STM - epidural question

bscurt

so I've heard that it's common to get nauseated and throw up during transition - when you had an epidural, did you throw up or feel sick?

jeep1019

I didn't but I did shake all over like I was freezing- I think it was a combo of everything and my hormones it was weird. Getting sick with an epidural can be from your bp bottoming out, that's why they pump you full of fluids before the epidural starts- to keep your bp from crashing.

Rosiethird

Yes. Both times. Your body stops pretty much all non essential functions during the final part of labour (which is why it's not a good idea to eat) so digestion totally stops. Anything in your stomach sits there and with the contractions and pushing it gets pushed out. It's not just when you have an epidural though.

bscurt

Interesting, ok. It makes sense! Just seems like one more thing for me to think (slightly worry about) about labor I've heard of the shakes!

soontobecapek

breemarie808 said:

so I've heard that it's common to get nauseated and throw up during transition - when you had an epidural, did you throw up or feel sick?

I didn't, but I also won't get another epidural. I got one because I was afraid labor would be unbearable. Since of course that's what they tell you, I was young and nervous. Anyway, I got it and I couldn't feel anything, literally nothing, no pain, no sensation to push, no contractions, etc... We had to watch the monitor and tell me when to push!

bscurt

I'm planning on going natural, I just want to be as informed as possible about all options and scenarios! I just read about the vomiting during transition and wondered if it happened during epidurals, too. I would like to assume I can go without pain meds, but I want to be educated on them, too. Who knows?! I've never had a baby! Lol.

soontobecapek

breemarie808 said:

I'm planning on going natural, I just want to be as informed as possible about all options and scenarios! I just read about the vomiting during transition and wondered if it happened during epidurals, too. I would like to assume I can go without pain meds, but I want to be educated on them, too. Who knows?! I've never had a baby! Lol.

Oh absolutely! This is #4 for me, I did the other 2 med free (except they have me fentanyl with #2 when she flipped since I was heading to emergency c/s) that stuff was great lol

mrswynn2014

soontobecapek said:

breemarie808 said:

so I've heard that it's common to get nauseated and throw up during transition - when you had an epidural, did you throw up or feel sick?

I didn't, but I also won't get another epidural. I got one because I was afraid labor would be unbearable. Since of course that's what they tell you, I was young and nervous. Anyway, I got it and I couldn't feel anything, literally nothing, no pain, no sensation to push, no contractions, etc... We had to watch the monitor and tell me when to push!

I asked about that at my birthing class. They said when you get an epidural some people can still feel what's going on just not pain, and some can't feel anything. I asked if there was a way to get a lower does so I could still tell what was going on. She said no one has ever asked her that before. Lol so I'm going to ask my dr. I don't want to be so numb I can't feel anything

beaseg

I shook and threw up. It's nothing though. Doesn't bother you at all when you're feeling no pain in the middle of labor. 

bscurt

That's a good way to look at it!

beaseg said:

I shook and threw up. It's nothing though. Doesn't bother you at all when you're feeling no pain in the middle of labor. 

ali0608

I didn't feel sick or nauseous. But since I was induced, I hadn't eaten since the night before. I did shake in transition.

And my hospital did turn down the epidural so you could know when to push.

Bmore112

I was shaking and felt cold. I thought it was because I was scared.

remingtonang

I only threw up when I didn't have an epidural with my first pregnancy. My last two pregnancies I had an epidural and experienced no vomiting. I also shook uncontrollably both times just like others have commented. I wasn't aware that the reason they start fluids was to control bp but that seems to make sense. I'm going to have an epidural with this one too because my experience was so much more enjoyable than with my first.

JC714

I thought I was going to throw up BEFORE I got the epidural...afterward I was able to relax nd really enjoy the process of giving birth. I did experience being very cold and uncontrollable shaking between the epidural and pushing...once I started pushing the shakes stopped and I was back to feeling normal in temperature...I felt NOTHING with my epidural, no pressure, no pain..I have a feeling that prolonged the active period of labor, but I had m no complaints and plan on getting one again.season

TBsquared

soontobecapek said:

breemarie808 said:

so I've heard that it's common to get nauseated and throw up during transition - when you had an epidural, did you throw up or feel sick?

I didn't, but I also won't get another epidural. I got one because I was afraid labor would be unbearable. Since of course that's what they tell you, I was young and nervous. Anyway, I got it and I couldn't feel anything, literally nothing, no pain, no sensation to push, no contractions, etc... We had to watch the monitor and tell me when to push!

Exactly this. I didn't throw up, I felt nothing at all. They were like "ok your fully dialated, do you want to start pushing?" I was like "ok I guess so?" And then they watched the monitor and told me when to push. It was strange.

beaseg

I asked for my epidural to be kept low so I could feel while pushing and such. They told me that wasn't possible. I knew it to be untrue, but had no one there to advocate for me. What am I gonna do, pull up google to prove them wrong?? They're the medical professionals. I just had to deal, and though it was disappointing- I pushed perfectly and all ended up terrific- so I try not to get down on it. But just wanted to warn other moms some people might not give you that option.

Amstreagle

I did have an epidural and I did throw up. However it was after an hour of pushing. You know when you do a super intense workout and thow up after? That's what I chock it up to.
I still feel bad about it because it was while I was pushing I started coughing and projectile vomited on the nurse holding my right leg.

tinathompson31

When I got the epidural the first time around, I shook and got cold. I was very numb and felt no pain at all. I'm getting a planned c section this time around and I was told to get a spinal instead because the needle is smaller and it hurts less. Plus you go numb faster

Jazzyashes84

I got the epidural at 4cm (after a long time of labor pains). It was so easy! And felt so nice within a few minutes. I hope you will have the same experience, no sickness or throwing up. Started to get shaky/chills before pushing, but that is caused from your body I think... Not the epidural, or so I was told

bscurt

Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences!! It helps to hear different stories - all variations of normal!

remingtonang

The uncontrollable shaking happens during the transitioning of labor. It's when your body is almost ready to start pushing. It usually happens to everyone.... Epidural or not.

CrystalEve12

I didn't shake or vomit with mine at all. I felt the pressure of birth, but no pain. Hoping for the same results this birth!

jennygirlmt

I puked with each contraction prior to my epi, after I got it it was nothing but calm bliss. I don't know if that's because I had already puked everything. I did shiver but that was post delivery and the nurse said it was normal. So normal that they had heated blankets ready to place on me :-) 

Knottie54288128

I threw up before I got my epidural. After, I was excellent. But everyone is different.

nogitron

No epidural (alas ), no shakes or vomiting either. Just lots and lots of pain. I don't think throwing up would have fazed me. I was exhausted, in pain, and focused on getting that baby OUT!

bscurt

Thanks for your input everyone!!