I’m going to start this post with the opening statement: This is not a rant about the evils of the epidural.
In fact, I believe some women truly need it. However, one problem that truly is an issue is that American women like to pressure other women into deciding on one before they reach their third trimester.
Personally, I think it’s crazy that so many first-time moms have decided on an epidural right away, no questions asked. And while there is nothing wrong with wanting an epidural, often these women have not researched epidurals, or have planned for what to do if they can’t have one.
The fact is: epidurals come with risks. Yet the procedure is so rooted in our culture that very few women are prepared for scenarios they really should be prepared for.
It’s easy to be nervous about giving birth. So it may surprise you that you may not need an epidural.
When is an epidural a good option?
An epidural may be a good option if you:
- Had labor induced.
- Need Pitocin some time during labor.
- Have a baby that is breech or otherwise not in an ideal position.
- Have back labor.
- Are often anxious in stressful situations (even when you are prepared).
Why? Because those are scenarios where giving birth are the most painful. And for most people, epidurals are by far the most effective way to manage labor pains.
You may be shocked by this statement, but many women give birth calmly and with little to no pain – even without an epidural. Much of what allows this is mentally preparing ourselves to be trusting in our bodies, remaining calm, and becoming aware of what is going to happen.
That doesn’t mean that labor isn’t intense. If you need an epidural, or simply just want one, that’s okay! The point I’m trying to make is that epidurals have risks, and some women may face more risks than others.
What are some of the risks of having an epidural?
Some of the risks associated with an epidural include:
- Fever
- Nerve damage or permanent paralysis
- Seizure
- Infection
- Reduced blood pressure (can cause dizziness, nausea, and even fainting)
Some of these risks are extremely rare. However, there are many more symptoms associated with epidurals that can cause problems that are far more likely to happen. Kind of like a domino effect.
Wait! There are more risks than just the ones associated with the drug?
Yes! There are! Due to related interventions required to assist the laboring mother who can no longer feel her bottom half, many women face long-term health problems as a result of having an epidural
For example, common scenarios often associated with the use of an epidural are:
- Loss of feeling of the bladder. A catheter will be required to drain the bladder, which increases chances of infection.
- Increased chances for Pitocin to be recommended. Pitocin is a drug that comes with its own set of risks.
- Increased chances of needing an assisted delivery (forceps, etc.)
- Increased chances of needing a C-Section (this is a controversial subject where some studies show this to be true while others do not).
- Pain or bruising in the back or spine.
- Increased chances of damage to the pelvic floor.
In Conclusion
There are many women, like myself, that have gone into the hospital with the intention of having a natural birth and been swept up in the “intervention cascade.”
But this article isn’t targeted at the natural birth crowd. This is for all pregnant women. Be empowered to make the best possible decision for you. As a mom who gave birth only one year ago – labor does not have to be painful. And you do not need to have an epidural to accomplish that. If I left you today with the feeling that you can decide during labor if you want an epidural or not, then I’ve done what I came to do.
So go forth and prepare yourself. Make a birth plan. Talk to your doctor about the risks of having an epidural, and most importantly discuss other pain-management options in the event that you want or need them.
Don’t forget to sign up to my email list for updates on more posts like this. It takes a lot to both challenge the status quo and create a community of judgment-free parenting.
Cheers!
thanks for sharing these information. Nice blog indeed
Let’s go
What a material of un-ambiguity and preserveness of valuable familiarity on the topic of unpredicted feelings.
Can I simply say what a relief to find an individual who truly knows
what they are talking about on the web. You certainly understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important.
More people should read this and understand this side of the story.
I was surprised you aren’t more popular given that you surely possess the gift.
It’s remarkable to visit this web page and reading the views of all friends
regarding this piece of writing, while I am also keen of getting know-how.
I have read some good stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting.
I wonder how so much attempt you put to make this sort of wonderful
informative website.
Good post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon everyday.
It’s always helpful to read through articles from other
authors and use something from their websites.
all the time i used to read smaller posts that also clear their motive, and that is also
happening with this piece of writing which I am reading at this place.
Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is truly informative.
I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue
this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!
For the reason that the admin of this web site is working, no doubt very rapidly it will be well-known, due to its quality contents.
What’s up to every one, it’s truly a pleasant for me to pay
a visit this web page, it consists of useful Information.
Asking questions are really fastidious thing if you are not understanding something
fully, however this article presents pleasant understanding yet.
Hey there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to give it a look.
I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be
tweeting this to my followers! Great blog and outstanding
style and design.
I appreciate, result in I found exactly what I used to be having a look for.
You’ve ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great
day. Bye
I all the time used to read article in news papers but now as I am a user
of internet thus from now I am using net for posts, thanks to web.
Hello, I enjoy reading through your article post. I like
to write a little comment to support you.
