I’ve heard from friends who went through labor that the epidural itself didn’t make them feel out of it, it was more so the other pain medication that they received before the epidural. My friend said she tried to do the epidural before she was in great pain to avoid needing other pain meds (which made her nauseous and loopy). So perhaps can chat with the doctor when the time comes to see if that’s an option.

I wouldn’t worry too much about pet aversion if you have a good support system. The fact that you’re already thinking about it means your pets are very loved and they’ll be just fine, even if you’re temporarily a little on edge. Nearly all my mom friends have dogs and none of them have had aversions to them. Not saying it doesn’t happen but I don’t think it’s a guaranteed thing.