epidural vs. naturally

Sarina - posted on 04/04/2009

i would strongly recommend that you get the epidural, especially, if the baby is going to be bigger than your first one. i took it and it was all worth it..

Kristie - posted on 04/04/2009

Quoting Cheyenne:

epidural vs. naturally

im about ready to have this lil tike and im almost full term...i have 5 weeks to go...my oldest daughter was 2 lbs 1 oz and i went completely naturally with her....i just want other peoples opinions on if i should get one or not....i dont know if delivery could hurt much worst than it did with her....any advice is appreciated

My advice is...if u are a little worried then have an epidural...... the pain is really not worth the stress is pus on u and the baby........The medication is there to make you go thru this comfortably.It really annoys me when people say dont be a sook an just go natural..........Why go thru when u dont have too? Wishin u all the best xo

Ashley - posted on 04/04/2009

i was enduced and i had a chance to have a epidural but when i was told that i could i asked and she said that i was too far into my delievery to have one.

Esther - posted on 04/04/2009

NATURALLY !  I had my son naturally and all was fine.  8 years later had a hysterectomy and they gave me epidural for the surgury and I've had back pain ever since.  Don't get me wrong it hurt like hel? ! ! ! !  but worth every minute of it

Amelia - posted on 04/04/2009

I am 38 weeks pregnant and could basically go into labor any day now.  I have a 10 year old son that weighed 8lbs 6oz and I had him without any pain meds and let me tell you it was PAINFUL.  I was in labor for 15 hours and at first the contractions were tolerable, but after receiving the pitocin (spelling ???) the contractions became very painful.  This time around I am taking the DRUGS, birth is beautiful but the pain aspect of it I can do without, been there done that.

Holley - posted on 04/04/2009

I've done both.  I honestly preferred naturally.  However, my labor was only 3 hours total, so it was a bit easier to handle than a 12-16hr labor would be.

I had an epidural the first time around. I was alert and it was a really awsesome experience all together.  I didn't realize until later that it worked a little TOO well.  I was completely numb and couldn't tell that I was pushing way too hard, which caused a little tearing...leading to an episiotomy and hemroids that I now need surgery to repair.

There are pros and cons to both.  I long labor can be a lot less stressful with one.  But, it will slightly increase your chances of having a c-section, tearing, hemroids, spinal fluid leak (which causes the worst headache you could imagine) etc.   You'll know the right choice when you're there.  And don't feel like a failure if you end up choosing to get one!!  Most moms have them...love them...and get them again the next time.  Whatever happens everything will be fine and well worth it!

Allison - posted on 04/04/2009

Have you considered a doula to help during labor? Doulas are trained in helping moms during labor and helping with pain management. They also know a lot about positioning and things you can do to help with pushing. Having a doula at your birth helps your partner as well, as they can assist or not, depending on how comfortable they are and they are more free to help you and not worry so much about knowing it all. Plus, having a doula at your birth reduces the risk of c-section. Go to http://www.dona.org/ for more information and to find a certified doula in your area.

Rebecca - posted on 04/04/2009

Have you thought about other pain management options besides an epidural? You should check and see what your local hospita offers, or what is ok with your doctor. Getting into a birthing tub helps lots!!

Rebecca - posted on 04/04/2009

I have two children and I delivered both of them vaginally. My first son I was in labor for over 20 hours, was on petocin and I ended up having an epidural. As a result of the epidural I had to be coached for pushing. I could feel nothing so I had to be told when to push. I had to push for a solid hour and felt like I wasn't accomplishing anything. My son weighed 9lbs. 6oz. My second delivary was faster. I absolutely wanted pain medicine but my labor progressed too quickly to get any. Although I was in an insane amount of pain, I felt like I had total control of the situation and I told the doctor when I was ready to push, instead of the other way around. The big plus of being in control of my body was that I only had to push  three times and my son out! He weighed 9lbs. 2oz. Sometimes and epidural can slow down your contractions, which you don't want. Because I had no pain medicine my body was able to push out my son without me doing much work, the strength of my contractions did it all! Another plus for me was with no epidural I felt better after the delivary and had no side effects from the drugs to worry about. I went home the day after my second son was born! I had to stay three days he first time around.

Good Luck! Don't anyone make up your mind for you. Its ok to have help with the pain, it doesn't make you a wimp if you need help managing the pain!

