WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Alternatives to Epidural

Alternatives to Epidural
While epidurals are a popular choice for pain relief during labor, there are other medication options available for managing discomfort.
Understanding these alternatives can help you make an informed decision about what's best for your labor experience.
Non-Epidural Medication Options
  1. Intravenous (IV) Pain Relievers:
  2. Intramuscular Injections:
  3. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas):
  4. Tranquilizers:
Choosing the Right Medication for You
  • Discuss Options Early: Talk to your healthcare provider about pain relief options during your prenatal visits.
  • Consider Your Pain Tolerance: Your pain threshold can guide you in choosing the right medication.
  • Be Aware of Potential Side Effects: Each medication has its own set of side effects, and it's important to weigh these against their benefits.
  • Know Your Medical History: Some health conditions may make certain medications less advisable.
Tips for Using Non-Epidural Medications
  • Have a Flexible Plan: Labor can be unpredictable, so be open to adjusting your pain management plan as needed.
  • Combine with Non-Medical Methods: Consider combining medication with techniques like breathing exercises, massage, or water therapy for more comprehensive pain management.
  • Stay Informed: Stay aware of how the medication is affecting you and your baby, and communicate any concerns to your healthcare provider.
Q&As
  1. Can I switch from one type of medication to another during labor?
  2. How do I know which medication is right for me?
  3. Are these medications safe for my baby?
  4. What if I want to avoid medication altogether?
  5. Can I still be mobile with these medications?
Choosing the right pain management method is a key aspect of your birth plan.
By understanding the options beyond epidurals, you can make a choice that aligns with your preferences and needs, ensuring a more comfortable and positive labor experience.
Remember, your well-being and that of your baby are the top priorities, and your healthcare team is there to support you every step of the way.
L
Lyric
15 Jan 2024

anyone taking an epidural? i’m scared of epidural lmaoo i plan to go natural im just scared it’s going to mess up my back for the rest of my life 🤨

6 comments
N
Nik
I have multiple times, and plan to do wo again. It helps my spasms with cerebral palsy in the end of labor ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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Lyric
was there any side effects or long term effects for you?
27 Mar 2024

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Brandy
13 Jan 2024

Epidural or no epidural what’s everybody’s opinion I am currently 13 weeks and 5 days and have done research but can’t seem to get a clear answer as to which is the best ( I have had previous back problems)

15 comments
R
Raelin
I’ve had both lol My induction where I had the epidural was 17 1/2 hours My spontaneous was 4 hours I did ask for an epidural but my daughter came before they got there lol This time I’m going to try not having the epidural but if I need it I’ll get it
27 Mar 2024

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B
Brandy
I’m just worried about my previous back problems
27 Mar 2024

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D
Danielle
3 Jan 2024

Ladies epidural or no epidural? I am going to try my hardest to not to get it. I've had 3 already and I believe my back is extremely sensitive because of it. Any tips for pain relief?

12 comments
M
Makayla
i’m having another c section after my previous emergency c section. but i can say getting the epidural while in actual labor is the worst thing i’ve ever done my back still hurts from it 22 months later. plus im 36 weeks pregnant 🤦🏽‍♀️ they do have the breathing gas you can try, hot baths in the hospital during contractions help ease the pain, ofc they have IV meds they can give you to help with pain… learning how to ease your body and breath will help
27 Mar 2024

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D
Danielle
what state you in cause alabama didn't have none of that with my 3 year old. Or they just didn't offer it to me. I'm definitely going ask for something. And get a yoga ball this time.
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kamryn
8 Dec 2023

So I have a question I really don’t want an epidural durning birth as I have so much back pain as it is I’ve read up on alternatives but it would be great to get some advice by moms who have actually used alternatives

2 comments
C
Catherina
I have scoliosis and I'm not going to get it because it can be risky. I really don't know what other alternatives there are. You can ask your Dr. My first pregnancy, I gave birth in a car so I didn't have any options. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tia
15 Jun 2023

So once you get the epidural , comes time to pushing, you can’t feel anything as you push? Or that epidural only helps the contractions?

26 comments
J
Jané
You still feel it, it just don’t hurt. Like I could feel the pressure of pushing my babies out but I wasn’t in pain
27 Mar 2024

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A
Ayanna
I heard it depends on how the body respond . Some people feel nothing, some feel pressure, some feel everything lol. Some ppl ep dont even kick in 🥴
27 Mar 2024

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C
CRYSTAL 🌈👶👣
11 May 2023

What are Pain medication options for Labor other than epidural?? Anyone know?! I'm afraid to do epidural due to complications on my last delivery. Any advice would help. Please and Thank you!!!!

3 comments
S
Shakiya
This is what’s listed on the birth plan I’ve been filling out from my doula!
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tinisha
Congratulations 🎉❤️
27 Mar 2024

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Lizabet
12 Jan 2023

Epidural or No epidural!? I’ve had 2 epidural births and realllly want to look into no epidural this time. I’m beyond scared but I really want to try it being this will be my last baby!

10 comments
L
Leighanne
So I'm scared about not being able to move if I get an epidural
27 Mar 2024

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B
Brooke
No epi for me all 4 of my labors. You can do itt mama
27 Mar 2024

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V
Victoria
13 Nov 2022

Epidural or just IV medication for pain? I think I’m going to do a epidural but I heard the IV works good too. I’m scared idk what one to do #epidural

6 comments
B
Bhreonte
Epidural wasn’t bad at all didn’t it know they were done putting it in
27 Mar 2024

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z
zoey
Epidural wasn’t bad and it helped with the pain so much ☺️
27 Mar 2024

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A
Ashley
3 Oct 2022

Stop trying to scare mothers to be into epidural, I’m not against epidural at all but when a mother to be wants to go naturally don’t “ epidural will be you best friend” “ you say that now”, that was your birthing experience! Majority of labor is a mind thing putting that fear in them plays a part in labor.

11 comments
d
dess
Yesss ! Everyone kept telling me to get it but I really wanted to do it natural and they would literally tell me why would I wanna go through that pain if I didn't have to . Thankfully I did end up going through labor naturally with no pain meds ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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Qui qui 👼🏾💙🕊🌈👶🏾💙
The doctor wanted to do epidural so bad I kept telling them no my mind was set on natural n that what I stuck with
27 Mar 2024

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Makayla
5 Feb 2022

Epidural or no epidural? And why I want to do this naturally, I have a high pain tolerance but at the same time I don’t want to feel the pain. So I’m going to hold off as long as I can if I feel like I can’t handle the contractions then I’ll opt for the epidural

3 comments
A
Angel.
I got the epidural when I had to end my first pregnancy, I got feel a thing, it makes you completely bed rest when my water broke I thought I just peed myself and the doctor came in an told me that my water broke but it felt like it took forever to deliver my baby who wasn't healthy an had passed away inside of me I had him the next day........ now with my mericle baby that I'm about to give birth now with I plan on using the epidural again to make it so I can't feel anything bc I have low pain tolerance
27 Mar 2024

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L
Lhanssy
I’m sorry love I pray everything goes well this time
27 Mar 2024

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