Every birth and labour is different, if you want pain relief in the end then it's your choice.
My first was great apart for the fact i was induced, 14 days over!!!! and i had no pain relief only a 3 hour labour. My second was horrible, induced again (due to medical condition), massive amount of pain, I knew it wasn't me as i went pain relief free for the first, it was agonizing, i was screaming for the epidural!!! After 3hours i was still only 2cm's dilated, they gave me the epidural, the anestheisiest was still standing there i felt the baby crowning, as soon as he inserted the epi i dilated to 10cm and with in 20 mins bubs was born!! He was posterior!!!!! I was in so much pain that i was tensing up and could not dilate. It really depends on the situation!!
This time around i will be open minded , i will play the wait and see game!!
Whatever decision you make it will be the right one for you.
I am another one with a positive epidural story. After being convinced I would manage without any pain relief, I ended up having an epidural within an hour of getting to the hospital. But I am really glad I did - I fully dilated within 2 hours and found pushing really easy as I wasn't tired or in pain. And I had a great result - a beautiful healthy son! An epidural doesn't necessarily slow down labour!
After my positive experience first time, I would certainly consider an epidural again this time - hopefully I'll have time because the first labour was quick and they're supposed to get quicker!
Good luck with your decision and your birthing experience,
Melanie.
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