13 Reasons NOT to Get an Epidural
Debating on getting an epidural?
Planning for a natural birth, but need some reassurance on your decision to avoid the epidural?
For most of human history, women have birthed without epidurals. But now, with them being so common, it really makes you wonder if there are any benefits to not getting an epidural?
The potential risks of getting an epidural may surprise you. Because of these risks, more and more moms are starting to opt for natural birth again.
In this post, we’ll talk about some of the potential side effects of epidurals and why some moms are choosing to forgo them for their births.
*Just so you know, this page contains affiliate links. And as an affiliate and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here.
13 Reasons NOT to Get an Epidural
Yes, epidurals can be a great pain management tool during labor, but there’s also several benefits to not getting one as well.
Listed below are 13 reasons why myself and many other moms choose the more natural route over an epidural – even if they’ve already birthed with an epidural before.
1. It Stalls Labor
Plain and simple, epidural equals restriction. You have very little freedom to move throughout labor.
If you receive an epidural you will have to stay in bed, receive continuous fetal monitoring, and additional IV fluids.
Restricted movement does not favor the natural process of birth one bit. In fact, it’s known to stall labor (source).
You need to be able to move and change positions throughout labor to encourage your baby into an optimal birthing position. Movement will help your baby engage and move down the birth canal.
Without an epidural, you’ll have the freedom to birth and deliver your baby in more optimal positions, such as squatting, standing, or on your hands and knees.
2. Starts the Cascade of Interventions
Because epidurals are known to slow down labor, your provider will be more inclined to want to start you on pitocin to help speed things along.
Pitocin, however, is known to cause intense, frequent, forced contractions that could put mom and baby in distress.
This increases the chances of you needing an emergency c-section. And this my friends, is what’s known as the “cascade of interventions.”
Pushing is often more difficult with an epidural as well, which increases your risk of forceps, vacuum, and again, c-section (source).
Intervention begets the need for more intervention.
3. You Can't Feel Anything
There’s seriously no comparison to the feeling you have after a natural birth. With an epidural, you could simply miss the feeling of LIFE crawling out of you.
You’ll also likely be “out of it” after you deliver and may not feel an immediate connection to your baby because of the effects of the epidural.
Yes, contractions can be painful. Yes, pushing can be painful. But, it’s nothing compared to the joy that you are about to receive. When it comes to childbirth, pain is purposeful.
Something to remember if you do wish to have a natural birth.
I’m so glad that I was present and able to feel everything with the birth of my babies. It was painful, but man, it was so enthralling.
4. Lowers Blood Pressure
Now, this may actually be a good thing if you have high blood pressure, but if yours is in the normal range, this potential sudden drop in blood pressure could make you feel light headed or nauseous and may require you to have additional IV fluids or medications to help counteract it.
It can also reduce blood flow to your baby, compromising their oxygen. This could lead to fetal distress, requiring the need of an emergency cesarean (source).
5. Severe Headaches
The puncture from the epidural needle could also leave you with a debilitating headache for days to weeks following delivery, especially if the needle is accidentally inserted too far.
This is a complication of epidurals and is known as post-dural puncture headaches. These can also cause neck pain, general sickness, and an aversion to bright lights (source).
And if you’re one who already suffered from chronic migraines before pregnancy, then you’ll likely find yourself more prone to headache episodes postpartum.
6. Even More Side Effects
As with any medication, there’s always potential side effects. And besides back pain and severe headaches, epidurals are also known to cause nausea and vomiting, dizziness, shivering, itchiness, fever, and swelling.
And although very rare, there’s also the potential for infection, seizures, and serious neurological damage, such as permanent paralysis (source).
7. Diminishes Post Birth High
Did you know that epidurals also block oxytocin receptors (source)?
A mother’s oxytocin should be the highest it will ever be at birth. This love hormone peak is what helps create an instant connection between mom and baby at first sight.
With an epidural, your oxytocin peak will likely be obliterated.
