I'm not sure I'd say the baby is "drugged," but there are definitely things to consider before choosing an epidural for pain relief (there are other options available, too.). While epidural use is popular, it is not without risk including possible respiratory complications for baby, possible decreased blood flow to baby, increased heart rate variability, potential for difficulty latching on for breastfeeding, and increased need for use of forceps, vacuum extraction, and cesarean.

Risks to the mother include increased chance of needing Pitocin to move labor along, episiotomy (which typically takes longer to heal than natural tearing), and cesarean; risk of continued numbness after delivery; possible chills, soreness, ringing in the ears; and a slim chance of permanent nerve damage at the insertion site.

Other issues to consider with an epidural include that you: have limited mobility during labor, will need constant monitoring, and may unnecessarily experience prolonged or stalled labor requiring further interventions.

Epidurals can be beneficial when needed, but I would advise every pregnant woman to explore all the options, both pros and cons, to find what's right for their situation.