Epidural question

amethyst1220 · March 2011

If you get an epidural, do you automatically get a catheter?

selby.nippert · March 2011

The epidural is given to you via catheter in your back. Do you mean like a catheter for your pee? A catheter is just a tube.

amethyst1220 · March 2011

Opps. Yes, I meant catheter for your pee.

jess1984 · March 2011

i did both times, but it was after i got the epi that they put it in so i felt nothing. And it wasnt bad getting it out either.

selby.nippert · March 2011

Yes, usually you'll get one if you get an epi. I believe they give it to you after you get your epi (shortly after) and remove it as soon as the epi wears off and you can walk again.

kelly2591x · March 2011

I did very shortly after receiving the epi.. good thing too because I was so excited for it that I forgot to ask to pee first! (they didn't give me mine until I was 7cm!) And yes, they took it out after the epi came out, but with all the commotion I barely even noticed what they were doing down there anymore! LOL

Brittanie_1987 · March 2011

They actually cathed me whenever my bladder felt full. I'm pretty sure they did not keep it in. I never felt it, thank goodness.

bre87 · March 2011

i got a catheter right after they did the epi. the stupid tape took forever to come off of my leg, that's the only reason why i remember it. and in recovery they tried to get me to use the bedpan but the epi hadn't worn off all the way, so they re-did the catheter then took it right back out.

Rachel010110 · March 2011

Yep I got a catheter put in shortly after the epi was given. Didn't feel it going in and didn't feel it coming out. I almost forgot I had it put it!

veggybugg · March 2011

I only got a cath when I was on the table pushing and we were having problems with Sprout staying engaged in the birth canal. They thought maybe I had fluids in my bladder and cathed me to give her more room. They took it out when I delivered and I was walking on my own within 2 hrs. But when I had the epi it did not affect my legs AT ALL and I was able to stand and move around normally. The nurses were quite impressed.

LynsiBHM · March 2011

I've heard it's really dangerous to have a full bladder during labor. They put a cath in if you are unable to empty your bladder on your own. Depending on the Dr/hospital, some may put it in just to empty your bladder at a certain time(s) and some will leave it in until you're able to use the restroom or bedpan on your own.

hispenguin · March 2011

I didn't get a catheter immediately after getting my epidural. It wasn't inserted until a few hours later when I was getting some pressure and needed to empty my bladder. They just kept it in at that point.

A friend of mine had one inserted then removed three times Tongue Tied during her labour.