One of the most painful things you will physically experience in life is childbirth but it is also the most amazing and miraculous experience at well.
Nothing and no one can really prepare you for what you feel or experience because every pregnancy and birth is different.
One thing you will have to decide is whether or not you want to experience childbirth with the help of medication like an epidural.
Nowadays, over 50% of women giving birth request to have an epidural.
Each woman needs to make her own decision on what she thinks is right for her and her baby so take the time during your sixth and seventh month of pregnancy to research all the options, advantages and disadvantages of receiving the medication.
Advantages to the epidural:

• Some women have short labors while others can last for 24 hours or more.
  The epidural will help you rest if your labor is especially long.
  
• You will be more comfortable throughout the process so you may have a more positive experience.
  

Disadvantages to the epidural:

• You may experience side effects like shivering, backache, soreness where it was administered or nausea.
  
• Your body may remain numb for a while after birth so you may require assistance standing or walking.
  
• It may cause your blood pressure to drop quickly so both you and your baby will be monitored at all times.
  

Doctors will normally administer an epidural if you are dilated at least 4-5 centimeters and are in true active labor.
If your labor is moving quickly, it may be too late to administer the medication and you will give birth naturally.
Do your research and talk to doctor to see what the best route for you and your baby should be.