There’s also this huge adrenaline rush you get after a pain-med free birth.
You have a sense of relief, clarity, and empowerment right after your baby enters the world.
You’re coherent and not in a state of fog. You can remember your birth vividly.
With an epidural, you may feel groggy and a little out of it, and your birth may be a bit of a blur.
Continue Reading Below
Related
8. Reduces Success Rate of Initial Breastfeeding
Because oxytocin receptors are blocked with an epidural, breastfeeding could be delayed as well.
Any drug mom receives during labor will also be passed to the baby via the placenta. Therefore, baby and mom may both not be in the right state of mind to initiate breastfeeding during that golden hour.
Research has backed these theories up and has shown breastfeeding abilities to be highest among unmedicated babies, lower among those exposed to epidurals or IV opiates, and lowest among babies exposed to both (source).
9. Increases Chances of Tearing
Because epidurals numb everything below the waist, you may not be able to feel the urge to push.
You most likely won’t have full control of the lower half of your body and have to follow coached pushing.
Pushing just isn’t as effective when you can’t feel what’s going on with your body and your birth, and this increases your chances of perineal tearing (source).
10. Have to Have a Urinary Catheter
Let’s be honest, catheters suck.
And if you get an epidural, you’ll also have to have a urinary catheter. Because you know, you can’t walk and all. Plus, you may not even be able to feel the need to urinate.
It’s pretty rare to not have a urinary catheter with an epidural, but some hospitals do allow it.
And even if you’re able to get away with not getting one going into labor, you may end up needing one anyways, shall complications arise (like having to have c-section or not being able to empty your bladder postpartum).
11. No Walking After Delivery
Unforuntaley, you’re also strapped to the boots following delivery and not able to walk around right away.
If you refrain from the epidural, you’ll likely be up walking around with little to no assitance shortly after birth.
You’ll be able to walk over to use the bathroom or rinse off. You’ll also be able to walk over and watch if the hospital staff has to do anything with your baby that they cannot do with baby in your arms.
I remember the postpartum nurse commenting on how I must have not had an epidural because I was walking so easily following the birth of my second child. My first child was a little different, because I had been on bedrest for about 5 weeks prior.
12. Slows Down Postpartum Recovery
If you birth without intervention, you’re more likely to feel amazing following delivery.
With an epidural, you may feel pretty crappy for days, weeks, or even months after birth.
You may still have numbness, tingling, and shaking for awhile after the epidural medications have been discontinued. You’ll have more trouble walking following delivery, and you’re more likely to have had an additional intervention. All of this leads to a longer, more painful postpartum recovery.
Your muscles may be stiff from remaining in the same position for a long time during labor and you may feel more sore from extraneous pushing due to your inability to feel.
13. Could Strip Your Empowerment
An epidural may provide satisfying pain relief, but pain relief doesn’t always equal a satisfying birth.
In fact, evidence shows that women who birth without medication tend to be the most satisfied with their birth experience, even for weeks and years following (source).
You just have this feeling of accomplishment and empowerment after you birth without pain meds. It can build lifelong confidence and good memories of your baby’s birth.
This can certainly be the case with a medicated birth as well, but some moms who had planned for a natural birth or a home birth might struggle with feelings of defeat during and after birth.
It's a Personal Choice
Epidurals have proven to be a very effective pain management tool during labor, however, just like with any other drug or medication, there’s also potential risks and side effects that come with (for both mom and baby in this case).
Every birth is different and every mother has to make the decision that is best for them and their unique situation.
When it comes to receiving an epidural, weigh the risks and benefits to make an informed choice on what course of action you would like to take.
What About You?
Were you able to avoid the epidural with any of your births? Share your reasonings for not getting an epidural in the comments below and be sure to share this post with other expecting moms.
