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First, there is lots of helpful information on the internet on medical websites that can offer you explanation for your questions. A spinal tap is when they withdraw CSF fluid from your spine for testing, which has nothing to do with labor. A "spinal block" is a single injection into your lower back to numb the area. An epidural is the type of anesthesia where a cathedar is inserted between the spinal columns to numb you from the waste down, and they are able to continuously give you doses as it stays in place. Generally the anesthesiologist numbs the area a bit with a topical (on the skin) anethesia, and some don't. However, if you are in that much pain that you need one, chances are the slight pain of having on inserted is not going to be nearly as bad. Think of it that way.

I've had both- epidural while in labor with my first (which eventually ended in an emergency c-section) and a spinal for my 2nd (scheduled) c-section. I didn't have problems with either. I had no pain in that area at all afterward. I think many times it's more related to the placement of it- it's never going to be exactly the same- and sometimes one placement goes well and another doesn't.

Before considering either BEFORE you go into labor, read the negative side effects both these drug interventions have on your baby and subsequently your body. It's scary. What about trying el naturelle?

Like amandasue said, the spinal is a one-time injection, so not normally suited to labor, as it is shorter lasting. A spinal is more often used for c-sections or perhaps if you wait until the last minute to get pain relief. An epidural gives you more continuous relief throughout your labor and delivery process. Now some doctors do combination spinal-epidurals. That way you get immediate relief, but you also have the catheter placed in your back to allow for more medicine to be administered as needed.

Thanks ladies. I'm trying to consider all my options and I haven't made a final decision just yet. I'm only 20 weeks, so right now I'm just trying to get everything cleared away. I've looked online at a lot of things already, but the information on the web is based on a general population, and I would really like feedback from people who have experienced this stuff first hand. Thanks!

Savy, I was just over at the multiples section on here and saw you are having twins- congrats!!!

Actually sahmof3, it was a misdiagnosis by my doctor......... what a shock right? It was an overwhelming experience, but it's over now and it feels much easier now. It's only one boy but thanks for the congrats!!!

My husband is an anesthetist and I have talked with him extensively about the risks and more importantly the common risks a__sociated with getting an epidural. I feel totally at ease with getting an epidural. An anesthesia provider would really have to not know what they are doing to cause a serious injury. Probably the most common side effect would be what they call a "wet tap" which is basically a migraine that you get if they accidentally withdraw some cerebral fluid. However they can fix that with a "patch". It is uncomfortable only when they first put it in. After that it won't bother you. So even if someone tells you it hurts, that's only right when the needle goes in and I for one would rather deal with 30 seconds of pain rather than hours of killer contractions. Anyway, sorry for the long response. But knowing everything I know about them and seeing all the horror stories and ins and outs of the medical community, I feel totally confident and comfortable getting one. Hope that helps.

Thanks danish. I didn't mind the long response. That really helped! I bet it's a relief to have your husband around. I'll probably decide whether I want one or not when I'm in labor. I would like to have the baby natural but if the pain is unbearable and the labor is long, then I'll probably chose to get one.

Savy, I think that's a great plan. I think too many women make the mistake of going into labor with an idea in their mind of exactly how things are going to happen, when in reality you don't know how things may go and you need to be open to other options whether that's deciding to get pain relief or needing a c-section, etc. Have a great delivery!