Would you rather...

natural childbirth

have an epidural

Nature or nurture

Mar 8, 2012

VintageFamily Life Pain & Suffering

Community arguments

natural childbirth

Natural childbirth has sustained human reproduction throughout all of history, and the body is biologically designed to handle it
Retaining full sensation during labor may aid in effective pushing and tends to support a faster physical recovery afterward
Many mothers report a stronger immediate bond with their newborn after an unmedicated birth, when hormones are fully intact

have an epidural

There is no reason to endure extreme pain when safe, effective relief is available — that is precisely what modern medicine is for
Severe unmanaged pain carries real cardiovascular risks that epidurals are specifically designed to prevent
The value of becoming a parent does not hinge on how much physical pain the mother endured during delivery

Last generated Jun 29, 2026.

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Would you rather...

natural childbirth

have an epidural

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