Labor can be a very intense experience. Some women get through it just fine, and others need a little help. Before you automatically sign up for your epidural in the parking lot, take some time during labor to find out where you fit into the scheme of things. It is possible that labor won’t be as bad as you fear. By moving around the way your body tells you to, you can reduce some of the pain and make your contractions more effective. If you do opt for an epidural, make sure you know the side effects before you go to the hospital. Epidurals usually result in maternal fever, a drop in blood pressure and the baby can have depressed respiration and reflexes.

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