Contractions are way more painful then getting the epidural in so you will be in pain that you won't care anymore but I don't want to scare you but my epidural didn't work on me so I still felt everything everyone's body is different so it's really up to you but I'm telling you when they put it in its not painful at all it's just a little sting
I've learned you can't listen to everyone. I've scared myself for 8 months from hearing stories. Everyone experience is different !!! Don't be scared Hun
I don't think that women get paralyzed from it too much.. but I have read numerous stories about women who after 3-5 years are still having uncomfortable pains where they got the epidural. just like everything else there is a risk involved. you just have to decide for yourself if the risk is too much for you.
like every medical procedure, things can go wrong. I never had an epidural, but I had the spinal block for a c section, essentially the same placement. like the above chick stated, it is scary, i'll admit i freaked out, but in the end, mine was okay. If you are seriously worried, talk to your doctor. the doctor I had was really great about reassuring me.