I’m so glad I read this post! I’m 3 months postpartum with my first child!! I had planned on a natural water birth but I ended up having to get an epidural!! It was such a disappointment to me….and the headaches and backaches in the following weeks are no fun at all!!! This post gave me hope and made me excited to think about giving birth naturally with my next child!! Thankyou
Congratulations on the birth of your child, Lily! You are so strong! Try not to be disappointed. Every birth is different, and you never know how it will turn out. Good news is that birth is usually easier (and quicker) the second time around! Wishing you the best. Enjoy those baby snuggles and be sure to take care of yourself.
I found your article by chance. Very informative, I must say.
However I gave a birth to my son with epidural and have positive labour.
I partly agree to the article and would like to share in case, 🙂
1. I feel when the baby comes down but no pain and I’m able to push.
2.Urinary Catheter? Yes, but you feel nothing after labour I can go and pee by myself.
Yes, you didn’t feel that you want to pee.
3. Delayed breastfeeding – nope!! I feed the baby like the other mothers.
4. Can’t walk afterward – nope!! I walked to the toilet after I finish labour.
5. Side effect – shivering yes! and it’s gone when the nurse took epidural off from me.
6. Side effect afterward? Nope! I have nothing
I never regret taking epidural. I feel like when the pain get away, I can focus more for the push (5 pushes for me) and the moment.
However, I agree with you that it’s finally a personal choice. 🙂
Thank you for sharing, Pia! Everyone has a different experience, so I appreciate your input. I’m so glad you had a positive birth experience!
I really appreciate this! I just had my first baby in October. Before I was ever pregnant, I knew I wanted to go with a homebirth due to my aversion/fear of hospitals. I spent so much time researching and learning about labor and delivery in hopes to alleviate some of the fear I had not having pain management. The best things that helped me prepare were prenatal yoga, breathing exercises, knowing what exactly is happening with my body in labor, and reading positive birth stories. I was blessed with a beautiful and fairly quick home birth. My water broke at 5 am and my baby girl was born at 5:59 pm. I only pushed for 20-25 minutes. I was so shocked on how fast it all happened, especially knowing this was my first baby. The empowerment and love was so overwhelming and it lasted for days. I honestly feel that if I had gotten an epidural that she wouldn’t have gotten here as quickly.
I definitely understand that not everyone has the choice, but I just wish that more women would really consider a nautral birth. It’s definitely scary but our bodies are amazing and can do more than we think they can. I also know that this topic can be very triggering. I know many mama’s who were set on a natural birth and were devastated when they needed intervention. Everyone’s birth is going to be different and ultimately, being comfortable in labor and delivery is one of the biggest key factors that can make for a successful birth.
Thank you so much for your comment, Taylor. What a lovely birth story you have! I’m so glad you were able to have the birth you desired.
Our bodies truly are amazing! Feeling comfortable and safe can make such a big difference when it comes to birth, and that’s going to look different for every woman. Well said, Taylor!
I’ve had 3 births with epidurals and 3 very healthy babies. Actually babies were stuck in the pelvis until I received them so I am very grateful. First labor was 30 plus hours. I had a wonderful experience. No catheter, no issues with breastfeeding, no headaches or side affects and walked out of labor room soon after birth. The article above does address the “ worst case scenario” in regard to Epidurals but not how most women experience them. I had wonderful, miraculous labors with them and highly recommend. Good for you if your body allows you to do it without but it’s not the case for everyone.
It’s always so wonderful to hear positive birth stories! Yes, there are many women, just like yourself, you have had great births with epidurals. Not only can epidurals help with pain, but they can also help calm anxiety and give you a rest during those looonng labors. While this article does address some worst case scenarios, many of these side effects are much more common than you would think, unfortunately.
