Experiences with epidurals

[Luvmama]

I have mixed emotions about the epi..
People tell me don't get it due to experiencing back pains after birth but I really want it because I want to have a good experience during labour..

 

[kanga]

I had my first one adjusted twice. Then it was redone. I also had 2 spirals during the course of my labour as the Epi only worked on one side. I couldn't lean back on my back for 2 days after because it was tender for ages afterwards.

I also had couldn't push my baby out as was in a bad position (on my back) and he was back to back. So had forceps.

I went into labour not wanting an Epi but looking back, I don't see how I could have survived without it as the pain was so unbearable (induction on drip). When it works its great. But look into cascade of intervention. And try gas and air first.

 

[Malouka]

I am having back pain now and then (gave birth 9 months ago) I dont know if this is because of the epidural because I am 6 months pregnant now -_- ... I hope it will go away

 

[Kitteh_Kat]

I had no problems with my epidural. I loved it! There was one moment when she was setting it up that I could tell she hit something, but she was able to quickly re-adjust it. About 15 minutes after it was in I didn't feel anymore pain until after delivery (she came out sideways and I didn't listen to the OB when he told me to slow down with the pushing... opps). I could still move my lower body and shift around, and I slept from 3 cm until 8 cm (basically to the next morning) so I wasn't exhausted when it came time to push. There was no pain, I was relaxed, and I can say I completely loved my labor and delivery experience.

I have had zero side effects from the epidural (no back pain, no headaches, no numbness, etc), and I didn't have any interventions. Each labor is going to be different, just like each body and each baby is different. In the end you have to decide what is going to work best for you. Best of luck!

 

[MrsHBuckley]

I loved my epidural! They got it in correctly and it was like I was numb, but could still feel my legs and could still feel pressure, so I knew when to push.

 

[krys]

I had one, and I am so thankful that I did. My daughter came out with her hand by her face and I tore SO bad. I can't even imagine how painful that would have been if I didn't have the epidural. I don't have back pain or anything, and I didn't ever have to have it adjusted. It was a God send in my experience. I wish I would have been able to get that sooner and stayed away from the IV drugs. Those made me groggy and out of it.

 

[cupcakemomma]

I had one with DD, and it was HEAVEN. Obviously everyone is different, but I'm so glad I had it. I didn't have any trouble pushing like I had feared. I tore pretty badly, so it was nice to be numbed up while I was being sewn up afterward.

 

[Srrme]

I had one so they could keep my oldest in longer. I hated being numb and not being able to feel or move my legs! It took a while to wear off too.

I had some back pain afterwards, but it wasn't severe.

 

[Smudge101]

I had one even though I was dead against it pre labour.

I'd been in labour for over 24 hours, my waters had been gone for 27 hrs and I wasn't dilating past 5cm so I needed to be put on the induction drip.

I was shattered from the contractions, I was projectile vomiting with every single one, I was on a saline drip as they were worried I wasn't passing water.

I honestly think that without the EPI I'd have ended up with an EMCS. As it stands it gave me 6 hours of relief from the sickness and the pain.

I could still feel the pressure of the contractions. I pushed for 2 hours and Holly arrived naturally without any need for forceps and I didn't tear.

It was the best decision I made

 

[PreggyEggy]

I had one before being given the drip to speed up my contractions, as I was afraid it was going to be more painful.

Getting it wasn't so bad, and at first it was great. Then it wore off on one side, then the other too. The pain was horrendous, and the doctors wouldn't do anything about it/wouldn't believe me! I couldn't move about because I'd had it, and I really wished I'd just kept active instead.

No way am I having one this time, you couldn't pay me. It's a home birth for me now.

 

[rubberducky88]

I had an epidural and really really hope to not need one this time.

The anaesthetist was amazing and put it in fantastically, it's not like it used to be - you can still feel your legs etc now.
However, it meant I was confined to the bed. I was uncomfortable and couldn't feel my contractions to push effectively.
I believe these were all factors into why my boy had Shoulder Dystocia and had to spend a week in neonatal.

The plan this time is to stay active, use a tens machine and get on better with gas & air (although it made me sick)
I will hate myself if I need to have another Epi, I don't want this one to get stuck.
Xx

 

[boogerbug]

I had one with my son. They got it right first try and because of the contractions I didn't feel a thing when they were putting it in. I was numb shortly after but I could still move my legs. And even with an epidural it was very, very obvious when it came time to push.

Thank goodness for it too because my son came out waving and tore everything as he came. I had no back pains afterwords and didn't even remember I had a little spot on my back from the epidural. A few days later I noticed a small tender spot and had an 'ah! right!' moment, but nothing more then that.

 

[seaweed eater]

Mine was perfectly fine. No issues with placement, no back pain or anything afterward.

I'm going to try for a natural birth again next time, but it was a good experience and I don't regret it.

 

[Squiggy]

It seems that the majority of posters who oppose the epidural are in the UK and the majority that had better experiences are in the US & Canada. I can't help but think that even though it's the same procedure - there must be something that is done differently.

I'm in the US, but regardless, I have an extremely low tolerance to pain. I also have a nervous condition that causes me to lose consciousness. So, I really hope to get the epidural when it's time. And I'm very glad to see that so many in the US had good experiences with it. I was starting to consider a water birth but someone said there is no epi with that. I'm not sure if I'm a good candidate for a natural / medication-free birth.

 

[lady1985]

I am considering the epi too. Keep going with you experiences as they are invalueable to us 1st timers...thanks ladies )

 

[ruthj]

my water broke at 1:00 p.m. I had no pain at all. got to the hospital at 6:25 p.m. and was only 1 cm dialted :/ i got the pitocin at 10:30 or so, and the contractions were horrible ( I was planning on natural) after hours of back-to-back contractions, i opted for the EPI (Which not work, I felt everything). I even got a pain meds to the IV (still nothing). I finally pushed my Son out at 5 something the next morning. I tore. Doc gave me an injection to numb me to sew me up (DIDN'T WORK EITHER). But I would do it all over again! Even if it was very painful, it was still a very magical moment! Best of Luck to you!

 

[tinkerbelle93]

I had to have an epidural/spinal because my baby went into distress and I needed an emergency forceps delivery. I went naturally for most of my labour yet my baby still went into distress and made me need an epidural and intervention so the whole 'no drugs and epidural, no intervention' theory proved completely wrong in my case! The relief at having the epidural was amazing and I could finally realise what was happening and take it all in. I tried so hard with my first baby and went to 8cm with no pain relief but since it didn't work out I want an early epi with the next!! xx

 

[mara16jade]

I posted a similar thread a while back and got wonderful responses
https://babyandbump.momtastic.com/labour-birth/1754891-epidural-stories-positive-hopefully.html

 

[AC1987]

I was fine with mine, I went into labour not wanting one, but at the very end asked for one haha I'm surprised they listen seeing as I was 10 centimeters, but it worked.

 

[zoomhilda]

Ended up requesting mine after I was induced because the pain went from 0 to 100 very quickly. I had an itching reaction on my abdomen- it was awful. Barely felt anything below the waist other than the itching until my son's shoulders came through the birth canal. That hurt! No headache after, no issues walking after. Overall, I was grateful for it, but hoping to avoid with #2.