No such thing as 'easy way out', ob-gyn speaks out against epidural stigma

COMMENTS that label epidural use as the “easy way out” can be deeply damaging to expectant mothers.

According to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Hospital Canselor Tuanku Mukhriz, faculty of medicine, consultant obgyn, Prof Nur Azurah Abdul Ghani, these kinds of remarks can undermine women's confidence during a vulnerable time.

She said pregnancy and childbirth are already emotionally and physically intense experiences, and many women face difficult, personal choices about how they want to give birth.

“These unnecessaries comments are bound to make women feel guilty about their choices. This will make them doubt their choices even if they have been well-informed and indicated to use the epidural.

“Pregnancy can already heighten a woman’s sense of vulnerability. Public commentary that shames or oversimplifies their decisions can amplify fear or anxiety around labour,” she said when contacted recently.

Azurah further highlighted that a mother’s anxiety can often affect their accompanying partners, thereby making the management of labour more challenging.

Some women may even avoid pain relief they genuinely need, simply to avoid judgement, which can lead to unnecessary suffering or complications.

She added that the belief in a “right” or more “natural” way to give birth contributes to a toxic culture of comparison. This belief, she explained, can also silence open conversations between mothers and caregivers, and prevent women from seeking the support they truly need.

She said she always advises mothers not to listen to negative stories and instead to focus on positive experiences.

“To be honest, there is no gold medal for giving birth without pain relief nor there penalty for using medical support. Each labour is unique for every woman from woman to woman,” she added.

Azurah emphasised that even for the same woman, each pregnancy can be completely different.

What works beautifully for one may be traumatic for another, which is why informed choice—not public opinion—should be the foundation of childbirth decisions.

She likened labour to climbing a mountain, some reach the top unaided, while others need support. An epidural isn't a shortcut, but like having help to carry the load while still doing the climb.

Azurah also pointed out that women still do the hard work, just with less pain. For many, it helps conserve energy, stay calm, and focus on safely bringing their baby into the world.

“Your birth, your body, and your choices are yours truly.

“If you're thinking about having an epidural and feeling unsure because of things you’ve heard from social media, well-meaning friends, or cultural beliefs, please know this: choosing pain relief does not make you weak, it does not make you less of a mother, and it certainly isn’t “taking the easy way out.”

“Labour is not a test of pain tolerance or endurance. It’s a deeply personal and often unpredictable journey,” she said.

Azurah highlighted that just as every baby is unique, so is every birth experience.

For some, labour may be brief and manageable without medication; for others, it can be long, exhausting, and physically overwhelming. Both journeys are valid, powerful, and deserve respect.

She emphasised that epidurals are a safe, well-researched, and effective option for pain relief.

For many women, they not only ease intense pain but also offer mental clarity and emotional strength—allowing them to be more present, calm, and engaged during the birth of their child.

“There is no trophy for suffering, and there is no shame in choosing comfort. What matters most is that you feel safe, supported, and in control of your birth experience.

“So if an epidural feels right for you—based on your own needs, your conversations with your doctor, and your vision of a positive birth then that is the right choice for you,” she said.

Azurah also encouraged women to surround themselves with people who respect their choices and to tune out the noise and opinions that don’t support or uplift them.

“Remember: you are doing something extraordinary no matter how you bring your baby into the world,” she said.