3rd Trimester

Epidural not working?

So my mom had to be put to sleep for both my sister and me during her c-sections because the epidural didn't work.

Could that be something that is inherited?  I couldn't sleep last night thinking, "what if the epi doesn't work for me and I have to give birth natually?"

Anyone hear of this?

Re: Epidural not working?

  • My mom claims they didn't have epidurals back when I was born, and I am 23. Are you sure she's talking about the same thing?
  • Yes she says they did, and it did not work.  She could still feel everything and they had to put her to sleep. 

    I am 32

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  • imageahartzle:
    My mom claims they didn't have epidurals back when I was born, and I am 23. Are you sure she's talking about the same thing?

    There were epis then! 

    And if the epi didn't work it's more likely that it wasn't done correctly.

  • My mom was knocked out for both my sister and I.  I am 31 and my sister is 37.  This, for the most part, was how it was done back then.  However, my friend had to be knocked out for her emergency c-section because her epidural didn't take.  I really feel that is so rare, at least from what I hear.  My friend was the first person I've heard this happening to. 
  • When I was in labor with my daughter my first epidural didn't work real well.  They finally had to take it out and put another one in.  That one worked fine.  But yes, I have heard that it doesn't work for everyone.  There are other ways they can relieve your pain, though, if it doesn't work for you.

     

  • Hmmmmmm..

    I think this would be a good question for google. Maybe it's just because I am from a small town and was born in a small town hospital? No clue Stick out tongue

     

  • Unfortunately, that happened to me.  I'd highly recommend that you talk to your doctor about your concern.
  • It only worked on 1/2 of her for my brother, but worked for me.

    I would just say it's basic medical improvmeents in the past 32 years.

  • Everything in medicine has changed over the years. Who's to say the epi's aren't different now!? It may have been something they used back then.
  • imageBrainySmurfette:
    Unfortunately, that happened to me.  I'd highly recommend that you talk to your doctor about your concern.

     

    so did you have to give birth naturally?

  • My mom was also put to sleep for both her births.  They didn't offer an epi for her, I'm 29.
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  • When my sister had my nephews, ages 15 and 14... The first birth he came so fast that the epidural didn't kick in.  basically he was a natural birth. But it sucked because she was still numb after he was born.  The second she declined the epidural.  Maybe she means it didn't kick in?

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  • people are "put under", animals are "put to sleep" when they are sick and old.

    Not to be snotty, but it is making me giggle:)

    ?

    I would ask your doctor, but I am sure epidurals are better and different now, though there is always the chance that it won't take. ?I don't think I would worry that it won;t take on you, because it didn't take on your mom.?

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  • Sometimes epidurals don't work, or stop working. They can not be in quite the perfect spot, your anatomy can be a little weird and the drug doesn't flow right, it could only work on one side or the other. It's a medical procedure and is both an art and a science.
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  • There are certainly people that the epi doesn't work for.  I have no idea if it is hereditary, but it is always good to be prepared for a natural childbirth experience

    I do have a friend that had an emergency c-section under general anesthesia because the spinal didn't take.

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  • Well, if you go into the hospital knowing you're having a c-section then most likely you'll be getting a spinal, not an epidural.

    However, if you go into labor and they try to deliver the baby vaginally without success...then yes, the epidural can wear off once you're in the operating room.  At that point they have to put you under anaesthesia.

  • The spinal didn't work with my mom for me or my younger sister.  I am 30, my sister is 27.  With me, they actually started to cut and noticed she was moving her toes.  She was put out immediately.  With my sister they watched for it because of her history.  I had a spinal for my c-section and had no problems at all.  The nurse actually said mine lasted longer than most. 
  • imageMystery2B:
    Sometimes epidurals don't work, or stop working. They can not be in quite the perfect spot, your anatomy can be a little weird and the drug doesn't flow right, it could only work on one side or the other. It's a medical procedure and is both an art and a science.

     

    With my son mine only worked on one side. But if we pushed the button they give you for an extra shot of meds in it every 10 mins it worked for both sides but when they wanted me to get up I couldnt cause one side was sooo numb and wouldnt wear off. It works different on everyone. 

  • imageMystery2B:
    Sometimes epidurals don't work, or stop working. They can not be in quite the perfect spot, your anatomy can be a little weird and the drug doesn't flow right, it could only work on one side or the other. It's a medical procedure and is both an art and a science.

    This is true. I asked DH about this before and he said once they get it in (assuming it is correct, but it's either in or not) then it's up to the medicine to "choose it's course", whether that is left, right, both or up!

    Also for a c-section they don't give epis they use a local like pp said (spinal). It's different.

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