Epidurals...

[AppleBlossom]

I have a very low pain threshold and am thinking having an epidural would be a god send. I've heard there are problems associated with them, backache, headaches etc and in some rare cases paralysis. Is anyone planning on having one? Or has anyone had one and was it a good/bad choice?

 

[leeanne]

I've had a few of them and haven't had any problems associated with them

 

[BeanieMummy]

I had an epidural with both of my other children. The only problem I had was that I gave birth sooooo fast with my 2nd I had her as he was putting it in so it didnt kick in until after she was born lol. I will definatley ask for one sooner this time around if I have the chance.

 

[xCherylx]

I'm scared of needles and have heard a few bad things that can happen, all though I know the chances of them happening are very small I don't think I will risk it. As an alternative I'm going to try the pool during labour with gas and air

 

[Snowball]

I've had two and had no problems. I didn't even feel them going in

 

[Sarah88]

Ive heard that most people who have one regretted it. A friends wife constantly has to get her husband to massage her lower back, as it gets sore alot and quite easily. I'm opting for a drug-free homebirth, that way I don't even have the option.

 

[Jenny]

I got one done with my son but I had no problems from it. I didn't like it though! I don't like not being able to move or feeling helpless

 

[AppleBlossom]

I'm trying to decide which I'd prefer. The pain of childbirth or being numb and unable to move lol

 

[PurestFeeling]

I just got a book about labor... Easy Labor: Every Woman's Guide to Choosing Less Pain and More Joy During Childbirth by William Camann, M.D. and Kathryn J. Alexander, M.A. it explains all the possible things to help lessen pain and the process of labor. I'm kind of interested in the patient-controlled epidural analgesia it's a lot like the patient-controlled morphine drip where you decide how much or how little you get (it has a cut off so you don't get too much) the book said that if you get this you are more likely to recieve less medicine than if they just give it to you all at once.

I'm not 100% on wanting an epi I want to read the book first but I'm still going to be open minded on it incase something happens to where I can't have it.

 

[Tegans Mama]

I wont have one under any circumstances - one of my friends passed away a few years ago due to an epidural. Guess thats just me, its your choice, the risks are low, but as with everything, they are there

 

[BurtonBaby]

Have you asked about a walking epi? If I get an epi, thats what I wanted, unfortunately they do not administer those at my hospital, and much remain in bed after getting one. But its always worth asking... I'm planning on using natural methods of pain relief for as long as I can handle it. And if I feel its necessary, then I'll get an epi. Probably. Its my first, so I dont know what to expect. Talk to your doc about the pros and cons tho. =)

 

[Jules]

The only thing that puts me off is not being able to move about for a few hours afterwards. But I have been told its great for the pain. So if i find the pain unbearable i will be getting one, lots of people have then everyday with no problems.

 

[sophie]

I didnt have one with my son, and i didnt want one this time but i had no choose i had to have a section, since havin my daughter ive suffered from back pain and headaches which before i had her i rarely felt ill! I have to say it was a bad experience for me, but its not for everyone my friend has 2 kids and had one with both and said she'll have it again if she has anymore!
I guess it all depends on the person!
xx

 

[lorrilou]

I had one with my son, wasnt a choice had to have it and i have had no problems since. I think it all depends on how your labour goes, with my daughter i had gas and air only and it was a breeze and ive also got a low pain threshold, with my son it was quick but extremely painful and the epidural was a godsend.

 

[Firsttimer]

I am going to hire a tens machine I think I have very low pain threshold too very low and I seriously dont want a epi .

 

[Katie_baby_1]

I'm just like u... i have a really low pain threshold but im worried about the consequences of having an epididural!! It's a tough choice isn't it?!! x x x

 

[Abbys_Mummy]

i would look into a tens i have heard much about them alot of women swear by them i am i freak when it comes to pain i`m like a kid getting a needle only you cant bribe me with lollies well maybe choc but not when giving birth i wont go a epi unless i have a c section but might i add gas and air is great doesn`t take the pain away but whakes you out that much you don`t think bout it

 

[Linzi]

Ive never had one as this is my first baby, but Ive decided when I go into labour if I can't do it without any drugs Id like to have a mobile epidural. I was reading in a magazine about one the other day and apparently you can still walk around and stuff. Im not sure though.

xxx

 

[x-amy-x]

I'm thinking of opting for water birth.. with gas and air when needed. I don't think i'll ever choose an epidural. Unless of course, this labour is horrific. But it may well be.


Whatever you choose, i'm sure it'll work out fine

xx

 

[Margerle]

I posted this on another thread about epidurals here at BnB, and wanted to post it here too.

This is the procedure for getting an epidural - during labor - documented by a professional photographer.

It is somewhat graphic if you are easily grossed out.

https://www.pattiramos.com/epiduralprocedure.html

I had an epidural with my first due to pre-eclampsia and the complications with that. It was WONDERFUL for pain relief. I was in full tremors (the shakes) when I got the epidural.

But I HATED the fact I couldn't move, and I was immobile for so long after the baby was born. I couldn't even potty for several hours because they wouldn't let me walk.

I won't be having that again. Besides, I've heard spinal headaches are the worst and last for days (I think VanWest on here had this)... I didn't have it with my first, but I'd rather hurt in the 'south end' for a week, than in my head for the same amount of time.

Excellent pain relief, but a little more risk than I want to take, and I hate the immobility.

Good luck in your decision!