by Ziana Qaiser, a freelance writer. via Creative-Reporter

One aspect of being pregnant, particularly for the first time, is that you are constantly bombarded with advice whether you ask for it or not.

Lately I have had women ask me if I am planning on getting an epidural or not and then they share their own experiences. 'Don't even think about it. Just ask for it, trust me,' one acquaintance advised. Another had quite the opposite to say: 'Try and avoid it - there could be serious side effects to an epidural.'

With my baby's due date a month away, I have somewhat decided on a birth plan with my midwife and discussed the options that are available in the various scenarios that can arise during labor and delivery. Of course pain relief was discussed but I couldn't decide if I would want an epidural or not.

I admire women who are so sure of their decision about epidurals in advance, but I think I will just go with the flow and let the circumstances at that moment in time dictate my decision. I'm no superwoman and it's not like we get a trophy for giving birth without an epidural, so for now I will silently take in all the epidural advice and keep reminding myself that every pregnancy and childbirth experience is different and can't be predicted beforehand.

For further reading on epidurals, check out birthingnaturally