Reasons to Consider an Epidural When You Really Didn't Want One
Labor and birth can unfold very differently from what you had planned. When circumstances change, it is Ok to pivot and make a new plan. Sometimes that means moving from an unmedicated birth to a getting an epidural. Read on for a few reasons why you might change your mind about getting an epidural.
You’ve had a really long labor and you are exhausted. If you’ve been laboring all day and overnight and haven’t slept in 24 hours, it might be time to consider an epidural so that you can get some rest. Getting the epidural will allow your body to relax while your labor continues. You may even be able to sleep for a couple of hours. This will give you the energy you need when it is time to push!
Your blood pressure is high. One of the side effects of the epidural is that it tends to lower your blood pressure. If you are being induced to due preeclampsia it might be a tool to consider to help keep your blood pressure a bit lower while you labor. Talk to your care provider about this option.
You’ve been laboring a really long time without much cervical change. Labor is hard and contractions are tough. You may be trying to relax your body throughout the contractions but you are finding it nearly impossible to do so. Being tense can keep labor from progressing. Sometimes after folks get an epidural their body can relax and they start making a lot of cervical change, especially when this is paired with movement with a peanut ball.
You just changed your mind. That’s OK. Sometimes we have a vision of the way things are going to go but then our lived experience doesn’t match what we expected to happen.
If you change your mind during labor and decide to get an epidural, go for it. Don’t let anyone bully you about your decision or make you feel like you aren’ t doing something amazing. YOU are amazing. So, get that epidural, get comfy, and get ready to have your beautiful baby. You’ve got this!