Registering for an epidural?

alcammor

Quick question as I have seen it on a couple of posts. What does registering for an epidural mean? Do you have to pre-choose to have an epidural in some locations? 

My experience has been that you decide  if you want an epi while in labor; no one has ever asked prior to that. Wondering if it is different in different partsof the country.

tdmd09

I think my nurse asked my preference when we checked in, but nothing besides that. I just told her when I was ready and she called anesthesia to come. But I also didn't have to pre register at my hospital so I don't know if that makes a difference.

holly321

I was asked when I got admitted if I wanted one, I said I wanted to try without one, 8 hours later, I had no progress so I changed my mind.  I did have to wait almost an hour to get it then, I think otherwise it may have been quicker. 

hnhoffman

We did a hospital tour and all of our paper work a month ago. That way we can walk right in to L D. So I have already filled out my epi paperwork. I still have a chance to say no but this just makes it easier if I do want one.

pitterpatter129

I had to fill out any paperwork for it and pay a seperate copay for it by 34 weeks. It didn't mean I had to use it, but when I got to the hospital, they already had it ready if I wanted it. If I hadn't had used it, I'd have gotten money back. It's because our hospital uses anethesiologists (spelling?) that are contracted through some other place. They don't work directly for the one hospital.

light52

The hospital I delivered DS1 at had you go for a epidural appointment if you wanted one.  You meet with the anesthesiologist and they discussed how it worked, what to expect, etc.  They also took vitals and a health history.  I found it totally pointless.

alcammor

Thanks! It is interesting to hear how things work in different areas.