Stephanie - posted on 04/04/2009

It was my gift from God!!  lol

I think you should deff get it :)

Shelly - posted on 04/04/2009

Cheyenne,

  The best advice I can give you is try to go natural when you go into hard labour keep your eyes open do not close your eyes because then all you think about is the pain.  You need to let the labour nurse know to remind you b/c if you ask your hubby or friend to do it b/c they are to close to you and feelings can get hurt when you tell them to shut up and leave you alone.  A nurse can stay nutral when you decided that you need to attack them...Your labour nurse should be more than willing to coach you...If you decide that you can't or don't want to go thru it then you can always go with an epidural...Good luck and let us know how it goes

Victoria - posted on 04/04/2009

I think the people that go naturally are awesome.  I however, opted for the epidural.  I hadn't decided for sure until I went into labor and felt the pains and that's when I went for it.  I personally wanted to be able to enjoy the experience as much as possible.  I was terrified about having a needle put into my back but its not bad.  Its totally up to you and don't let anyone make you feel bad if you decide to get an epidural.  There is no trophy at the end if you go natural so do whats best for you.

Adriane - posted on 04/04/2009

I am a Labor & Delivery nurse and I just want to say that when it comes to making the decision between natural vs. epidural it is completely your choice. This is your birth experience and it should be what you want it to be. I see women every day have perfectly normal vaginal deliveries with an epidural, and I see women deliver w/o an epidural as well. I myself have 5 children and two of them I delivered naturally. Like I said it is completely up to you and what you want.

Ellen - posted on 04/04/2009

I had all 3 of my children natural/ My largest was 9 lbs 15 oz. As I was ewading the posts I felt compelled to say from a medical standpoint that the size of the baby does nothing to the pain of delivery. The uterus still has to contract and you still have to push the baby be it 2 pounds or 11 pounds. The only relief that may have incured would be an episiotomy. Cheyenne....judt remember breathe and stand it as long as you can, its the only pain you'll ever know that goes away with happiness!! Good Luck

Andrea - posted on 04/04/2009

Quoting Georgi:

A bigger baby is likely to be more painful. I had a 4 lb 13 oz without an epidural and it was the most painful experience. With an epidural, the 2nd was 9.2 and it hurt in the fianl phase because I must not have had enough. lol. So by the time the next 3 came, I ensured I got plenty of juice with my epidurals. My experience was more enjoyable with out the pain. By baby # 5, there was no pain and only 3 pushes.

Also- just wanted to say that a bigger baby isn't always more painful!  My 1st (with an epi) was 8 pounds, 5 ounces.  Hurt like hell afterwards.

My 2nd was born this Christmas Eve.  She was TEN POUNDS & super easy to get out.  I had no tearing & was walking around after I had her.  So much easier & obviously huge.

Andrea - posted on 04/04/2009

Do it naturally again! The 2nd will probably be quicker (I was in labor for about 24 hours with my first & my 2nd was born 45 minutes after we were admitted!).

I had an epidural with my 1st & although you have relief during labor, the pain later creeps up on you. It's horrible.

I did it without for # 2 & it was awesome. Intense pain & then incredible, immediate relief! I felt like superwoman. My husband was totally wiped out after being up with me all night, but with all the hormones & such I was alert & awake all day long.

Michelle - posted on 04/04/2009

I had an epidural with my first son--horror story. It stopped the labor completely ended up in 18 hour labor with emergency c-section talked about twice. He did come natural after the prep for the 2nd time. With my second son, I was natural all the way! Loved it. Labor with him was only about 3-4 hours. What a difference. And yes, I forgot the pain almost immediatly when he was put into my arms. I think it really is up to you, your spouse and your healthcare provider. I'll pray things go well, and of course---Congratulations!!!

Rebecca - posted on 04/04/2009

i did naturally with both of my kids it dose hurt but then the drug that the hospitsal hand out could make labor twice as long

Courtney - posted on 04/04/2009

i think that any baby trying to come out is going to hurt! I had an epi with my daughter and it was put in wrong so it never worked one bit ! I wish it would have because i was in so much pain as soon as she came out and when they stitched me up that i didnt really get to enjoy the birth. Someone once told me that getting the epi is not a bad thing at all so dont feel bad about getting one. its like getting teeth pulled and trying to hold off on the novocaine

Jennifer - posted on 04/04/2009

I had an epidural with my 1st two children and had my 3rd naturally. I am planning on going naturally with my 4th (due in July). I found that the labour went faster. I went from 1-2 cm dialated (with natural birth) to 5 cm dialated in less than an hour cuz I was able to get up and walk around. Good luck!

