<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"   One in four women have an epidural during labour. Our experts help you consider the pros and cons, and new mums share their experiences.   When Leanne Garner, 29, wrote her birth plan, she was 100 per cent sure she would not be having an epidural \u2013 the painkilling anaesthetic passed through a tube into the \u2018epidural space\u2019 of the spine, hence the name. But once in labour with baby Leo, now 5 months, Leanne changed her mind \u2013 and she doesn\u2019t regret her decision one bit. Leanne, 28, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, says, \u2018I spent my entire pregnancy worrying that I\u2019d need an epidural and it would go wrong.  As my due date got closer I was more terrified of an epidural than I was of the pain of childbirth. It was all I could focus on.  \u2018I had to be induced because I was 13 days overdue, and straight away my contractions came thick and fast.  The TENS machine and gas and air just weren\u2019t enough and within half an hour of getting to the delivery suite I was begging for an epidural. I only had to wait 30 minutes before I was given one and the relief was blissful. I was able to relax and rest on the bed and nearly fell asleep.\u2019 After eight hours of labour Leanne was fully dilated and ready to push. The epidural wasn\u2019t topped up at that stage so she was able to feel the contractions.  \u2018I could still feel to push, but it wasn\u2019t painful,\u2019 Leanne says.  \u2018I pushed for about an hour before Leo was born, weighing 9lb 3oz. He latched on straight away for a feed, and within half an hour the epidural had worn off and I was able to move around. I can\u2019t believe I\u2019d made such a fuss about having it. I\u2019d recommend it to anyone.\u2019  Leanne\u2019s change of heart isn\u2019t unusual. Whether to have an epidural or not is an issue that divides many mums-to-be, with some passionately opposed to the idea and others equally convinced they should be offered as standard.  So, were Leanne\u2019s worries justified? The latest research indicates that the risks associated with epidurals \u2013 such as nerve injury and infection \u2013 are far lower than previously thought.  Dr Tim Cook, consultant anaesthetist at Bath\u2019s Royal United Hospital, led a recent study which analysed the complications from epidurals.  \u2018Our findings are extremely reassuring for mums-to-be,\u2019 he says.  \u2018Out of 320,000 obstetric epidurals performed each year, we found that only between one and three women have major and serious complications, which means it\u2019s a relatively low-risk procedure. There may be other temporary side effects [see box], but there are also a lot of benefits.\u2019  Saying yes to an anaesthetic that can entirely remove the pain of childbirth \u2013 for a while, at least \u2013 might seem like a no-brainer.  However, according to Annette Briley, research midwife at Tommy\u2019s, the baby charity, mums-to-be have often dismissed the idea of an epidural, preferring instead to go it alone.  \u2018A few years ago, in particular, there was a feeling that if you had an epidural, it was a cop-out,\u2019 she says.  \u2018But I think attitudes have changed. It\u2019s in everyone\u2019s interest to have the best birth experience possible \u2013 remember, there are no extra Brownie points for doing it drug-free!\u2019    The downsides of an epidural Even if you plan to have an epidural, you may not actually get one.  Guidelines say you should see an anaesthetist within 30 minutes of requesting an epidural but on busy wards this isn\u2019t always possible.  Peter Bowen-Simpkins, consultant obstetrician and spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, explains,  \u2018The worst scenario is when someone says, &amp;#039;I want an epidural now&amp;#039;, but the anaesthetists are all in emergency surgery.  Once they\u2019re with you, it then takes about 30 minutes to set it up. So it isn\u2019t a quick fix.\u2019  For the procedure, you\u2019ll need to sit very still while a curved, hollow needle is inserted into the spine area. A fine catheter tube is inserted into the needle, which is then removed.  In about 10 per cent of cases the epidural doesn\u2019t work effectively and may have to be resited.  Although having an epidural won\u2019t make a Caesarean more likely, there is evidence to show it will increase your risk of an instrumental delivery (forceps or ventouse).  \u2018If the epidural is topped up too late in labour you\u2019ll lose the sensation to push, which prolongs that stage of labour and increases the risk of ventouse or forceps. However, if the epidural is well-managed you\u2019ll still feel the urge to push,\u2019 explains Mr Bowen-Simpkins.    Keep an open mind Whatever your thoughts are on pain relief, it pays to keep an open mind \u2013 after all, you wouldn\u2019t have a tooth or your appendix out without pain relief.  You can\u2019t predict how you\u2019ll feel on the day or how your labour will progress, so don\u2019t fret too much if you deviate from your birth plan.  Also remember that an epidural is only available in hospital so if you\u2019re planning to give birth at home or in a birthing centre, you\u2019ll need to be transferred to hospital if you need one.  \u2018It\u2019s not ideal to be talking about an epidural for the first time when you\u2019re actually in labour, in pain and tired,\u2019 says midwife Annette Briley.  \u2018It\u2019s sensible to think about it properly beforehand, talking it through with your partner, even if you don\u2019t need it on the day.\u2019   Epidural pros and cons   Pros Cons    Highly effective pain relief Only available in hospital    Allows you to rest Not always available when you want it    Can be topped up throughout labour In about 10 per cent of cases it does not give effective pain relief    Providing it\u2019s left to wear off, you should still be able to feel when to push May slow down the pushing stage    You\u2019ll feel clear-headed Won\u2019t be given if you\u2019re close to the pushing stage   No effect on the baby  Increases the risk of an instrumental delivery (forceps or ventouse)     May cause a drop in blood pressure     You\u2019ll need a drip and continuous foetal heart monitoring     Possible side effects may include shivering and severe headaches     It\u2019s a good idea to think about whether or not you\u2019d like an epidural before the big day \u2013 but it\u2019s also fine to change your mind when the time comes!   Your pain relief options Knowing what\u2019s available will help you make an informed decision on the day.   TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) This little machine has wires connected to your back by sticky pads. It uses electrical pulses to block pain signals and stimulate endorphins, your body\u2019s natural painkillers.  Pros: You\u2019re in control and can adjust the pain relief levels as necessary. Drug-free and won\u2019t affect your baby. You can hire one and use it at home in early labour.  Cons: You\u2019ll have to remove it for a water birth or if you need foetal monitoring. Most women only find it effective in early labour.    Gas and air (Entonox) A mixture of nitrous oxide (gas) and oxygen (air), inhaled through a plastic mouthpiece.  Pros: Available for home births and in birthing centres as well as hospitals. Works in just 30-40 seconds and won\u2019t affect your baby.  Cons: May not be strong enough in established labour. Can make you feel woozy, with a very dry mouth. Makes some women feel sick.    Pethidine or diamorphine These opiate drugs are given as an injection, usually in your thigh, and take about 20 minutes to work.  Pros: Can help you relax and sleep. Can be given at a home birth, although you may need a prescription.  Cons: Can make you feel woozy and sick. If given too close to delivery they can cause suckling and breathing problems in your baby and make him very tired.    Water birth A water birth isn\u2019t suitable if you have any complications or need continuous foetal monitoring. And remember, you can\u2019t guarantee that a pool will be free when you need it. Wait until you\u2019re 5cm dilated before getting in, as using it earlier may slow down labour.  Pros: Helps you relax, increases your chances of a natural birth and reduces trauma to the perineum.  Cons: You\u2019ll have to take off your TENS machine, although you can still use gas and air.    Other people read: What will your newborn baby actually look like?: we help put your mind at rest. Find a baby name: we have a collection of more than 6000 boys and girls names. What no one tells you about after the birth: here&amp;#039;s what to expect after you first meet your baby.  Last updated 27.10.2012 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/parenting/pregnancy/a9282/would-you-consider-an-epidural/>