@existential_applejuice, the epidural doesn’t hurt like a lot make it to be. I was soooooo scared to get the epidural. But they put numbing medicine on my back. It was like getting a flu shot in your back. I didn’t cry or scream I didn’t even flinch. As they insert the tube into your back which is small and what gives the medicine like an IV they every so slowly release a tiny tiny bit of medicine and you start numbing right away. They will move it around to make sure it’s in the right place. This prevents any damage. For example they will ask where do you feel it and it feels like a poke as if someone is poking your arm or bone. Strictly pressure and painless. If you feel a poke on the left tell them that. If you feel a poke on the right tell them that. They’re trying to get it centered. You have to cooperate. As soon as you don’t feel the poke anymore. That means it’s centered. You will have a catheter inserted in your urethra because once you get the epidural you will not be allowed out of bed. At all. They will even come and flip you over and stuff to keep healthy blood circulation. The sharpness and pain will be completely gone but the pressure will not be hence feeling like you need to take a massive dump because baby is coming down. The was the most uncomfortable thing. You will feel like you have to crap then be fine crap then fine. Those are your contractions. Once you feel as though you constantly have to crap and don’t feel like you’re getting a break. That’s when you can call the nurse and just say you need to poop. Don’t say I think I’m 10cm or what not because they might get snoody. Just say you really really need to crap and it’s not going away. This happened to me and I was 10cm they got me flipped legs up doctor there and babygirl came right on out. Push like your pooping. Don’t push through the face. You will just get tired. If you feel light headed they may do oxygen but don’t freak you’re just working hard is all. If you’re currently anemic please take your iron pill or you will be at risk for hemorrhaging like I was. It’s very important to take that pill especially before delivery.

@crystal.newman Thanks! I want it to be as painless as possible

All I can say is I HATE pitocin. Take the epidural. Lol

I was induced with my first at 41w6d with my first. I had an epidural. She came out in 14 minutes. The worst was I hated feeling like I had to crap all the time. Overall it was an easy experience for me. Please ask for the peanut shaped ball if they have it. They will place it between your knees or thighs and this opens up the pelvis to allow baby to descend quicker so you’ll dilate rather quickly So if you’d like the process to happen a little quicker that will help a lot.

I have been induced twice. One time went smooth, another time not as smooth but I didn’t have to have any csections so that’s a positive.