If most people come in labor and delivery hoping not to get an epidural, why is it that so many end up getting it? Today I’m going to share some of the most common reasons that I see. I’m not here to say you should or should NOT get it — but these might help educate you if you’re hoping to not get an epidural.
As a note, the epidural isn’t the only thing you can get for pain — I go over some of the most common pain management options right here:
They’re Exhausted
This is one I see a lot.
You’ve had false labor for days
You haven’t been able to sleep.
The anxiety of “when” has been killing you and you really need the rest.
So they get an epidural.
And honestly, this is smart! If you’re exhausted, and it’s available I think it’s smart to get. You’ve got pushing in front of you and then managing a newborn. It’s a LOT!
It’s REALLY hard to sleep during labor, although if you think just one small nap would do wonders, sometimes IV pain medicine can help out with this too.
Far too many people stay up timing contractions in early labor, my best tip is to ignore them until you can’t — and sleeping is one of my favorite ways to ignore them!
Want to know more labor tips? — check out these posts:
- How to Feel Confident Making Choices During Labor
- What To Do If Labor Isn’t Progressing?
- Secret Keys to Labor that No One Talks About
- The Three Biggest Mistakes Labor Patients Make—And How to Prevent Them
- Labor Anxiety? These 3 Things Help You Feel in Control
They’re Being Induced
The reality is that you start your induction from minute one in the hospital.
Which makes it hard to:
- Ignore (you’re just sitting there, like a “watched pot”)
- Sleep through (the hospital is HORRIBLE for sleep)
- Get comfy — because we have to have the monitors on the baby in order to induce you (and this is something you can’t refuse)
Often inductions are very long too. Clearly, it depends on what your cervix is when you come in (see my article on Signs You’re Ready to Be Induced for more info).
Inductions are just trickier to make it through without an epidural for a variety of reasons. That isn’t to say you can’t make it – but it is important to know it’s hard.
I think it’s important to know what you are facing (because it’s different for everyone). That’s why I made this induction checklist:
And, if you’re looking for some positivity, check out this podcast from someone who was induced without an epidural:
They Came In Too Early
Some people think the minute contractions start, it’s time to pack that bag and head into the hospital. I mean, that’s how it happens on the movies, right?
I’m here to say that for most people, the best place for you to be in early labor is at home.
Don’t forget to use your provider — it’s great to call them and check in, tell them what’s happening and get their advice on when you should head in. As an experienced nurse I could tell by your voice if it was time to head in (most often).
The thing is, this is scary. It’s especially scary for partners. They feel like you’re paying the hospital and your provider to manage the labor — so, why not use them?
Well, the hospital just isn’t relaxing, it doesn’t let oxytocin flow in early labor. It doesn’t have your people, your things, your food, your smells. It also has medical staff poking and prodding you…
So, it’s important to get some tools to help you wait at home for a bit in early labor. What to do, what to eat, and what to watch for…
I’m so glad that you’re here, but this is one partners can use some education on too. That’s why I recommend this. It has a whole chapter on early labor and managing it at home. It’s so helpful — for both of you!
They Weren’t Prepared
So many think they can muscle through labor, like they have for cramps since puberty — but I’m here to say that you really need to get prepared.
And, like all good preparation, you have to practice. It takes time and effort, and often a good teacher to get you both prepared (because you want a partner in this, not just a cheerleader).
This has a whole natural pain management bonus video included that has proven to help people manage labor pains and make good choices for themselves in the hospital. So helpful!
It’s there!
The reality is that at home, there’s no epidural.
If you deliver at a birth center, there’s no epidural.
But at the hospital it is there.
I see people all the time telling their partner not to let them get it — but honestly, my friend. You’re an adult. If you make the choice to get it, then get it. You don’t need someone holding it back from you like you’re a toddler. You can really make that choice. Epidurals have been proven to be effective, safe ways of pain management.
Lots of people are awfully scared of epidurals, which is a shame. There’s a chapter in here that explains about how they work and even walks you through it using some common household items to make it less scary. I think you’ll love it.
The reality is that you can have a lot of hopes and wishes (and preparation) about your birth, but until you’re in the actual situation it’s hard to know what is really the best choice for you. So, staying open to things is the smartest thing you can do.
Want to go over your hopes for a perfect birth – -check out my free birth plan series:
It’s important to know what you’d like if things are working out, but also know how to make choices on your own when the time comes. This teaches you both how to do just that. I think you’ll love it (in fact, it’s guaranteed).
- About the Author
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A nurse since 1997, she has worked in various fields including pediatrics, geriatrics & hospice. She has 20 years of labor and delivery experience in the San Jose, CA and Phoenix, AZ areas.
As an evidence-based prenatal educator Hilary has delivered thousands of babies and has educated hundreds of thousands of parents from a diverse patient population to help them have a confident birth.
How to Feel Confident Making Choices During Labor