To have or not have an epidural?

[cupcake78]

I'm beginning to consider an epidural after saying I'd never have one.

Ds was a long (almost 5 days) labour with contractions every 15mins day and night until my waters were broken. He was back to back, which i didnt know till it was too late and a very big baby (9lbs 5). By the time it was over I was exhausted and the following days/weeks in hospital and home were stressful and anxiety ridden. I struggled as I never really recovered from labour for months as ds was a terrible sleeper and feeder and developed colic.

I am only 18wks but do not want to be that exhausted with this one. It's one of the aspects of this baby that I worry about, infact dread.
Until now I've been scared of
getting a catheter fitted and heard horror stories of back ache, prolapses, no bowel or bladder control afterwards etc .

My mum thinks I'm mad not to consider it after last time, dh just wants me to be as least stressed as possible.

Agatha not sure if that was your first baby but just to let you know from someone who has had one labour on drip and another started naturally the drip is a million times more painful. Didn't need epidural for DD2 (natural labour) but the epidural was a lifesaver when having DD1 (the drip). Am hoping to never need the drip again (if lucky enough to have a third baby)