I wish some one would comment on how harmful epidurals are for the baby! Healthcare workers have known for decades that narcotics decrease respirations, and most experienced labor and delivery nurses have seen enough blue babies being born to know that this really can’t be good for the baby! My niece was black when she was delivered via C-section! The hospital staff immediately put her on a respirator and she pinked up very soon, Thank Goodness! But in looking back, I think the hospital should have had more than one obstetrician working that night. My sister’s c-section was delayed for 2 hours because of another obstetrical emergency. I don’t know that my niece would have lived much longer had she not been delivered when she was! Her mother didn’t see how black she was initially, but I and the babi’es father did and she was literally suffocating! My sister who is 4’11” thought she could give birth in a birthing center. No one warned her that women 5’2” and under typically do not have pelvises wide enough to deliver a baby and usually require a c-section! My niece is grown with 2 of her own now, but my sister had trouble with 2 subsequent deliveries and I feel she acted irresponsibly by avoiding the hospital until she was 8 cam’s dilated w/ 2nd delivery. My nephew’s head got stuck in her pelvis for 4 minutes during a c-section and he went for 4 minutes without oxygen! I blame her for this. In her yearning for a natural childbirth experience without medical intervention, she put the life of her own son at risk, and should have known better given her experience with her first baby!
I know how horrible the pain of giving birth must be, but parents really do need to know the risks epidurals pose for the baby also. If a woman simply cannot cope with the pain, cannot the obstetrician just make every attempt to perform a c-section as soon as the mother is numb? This business of being on an epidural from 2 centimeters until 8 cms. So the mother can feel like she’s “Done Something!” is cruel to the baby and irresponsible on the part of the hospital staff and the mother! If you don’t feel comfortable posting this, please, I would appreciate it if you could at least send me a reply. Thank you for your time. Laura
Thank you for your comment, Laura. Unfortunately, most OB/GYNs are quick to tell you the benefits of receiving an epidural, but neglect to inform you of the risks, for both mom and baby (my guess is because it’s in their best financial interest). I really wish they would inform mothers of the risks as well! I did mention the risks to baby within the cascade of interventions and lower blood pressure section, but maybe I should make the risks for baby a highlight point, so again, thank you for commenting.
I don’t necessarily think height always has a correlation to pelvis size, but pelvis size/shape can certainly have an effect on a woman’s ability to birth a baby vaginally (no matter their height). I’m only 5’1″ and I birthed a 5 lb 8 oz baby, an 8 lb 4 oz baby, and then a 10 lb 6 oz baby, all vaginally without epidurals.
Going forward and trying to decide what’s the best route for your next birth can be difficult. Your sister may have been concerned about the risks of a c-section, and it is pretty common for your first birth to be more challenging than subsequent births, because you’ve never given birth before and your first baby kind of paves the way for the next (most of the time, anyways). The initial c-section may have been a very traumatic experience that she was hoping to avoid again, and I’m sure there’s lot of other factors. It had to have been a very challenging decision for your sister.
Hi, I am wondering if there is anyone reading this that had an epidural the first time, and not the second with a more positive take. I am so against them, despite the fact of getting one because it is so easy to say I want it when you are afraid. I still felt pain the first time, and did not feel “bliss” post birth. I never hit the button after I initially received it and when I was about to hit the button at 4pm, it was too late bc it was go time. I did have the epidural around 10am relief during contractions. I would really like to avoid the epi the next time. Any advice?
Hi Lyss, I strongly recommend looking into a doula if you haven’t already. They can be such a huge help when it comes to fear, anxiety, and pain during labor and delivery. They can also help you advocate for yourself and help make sure you’re making informed decisions. I also recommend joining The Natural Birth Support Group on Facebook. There’s lots of mamas in there that had epidurals the first time around and not the second, third, fourth, etc.
I was induced for both my pregnancies. For my first, I had an epidural and everything was just so pleasant. I remember being so incredibly happy between contractions and pushes and blissfully smiling up at my fiance. I also didn’t get a catheter. I can’t imagine hospitals forcing that. I think they just highly recommend that you do. For my second baby, Anesthesia didn’t come in time to give me an epidural. I waited and suffered 50 mins of them not showing up before I had to just start pushing. When my son came out, I was so traumatized by what had just happened that I couldn’t even look down and smile at him when they put him on my chest. All that was running through my mind was… “WTF?!” and the feeling of straight up hatred, anger and disbelief that anesthesia never came… along with feeling the pain of every stitch they were giving me down there as well as them putting in my new IUD. Then, the fact that I wasn’t happy right after my son’s birth made me even more angry at the situation. It was a snowball effect. Maybe if all that happened during my first labor, it wouldn’t have been as traumatizing. Ignorance is bliss. Experiencing the comfort and pure joy of the whole birthing process with my first one with the epidural made it a SOB the second time, without one. I think anyone that tells themselves that going natural is best because of this, that or the other is just lying to themselves.
