Appoiintment with anethatist due to BMI

[SarandrewBean]

Not sure if this is the right place to be posting firstly so I do apoligise if its not.

Had my appointment yesterday where after examining me told me he really feel whatever it was he needed to be feeling in my back for an epidural but that he stronglyreccommends I have one as I am more likely to need forceps, ventouse or a cesarean and all they would have to do is "top it up".

Im just rather confused as firstly he said he couldnt feel whatever in my back for me to have it but to have it and gave me this pain relief leaflet which shows the risks and benefits of all the pain relief available now I just wanted gas and air but he says due toby bmi he doesnt think it will be enough firstly can someone answer why due to my bmi may an epidural be enough? He also said I am more than likely going to need assistance through the forceps and ventouse but have read in the pain relief leaflet then by having an epidural your labour lasts longer and doubles your chances of needing assistance, so Im quite confused as I really dont want assistance but I would rather that than a ceasarean as the thought scares me.

He also said if I dont have an epidural they would have to use general anesthesia if I then ended up needing a cesarean, which Ive read risks are death... especially for someone with my bmi... I still would like to go for the gas and air and avoid an epidural and I would try my hardest to push the baby out regardless of the pain but what if I then needed assistance through forceps, would they still be able to do that without the epidural in place? And realistically if the worst came and needed a cesarean and Id eefused the epidural earlier and then needed general anethesia what are my chances of actually living after?

These are the things that have been running through my mind, I had no fear at all of giving birth Im aware its going to hurt a lot but now Im scared that I may not see my baby girl if I dont follow the anethatists advice but the thought of cesarean scares me just as much

 

[halullat]

I can't really help, but I sympathise greatly. I would though suggest that you seek another doctors opinion just so you can get a better rounded view of what more professionals think.

I am going to have to refuse an epidural due to previous lumbar punctures and am very worried about the same things as you. I'm not sure when to talk to medical staff about it either, I have a high BMI, but am not at the BMI level to talk to an anaesthesiologist so haven't had a dedicated time to bring up my concerns.

It may be worth doing some research as to what general anaesthetic statistics are out there. In regard to what he may have been referring to about not finding what he needs for an epidural, it may be that you carry a bit more weight around the vertabrae that the insert the needle between, but this is information from my experience with lumbar punctures, they just need a longer needle with lumbar punctures and sometimes use x-ray guidance, sorry I can't be of more help, but wanted you to know you aren't alone x

 

[monnie38]

Iv got to have one of these spots because of my bmi, and the midwife kept telling me it would be better to not have an epidural because of m&s ize?

 

[monnie38]

My size* lol bloody autocorrect

 

[2have4kids]

I think your doctor is simply running through the list of complications with you that could happen, they may not but are more common with obese patients. The foreceps and ventouse were mentioned because your 'push' muscles may be weak. They tell alot of women the mantra...keep exercising and keep in shape when you're pregnant because you'll have an easier delivery, it's because you're more able to push that baby out if you are strong and in shape. Saying this, we all have different bodies, you're not broken because you're obese, there just may be different things involved. I know some obese women who are very strong and had perfect deliveries. Don't let this get you down!
With the epidural, if the anethesiologist can't feel the ridges between the bones in your vertebrae, it's harder to place the IV and more risk to you of injury. IMO if I don't need drugs, I'm not having them, I know for certain that warm water takes the pain from 10/10 to 4/10 so I'm going to do what I can to get into a warm tub or shower. An epidural numbs you and may also hinder your ability to push! Keep that in mind. You're delivery may slow down and become loooong and drawn out with an epidural. On the other hand, maybe the pain will be too much, maybe they'll place it perfectly and it'll be better to have the pain blocked then not. Be flexible but try to mitigate that pain with other methods first if you can.
He's doing his job of informing you of all of the paths your labour can take. I wish you a fast (generally) pain free delivery bella!