Really struggling with decisions surrounding pain relief - anyone else?

[IGetIt]

Anyone else struggling deciding on what they want to do in this respect. I appreciate it can't be set in stone anyway but I am being asked to look into and make some provisional decisions for my birth plan.

At first I was all 'ill have anything and everything, epidural etc...'

But the more I read about it, I'm just not sure.

The main concern with the epidural seems to be the possible side effects of longer labour, higher risk of needing assisted delivery etc...

I just don't know what to do for the best.

@jinglebills @Chanel05 thank you that's reassuring to know :) I thought they shoved it right up your nose to the back of your throat!

[quote L4uz]@Joeyandpacey I've been considering a home birth purely because I don't want the covid swab stuffed up my nose, I'll be stressed enough as it is without worrying about that!
Weren't you worried about any complications? Are you far from the hospital?[/quote]
I wasn’t worried. I surrounded myself with positive birth stories (as well as the stars). Tbh, the midwife nearly missed the birth which I think really helped me get in the zone.

Birth plans are a pile of crap!! Good you are doing some research but in the moment and throes of labour you will make a decision based on how you are feeling/ the situation then. Not on your birth plan. Bear in mind also a LOT of the time you won’t be able to dictate it either, both mine were so quick and intense there was no time for anything more than gas and air.

Birth plans very rarely go to plan, I’ve not wrote one since my first. Go in with an open mind! I always suggest, particularly for a first labour, to request an epidural when you get in to the labour ward and if you feel you’re coping, you can refuse it when they come to administer. It can be a long wait for an epidural depending on anaesthetist availability so better to have the option. I had an epidural with my first, she was stressed, stuck and was a long labour. My second and third I only used gas and air and plan to do the same with my fourth. My last 2 labours progressed too quickly, I had my third within 17mins of arriving at hospital so hoping number 4 is the same. Good luck with whatever you choose

Just see what happens. You might cope with the pain or you might need help. Wait and see would be my advice.