Kimberly - posted on 04/04/2009

I've had three children, the first I had an epidural and it only numbed my left leg!! After that experience I went natural with the other two and loved it. Yes it does hurt but usually the second you are not in labor as long and the feeling you have when the child comes out is remarkable!!! Also, with my second and third, my doctor said, "take your baby mom", at first I didn't know what she meant because only the head was out and she just suctioned, but I reached down and my hands were there when the shoulders came and I delivered the baby!! I immediately slid my child up onto my belly, feeling the legs and all come out. Sounds bad but it was the most remarkable, touching, loveable experience in my life!!!! For my third child, I was ready and willing!!! Child birth is difficult so don't miss out on the best part, when your baby arrives!!!!

Ashley - posted on 04/04/2009

I would say that you can do it naturally.  If you handled it the first time then you can handle it again.  It's partly a mental game.  If you tell yourself you can do it then you can.  I personally think natural is better.  Why introduce drugs into your system if you don't have to.  I had both of mine naturally and I feel proud to tell people when they ask.  Yes it hurts, but only for a little while and the joy of your baby helps you forget.

Chrissy - posted on 04/04/2009

I went  natural on both and for the sake of my kids I wouldnt do it any other way. some times the dr gets concerned with the stress on the baby, but if your worried about the pain. then realize that god created life, and birth. the pain is part of it all, so is thr uthoric feeling when she is in your arms. Stick through the pain. she is worth it

Danielle - posted on 04/04/2009

I have 3 children, 2 natural, one with an epidural. EPIDURAL all the way!! hahahaha. Birthin' babies hurts!!!

Candace - posted on 04/04/2009

i just wanted to put my two cents in... i had my first two with epirdural and yes it went ok but i didnt like it i didnt like hte procedures to get it it did hurt and all...but then u feel some if any or all for some i didnt i felt still ... with my third one i went naturally though i didnt intend to go natural but she came pretty fast so there wasnt any time and i found that it was much better to do natually so i tried with my son fourth one but the nurse i had said i wasnt ready and i knew i was almost ready ... she a nurse and deals iwth it she knows what she talking about eh not ... only you would know your body .... i should have went with my gut feeling and waited out ... so i ended up with epidural because she pushed it on me ... i ended up suffering for mths on end from injury from it .. my ob said to me i shouldnt have had it i was too close to end and had him min they put it in my back i jumped and had sudden urge to push so nurse other one said to epi guy to stop immediately and layed me down and checked me and said i was ready i basically bursted in tears from pain from epi and that i failed somehow... so when i had my fifth i refused and went with the flow it wasnt bad in general worst part is the labouring i found birthing isnt as bad as alot seem to fear off its the labour can take alot out of u but if u can breath thru it and deal with pain efficantly and use visionary picture of peace ful ness it helps alot mine was out in the middle of nowhere in a beautiful moutain and grassy land in middle with summer weather with my family i have and kept it in my mind when i was in pain ... it worked so suddly it was time to push i did the same with my sixth and its not easy but the best way i found .... good luck ... just put it this way faster u deal with it faster it comes faster u meet ur little one and say wow its well worth it but if u end up with epi hope ur experience is good like for some other not like me ... no two labour is the same for sure but end result is same ... my last three labour at the end was identical so i knew when it was almost time ... begining was all diffent how it went my first two was contration rest four was water broke b4 contration and last one was both at same time almost my fifthe was prelabour for two weeks b4 i had her which made my nites unbearable but day time went away .. then finally water broke hallilulilah i said ... .lol

User - posted on 04/04/2009

A bigger baby is likely to be more painful. I had a 4 lb 13 oz without an epidural and it was the most painful experience. With an epidural, the 2nd was 9.2 and it hurt in the fianl phase because I must not have had enough. lol. So by the time the next 3 came, I ensured I got plenty of juice with my epidurals. My experience was more enjoyable with out the pain. By baby # 5, there was no pain and only 3 pushes.

