Should I get an Epidural?
Should I get and Epidural? If you’re asking this question, chances are you’ve already heard opinions from doctors, friends, strangers, birth TikTok, and that one aunt with a lot to say. And yet—you’re still wondering. Not because you’re unprepared, but because this decision matters. Deeply. You want to be informed. You want to feel safe. You want to feel like it’s still your body and your birth.
Let’s talk about it.
What is an Epidural?
An epidural is a form of regional anesthesia used to manage labor pain. It involves placing a catheter into the epidural space in your lower back, allowing medication to be administered that numbs the lower half of your body while you remain awake and alert.
Pros and Cons of an Epidural
Pros:
1. Effective pain relief:
An epidural provides significant pain reduction during active labor, especially during contractions and cervical dilation. Many find that it allows them to stay present and rested through the intensity of labor.
2. Rest during long labors:
For people experiencing prolonged labor, an epidural can help reduce physical exhaustion by allowing rest between contractions. This rest may help preserve strength for pushing later on.
3. Can support lowered stress hormones:
Some studies suggest that effective pain management through epidurals may help lower levels of stress hormones, creating a calmer birthing environment.
4. Option for those planning or open to medical births:
Epidurals integrate well with many hospital-based birth plans, and can be particularly supportive in inductions or labors with other medical interventions.
5. Helpful for postpartum repairs:
If repair procedures are needed after birth—such as sutures for a vaginal tear or support during management of heavy bleeding—having an epidural already in place can make those procedures more comfortable and less stressful.
*to watch a video from EBB founder breaking it all down, click here.
Cons:
1. Reduced mobility:
Once the epidural is in place, you may need to remain in bed, as your legs will be numb and walking is not typically safe. This limits your ability to change positions or move during labor.
2. Continuous monitoring and IV fluids:
Because an epidural can affect your blood pressure and baby’s heart rate, hospitals often require continuous electronic fetal monitoring and IV fluids, which can increase the feeling of being tethered.
3. Possible side effects:
Some people experience side effects such as shivering, fever, or a drop in blood pressure. Rarely, a spinal headache or temporary nerve symptoms can occur.
4. Timing and effectiveness vary:
Epidurals are typically available once you are in active labor and admitted to the hospital. They take about 10–20 minutes to place and take effect, and in some cases may only partially relieve pain or need repositioning.
5. More likely to require coached pushing:
Because the sensation of pressure is reduced, you may need more verbal guidance and support during pushing, especially if you can’t fully feel when or how to bear down.
VBACs and inductions:
Epidurals are often used during VBACs and inductions. Some providers recommend them as a precaution in case a cesarean becomes necessary. Others support the use of pain relief as a tool to increase comfort and confidence during a medically supported labor. (If you would like to dive deeper into why they are often used, check out my blog about inductions.)
Bias in care:
It’s important to name that not all epidural experiences are offered equally. Some birthing people—particularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color—report being offered pain medication earlier or without full context. True choice is about informed consent and culturally respectful care.
The truth behind the choice
By now, you may feel clearer on the medical realities. But information alone doesn’t answer the question. Because often, the epidural isn’t the real question. The real question is: What do I need to feel safe in labor? Maybe even: Am I allowed to ask for relief? Your decision is not about being strong or good or “natural.” Your decision is about access, support, trauma, fatigue, fear, desire, dignity, and comfort. It’s personal. And it’s sacred.
Some people choose to labor unmedicated because it feels right in their bodies. Others choose an epidural and find the soft strength of surrender. Neither is a shortcut. Both are brave.
What Eggbaby Believes?
At Eggbaby, we’ve supported births with epidurals, births without, and births where the plan changed three times mid-labor. We don’t believe there’s one right way to birth.
We believe in:
Options
Informed decisions
Bodies that know
Birth that centers the birthing person
We believe you deserve to choose what helps you feel powerful—even if that means choosing pain relief.
Tools & Support
Want a place to sort through these questions at your own pace?
Download our [Birth Decision Worksheet] and reflect on what safety and support mean to you.
Still unsure? Book a free consultation with Eggbaby. Let’s talk it through—without pressure, without an agenda. Just care.
Take our What Do I Really Want: Epidural? quiz to uncover what matters most to you in labor. Your answers are private, judgment-free, and might help you uncover the voice beneath the noise.
👉 [Take the quiz] (email required to view your results)
Want more information? Check out 9 myths about epidurals for more evidence-based perspective from UT Southwestern.
Because birth doesn’t have to follow a script. You just have to feel safe in it.
