When it comes to pregnancy, women face a myriad of decisions, but perhaps the most contentious is whether to pursue natural childbirth or receive an epidural.
First, I want to express my profound respect for those who choose natural birth. It’s reminiscent of the awe I feel for extreme athletes who free dive to incredible depths while holding their breath. While I find these endeavors fascinating, I would never willingly partake in them.
However, my admiration extends even further to the marvel of anesthesia. I was one of those classic expectant mothers who began inquiring about the epidural as early as 20 weeks into my pregnancy. Following the birth of my first child, I even contemplated naming her “Epidural” in homage to this remarkable medical advancement.
By the time I was expecting my second child at age 37, I had been classified as experiencing a “geriatric pregnancy.” This designation meant that for the last six weeks, I had to undergo frequent blood tests and non-stress tests, during which nurses would frequently exclaim, “Wow, that was a big contraction! Did you feel that?” As the woman who eagerly wanted an epidural by week 20, you bet I felt those contractions!
At 38 weeks, I received an alarming call from my doctor, instructing me to head to the hospital immediately based on my latest blood test results. She provided little detail, only suggesting I bring my hospital bag. Upon arrival at the hospital, I was placed in a room and monitored while waiting for the doctor to finish attending another patient.
While we sat nervously, we were unexpectedly treated to the sounds of a woman giving birth without an epidural. My husband and I exchanged glances, half in fear and half in disbelief. Twenty minutes went by, and the intensity of the situation escalated. After an hour, we found ourselves questioning if it was too late to rename our daughter “Epidural.”
When the nurse finally returned to our room, we commented on the thinness of the walls, only to discover that the sounds were coming through a closed window from the next room. I was then informed that I needed to undergo a follow-up blood test while we waited for the doctor.
As time passed, I began to reconsider the entire birthing process. Eventually, the doctor arrived to explain that my blood tests indicated a condition I’ll refer to as “Snarfenflephograph.” Although there was no immediate risk to me or the baby, she cautioned that if the condition worsened, an epidural would not be an option.
In my mind, I was processing the situation, thinking, “You brought us here just to tell me I might not get my epidural?” Thankfully, I maintained my composure outwardly. After ensuring the baby was fine, I was advised to go home and try not to worry, with the hope that labor could commence early enough to avoid the no-epidural situation.
The following morning, my contractions intensified. I called my husband, who was at the pediatrician’s office, and calmly suggested he inform them, “My wife is about to give birth without an epidural at home.” This method proved effective, as he was quickly seen.
Upon arriving at the hospital, I was pleasantly surprised to learn I was already 7 centimeters dilated. Time was of the essence. I remembered the nurse from my first childbirth advising me to get in line for the anesthesiologist as soon as I arrived. “I’m here! Get me in the epidural line!” But first, I needed to undergo one last Snarfenflephograph blood test.
As I lay there in pain, desperately trying to remember my prenatal yoga breathing, the anesthesiologist fortunately didn’t have to wait long to begin the procedure because there was no waiting line that day. I barely registered the doctor’s entrance or the test results. However, the moment I felt the cool antiseptic on my back, I knew relief was imminent.
The transition from excruciating pain to a state of calm was surreal. Suddenly, I was aware of my husband’s presence, and my focus shifted from pain to mundane concerns like whether we had packed the right DVDs.
While some may argue that opting for an epidural means missing an authentic birthing experience, I liken this choice to receiving anesthesia for an appendectomy. It may not be the traditional method, but I believe that had women in the past been given such options, they would have embraced them.
If you’re contemplating whether to have an epidural, let me gently encourage you toward that decision. It’s a realm where you can relax during labor, perhaps even enjoy some light reading or a movie. Just be sure to have the remote handy to adjust the volume if you hear any unmediated labor sounds from the next room. For further insights into pregnancy and home insemination, check out our other blog post at this link. Additionally, for those navigating this journey, this resource is valuable. You can also find helpful information at WebMD.
In summary, the decision of whether to use an epidural during childbirth is deeply personal and varies from woman to woman. Each path has its own merits, but for those who favor a more comfortable experience, an epidural can indeed enhance the process.