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C-section is not something you choose -- it's considered major surgery, and is reserved for medical necessities. There's nothing stopping you from starting off labor and keeping an open mind about pain killers. The only problem (and I don't know if it's the same in US hospitals), there may not be a lot of anesthesiologists working during your labor so you might have to wait for a bit after deciding that you want the epidural. I think I had to wait about 20-30 minutes. I have no problem with needles but out of habit the anesthesiologist doesn't let you see a thing. Labor pain was sure enough of a distraction at that point I really didn't feel a thing.

The epidural does not hurt - or didn't for me. I never saw a thing either as I'm terrified of needles. Like Malica said, keep an open mind and remember that asking for the epidural doesn't mean it will happen immediately. Make sure you give yourself time to ask for one!

Yeah, like the other ladies said, you won't see it going in, so that might aleviate some of the terror about needles... it does for me at least, lol. For me, the contractions hurt so bad that I really didn't care to have a little pinch of a needle go in my back. Also, they did it while I was having a contraction, so you really don't even feel it over the pain of labor anyways. But do keep an open mind. You might get there and decide that you could actually handle the pain, and may not even need one. Good luck!

Hey youngbabymama, you may have gotten the answer you already wanted and I know I already posted once, but now that I think about it, I don't think I've ever heard of anyone saying that the epidural hurts. Sometimes the epidural doesn't work all the way (or at all)... but as far as the actual needle going in, I don't think I've ever heard anyone say that part hurts. I think you'll be fine in whatever you decide to do. Again, good luck and I wish you the best!

I know a few people posted, but i just wanted to add about the epi. that they will numb the area first before they insert the epidural, so the worst part is a little pinch where they numb you and after that you may feel a little pressure but you won't feel any pain and the epi. stays in as a little tube not a needle. I didn't know that until i took a birthing class. It's funny how for so many women that is the scarest part of labor for them but it's really not bad, plus even if you were able to choose to have a c-section you would need and epi anyway so i would go for trying to push the baby out.

I had an epidural with my first pregnancy and didn't feel a thing. I am due with my 2nd in July. Everyone I know has told me bad things about their experience with epidurals and now I'm afraid it will hurt this time. I will probably still get one though. Usually, when you worry about it, it turns out to be no big deal.