MovieChat Forums > What to Expect When You're Expecting (2012) Discussion > Only woman with epidural got c section?!...

Only woman with epidural got c section?!?

posted 10 years ago by duckytie1990
4 replies | jump to latest

Hey guys, labor and delivery nurse here. I watched the last half hour or so of the movie the other day and wanted to just give you some info if you're expecting.

First of all, I'm not hating on the movie at all. You never expect movies to be completely realistic.

However, I just don't want women to go into the hospital thinking that getting an epidural will result in them getting a c section. (I'm not sure exactly why they sectioned her. I thought he said she was complete. Even if we think the baby is big, we let you try to push. The only reason we would section you at that point would be if something was wrong with the baby's heart rate. I'm guessing that's the reason, but they didn't explain it very well.)

Anyway, if the baby is not going to fit (sometimes because the baby is big, other times because of the way the baby or cord is positioned), it really doesn't matter if you get an epidural or not.

I totally respect a woman's choice to have an epidural or not. I just hate when their decision is based off of one movie they see that really simplifies things (*cough* Business of Being Born *cough*). Also, don't be ashamed if you feel like you need an epidural, but someone you knew (sister or friend) did not have one. Every situation is different, and you are the one feeling the pain!

Do research and do what's best for you!

[–] sleepingsun5634 10 years ago

I vaguely remember the doctor saying that the baby's heart rate was dropping so they wanted to do the c section right away. I could be mistaken though!

[–] Prismark10 10 years ago

The lack of epidurals was interesting!

Its that man again!!

[–] dakky68 10 years ago

It wasn't implied that the epi and caesar were linked. I more saw it as that particular couple were the only ones who were actively trying for a baby, she had her birth plan, she was knowledgeable and well prepared for everything - and then the unexpected happens. Nothing went the way she'd hoped/planned/expected, and I think that was the whole point.

[–] rabbyt1 10 years ago

The doctor DID say the baby's heart rate was dropping and that's why they had to have a c-section.

IMO having an epidural doesn't lead to c-sections, I think stress can be a factor in making a person need a c-section. Which is why when I went into labor I called nobody, DH and I planned to not have anyone there but us, and didn't call anyone until we had our golden bonding time, I was rested, and so on.

I've seen too many people get bombarded by their families and in-laws, and then end up with a c-section and being LAST to hold their OWN baby! GAH!

I also tell people don't tell anyone when you are going in for a c-section if it's scheduled. LIE about the date and say it's later than it is :)

IMO nobody needs to be at a birth except for the people that the mom wants there. And BTW DAD doesn't "need support" he's not the one having giving birth, suck it up :p