Michelle - posted on 04/04/2009

I had me first little girl naturally and it went great i was so pleased with myself ! i had me second little girl a few weeks ago and i think i had decided in my head i would go natural again! the labour was so much worse my little girl turned back to back but because i had already convinced myself i would go natural i was really distressed when the time came that i had to have an epidural it ended up being a horrible experience so all i can suggest is keep a total open mind every baby is different and every labour is different despite previous births! if you want an epidural at the time have one! good luck

Joy - posted on 04/03/2009

woman have been doing both for years (epi and natural) it comes down to choice. if it hurts have one, if your ok dont. if your funny about needles in your back dont, if your not do. They are about the only 2 things that you have to base your decision on. good luck.

Theresa - posted on 04/03/2009

I think you could probably go without an epidural based on your first delivery.  Although the baby was smaller, the labor pains are from opening the cervix, and that actually hurts more with preemies, since they are smaller and the uterus has to squeeze harder to open the cervix:  squeeze a large ball and a small ball in your hand to find out what I mean.

The pushing part is the easiest part, and the crowning, which burns even with most epidurals, lasts only minutes.

So, do what you feel safest with, as that is the way to get a baby out, and plan to take really good care of yourself.  You will know if you need to change your plan. 

Good luck!

Jennifer - posted on 04/03/2009

I had an epiderual, everything went great.  Didn't feel a thing and was on top of the world.  The only thing i find now is that i get numbness from time to time where the epiderual was put in my spine.   I was very sick from the drugs from the epiderual but came good after a couple of hours.  It being my first child i  had her on a Friday and was home by Sunday morning.  If i was to have another i would try naturally but i think i cheated child birth and got out of all the pain real easy.

Lisa - posted on 04/03/2009

wow !!

Gina - posted on 04/03/2009

With 3 children each birth for me was different so I say wait and see how you feel when the time comes.  My 1st @ 29 hours of labor and only 5lbs 6.5 oz was born without an epidoral.  I did have a medication called stadal(?spelling) this was 15 yrs ago to ease the pain.  2nd child @19 hours of labor and weighing in at 10lbs 2oz was born having an epidoral. It was nice but I had a few complications it only numbed one side of my body and I had to wait for it to wear off ( 1/2 a day ) before able to get up and move around.  3rd child was a c-section only 7lb 13 oz but breech so I had to have a spinal block.  No complications with the spinal except my back was a little sensitive for a couple of days.  I wish you luck no matter what you decide is best for you.

Lisa - posted on 04/03/2009

i think when it's time to have your baby you will know! there are so many things to consider , not everyone recovers the same from a c-section ! but not everyone can have a natural birth either i myself am glad i had a section because that is what was best for my son!!

Tina - posted on 04/03/2009

Quoting Jill:

I went natural with my son who was 7 lbs 8oz. My reasons were more about the fact that I don't want anyone doing anything to my back that may cause injury as I have enough back problems already. But honestly, if you can tolerate the pain, why add the extra expense and added risk of having an epidural? Also, the pain you endure is an excellent guilt trip down the road. My son actually cried and apologized to me when he was 5 yrs old after I told him the story of his birth (he asked me to tell him).

Jill,

I know that this is about Epidural vs. naturally.  But I just can't get over the fact that you would actually guilt a 5 year old in to the pain that you went through when you gave birth to him.  It was not his fault and it will never be his fault.  I am frankly appaulled to have read that.  Pregnancy and birth are supposed to be a wonderful experience for the mom, dad and baby, NOT a guilt trip to throw in their face and make them cry!

?????? What is the point?!

Amber - posted on 04/03/2009

At our hospital its not called an epidural its an introthecal (not sure on spelling) but it basically is the same thing, its a shot in your spinal column but the only difference is when its gone its gone and with an epidural they continue to pump more in ya. I wasn't for or against the spinal block but when the time came I tried as hard as I could to hold off...but the pain was really really really bad and I decided to get one. The only thing I did, which Im sure isnt the best way but I didnt read into what could happen to me if I took the drug...all I wanted to know was if it would hurt the baby in any way and I was told no. I say dont make a decision until you're there...decide then...and do what you want to do...good luck!

Tina - posted on 04/03/2009

I went at it naturally, then I plateaud (sp?) at 6 cm, the doc said the best thing for you and your baby right now is to do the epideral before you have no choice but to go at it differently. I took a walk around the floor of the hospital, I had the epiderual at 6 cm, I fell asleep for 1 hour (mind you it had been 11 hours of labor by then) and I went from 6cm to 10 cm in 1 hour, I had her within the next 30 minutes!

