Actually, I am the one who requested epidural once I got into the hospital at the time I have my second baby birth last week. I used this for both of my babies. Upto now, I have no any side effects. Both my babies are in good conditions. I think it's all upto you because I really can't attain that "10-grade pain". (I requested epidural when it was 4-grade pain in my first baby, 4-grade has already kelled me!!!)