nina

I had Demerol with my first baby and an epidural with the next one. I vowed that I would never take Demerol again, it made my head feel weird. What drugs did you take during childbirth?

Seattle_mom

The only drugs I got during childbirth were the ones my body produced naturally! My kids were born at home, so no possibility of drugs, and I didn't want them anyway. I knew that if millions and billions and trillions of women had given birth before me without drugs, that I could do it too.

VTGal

I didn't use drugs with my first, either (though I had them in the hospital with a midwife delivering). My first was an unplanned drug-free since she came so fast. I asked (ie: screamed) for drugs, but I was already at 10cm so couldn't have them. When all was said and done, I realized it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be (easy to say after the fact, right?), so I planned not to use drugs when I had my son, and didn't, and realized it was the biggest mistake I could have main. It was a bad delivery and I was at 10cm for 2 hours before they let me push because I had to wait for him to turn his head (the worse thing someone can tell a laboring mom at the pushing stage is not to push). I think if I have the 3rd I will reconsider an epidural.

Sandifer

Hi,
I had no drugs at all. Pain level was about a 7 or 8, but didn't last long, and you forget about it quickly when it is over - at least I did. The pain was not the worst I have ever experienced, and you know that it is going to end. The final product is a grand prize!!

DRM0329

Hi,

I was given stadol at about 7cm dilated. It is a pain medication given through an IV. I loved it, because it made me sleepy and I would only wake up for my contractions. Then during the actual pushing I was completely awake and still able to feel everything, but the pain was not so bad and the actual birth part went quickly. However, when I later asked about the medicine I was given, I was informed that it does pass through the placenta, and not all doctors will administer it because it could make the baby sleepy during labor. I delivered very quickly and my doctor told me that if the on call doctor would have known how fast I would deliver my first that I probably would not have been given stadol at 7cm. The drug apparently lasts about 3 hours... and they do not like giving it so close to delivery, due to the fact that it does pass into the babies blood stream and puts them at risk for being sleepy during delivery. So I am not sure whether or not I'd want it again, now that I know the risks; however, it did allow me to have an easy labor without getting an epidural. And my now 8 mth old, who weighed 5'13 at birth, had no problems with the drug either.

StB

Probably one of the only "guy" opinions you'll get here. But my wife had a very long labor, and I was utterly relieved when she decided to get an epidural.

It was her decision, but I know it made the entire experience more enjoyable.

Not having to get up to go to the bathroom was a blessing as well

tammywilson

Well, I have heard most of them had epidural but, they experienced headache as well. I think doc will better let you know at the time of child birth which is important.

Trudis

I had Demerol, and I'm 50% regretful that I had it, 50% thankful. Doc explained that it won't really relieve the pain, but it will help me dilate faster and it will allow me to sleep because I haven't had any sleep since I arrived at the hospital. But if asked if I'd ever take it again, I won't. True, the dilations came faster, but I felt hazy and was in this dreamlike state that took away much of my energy while pushing. I think about what would have been the case if I didn't have Demerol. Maybe I had an easier time pushing.

mommyof5

I did the same as you. I have 5 kids and have taken both. I agree with you that the Demoral makes you feel wierd and out of it. The epideral was better. You still feel the pressure with the Epideral but not pain. It was worth it for me.

LaraC

I didn't have time to have anything for the twins. They were trying to stop labor and the twins weren't having it. They came too fast for them to give me anything. I had an epidural and C-section with my youngest.