You have to listen to your body and listen to your doctor and listen to your child inside of you. Do what is best for your situation! There is nothing wrong with taking the "easy" way out as you will get through it either way, I promise. Good luck!

Jaime-Lynne - posted on 04/03/2009

I had an epidural for both my sons, and for me it was the best thing i could have done..

just go with how your feeling at the time.

Julie - posted on 04/03/2009

An epidural always seemed scary to me. I had four (all boys) naturally and never regretted it. They love to hear the story of their births and I can't imagine not being able to tell them how tuff their Mom was. Try to avoid putting to much emphasis on the pain and try to think about what an awesome experience childbirth is.

Michelle - posted on 04/03/2009

I promised myself next time I'm going to have a baby I'll be ringing in advance to ensure they have that epidural ready, don't forget that you only had a 2lb baby and surely this one will be a little bit bigger mine was 4ld with some difficultys and I was screaming that I didn't want to play anymore but the epidural took too long and baby Slayde came too fast . good luck!

Adrienne - posted on 04/03/2009

I had a epidural for my first son due to the fact I was having really bad back pain. Things went good, but where they put the epidural I am not able to put any kind of pressure so if my son sits on that spot I have to move him up or down.
For my second son everything went faster. I was doing so well without the epidural until I couldn't breath out of my nose through the contractions. So I asked for a epidural, the guy doing it had the needle in but not hooked up when I was ready to give birth so they had to rush to get the needle out so I could get on my back. As soon as they had me rolled on my back my son was out. I almost didn't have a doctor in the room but yet my son rolled out onto the table since no one was ready to get him... Sorry the reason why I'm going on is because the next day I couldn't get out of bed I had to keep my head flat on the pillow. The doctors called it a "spinal headache" from when they were trying to do the epiderual. I was in the hospital for 5 days and I couldn't even get out of bed to go to the bathroom. The did a blood patch and I am now fine. But I will not even think of an epiderual if I have anymore kids, I'll just rub vicks under my nose so I can breath. I just wanted to say natural is better things can go wrong if you choose an epiderual. But in the end it is you who decides! Good Luck hon!

Charlene - posted on 04/03/2009

Quoting Allison:

Quoting Cheyenne:

im due may 6th but my drs not sure im bunna carry that long...my first daughter was 27 weeks early so this is like full term for me

That's great that you've made it this far with this pregnancy. Just remember that this baby is different than your first and may need the "extra" time in the womb to develop fully. Normal pregnancy is 40 week *on average* but the normal range is 38-42 weeks, and many women go past their due date.

My mantra this time around is Trust Birth. Your body will do what it needs to do if given enough time and little pressure. I'm working toward a VBAC after 2 previous c-sections - avoiding all medical interventions (like breaking of waters, IV, continuous fetal monitoring, etc.) is very important to me as I think most births have better outcomes if allowed to progress naturally following both the mom's and the baby's rhythms.

Good luck! 

I'm due May 21, with my second child, and I also am trying a VBAC, I was planning on having another c-section but after lots of thinking, advice and research I've decieded to try it, if I don't I'll always wonder what if. I was induced with my first and because of the fear I had and lack of knowledge, I ended up fainting(mind likes to do that when overwhelmed) and my sons heart rate dropped and was down for 8 mins, therefore needing a c-section. Never went into labour naturally and never really dilated, etc.. I am not against having an epidural, if you really need one you really need one, don't try to be a hero. One thing to know is having one can slow the labour down or stop it from progressing, so I've decieded to try the hypnobirthing technique to calm myself and hopefully not have an epidural. I've educated myself more to understand why things happen and how they happen and going to try to use gravity to help and let the uterus do its job that its built to do. Your body and baby know when and how to come into this world so yes trust your body and go with the flow naturally as possible. With no worries or fear, be calm and breath. I'm really hoping I'll be able to have a VBAC and really trying my best to make this happen. I wish you both luck and hope you both have a fast and easy labour as i hope I do to.

Amie - posted on 04/03/2009

Let your body be your guide. If you feel you need it and are comfortable with it then don't feel bad about asking for one but there are other things as well.
I was never comfortable with the idea of epidurals. My spinal column is not something I want messed with. With my first 2 I got demerol early on, with my 3rd I had nothing, with my last one I got I.V. fentanyl.
As for the actual delivery, it will hurt no matter what but with your first being so small you will probably notice the size difference. I know I did just from a 2 pound difference in my kids.

