@abigaill, They don’t usually give the choice of cesarean unless it’s necessary or at least I’ve never heard of it. Same with the pitocin. It helps induce labor but it’s usually when you aren’t progressing in labor. I had to weigh if the pain from natural birth or an epidural would be best for me. In the end, the idea of 24 hours of natural labor scared me to death and I knew I could handle the short mild pain for an epidural. Everyone will have different opinions but do what you feel is right for your body.

@abigaill I got mine as soon as they started my induction. I wasn't waiting til I felt pain. I think you can get it up to 6 cm. Not sure if that is true or not. For me the sooner the better cause I don't want the off chance that it won't work or I'll be to far along to get it. It's really up to you.

@abigaill Pitocin, a brand name drug, is the synthetic version of oxytocin, a natural hormone that helps your uterus contract during labor .pretty much makes contractions stronger and more often

Sent them to u doll

@ironbutterfly, what is pitocin?

@kimyb, do you remember what the video was called?

with my 1st it was over 30+ hours of labour so after a while I broke and got an epidural the pitocin kept making me vomit so I had to after the epidural best hour sleep I ever had and pushing time I wasn't completely numb but enough to make it easy. 2nd was about 8 hours of labour again pitocin and vomiting I decided to take the epidural but that's when he came out so it was all natural it hurts but you'd be amazed what you can do in that state of mind.3rd I took the epidural right away It was about 6 hours of labour 2 pushes and done. my advice is go with the flow and do what feels right for you you will know what you need when it's time. contractions are different for everyone with my first my water only partially broke so I didn't realize I was having contractions until the last minute

I watched both videos on YouTube. A vaginal birth without medication, a epidural and a c-section. I cud never bring myself to take an epidural. And a C section is only if necessary. Watch the youtube vid on getting an epidural altho it maybe just my thing with needles

@abigaill, honestly it briefly hurts but you will be so focused on what’s happening that it won’t bother you long.

@txmomof5, how far dilated do you have to be to get an epidural? & when is it to late to get one?

@busymomof6, is getting an epidural painful!

Thank you! I can’t wait 😊

I didn't feel any pain with my epidural. Everybody is different and every labor is different. I've done 3 births natural after being induced and oh holy hell it hurt so bad. The ring of fire is no joke. My fourth I had the epidural and only felt pressure when it was time to push. I'm going with an epidural with this one too. It really all depends on your body. You can always start off natural and get the epidural if you decide you need it.

I’ve had 2 cesareans, 1 Vbac & planning another cesarean. Epidural with all of them. My first was an emergency so before I had the epidural I felt the pain. I didn’t deliver early with my 1st or 2nd. I think they just come when they want. Each person is different when it comes to labor pain. I never had frontal contractions - it was all back and it was mild.

I’m sure you’ll have lots of questions. You’ll do great! I see you’re getting close! Congrats!

@sorcha, thank you so much. This was really helpful.

1. Depends on your labor. Honestly I ended up with 2 emergency c sections (2 different reasons). I asked for the epi for my first because we tried pitocin to try and avoid a c section. 2# baby was all natural until baby ended up in distress.

2. When I woke up swollen I could see the indents from my underwear. When ever I was swollen (mostly my legs) my shoes and socks were my tell.

3. Baby's generally come when they are ready. Both of my kids came at or after 40 weeks. Within 7 days of there due dates.

4. If you are concerned always check with your doctor not Google. Each pregnancy and by is unique so always check your worries with your health team. Try not to compare your experience with others. Each experience will be different. Tips and tricks only work If they are right for you and your baby. Do what feels right and follow your instincts. Hope for the best but don't feel bad about preparing for the "what ifs".

Even with the epidural you felt pain 😫

I’m just trying to get an idea of how it might be. I have some weeks felt just trying to mentally prepare myself 😅

Epidural I felt everything it was like a ring of fire when I was pushing , I never got swollen with either pregnancy, I delivered 1 week early all pregnancies are different, every contraction for each women is different don’t look to far into it cause what we experience you may not , I had back labor, what helped me is breathing through contractions, I felt pressure extremely in my butt when it was time to push but I didn’t cause I was scared to rip , push only when doctor tells you to! and remember to breathe!!