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You'll be fine. You can get an epidural at 4 cm. if you need it. B4 that you just deal with the pain. The girl next to me had a c-section and it didn't seem like fun to me. My pain was so much less the next day and she wasn't even allowed out of bed yet. Most doctors wont do a voluntary c-section just for the heck of it. Try not to worry (i know it's easier said than done!). After I gave birth I swore my son would be an only child and now I want another. Let us know how it goes!

It's true, there are situations that arise that make it impossible for you to get an epidural, but that's usually only if you arrive at the hospital at 10 cm, or if you go to a small hospital and no one is available to put it in. Most of the time you'll be able to get it if you need it. If you are stuck in a situation where you can't get one, or if you get one and it doesn't work (which does happen) then just remember to stay calm and relax through the pain and it won't hurt as much. Tensing up and laying on your back are the two worst things to do during labor. Move around, breathe, and focus on the pain as a good thing to get your baby out, and a pain that is not going to hurt you or the baby. Hope this helps.

It depends on your hospital. My hospital would not offer an epidural until you reached 7cm. I got to the hospital when I was 9cm and it was not that bad. I was not screaming in pain. I got the epidural as soon as I got into the hospital room and I did not not feel any pain when the baby came out. I felt fine and was able to walk 30min after my son was born. There was no pain after the baby was born. If you get a c-section you will have had major surgery and will probably feel pain for at least a week after the surgery. Not to mention you can't lift anything and you could rip your staples if you lift something too heavy. Personally I would not recommend a c-section to anyone. Labor is not that bad, I think a c-section would be much worse because of the long recovery time and pain.

I actually went into the hospital at 4cm and didnt even know it. I just thought my water had broken. At the time I wasnt feeling pain. Just some pressure and small contractions. It's differeent for every woman. I tried not to get the epidural but at 7 cm i decided it wasnt worth the pain just to say i did it all natural. I will admit...the pain was horrible. My mom had all three of her children natural and her last baby was over 8 lbs. So you can do it but my mom told me it takes alot of concentration. But the chance of you not getting the epidural is very slim i would think. After 8 cm at the hospital i went to, they won't do the epidural. You'll definitely know you're in labor before that. I wish you the best!

thank you c for your comments.You say about c-sections.I've been reading different accounts from people,some say the recovery is long and would'nt choose it,others say they felt more in control,and were fine.Miranda,yes,it does help,thank you for your advice.Jen,that sounds late not offering you an epidural until you are at 7cm.Ashley,that is re-a__suring to know that before 4cms you did'nt feel any pain.Wonder how commen that is? Also I would hate them to let the epi wear off to push,I heard they do that so as you can feel to push.I would'nt want to feel the "rim of fire"....do they allow the epi to stay topped up...someone?

Hi Mandy,you asked if they keep the epidural topped up.Sometimes it does'nt give you complete pain free it may only take on one side.These days they like the drug to wear off before the pushing stage so as you can feel when to push and it means less intervention.You maybe able to keep it topped up if you ask.

you can get the epidural at 3-4 cm. before that you can get narcotic pain relief...like demerol if you need it.

I got no pain untill I was 10m dilated. Even then it wasn't that painfull. Just the crowning.

10 cm even lol