Pain options for US births

[mod19]

Well I'm a procrastinator and waited too long to sign up for any birthing classes as they are now all full, so what pain management options are there available in the US besides an epidural? I think my oldest sister said she had a narcotic put in her iv drip, and the other had epidurals. Are these my only two options? And if I don't have an epideral, what do they do if they need to stitch you up?

 

[Kitteh_Kat]

I had both the narc through my IV and an epidural during my vaginal birth; they didn't offer anything else. The narcotic did nothing for the back pain, so I asked for the epidural and it was the best decision I made during labor.

I did end up with a third degree tear thanks to the way her shoulder came out (my fault for not listening to the OB, oops), and the OB numbed the area with an injection of some kind of local painkiller (I was too busy with baby at that point to really pay attention). I didn't feel any of the work down there.

 

[MrsKChicago]

I've heard a few hospitals now do gas and air, but it's uncommon. Generally, it's the narcotic or an epidural, and a local for any stitches. You can do some research online about non-medical pain relief, too - massage techniques, relaxation breathing, etc. Even if you intend to get all the drugs, it's good to know some other coping mechanisms in case the drugs don't take, or things move too fast for an epidural.

 

[mod19]

Well I'm not dead set on anything. I told dh I wanted to hold off ad long as possible without it, but won't deny it if it starts getting too bad or if for some medical reason gets recommend. The thought of a needle in my back just creeps me out. I bought the Ina May book for birthing or something like that, but have yet to crack it open... I hate reading lol.

And I do need to youtube/Google breathing and pain management techniques.

 

[babifever]

I believe iv pain meds and epidural is the only opinion....

 

[TexasCharlee]

My hospital, in North Texas, will let you have narcotics OR an epidural.

I'm like you, I'm not a reader of non-fiction, so I have not had the patience to read any books on natural birthing. What has really helped me though is googling birth stories. I've told my husband that I really don't want an epidural... and if I make it to 8cm to please coach me through. However, if I can't stand it and deal with the pain, then I'm okay with that too.

I'm being induced at 38 weeks due to a blood disorder so I have read all different stories. Inductions that started with just cervadil and progressed, inductions with poticin... natural births with an induction, induction births with an epidural, and inductions that ended in a C-section.

 

[babifever]

For my son, back in 2005, I had a narcotic in my IV. It makes you feel "high". I liked it, lol. Pain was still there, but I believe it took some edge off. I was still aware of everything and was able to push out accordingly. I will say it makes you extremely drowsy. I'm quite sure I will do the same this time around. I will not do an epidural.

off subject.....the worst part of labor for me was getting my water broke - and feeling like I had to go #2 but couldn't. It was just the pressure from baby. After I held him, going to the restroom was heaven. I showered and don't remember anything after that until the next morning. I was in a new room and baby was beside me.

I was induced at 37 weeks but already dilated about 3 cm. I'm excited about going naturally this time. Induction isn't bad I just dread my water being broken manually...

 

[mod19]

Well I'm hoping to not deal with an induction as I've read it brings on super intense contractions, but may need to be due to an amniotic fluid issue. I'm in North Texas as well, a pretty recent transplant, but my Dr is amazing and will listen to me if I have questions or concerns. I see her weekly and get weekly scans but haven't brought up labor questions yet as I feel it's just too early to ask.

Babifever- if you get the drip but can't handle the pain will they also give you an epideral if you ask and can't handle the pain?

 

[babifever]

Well I'm hoping to not deal with an induction as I've read it brings on super intense contractions, but may need to be due to an amniotic fluid issue. I'm in North Texas as well, a pretty recent transplant, but my Dr is amazing and will listen to me if I have questions or concerns. I see her weekly and get weekly scans but haven't brought up labor questions yet as I feel it's just too early to ask.

Babifever- if you get the drip but can't handle the pain will they also give you an epideral if you ask and can't handle the pain?

I believe they will, but not for certain. I had my son in Florida and then you had to take a class and sign paperwork prior too labor if you wanted an epidural or MAY want one. I never took that class, so it wasn't even offered to me and I never asked.

 

[mod19]

Wow that seems like a bit much. My family is in Wisconsin and my sister didn't have to take a class or anything so hopefully that's not the case.

 

[babifever]

Wow that seems like a bit much. My family is in Wisconsin and my sister didn't have to take a class or anything so hopefully that's not the case.

yes but this was in 2005 and in Florida.

 

[MrsKChicago]

That does seem unusual. Policies vary by hospital, but I've never heard of having to take an epidural class! I'd have to request pain relief at my hospital and switch rooms (I'm using one of the fancy natural birth rooms), but I'm still allowed it if I want it.

 

[Mintastic]

Hi Mod!

Can't you ask your hospital directly what options they have?

 

[mod19]

Hey mint! Haven't seen you on here in a while! How are you? I can ask, I just feel it's too early for that sort of question, but am still curious.

 

[Mintastic]

Yeah, I haven't been on much but I'm doing very well, thanks!

I think you should just ask! If it turns out they say something like, "oh your doctor will go over that with you at your 36week appointment" or something there still hasn't been any harm done in just asking. I think every hospital is a bit different so without asking them directly it is all just conjecture and may even make you more confused or nervous about it.

 

[mod19]

Well I'm seeing my Dr weekly now and the office is in the hospital I will be delivering at, so she'll be able to give me all the answers. I need to start writing down these questions I have and take them in with me. I'm good at forgetting to do that. The way things are going I'm thinking I'll be getting induced at least a couple weeks early, and I've heard contractions are so much worse when induced.

 

[Srrme]

I had an all natural labor the last time around, but I was offered an epidural or pain medication through the IV if I wanted.

I did tear and was given a local pain killer down there before she stitched me.