At what point (dilation) is it too late to get an epidural?

dunvilles · December 2009

I'm already 3 1/2 cm dilated, 90% effaced, +1 station and was taken off my procardia/bedrest today. I'm worried that i"ll progress quickly and get to the point that I can't have my epidural before I get to the hospital..

Any advice?? TIA!

SRose27 · December 2009

I believe it is 6 cm

Good luck!!!!

jkfranklin · December 2009

I think it depends on the person and on the doctor. This is a good question for your doctor.

HawkeyeMommy · December 2009

At our birthing class we were told that we could get it as long as the baby isn't crowning, but to keep in mind that it could take a while to get it after being ordered and that it can take a bit to feel the relief from it. I would guess that it depends also on the doctor/hospital. They also told us that the epi can slow labor so they don't like to give it until you are at least 4 cm. Again, it probably depends on the hospital. Good luck!

pocoabeja · December 2009

I've had two kiddos already and from previous experience, I would suggest mentioning that you would like one when they admit you, so they know what you want and can remind you of that. I got one when I was 6cm with DS #1 and 8 cm with DS# 2. It took about 90 minutes for me to get it the first time because they had to call the OR anesthesiologist to come give it to me because the L&D anesthesiologist had to go to an emergency c-section. It took about 45 minutes for me to get it with DS #2. I hadn't really asked for it yet at that point, but was ready when they came in. They have to go over paperwork with you and ask you some questions..usually the RN that works with the anesthesiologist will come and talk to you first. BTW I was 3cm dilated with DS #2 at 36 weeks and he wasn't born until 39w2d, so you may or may not progress as fast as you think you will..

ridesbuttons · December 2009

With my first I got it at 10cm (whoops!). Immediately started pushing.

I skipped it with my second.

jescgrl · December 2009

With DS#! I was 6-7 cms when I went to the hospital (My biggest fear was being told to go home and come back later so I labored at home for about 8 hours) I got my epidural at 8cm. and slept till 10cm. It depends on how the baby is reacting to contractions already, your doctor/hospital policy... I would talk to them. some wont do it past a certain point.. I know when my epi wore off before I started pushing they wouldnt give me a thing for the pain.

libra31 · December 2009

I'm an L&D nurse and our anesthesia will do it at any point. I've seen women who are 10cm and have been pushing for awhile get epidurals. Is this your first? If so, you should definitely have time and if for some reason you don't, you will be of the very lucky few who have a quick first labor. If it's not your first, it's not abnormal to be 3cm for awhile before you go into labor and can depend on how fast you went with your first.

justrachet · December 2009

At our childbirth class, they told us that at our hospital 6 cm is the earliest they give epidurals and time-to-start-pushing would be the latest. So, if it's already time to start pushing when we get admitted to L&D, no epidural.

Mrs.Wifey318 · December 2009

My hospital will not do an epidural after 6 cm.

Timeg · December 2009

ridesbuttons:

With my first I got it at 10cm (whoops!). Immediately started pushing.

I skipped it with my second.

Really?? My hospital wouldn't give it at that point...I went med-free, but their policy is not before 4 cm and not after 6 cm (they may go to 8, but I don't know). Did it help getting it at a 10?

swimrbride · December 2009

At our classes at the hospital we were told it is never too late medically to get an epi as far as dilation is concerned. But it may not work by the time you are fully dilated and ready to push because they take time to get (running blood tests and getting you all set up). So that really depends on how quickly you are dilating at that point and how fast they can get an epi in you.

kelly1377 · December 2009

With DS I went from 4cm to 9 cm in 30 minutes and they wouldn't give me one, it was too late. I was lucky they had enough time to get the dr back in the room after he thought it would be a few hours laboring and was probably walking out the front door when called back in. And DS was my first deliver so i'm very curious how this one will work out....

ridesbuttons · December 2009

Timeg:
ridesbuttons:

With my first I got it at 10cm (whoops!). Immediately started pushing.

I skipped it with my second.

Really?? My hospital wouldn't give it at that point...I went med-free, but their policy is not before 4 cm and not after 6 cm (they may go to 8, but I don't know). Did it help getting it at a 10?

The pain relief from the contractions was amazing, I loved the epidural guy. But, I then pushed for 2 hours - I know the first hour of pushing was completely non-productive. And that was annoying. It did not dull any of the crowning (ring of fire) pain. I felt all of that (went med-free with my second so I am sure that the pain was the same). I could totally move around too. I remember when the doctor put me into position sitting on the edge of the bed to have it administered, I felt the urge to push but I didn't tell him, I was afraid they wouldn't give it to me (later I was told that fear was justified, lol).

I don't regret getting the epi with my first, but I am very glad to have gone med free with my second.

LittleMamaB · December 2009

I got mine at 9cm with my second son.

Want a personalized experience?

At what point (dilation) is it too late to get an epidural?

Re: At what point (dilation) is it too late to get an epidural?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards