My daughter had an epidural with her first child five years ago, and it was terrible. It did not work at all. They said it was because her labor pains were in the back. She had a long, hard labor. The doctor was advising a C-section, but she did finally give birth naturally. She is a very healthy young woman, but she was in the hospital for a week due to high blood pressure and then pneumonia. I (being the Mama) think it was because she had just a hard labor. She is pregnant again now and due in May. I'm wondering how she will do this time - sure hope it is easier than the last time. - Cynthia