Thank y'all. I have a pretty high pain tolerance and hate having to have any medicine unless I absolutely have to. I had an epidural when I had a cervical stitch put in and I hated how it made me feel. So that's one reason why I'm trying to decide rather to get one or not

I didn't know what pain was until I was in labor for 16 hours, I made it for about 8 without any pain meds but then asked for the epidural, and it made the last 8 hours a breeze

I told my doctor I didn't necessarily want one, but I said I'm not completely shut off from changing my answer. If I go in there and end up in a situation where the pain is enough that could hurt my body then I'll get one but I want to try without and she was completely good with that. She just made sure I understood the point to where it would be too late to get one.

Thank y'all!!

I would recommend waiting until you are actually in labor and decide if you need it when the time comes. I am a FTM as well and that is my plan. My hospital requires that you watch a 30 minute video before signing a consent to receive your epidural. They recommend every woman to go ahead and watch the video and fill out the paperwork BEFORE going into labor. That way when the time comes and if you decide you need one, you are not wasting time in pain having to watch the video and fill out the forms. And of course if the time comes and you think you can endure through that is fine as well, but at least you are prepared. I actually went last week and pre-registered at my hospital and filled out my forms just incase I need one. (I have a VERY low pain tolerance! Lol)

I will have to say not to make a decision until you're in labor. Some women can handle it, some can't or don't want to. You really won't be sure until it's happening

I'm getting one for sure.

for me I desperately wanted the epidural. I'm not very good with pain.