What are the positive and negative effects of using an epidural for labor?

The advantage is having very little pain during the strong contractions. However once pushing had began they lady might not have enough feeling to push. She might end of with an assisted delivery. Her birth will be medically managed and she could end up with confided to bed with a technical sort of birth. One lady my friend knows had her epidural go wrong and she lost control of her legs for the rest of her life. She is now in a wheelchair. So there are many negative effects it seems. I have had three home births and feel proud that I managed with gas and air plus water for my first and no pain relief for my second baby and just water plus essential oils for my third baby. An active birth can relieve pain. Some ladies have a natural birth with relaxation. I like to 'feel' having my kids. The pain of contractions can be strong but it is like a wave passing and every one gets me closer to seeing my baby. Good luck with your baby's birth. Perhaps you could start with gas and air and only have an epidural if you can't manage the pain. I had such an easy birth with my second baby.

Now I have done both an epidural and not having one. First it is not the worst pain you will ever have there are many things that hurt much more and for a lot longer. I have not had good responses to epidurals myself, the first one I was given was too much and my diaphragm froze up making me unable to breath. The second only numbed a small section of my hip and made no difference at all, so I didn't bother with the last two and honestly what ever it was the Dr. gave me to relax and dull the pain (through the regular IV) was so much better only I was a little foggy and I do not remember everything.

I know when its my time, I'll be using the epidural. I am not big on pain, so i'll definately need it. I admire the women who can actually go without using it