Pethidine or Epudural

[ClaireCanale123]

Hi everyone I'm due in 5 weeks time and just wondering what people would recommend epidural or pethidine? I would like to go to the birth centre and possibly just try with gas and air and pethidine but not sure that will be enough? Maybe I should just opt for the labour ward and get an epidural. I realise I don't have to make a decision now or even until the day but just wondering what everyone's experiences are.....many thanks!!

After hours of painful contractions, I took the epidural. Best thing ever! I had a nap while I went from 6-10cm. It’s basically my only birth plan this time around.

I was dead against the Pethadine, but after 24+ hours of no sleep and the midwife telling me I couldnt transfer from the MLU up to the CLU for an epidural right now because there was no room I agreed to try it. They gave me half a dose and an anti-sickness injection at the same time. It made me feel a bit dizzy if I opened my eyes but I spent most of the time on it with my eyes shut catching some rest between contractions. So what i’m saying is I wouldnt rule it out- just see how things are going at the time.

Gas and air did nothing for me BTW. Everyone is different.

I just had G&A for both of mine but I had to have an epidural to remove my placenta after baby number 2. I absolutely hated it. I felt panicky and shaky and intensely vulnerable. I'm so so glad I didnt have one for birth.