Allison - posted on 04/03/2009

Quoting Cheyenne:

im due may 6th but my drs not sure im bunna carry that long...my first daughter was 27 weeks early so this is like full term for me

That's great that you've made it this far with this pregnancy. Just remember that this baby is different than your first and may need the "extra" time in the womb to develop fully. Normal pregnancy is 40 week *on average* but the normal range is 38-42 weeks, and many women go past their due date.

My mantra this time around is Trust Birth. Your body will do what it needs to do if given enough time and little pressure. I'm working toward a VBAC after 2 previous c-sections - avoiding all medical interventions (like breaking of waters, IV, continuous fetal monitoring, etc.) is very important to me as I think most births have better outcomes if allowed to progress naturally following both the mom's and the baby's rhythms.

Good luck! 

Jill - posted on 04/03/2009

I went natural with my son who was 7 lbs 8oz. My reasons were more about the fact that I don't want anyone doing anything to my back that may cause injury as I have enough back problems already. But honestly, if you can tolerate the pain, why add the extra expense and added risk of having an epidural? Also, the pain you endure is an excellent guilt trip down the road. My son actually cried and apologized to me when he was 5 yrs old after I told him the story of his birth (he asked me to tell him).

Cheyenne - posted on 04/03/2009

Quoting Allison:

Having an epidural increases you risk of getting a c/s. Not only can it cause blood pressure issues with you, but it prevents you from being up and able to move around. Being mobile can be very beneficial, especially if baby moves into a position that is difficult for birthing. By being able to move freely and listen to your body and baby, you have a better chance of delivering vaginally - and it could be easier for you to push in a position besides laying flat on your back or side. Squatting, hands and knees, one leg propped on a chair, and even sitting on a toilet can all help get baby out (gravity can be our friend). Epi's are very good if you need to rest, however, but having it turned down before the pushing stage can help you have more feeling and be able to move better and push more effectively.

When are you due? I'm due May 9th.

im due may 6th but my drs not sure im bunna carry that long...my first daughter was 27 weeks early so this is like full term for me

Allison - posted on 04/03/2009

Having an epidural increases you risk of getting a c/s. Not only can it cause blood pressure issues with you, but it prevents you from being up and able to move around. Being mobile can be very beneficial, especially if baby moves into a position that is difficult for birthing. By being able to move freely and listen to your body and baby, you have a better chance of delivering vaginally - and it could be easier for you to push in a position besides laying flat on your back or side. Squatting, hands and knees, one leg propped on a chair, and even sitting on a toilet can all help get baby out (gravity can be our friend). Epi's are very good if you need to rest, however, but having it turned down before the pushing stage can help you have more feeling and be able to move better and push more effectively.

When are you due? I'm due May 9th.

Sharon - posted on 04/03/2009

Coming from a family with parents in the medical field, I learned what kind of things can go wrong when a needle gets stuck in the spinal column. I put up with the pain of child birth for the express purpose of NOT have a needle stuck in my spinal column. But even aside from that I believe it's better to do it naturally, the way women have been doing it since the beginning of time.



One piece of advice I can give you that I wish someone had given to me, is this:



Just because you've had a baby before, doesn't mean that you won't go through the same thing when you have your second. When I had my second baby, I actually (though foolishly) thought that because I'd had a baby before and knew what to expect, that I'd be able to handle the labor pains better. NOT!!! Even when I had my third the labor pains were like taking your bottom lip and pulling it over your head.



We all know it hurts alot, but it's worth it. It's part of the amazing experience. It still blows my mind when I think about it; how the pain stops the second that baby is out of your body. It's phenomenal!!



But, back to the point, natural is usually the healthiest way.

Lisa - posted on 04/03/2009

I had an epiderual, everything went fine & I was VERY appreciative of the "epiderual guy"... didn't feel a whole lot of anything after that, but was still aware of my surroundings & all the details... to each his own I guess... depends on your pain tolerance.  I was induced that morning & had been having contractions every 5 mins since approx 7 am... by noon I was getting weary of it & by 1pm I asked the nurse if would be considered wimp for asking for epi... she said no way since had been having constant contractions all day... so i went for it!