It's the lack of control over my body which puts me off the epidural, I guess. I know that lots of women have it and love it, and I haven't completely disregarded it as an option, but I just would rather not, you know?

Thanks for the extra info about pethidine, Kelly. I think I heard that it also causes the baby to be floppy afterwards - perhaps that was another drug I'm thinking of?

It's good to have all your input, and I'm trying to get as much info at this early stage so that I can feel I'm making the best informed decision that I can. At this stage I think I might steer away from pethidine, though!

Thanks again