I enjoy what you guys are up too. Such clever work
and coverage! Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve included you guys to
my own blogroll.
I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your site. Do you ever run into
any internet browser compatibility problems?
A handful of my blog visitors have complained about
my site not working correctly in Explorer but looks great
in Firefox. Do you have any suggestions to help fix this problem?
Very good blog post. I certainly love this website. Keep writing!
Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the images on this blog loading?
I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my end
or if it’s the blog. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Great post. I used to be checking constantly this weblog and I am impressed!
Extremely useful information specifically the last part :
) I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular information for a very
lengthy time. Thank you and best of luck.
Good day I am so excited I found your web
site, I really found you by accident, while I was researching on Aol for something else, Anyways I
am here now and would just like to say kudos for a tremendous post and a all
round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I
don’t have time to browse it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also included your
RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the fantastic jo.
I like the valuable information you provide in your articles.
I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I’m quite certain I’ll learn plenty of
new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon everyday.
It will always be helpful to read through articles from other authors and use
a little something from their web sites.
Wow! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a totally different subject but
it has pretty much the same layout and design. Superb choice of colors!
Everything is very open with a very clear explanation of
the issues. It was really informative. Your website is very helpful.
Thanks for sharing!
My brother suggested I may like this web site. He was
once totally right. This post actually made my day.
You can not believe just how so much time
I had spent for this info! Thanks!
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s a very easy
on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your
theme? Outstanding work!
Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely believe that this amazing site needs much more attention. I’ll probably be
returning to read more, thanks for the information!
Hello, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues.
When I look at your website in Opera, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that,
terrific blog!
Hello my family member! I wish to say that this article is amazing, great written and
come with almost all important infos. I would like to peer extra posts like this .
I’m extremely impressed along with your writing talents
and also with the structure on your blog. Is that this a paid subject or did you customize it your self?
Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is uncommon to look a nice blog like this one today..
I do not know if it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else
experiencing issues with your website. It appears as though some of
the text within your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them too?
This could be a issue with my web browser because I’ve had this happen before.
Appreciate it
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and
find the majority of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for.
Do you offer guest writers to write content available for you?
I wouldn’t mind publishing a post or elaborating on most of the subjects you write in relation to here.
Again, awesome web log!
Fantastic blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers?
I’m hoping to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress
or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally
confused .. Any tips? Thanks a lot!
Very good blog you have here but I was curious about if you knew of any forums
that cover the same topics discussed in this article?
I’d really love to be a part of online community where I can get feedback from other experienced people that share
the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let
me know. Cheers!
I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
Did you design this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it
for you? Plz respond as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know where u
got this from. cheers
I always spent my half an hour to read this website’s posts daily
along with a mug of coffee.
Truly when someone doesn’t be aware of then its up to other
people that they will help, so here it occurs.
I like what you guys tend to be up too. Such clever work and reporting!
Keep up the very good works guys I’ve added you guys to blogroll.
Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great
author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and may come back from
now on. I want to encourage yourself to continue your great posts, have a nice evening!
This website was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I have
found something that helped me. Many thanks!
Greetings! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know
how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when viewing from my iphone.
I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be
able to correct this issue. If you have any recommendations, please share.
Many thanks!
What’s up to every one, the contents present at this site are genuinely awesome for people experience,
well, keep up the good work fellows.
magnificent issues altogether, you just received a logo new reader.
What may you suggest in regards to your submit that you simply made a
few days in the past? Any positive?
Magnificent items from you, man. I’ve be aware your stuff prior to and you are just extremely fantastic.
I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way
during which you are saying it. You make it entertaining and you continue to care for to keep
it sensible. I cant wait to learn far more from you.
This is actually a terrific website.
whoah this weblog is magnificent i love reading your posts.
Stay up the great work! You realize, a lot of persons are hunting around
for this information, you can aid them greatly.
Its such as you read my thoughts! You appear to know a
lot about this, like you wrote the e-book in it or something.
I feel that you just can do with some percent to force the message house a little bit,
however instead of that, this is fantastic blog.
A fantastic read. I will certainly be back.
Nice blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast! What web host are you using?
Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish
my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol
Howdy! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
There’s a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content.
Please let me know. Many thanks
When someone writes an paragraph he/she retains the idea of a user in his/her mind that how
a user can be aware of it. So that’s why this piece of writing is
amazing. Thanks!
Hello it’s me, I am also visiting this web site daily, this site is
really pleasant and the users are in fact sharing fastidious thoughts. https://woori88.com
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody?
This post posted at this website is genuinely good.
Hello, this weekend is nice in support of me, as this time i am reading this wonderful educational article
here at my home.
I absolutely love your website.. Pleasant colors & theme.
