This is a very hard decision to make. I got an epidural and had a wonderful experience. It does not harm the baby in any way. The concern is long lasting effects that can take place on the mother if it is not done right. However, despite my worries, I got the epidural and it was the best decision I made. I didn't feel a thing! I honestly wouldn't have known my daughter came out if I wasn't looking, seriously! haha! The only downside I guess you can say about this is that I had zero urge to push, so therefore I had no idea when to push, but my OB and the nurses were there to guide me and my daughter came out perfectly fine after an hour and 20 minutes of pushing.