you might want to check out hospital policy on epidurals at your own hospy. I had one with my first, and it was great, but policy here is to let it wear off at the pushing stage so you can feel more and are less likely to need forceps etc. Sounds good in theory, but after 12 hrs of feeling pretty comfy .... whamo! it all hits at once and you have to push... was a bit of a shock to the system for me. second time round all i had was gas and that was easier.

we all react differently to different things.....