I am an OB/GYN nurse, retired, and there is no reason not to have an epidural! Makes the whole birth process wonderfully normal. I just wish they had it 57 years ago. It is usually not given until 4 cm. dilation, so you will have the early feelings of contractions. Once in a while they do not work as well on some women, but as a whole, unless you are a want to be super woman, get the drugs.