted to be able to use the TENS Machine throughout, but was induced and the labour was very intense. As it was they couldn't get the Epi needle in and they wanted to try a surgical needle which they couldn't find. I would do the same again not plan to have an Epi as I was very pleased (the stars were aligned) that in the end I didn't have it. I planned not to have one not for the actual needle but because of the extras that goes with it - saline in the back of the hand, catheter (?) and not been able to move until it's worn off.