Did you build this site yourself? Please reply
back as I’m attempting to create my very own site and want to know where you got
this from or exactly what the theme is called. Many thanks!
I’ve been surfing online more than 2 hours today, yet
I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth
enough for me. In my opinion, if all web owners and bloggers
made good content as you did, the net will be a lot more useful than ever
before.
An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague who had been conducting a little homework
on this. And he in fact ordered me dinner because I discovered it for him…
lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
But yeah, thanx for spending time to talk about this subject here on your internet site.
We’re a gaggle of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
Your website provided us with useful information to work on.
You have done a formidable process and our whole group will probably be grateful to you.
Thanks for finally writing about >Epidural. Why it shouldn’t be your
first choice. – Last Parent Standing <Loved it!
Excellent post however , I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this
topic? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate
a little bit more. Kudos!
Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It
really useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back
and aid others like you aided me.
Hi i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anyplace,
when i read this paragraph i thought i could also create comment due to this good piece of writing.
Awesome! Its in fact remarkable article, I have got much
clear idea about from this paragraph.
I blog quite often and I really thank you for your information. Your article has truly peaked my interest.
I am going to bookmark your blog and keep checking for new information about once per week.
I subscribed to your Feed as well.
It’s difficult to find knowledgeable people for this topic, but you
seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to mention that I’ve
really loved surfing around your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing
for your feed and I’m hoping you write again soon!
I absolutely love your blog.. Great colors & theme.
Did you build this web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m hoping to create my own site
and want to find out where you got this from or just what the theme
is called. Thanks!
Hello colleagues, its great paragraph concerning cultureand fully defined, keep
it up all the time.
You should be a part of a contest for one of
the best sites on the web. I will highly recommend this site!
constаntly і used to read smaller articles or reviews tаt
as wеll cleaг theіr motive, and thаt is also happening
ѡith this article ѡhich I am reading at this place.
Thanks for another wonderful article. The place else may
just anyone get that type of info in such a perfect method of writing?
I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the look for
such information.
Hey would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re working with?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers and I must say
this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you recommend
a good internet hosting provider at a fair price? Cheers, I appreciate it!
I think everything published was very reasonable.
But, what about this? what if you were to create a awesome post title?
I am not saying your information isn’t solid, however what if you added
a headline that makes people desire more? I mean Epidural.
Why it shouldn't be your first choice. – Last Parent Standing is kinda plain. You should
look at Yahoo’s home page and see how they create news titles to
get people to click. You might add a related video or a picture or
two to get readers interested about what you’ve written. In my opinion, it might make your website a little bit more interesting.
When I originally left a comment I appear to have clicked on the -Notify
me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment.
Is there a means you are able to remove me from that service?
Thank you!
If you are going for finest contents like me, only pay a quick visit this site every day because it provides quality contents, thanks
Good web site you have here.. It’s difficult to find excellent writing like yours these days.
I truly appreciate people like you! Take care!!
Hi every one, here every one is sharing these know-how, so it’s good to
read this website, and I used to pay a quick visit this weblog daily.
I enjoy what you guys are up too. This type of clever work and reporting!
Keep up the superb works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to
my blogroll.
Good day! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok.
I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to
new updates.
Howdy! This blog post could not be written any
better! Going through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
He constantly kept talking about this. I most certainly will forward this information to him.
Fairly certain he will have a very good read.
I appreciate you for sharing!
Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It really useful &
it helped me out much. I hope to give something back
and help others like you helped me.
This piece of writing presents clear idea in support of the new
visitors of blogging, that actually how to do running a blog.
excellent submit, very informative. I ponder why the opposite experts of this sector don’t realize this.
You should continue your writing. I’m confident, you’ve a great readers’
base already!
Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the
blog. Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.
Howdy would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re utilizing?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most.
Can you recommend a good hosting provider at a fair price?
Thank you, I appreciate it!
Definitely believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of.
I say to you, I certainly get irked while people think about worries that they just do
not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side-effects ,
people could take a signal. Will probably be back to get more.
Thanks
I am really inspired with your writing abilities and also with the layout to your weblog.
Is that this a paid topic or did you customize it yourself?
Anyway stay up the excellent high quality writing, it’s rare to see a
nice weblog like this one these days..
Asking questions are in fact nice thing if you are not understanding anything
totally, but this post offers pleasant understanding yet.
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly donate to
this outstanding blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to new updates and will talk about this blog with my
Facebook group. Talk soon!
Hello friends, pleasant paragraph and good urging commented at this place, I am in fact enjoying by these.
I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this website.
I am hoping to check out the same high-grade content by you later on as well.
In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me
to get my own, personal website now 😉
It’s not my first time to go to see this web page, i am browsing
this site dailly and get good facts from here every day.