Induction without epidural? (Update)

irisheyes317

Anyone had any experience with an induction without an epidural?  So, as things currently stand, I would be medically unable to get an epidural during delivery (if I needed a c-section, I would have to go under general anesthesia).  I've known for a while, and I've accepted it, planned for pain management techniques, etc.  All of my doctors are in agreement that, for this condition, the best thing is for me is to go into labor on my own to minimize other risks. 

But, I have had two recent preeclampsia scares after doctor visits.  Although they both turned out to be false alarms, I'm starting to get worried about my options if I do start to develop pre-e and need an induction.  Anyone have any experience with an induction without an epidural?  I've heard contractions are much more intense in an induction and my ability to move around in the hospital would be much more limited.  I am talking to my doctors about all of my medical options, but I'm wondering first if it's at all realistic from a personal pain management perspective to consider it, or if I should also make sure I push hard for other treatments that might make the epidural a temporary option if it turns out that I do need an induction. 

hgielrebmik

I had a pain med free induction with my DS in 2012. I can't compare the contractions because I was also induced with my 1st. I was confined to my bed for monitoring except to use the restroom. There was only an hour of terrible pain, and pushing and recovery was very easy. Everyone's experiences are unique, but trust yourself that you can do it and remember it will be over soon, and you get to meet your LO.

imagine7696030614

I just had my baby on 10/2 and was induced. This is my 4th and every labor is different but I can honestly say the epidural was more painful than the contractions I was having. (Not every epidural is this painful-this one WAS) Now, that is not to say the pain would not have gotten to an unbearable point when transition and pushing came but I kind of wish that I skipped the epidural. I think that everyone's pain tolerance is different and every experience different. Hopefully you'll get some encouraging feedback from someone who went through the entire labor with pitocin and no epi.

mmorga15

My last pregnancy I was induced due to preeclampsia/HELLP, and due to low blood platelets I wasn't able to get an epidural. My labor went incredibly fast and my recovery was amazing. The mixture of pitocin and magnesium was absolutely awful but it didn't last long. I would highly recommend attempting to go med free even if you are induced- it's what our bodies were designed for.

irisheyes317

Thanks! Sounds like it might be doable, especially if labor goes fast, but I obviously won't know that in advance.  It's helpful to hear other experiences to know what I'm getting into if I have to make a quick decision in a few days. 

2goingon3

I was induced with DD, never had an epi, and it ended up being fine. Sure, it could've been much much more comfortable, but you expect pain with labour. It does suck being strapped to monitors and basically on your back the whole time though. I will warn that my contractions started hard and fast and didn't let up the whole 12 hours it took for her to be born.

JessAnnJ

My water broke and I didn't progress so I was given pitocin. I had an epidural so i can't really offer advice, but they did not automatically confine me to the bed when they gave me the pitocin. I was still able to move around the room until I got the epidural. Maybe you can talk to your doctor about your mobility and how that will be affected.

qtqiqi

I was also induced with my first without an epi. I was on pitocin for more than 24 hr but my contractions were not painful until my doc broke my water. Once my water broke my painful labor was less than 6 hr, by the time I wanted the epi it was too late and baby came out in 3 pushes. Definitely manageable, if my labor progress quickly this time too I will likely go without epi again. Good luck with your decision.

TheOtherJacobsons

I have nothing to compare it to, but the pain was manageable. I didn't get induced, although, my labor was augmented, which is slightly different. I was already in labor when we started pitocin.

Once I did get pitocin I did lie down, but that was to rest. I moved around a lot during labor. Just had to cart the IV with me.

I will say that just when you think you can't do it, you're almost through it. Transition is the worst, but it only lasted about an hour and a half and honestly it didn't feel that long.

I have faith in you!

