What is the epidural for when giving birth?

I’ve had 3 very huge babies and had the epidural the first two times. They get rid of the contraction pains to a dull. It’s nice to give a little bit of time to breathe and relax. The 3rd one I did not have one and got through it okay.

It’s up to you. It’s inserted in your back and a pain medication will numb you from belly to toe. Not scary, doesn’t really hurt when being put it. But they suggest it to wear off a little bit before you push so you can feel it.

You never know though. You may go through labor so fast you won’t need it, or your contractions won’t be to bad! I have a lot of friends who do home births as well and don’t have any pain stuff.

Check out babycenter.com wonderful website for everything. pregnancy week by week, tips all over and newborn week by week, month by month!

An epidural is a regional anesthetic which uses a catheter placed in the epidural space to allow the injection of a pain blocking (i.e. some form of xylocaine) medication. It can significantly reduce the pain of birthing however unlike a general anesthetic you are still conscious and therefore can feel some discomfort.

I believe it’s a pain shot that is inserted near your back bone. Depends if you wanna be all drugged up or not. Other way is super painful though lol. You will want the epidural.