What It Actually Feels Like To Give Birth Without An Epidural

Side Effects Of Epidurals

While it may be tempting to numb labor pains, there can be serious complications of using an epidural that lasts beyond labor. According to research, women who receive epidurals have higher chances of needing intervention. This includes vacuum extraction, delivery by forceps and ultimately a caesarean section after several hours of laboring. The chances of tearing when receiving an epidural are double compared to women who have an unmedicated birth. Other side effects include spinal headaches or migraines that can last anywhere from a few days to a few months after delivery. The use of epidurals on average extends the first stage of labor by 30 minutes and the second stage of labor by 2-3 hours almost cutting the time of pushing in half for women not using anesthesia.

Benefits Of Birthing Without An Epidural

The physical and emotional recovery for women who give birth without an epidural is usually shorter with fewer side effects from the birth, such as tearing and swelling. Women who receive an epidural often need to be told when to push and may overextend themselves pushing too hard. Being unmedicated means you can instinctively feel when and how much to push. The feelings of euphoria you feel immediately after birth are a result of your body releasing oxytocin. Many of these feelings are dulled by the use of anesthesia, which can often leave you feeling dizzy, sluggish and even feverish. Women who give birth without medication or intervention are up walking around sooner after delivery as they do not need to let the numbing effects of an epidural wear off.