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How effective is an epidural for pain relief?

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BelliniButterfly · 23/07/2016 19:55

Hi everyone,

I am 25 weeks pregnant with my first child and absolutely terrified of child birth as I realise alot of people are. However, seriously if I could opt for a a cesarean section just now I absolutely would. I do not say this lightly. I have been reading as much as I can about labour and I have just started birthing classses with the Daisy Foundation. What I really want to know however, is just how good is an epidural for pain relief? What will I feel with an epidural and will it make the whole experience manageable?

Thanks!

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PresidentOliviaMumsnet · 23/07/2016 21:10

Hello OP
I was you - in fact poss worse than you, as I had been a MNHQer reading all sorts about traumatic birth etc in the months leading up to pregnancy so I was utterly terrified.
In the end as an earlier poster said, I ended up surprising myself. In fact it turns out I"m actually REALLY good at giving birth*, even though I have a rubbish pain threshold and was really worried about it.
*so good I would completely list it as a skill on my CV were it even vaguely transferable
I had 2 drug free births for DS1 and DS2 I then got preg with twins for themI had an epidural in prep'n in case a C-section was needed for my second twin who was breech.
The epidural definitely helps (though again as another poster said, it's very hard to describe) but so does keeping upright and reminding yourself that your body was designed to do this and that each contraction is one you never have to have again.
I've not had a C-section but while it's routine surgery, it's still a MAJOR operation and takes time to recover while you are getting your whole head/body round being a new mum
Very very best of luck to you whatever you decide.

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