I gave birth to my 2 girls without any complications and had an epidural with both. If everything went the same way this time round i would be very happy but i cant help but worry that something will not go to plan.
With my first i had the epidural and it was kept topped up til she was born but with 2nd they allowed it to run out and by the time i was pushing i could feel the contractions but i could also feel her coming out but it wasnt sore as i was still a bit numb from my hips down. I had to practically convince them to give me it in the first place as they were trying to tell me i would be fine without it as it was my 2nd baby! Im thinking they knew it would run out when it did and they had no intention of topping it up which did annoy me at the time and im still a bit annoyed now as i could have felt everything. Im just worried that this time round i may not be able to convince them to give me one even if it is in my birth plan or they may keep putting it off til its too late as they done this with my cousin!! I had tried the gas and air with my 1st and was soo ill throwing up about 30 times and also the pethadine done nothing for me so i really want the epidural and for it to last til ive had the baby. Ive even considered having a c section but it is an awful big op if i dont really need it. Do they have a right to refuse you an epidural? How can you make sure you get one providing there is obviously someone there to give you it?
I know its my 3rd baby but the worry just doesnt go away and i dont want to end everything on a bad note as this will be my last baby.

Unfortunately, yes, they can refuse you - I was refused repeatedly because I had an infection and they said it was too risky (though they were then quick to stick a needle in my spine for a spinal block for the section, a couple of hours later). I did feel I was being fobbed off to try and avoid giving me one.

I think the only thing you can do is speak to your midwife and make sure it's marked down in your notes clearly what your wishes are and that you are very concerned about it. Don't let them fob you off.

Hopefully all will go well for you!

I am on the fence on whether I want an epidural with this one or not. I had one with my first son and I couldn't feel anything, not even my legs after the birth! With my second son, I had a spinal block that wore off as he was being born. He was 10lbs 10oz and it hurt! LOL Though it was neat that I actually felt the urge to push with him. I missed out on that with my first. I would like to feel the urge to push with this LO but don't want to go through so much pain like I did when the block wore off. Not sure where that leaves me in the way of pain management

I say, it's your body and if you want an epidural and there is no medical reason why you can't have one, then I would talk to your doctor about it and if he/she still says no without a valid reason, then I would find another doctor who will follow your birth plan. It's your body after all!

i dont see why they should say no as there was no complications and i managed to push them both out fine, quite quickly with no forceps or anything. I personally think its because they cant leave you alone after you've had an epi and that means they cant hang around the staff room drinking tea and eating biscuits! I know they can be busy and short staffed but i dont see why the patient should have to suffer because of this! I will write out my birth plan soon and show it to my midwife next time and ask her if there is anything i should say or if she could write a note or something explaining im worried about this and stressing over it. I just wish you could know for definate what will happen lol! You never know, it could all happen that fast that i could end up giving birth in the house before even getting to hospital, then i really will be screwed lmao !