Thank you for sharing your experiences, Kathryn. I’m sorry your second birth wasn’t what you were hoping for.
Birthing with an epidural can be beautiful, natural birth can be beautiful, and sometimes birth just doesn’t go as planned.
Induction can make labor much more intense and painful, unfortunately. Women that choose natural birth often do a lot of preparation in order to be handle the pain without medication when the time comes. It sounds like you were going through transition (which is the most intense part of labor, but also means your baby is about to be here) when you were waiting for the epidural with your second.
Remember that women have to weigh the pros and cons in order to choose what is best for them and only them. Informed choice is the goal.
As for giving birth to two beautiful babies, congrats. You’re a warrior, mama!
Urinary catheters are routinely given with epidurals in our local area.
I had an epidural both times. It was amazing both times. No catheter. Immediate bonding. Breastfeeding right away. They got me up and walking in 15 minutes. Went to hospital at 5pm, got my epidural at 9pm, slept through the night, I was woken up at 8am baby born at 8:20am. Second time went at noon 5cms dilated and baby was born at 8pm. I have never heard of complications from epidural from any of my friends. But yes, the headaches can happen to some people.
I’m glad to hear that the epidural worked out well for you both times, Laura. It sounds like it was the right choice for you. I’m glad your hospital didn’t require a catheter either. That’s pretty rare. Everybody’s experiences and choices are unique.
I have had 5 births. The first one was without an epidural but I did receive pain medication. It was a 12 hour labor, pushed a few times no tearing but the I did have some issues with bonding and nursing afterwards. The next birth I was induced a week early because the doctor thought the baby was going to be too big for me (I’m 5’2). I stalled in labor after a few hours so they broke my water and then the contractions were so intense that I couldn’t cope and I ended up getting an epidural. I had tore and had to have a few stitches, hemorrhaged after delivery and had a (baby was 8lbs 5oz, 22in long). The third labor was also induced a week early for the same reasons as the previous one. This time I had prepared for a medication free delivery and knew some coping techniques. It was 12 hours of labor as all the other ones. I didn’t tear, was able to move around, bonded immediately and felt an immense sense of accomplishment afterwards. It was almost erphoric and empowering. The forth labor was at a birthing center. I kept stalling in labor which lasted 24 hours but I was able to relax while in labor and the midwives helping me through it so gently. This baby was 8lbs 14oz and had trouble getting through the birth canal but I was able to deliver him without any complications and felt amazing post birth. My last labor was at a birthing center as well and was a quick 5 hours of labor. I ended up birthing him in the warm tub and pulled him out myself. It was an incredible experience! I’m thankful it wasn’t muddied by medications and I was able to learn ways of building resiliency and coping skills to ride the birthing waves. I have experienced many different types of labors through different pain management practices and will say for me, the natural way is more difficult but absolutely the best. The time I had the epidural was the time when I had the most complications post birth and the time I recieved pain medication was the time I felt the most foggy and disconnected post birth.
I honestly could not have done it without an epidural I was in labor for 20 hours when I got my epidural (I was in labor for 31 hours). I feel like you are shamming moms for wanting to ease the pain. I was able to enjoy the last few hours and spend the time with my husband and family without being in unbearable pain. It was amazing and I didn’t feel any pain until I started to push. There is nothing wrong with wanting to enjoy labor. Your entire life is about to change. I didn’t tear, I bonded with my baby, I breastfed after he was born. It’s a moms choice and if she needs it who cares. Don’t think your a better mom just because you were in pain.
