Epidurals

If birth has been occurring since the beginning of time why do so many women act as if it's something new? Nowadays, you have women asking for morphine, walking epidurals, and spinal epidurals. Why are so many women deciding that they can't do a natural childbirth and what are the risks of not having one? Researchers have done studies on epidurals to determine if they cause women to get an increase in c-sections. They have also done studies to determine if getting an epidural to early will increase the chances of getting an epidural.

Why would you get an epidural when there are different ways to have a pain free pregnancy? This is the question that most women ask who have natural childbirths. Why get a shot in your back that may give you paralysis or cause back pains years after you have received the shot. Some doctors suggest going to Lamaze classes to reduce labor pains. You can also deliver your baby in water to ease some of the pain and to give the baby a good transition into the world. Plus epidurals can have a negative effect on the baby. They can lower the baby's heart rate. Some other side effects for the mother are headaches, vomiting, and dystocia.

Why should I have a natural birth, "You don't get a medal for going without drugs, you know." Why go through the pain when you can get an injection that can take away just enough of the pain that you can still enjoy the labor? "There is no shame in asking for an epidural," said Dr. Cynthia Wong of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northwestern University. In the United States more than 80% of pregnant women are now having c-sections. Epidurals give the mothers a chance to participate in the delivery and actually enjoy it. You can also get a walking epidural so that you can still push during the labor and cope with the pain.

When should I get an epidural? Some doctors stated that you shouldn't get an epidural until the cervix has dilated to 4 centimeters. New studies have claimed that you can have an epidural as soon as the pain gets unbearable. Many doctors still discourage getting an epidural before you are 4 centimeters dilated.

After reading so many articles online from the Chicago Sun times and different clinics and hospitals I am still skeptical. On November 20, 2004 at around 4:30 in the morning I received an epidural. I had tried to have a natural birth, but when they induced my labor the pains were too strong.