I was keen not to have one with DD as I wanted to remain as active as possible during the birth - I had an open mind and had decided I would have one if I needed it, but wanted to try my best and avoid it if possible.

Unfortunately, DD was induced and although I was having what I thought were painful contractions, I was not dilating much and was having all this pain for no result. After one lot of gel at midnight the night before, then another lot at 7 that morning, then having my waters broken manually at 11 (ouch!) and the drip put in at the same time, by 4pm I was only 4cm. So I decided to have the epidural in the hope that it would kick-start things. I went from swearing to watching the cricket in the space of 15 mins!!!

In the end DD was born by vacuum at 9:07pm. Her birth was difficult, but not because of the epidural - her shoulders got stuck. I had no problems with the site of the injection, or back issues later - the anethetist was very good and I only have positive things to say about it!