SR
- re the general for an epi.
if you hada general there is no need for an epidural as you will be asleep and under a general you will miss the birth of your baby.
rest assured the needle for an epi is smaller than a lumbar punture needle. they will also give you local before hand

i would go to hospital when you are not comfortable staying at home with the contractions. as every birth is different it is very hard to give a time frame


position - i birthed both babies on my back with my back popped up. i tried all 4's and squatting /standing but it was too painful and i was too tired to push in those positions.