Epidurals May Not be as Harmful as Some Think. But Does That Mean We Should Just Get Them?

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A recent article on Slate.com takes a closer look at various studies that have been performed on the benefits and dangers of epidurals, and you may be surprised at what author Melinda Wenner Moyer concludes. Many believe that epidurals can prolong labor, increase the chance of having to deliver via c-section, increase the need for forceps during delivery, decrease how alert the baby is, increase the chances in difficulty breastfeeding, and much more. Unfortunately, the science behind all the studies on this subject are less than perfect because it's not always easy to determine which came first, the complication or the epidural. Some women may opt for the epidural because they are experiencing additional pain due to a complication while other women may have complications as a result of the epidural. However, according to Moyer's analysis it appears that epidurals have no more of a negative effect than any other medications given to alleviate pain during delivery. But what does this mean? Should we all sign up for the epidural as soon as we check in for delivery?

Giving Birth Without an Epidural

I have given birth twice. I was not opposed to an epidural going into my deliveries, but my goal was to only ask for pain medication if I felt I really needed it. With my first baby, I actually had no contractions after several hours of being induced, but was experiencing a great deal of back discomfort which I asked for some pain medication to relieve. I was given a pill that was to be given in two doses and the doctor decided to break my water after the first dose. I went into hard labor almost immediately and they refused to give me the second dose of pain medication because my son was coming too fast. Two hours later I had a 9 pound 12 ounce baby boy.

With my daughter, I decided after several hours lying in bed laboring that I was ready for the epidural because I didn't think she was going to come anytime soon. When the anesthesiologist arrived I sat up to receive the epidural and the baby dropped and I was ready to push. Again, they would not give me any pain medication because at that point I went into hard labor and they deemed it too late for the medication. My daughter was born at 10 pounds 3 ½ ounces.

I am not opposed to epidurals, but I also didn't find the pain of giving birth unbearable. Is it uncomfortable? Yes. It is painful? Definitely. I believe in modern medicine, but I don't think that every time we feel the slightest bit of pain that we should turn to drugs as quickly as our culture often does. I don't believe that epidurals harm our babies. I'm certain my mother had one with me and I think I turned out ok and am quite healthy. But I'm not convinced that they don't prolong labor or possibly cause complications. Every person is different so what may not cause a complication for one may for another, and there is even the chance that the epidural won't work at all.

Millions Have Birthed Before Us

What I do know is that there have been millions of women before you and me who have given birth to babies without epidurals. Many of those women have done so in the remotest places on earth with no one by their side holding their hand, never mind a medical professional. Because of this, I felt like just having a great medical team around me already put me at a great advantage over many who have been through the same. Our bodies are meant to be able to withstand the pain, and they can.

Everyone experiences things differently, but I would encourage moms to be to go into delivery with an open mind. Chances are you just don't know how strong you are. I delivered two babies that averaged 10 pounds apiece without an epidural and I would do it again.