AIDS was first reported in the United States in 1981 and has since become a major worldwide epidemic. AIDS is the most advanced stage of infection caused by HIV. The names HIV and AIDS can be confusing because both terms describe the same disease. But most people who are HIV positive do not have AIDS.
The hospital usually class 'active' labour when you are 3 cms dilated, so if you were 4 cms then you will most likely be admitted onto the ward. I was around 5, had the kid 9 hours later! When I went in the hospital they put me straight to a bed! My water never broke either, they had to break it.
It's a needle to numbe the area the epidural will go in. Nikki, you are going to experience pain, one way or another. You can't have an epidural until you are 4 cm dilated and they won't give it to you after you are 8cm dialated, so you are going to experience some labour pain. Decide then if a needle pain and someiscomfort for 5 minutes are worth it to you then.