Epidural

Another HUGE topic of controversy! 
Let me set one thing straight...I am not trying to be a superhero. I am not a sadist. I am not expecting a purple heart for choosing to deliver without medicinal pain management.
I have opted to deliver without medicinal pain management for 1 reason...it is the SAFEST.
Here's the data broken down in the simplest of terms...


Epidurals may cause blood pressure to suddenly drop which can prevent adequate blood flow to the baby.


May cause a severe headache caused by leakage of spinal fluid. 


After epidural is placed, you will need to alternate from lying on one side to the other in bed and have continuous monitoring for changes in fetal heart rate. Lying in one position can sometimes cause labor to slow down or stop.


Side effects: shivering, ringing of the ears, backache, soreness where the needle is inserted, nausea, or difficulty urinating


Epidural makes pushing more difficult and additional interventions such as Pitocin, forceps, vacuum extraction or cesarean may become necessary.


For a few hours after birth the lower half of your body may feel numb which will require you to walk with assistance


In rare instances, permanent nerve damage may result in the area where the catheter was inserted.


Though research is somewhat ambiguous, most studies suggest some babies will have trouble "latching on" which can lead to breastfeeding difficulties. Other studies suggest that the baby may experience respiratory depression, fetal malpositioning; and an increase in fetal heart rate variability, which may increase the need for forceps, vacuum, cesarean deliveries and episiotomies.


Now, let's look at the benefits of an epidural..


Allows rest if labor is prolonged. (my comfort)


Relieving the discomfort of childbirth can help some woman have a more positive birth experience (my comfort)


Most of the time an epidural will allow you to remain alert and be an active participant in your birth. 


If you deliver by cesarean, an epidural anesthesia will allow you to stay awake and also provide effective pain relief during recovery.


When other types of coping mechanisms are not helping any longer, an epidural may be what you need to move through exhaustion, irritability, and fatigue. (my comfort)


An epidural may allow you to rest, relax, get focused and give you the strength to move forward as an active participant in your birth experience. (my comfort)


Labor & delivery hurts. Complications arise. I understand this. However, my plan is to embrace the experience and do my very best, with my husband (and greatest supporter) by my side to deliver this baby naturally. My comfort pales in comparison to the risks mentioned above. (Recap: inadequate blood flow to the baby, slowing down labor, inability to push leading to forecep/vacuum/c-section or Pitocin intervention, respiratory depression, fetal heart rate variability, permanent nerve damage)


Reference
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/epidural.html