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why don't they allow epidurals during water birth?

makaelashook2makaelashook2 member
in Natural Birth
I've been considering both but I've heard they won't allow you to have a water birth if you have an epidural. Does anyone know why?
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Re: why don't they allow epidurals during water birth?

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  • aboodtobeaboodtobe member
    edited July 2014
    @conradraging is correct, you may not be able to move around once you have an epidural. Plus, you will most likely have some sort of fetal monitoring strapped to you (which may or may not be waterproof). 
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  • julyjenniferjulyjennifer member
    What the others said...Also, don't you typically have a catheter in with an epidural?  That seems like it would not go well with being in a tub.  Not to mention the epidural line inserted in your back (I've never had one so can't exactly visualize it but it just seems that the logistics are not compatible).
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  • JCWhiteyJCWhitey member
    What everyone else has said, plus you need to keep the line in your spine dry.  If it gets wet it could get moved out of place.  Plus with an epi you need to be monitored, the baby needs to be monitored, you have a catheter, and the epidural equipment itself.  I'm not sure how they could fit that all around a tub.

    But my real question is, why would you want both?  Many opt for a water birth because it's considered a "natural epidural" and can help with pain management.  If you have an epi you won't need pain management, you already have it!

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  • ValancyyValancyy member
    JCWhitey said:

    But my real question is, why would you want both?  Many opt for a water birth because it's considered a "natural epidural" and can help with pain management.  If you have an epi you won't need pain management, you already have it!
    Exactly.  The biggest reason for laboring in a tub is pain relief.  You don't need that if you get an epidural.

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