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With my son I was determined to go drug-free. I was induced and figured it would happen quick, but it didnt. It was hard labour from the first hr and on...by 30hrs I was so exhausted from not sleeping and constant contractions with little dilation, I caved. BEST decision everrrr! I plan on having an epi this time as well...except I wont be waiting til the point of exhaustion to take it. Im sure there are some drawbacks to taking it but the risk percentages are very minimal. Do a google search, there's lists available, just make sure theyre from reputable sites, not forums...ppl like to exaggerate a lot!!
Best of luck with ur delivery!! =))

I had the epidural twice but I had no choice as there were c-sections, but I'd swear by epidural they are great if I fall pregnant again I def want another epidural, it's the best pain relief ever lol xx

I have had one with and one without. My first was induced for sever preeclampsia, and I almost died. I took the epidural because I already had so many other problems going on and labor lasted 4 days. With my second he was born 30 minutes after I reached the hospital and I had no time. This time around I am going for the epidural again because it's well worth it, you feel nothing! You feel the pressure and can tell when to push but there is no pain it's pure heaven you can focus on the baby and pushing rather than trying to curb the pain.

go for the epidural. you have by far earned it. and don't listen to epi haters xo

At my hospital you had to sign up for it at pre-admit or you didn't get it. At that time I had lots of anxiety about the long needle but mostly the catheter hanging out of my back. I sign the form anyways incase I decided I wanted it. (remember you don't have to get it if you sign but if you don't sign and you want it later your SOL). So I broke down and asked for mine since the TMI ALERT - helped me along with the aid of an enema. So I get it and something wasn't right I was still feeling contractions, my epi only worked on my right side so the had to remove it and gave me a saddle block. - When I found out what this was my doctor who had covered me through my pregnancy but not there at birth was lucky she was not near me. 1/2" needle no cath, and complete numbing effect. I was told to push- I focused - asked if I was pushing and nurse pats me and says yes and pushes downward on my tummy for me and then out came baby. LOL

I dont think there is a problem with getting one if you want one. I had one with my first son, and a spinal block with my second son. The only difference is that with a spinal block, its a one shot numbing thing, as opposed to continuously getting the numbing medicine through a tube. I recovered from both easily, and both of my kids are healthy and fine. Get one if you want one.