Epidurals and Catheders

[ashleynd]

I'm a ftm and just curious... so I know you have to get a catheder if you get an epidural. Do they give you the epidural first? Also, is there any pain or is itnjust uncomfortable associated with a catheder? Do they remove the catheder after delivery? What are your experiences with a catheder and labor?

 

[Twinmum87]

I think they would as you won't be able to stand up to go pee for a good while. I had a spinal for c section and even thou I have known a lit who had the catheter out in afterwards, they did mine before and it stung like hell, not pleasant at all.

 

[MemmaJ]

It's quite standard for a catheter to be put in with an epidural, but it's usually done when the epidural is already in. You can always ask to wait until the epidural is in and working, so that you don't feel it.
I think each place varies with when it's taken out - sometimes it's taken out straight away, or when the epidural has work off, sometimes it's left in for 6-12 hours.

 

[ashleynd]

Thanks ladies! Did either of you experience pain after it was removed?

 

[bdb84]

No pain for me. Mine was placed right after I received my epi and removed before I began pushing.

 

[Feff]

When my catheter was removed it did hurt a little bit but as soon as it was out I didn't feel anything if that makes sense! It's not like an injection where it hurts afterwards too (for me anyway). When you do have it taken out sometimes you feel as if it's still there so wee automatically so make sure if you can go to the toilet frequently you do.

 

[zebbed89]

I had one after my epidural was in and it was removed before pushing I didn't feel a thing but because after I had delivered I couldn't wee I had to have it re fitted and removed after 12 hours and it didn't hurt that time either. Xx

 

[luz]

My catheter was put in after they gave me the epidural and was taken out before I started pushing. I did have urethral pain after delivery for a few months. Mostly just felt sore

 

[ashleynd]

I keep hearing that it's painful after it's removed and I'm not looking forward to that. Glad many of you didn't have a bad experience!

 

[MindUtopia]

I didn't have an epidural, but I did have an catheter inserted to help with the delivery of the placenta (sometimes if you have a really full bladder but can't pee, which sometimes you can't after birth because all the muscles get weird, the bladder can prevent the placenta from being delivered). I had a home birth with no pain relief at all, so the catheter went in after birth with no pain relief either and it really wasn't a big deal at all. Actually it was a huge relief because I obviously needed to go a lot! It was fine coming out and I didn't have any discomfort or issues after as a result of having had one. I think not a big deal at all. The epidural personally would scare me, but the catheter was fine.

 

[Srrme]

Mine was placed before I had the epidural. It stings going in and out, but it's nothing severe.

 

[CormacksGirl]

I had mine put in just after the epidural about 3pm and had it removed next morning about 10am. I wouldn't say it hurt coming out, more uncomfortable than anything!

 

[Perplexed]

Mine was placed after epidural and I asked the midwife if it would hurt, she said I won't feel it. I don't remember it being removed at all. I gave birth early afternoon and stayed cuddling dd till maybe 5 or something. Somewhere during the 4 hr period it was removed.

I was terrified of peeing after it thinking it would burn. I didn't pee till the next day and it didn't burn.

 

[Caelli86]

I had an epi with my dd 9 years ago and I don't think I even got a catheter , don't remember them doing that or taking it out.

Maybe I did and I didn't even notice lol

 

[x__amour]

I had a catheter for both my births. (Epidural #1, spinal #2.) I never felt anything coming in or out. I freaking depended on it, was so grateful I didn't have to get up.