For moms who have already done this! Epidurals?

[Ratty]

I'm petrified of needles. when I went to the pre-natal classes, they showed on video the different options. I just saw the needle for the IV and I got really dizzy, felt sick and was shaking. I had to leave the room.

After 8 hours of labour I had had enough of pain and opted for the Epi. Best move and I didn't even care about the needles!! It was great.

Only thing was 12 hours later I still had the IV in my hand and that was horrible. I got so frustrated. That was only because I had complications with the after birth.

 

[xHx]

I was induced and the drip they put me on to make my contractions was HELL!!! So I decided to have the epi - it was a godsend really as I ended up needing an emergency c-section so it made that process easier. As for when they did the epi - they let me have gas and air throughout so I didn't feel a thing in fact I was giggling the whole way through!!!! And they did it wrong and had to put it in again so it can't be that bad - I'm a right wuss!!!

My advice to you would be don't plan anything - keep an open mind and see how you feel when the day comes x

 

[Hevz]

I have had an epidural with 3 out of 6 births and they were by far my "favourite" births. I needed no assistance, was not catheterised and had no probs pushing with any of my epidural births either so don't take any notice of the "scare" stories. I was up and about within an hour of each birth too as they remove the epidural and it wears off fairly quickly once withdrawn.

It was uncomfortable to put in....not because of needles etc (you won't even see the needle because it's behind you) but because of the position you need to be in to get the epidural in and while having contractions, trying to stay very still can be difficult especially if you're in advanced labour.

I did have a slight problem with my 2nd epidural as it didn't seem to be working but they moved me into a different position and topped it up then it started working....they didn't have to take it ou and start again or anthing like that.


I would highly recommend it as effective pain relief....it's fab.

 

[BlackBerry25]

I think that the key is to keep an open mind about it, and you won't really know until you get there if you want it, but I wouldn't totally go against or for one.

 

[SuzyQ]

I think that the key is to keep an open mind about it, and you won't really know until you get there if you want it, but I wouldn't totally go against or for one.

Definetly agree ^ ^ I was sure I didn't want an epidural before but I was advised that i should, and at the time you will do whatever!! I didn't even see the needle and don't remember feeling it sore or anything either but then I had diamorphine first, and lots of gas and air!

 

[nikky0907]

Honestly I HATE needles but in that moment when I had been having horrible contractions for the past 24 hours I didn't care about the needle the slightest.

I am so glad I had the epi! It was great, I couldn't even feel the contractions...
It was a really long painful labour for me(49 hours!) and it was my saving grace.


In the end I had no back pain problems or anything, like I never had it.

 

[taperjeangirl]

I went through agonising pain during labour, but didn't want to give in to an epidural as the same reason as you, big needles, spine etc!

Just as I was screaming for one, I gave birth really quickly then found I ad to have a spinal block to get stitches anyway! So I wish I had had one anyway!

I didn't even feel the needle go in, I think I was high on adrenaline by that point, and they dont show the needle!

 

[BlackBerry25]

Oh and one other thing, they showed us exactly what the epidural was at prenatal classes and they passed it around and its so small. Knowing that calmed me down a little.

 

[sparkswillfly]

I was in active labour for 24 hours after only 4 hours I was screaming "wheres my fucking epidural".... it didnt really hurt going in. They numb the area a bit first. Unfortunately for me it didnt work... I had it taken out and put back in and it still didnt work!

Like others said best thing to do is have an open mind because you dont know how you'll cope or how long it will last.

 

[xXDonnaXx]

I said all along I wanted an epidural (Just because of the story's I've heard of labour) But once I got to the hospital I was already 4-5cm's, and I wasn't even thinking about an epidural. My midwife was happy with me just using the tens machine for abit. I got to 7cm's, still in not much pain and I still didn't think I needed one. Anyway, I ended up doing it with gas and air - epidural free and I felt so good with myself. My advice is, Wait until you're in labour to decide. You'll know if you need one. My labour wasn't that bad at all

 

[Vickie]

My epidural didn't hurt at all going in, actually didn't even notice it between the contractions. Glad I had one as my labor was prolonged and it allowed me to get some rest

 

[reallytinyamy]

I kept a very open mind- I went in there expecting to ask for one tbh as I dont cope well with pain. I surprised myself on the coping front and did it by biting the gas and air mouthpiece. I was actually enjoying feeling everything (!) and when they told me I needed one as I needed an emergency c section I refused and pushed harder!

 

[Whisper]

For me i was petrified of needles i used to almost pass out just having a blood test!!

I can tell you that when i was in labour having stupidly strong contractions i didn't even feel a thing when they put the drip into my hand, and even less when he put the epidural into my back!

Definitely not painful compared to contractions, i said to my hubby at the time give me an epidural every day of the week for the rest of my life as long as i don't have to have another contraction!!!

 

[notquite]

Bad move, I googled images of epidurals.... I am seriously crying right now I don't know how I'm going to do this!!!