The countdown begins as we have only 8 more weeks!!! so exited but being a first time mum, i dont know what to expect when labour comes and what sort of pain reliefs are safe and effective. i would love an epidural, as people say you dont feel any pain as all! but people say that you dont recover as quickly as if you only had gas, also does epidurals have any effect on the baby? What is the most safest and effective pain relief that you would reccommend?