I’m sorry you feel that way Madison, but in no way am I mom shamming in this post. I am simply stating why myself and other moms chose not to have an epidural. I state in the post that it is a personal decision and every mother needs to weigh the pros (admitting that there are pros to getting an epidural, and I include a link so women can look into those as well) and cons to make the best choice for them and their family, as everyone’s situation and birth will be different.
I’m really glad the epidural worked out well for you, and you were able to enjoy your labor.
There’s nothing wrong with women being proud of their own personal accomplishments, but no where do I state or even suggest that I’m a better mom for birthing without an epidural.
It’s extremely frustrating that women who wish to birth naturally get very little to no support from providers, family, and friends. Then when we do try to encourage and support those women, we are suddenly mom shamming the other side. It’s simply not what is happening. If you wish to get an epidural, then do it. If you want to have a natural birth, then go for it. If you want to breastfeed, do it. If you want to formula feed, do it.
Oh my gosh, go troll another site. Her article is not shaming, it’s actually informing you of the risks which most doctors do not discuss. I’ve had two epidurals and felt no shame reading this. I swear people take offense at the most ridiculous things. If her article was titled “why I think the sky is blue” y’all would argue why she didn’t defend the grass being green. Smh. Thanks for your article Nicolle and keep on blogging.
Thank you for the motivation to keep blogging, Lindsey. I agree that most doctors do not discuss the side effects with you, and that was one of the main reasons I wrote this post, so that other women can make more of an informed decision.
Thank you for the educational article! I want to go drug free route and I just can’t bear having a needle poked in me. I’m preparing mentally, physically and spiritually ” I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” 🙌 phil. 4:13
Its all in Gods hands🙏
You got this, Cynthia! God will be with you through it all. Praying you have a wonderful birth experience!
I was reading this and felt so disappointed. Instead of feeling like I’ve gained a sense of knowledge about epidurals I felt ashamed and guilty of even thinking of getting pain relief. As women we need to support each other and respect each other’s choices. If you decided to have a natural birth good for you if you decide you need pain options that’s great too. There are tons of different pain options not just epidural. I would much rather have an epidural than have a very stressful painful birth that could lead to PTSD or postpartum depression. I think it’s important to be empowered before labor by knowing your options and not feeling guilty about making a decision that is best for you. I know so many women who wanted the perfect natural birth, but either complications came up or they ended up wanting pain relief, in the end they felt disappointed and despressed about their whole experience and felt like they failed some somehow. We don’t question someone for wanting pain relief for getting their teeth pulled, we shouldn’t judge those that want an epidural during the most likly painful experience in their life. There is no right way to give birth.
I’m sorry you feel that way, Emily. That was certainly not my intention when writing this article. I’m all for respecting each Mother’s decisions.
However, like the title clearly states, this post covers the reasons NOT to get an epidural and not the reasons to get an epidural. It is written according to evidence-based studies, as well as personal experiences from moms who have had both epidural and epidural-free births.
If you’re on the fence about getting an epidural, I would also research the benefits to receiving one and articles that cover both the pros and cons, as this post was designed to only cover the potential side effects.
I understand that moms can suffer from PPD and PTSD from not receiving the natural birth they were hoping for. On the flip side, there are also many moms that are confident about their decision to receive an epidural going into birth, but then suffer from the potential side effects they were unaware of. The evidence clearly shows that epidurals increase the risk of interventions and c-sections and lowers the chances of initial breastfeeding success. These factors can increase the chances of PTSD and PPD as well. There’s also lots of other factors that go into increased risk of PPD.
I fully understand births not going as planned, as I had to be induced with both my children due to medical reasons. The goal here is to make an informed decision by weighing the risks and benefits. Most OBs will not cover the risks of getting an epidural with you (but have no problem encouraging you to get one), but this information needs to be readily available, so moms can make that informed decision.
Again, I fully respect each mother’s decision, no matter what they land on.