Starfish17

I was induced with my first and did not have an epidural.  I was given pitocin, which I thought gave some pretty intense contractions, but I didn't have any prior experience to compare.  I did get some IV pain meds (can't remember what it was now - I had a couple doses) which took the edge off, and let me doze in between contractions.  By the time I thought that the pain was bad enough to get an epidural, I was fully dilated and it was too late.   To me, the worst part of the whole process was when I was ready to push and I had to wait for the OB to get there!  With my second, i went into labor spontaneously, and the contractions felt much less intense but it could have also been that I knew more of what to expect.  I'm planning on going epidural/ totally pain med free again this time, regardless of if I need an induction.  It can be done, but you just need to know your own pain threshold.

BeanNut

I've had an epidural with all three labors but not until 7cm with the first two. My first labor I had pitocin and the others I did not. Honestly I found that the length of labor wore me down more than anything else. My contractions weren't much worse with pitocin than without pitocin.

irisheyes317

Thanks everyone! @crawford411 it's great to hear your sister's perspective having been on both sides (epi and no epi) and yours too @Starfish17(both induction and spontaneous labor without epi) !

I'm still hoping my BP stays down and I can wait to let this LO come out on her own schedule, but I know I'll be a lot less terrified if I get sent to L&D for BP monitoring again (for the third time) after my appointment later this week.  

p.s. @theotherjacobsons your siggy pictures of your little girl are so adorable! I'm normally on mobile and miss these things. 

nightowl1989

Reading through this makes me feel better because it has been on my mind of late. I like to know my options and I really have to thank you for asking the question because I probably wouldn't have unless I was no shit overdue. This gives me hope that if it does come to induction I can still go med-free, too.

TheOtherJacobsons

Another method for induction is acupuncture. My SIL tried it for both of her boys and it worked for her. She made an appointment the day before her scheduled inductions and was in labor by the end of the day.

Also, thanks I also mobile bump and only know you from your night cheese gif. If you ever changed it, I might not remember who you are

Nichole7041

I was induced w my son and went 16 hours before I felt like I couldn't take it anymore and asked for the epidural. I wish I hadn't because I didn't know then but I gave birth one hour later.

You know you're almost there when you feel like you can't do it anymore next time I plan to def do it without. Your body was made for this.

jenndub

I was induced with all 4 and got an epidural with all of them due to failure to progress. But with the first one I went 14 hours without and 18 hours without an epidural for the second. It's definitely doable. Don't worry, you can handle it. Good luck!

alysonmh

It's doable. I was induced with pitocin and was in labor for 28 hours. I ended up getting an epidural but not until after 24 hours and at that point it was done more because of how exhausted I had become as opposed to pain. Once I received the pitocin the contractions really intensified and I won't lie and say they weren't horrible because they were. It was painful but I remember thinking to myself it wasn't as bad as people say but everybody's pain tolerance is different.

GoldenGibson

Definitely something that's been on my mind too. I am really hoping baby comes on his own before my induction next week because I'd really like to go med free. During my first labor I was induced and hooked up to fetal monitors, a blood pressure cuff, an IV, a pulse oximeter, and at times oxygen and was basically laying on my back in the bed the entire time which makes pain management nearly impossible. This time I've asked my OB if I could get up and move around the room even if I was induced and he said yes so now that I know what to expect I think I can manage the pain better. My labor was 20 hours the first time with 3 hours of pushing and I never really had regular contractions, my body just didn't respond well to being induced. Hoping things will go differently this time around!

irisheyes317

Well it looks like I'm doing this now. Glad I asked! Surprise induction starting tonight. The anesthesiologist at the hospital has confirmed that they won't administer an epidural. Lots of mixed emotions right now but I'm trying to be strong. Thanks again for your stories and advice!

Liss1481

Good luck! You can do it!

Emerald27

Best of luck! You can do this!! :-bd

Esmehairstylist

You can do it!!!! I did it wih my daughter. Your body will give you its own pain management. I could not feel certain parts and I thought I'd feel the whole thing. Contractions aren't fun but before you know it baby comes. Good luck and post and update!

savicke2009

Good luck!! You can do it!!

[Deleted User]

You've got this! Good luck!