Ask just for the IV pain killer. It helped me, and my pain was not so bad

I'm planning on going without, I know that I'll be in good hands and that my body is built to do this. The short term pain may be strong but not as strong as a woman ;) and you know that it's there if you need it :)

@whitneytriche, I didn't have any back pain after so I guess I was lucky but I will say that having the epidural caused me to have to push for three hours and yet I still felt a lot of it! That's why I want to skip it this time! I'd like labor and delivery to go a lot faster!

I did the epidural three times so far, but I plan to go without. Because I should of went without on my last! Only because his labor wasn't really painful, but no complaints here with it.

@whitneytriche, momma talk to your doctor and tell them how you feel. What do you think will be best for you?? You can hold off on the epi while in active labor until you think it's necessary or not. I'm extremely nervous too. Believe me. But the more you fear the longer labor may last.

@flower_princess, @momagainjj82 I'm nervous because of the long term pain I've heard it can cause. But honestly, the closer it gets, im more nervous about how bad it will hurt to have this baby.

Just keep your options open! You can choose to not have it, and then get it when/if you need it!

@raegenice, As it gets closer, I'm SO nervous about the WHOLE thing! I'm not good with pain, but I'm also not good with pain medicine. I have never taken anything for pain, besides Tylenol. It makes me nervous thinking about it. But I'm so scared to actually have this baby lately.

I didn't get the epidural because there's long term pain.. You will have lower back pain for ever.. It sucks I have heard plenty of mommies say it .. And some don't admit it. The pain you feel while in labor will go away ..

Also I only asked for the IV medication really helped A LOT I only felt it when I was about to push

I got it the first time and my experience was fine! No pain at the site when they put it in and no back issues after. However, I am strongly considering natural this time because I'm somehow now freaked out about it even though it was fine the first time lol

Do what you think is best for YOU. There's absolutely nothing wrong with getting an epidural. It doesn't make you weak lol. I don't plan on getting an epidural because I don't like serious medical intervention when it's not fully necessary. But I know if I can't handle the pain I'll be glad to have an epidural on stand by. I'm managing my pain by taking a shower during labor, breathing techniques, walking, having my husband massage me, listening to music, and sitting on an exercise ball.