Community› The Bump Message Boards› Birth Stories
Birth Stories
New Discussion

silly newbie question

sarahbethrnsarahbethrn
in Birth Stories

How much do you actually feel if you've had an epidural.  I've always thought of myself as someone who has a high tolerence for pain, but I am definatly planning on having the epidural if I can.  We're not pregnant yet, but we're considering trying to concieve soon.

Report Reply to Post

Re: silly newbie question

  • jamie4dukejamie4duke member
    I had absolutely NO feeling from the waste down during my epi.  I didn't mind not feeling pain, but I also couldn't move my legs and when I was trying to push I didn't know if I was doing it right or not.  My friend had a walking epi and she could move her legs, feel pressure, but no pain.  That is what I am planning on having this time around.  :D
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • sarahbethrnsarahbethrn

    Thanks!  It helps to know that there is something you can get to aleviate the horrible pain but still not leave you feeling paralized.  I think it would freak me out a little bit to not be able to feel ANYthing.

    Report Reply
  • marrymemylovemarrymemylove member

    Well you can read my birth story below. If they had not turned it back at the crowning I would have felt no pain whatsoever, onlly pressure like during labour. Also you can wiggle your toes and I was able to get up and walk to the bathroom (I had DH's arm to lean on until I got to the door, after that I held the door for safety but I was really fine). It kind of felt like walking after you've just woken up, like you need to go slow but you're fine.

    It was GREAT having the epidural. Best part of the birth process (other than the outcome obviously!).?

    Report Reply
  • marrymemylovemarrymemylove member

    Sounds like the prior answer had the old fashioned 1950s kind of epi. Many big hospitals now have walking epis which I had - totally different. Should not be confused with each other.

    Check out the book Enjoy your Labor by Gilbert Grant - it explains all the different options and risks and benefits BOTH ways (not many people know there are risks to NOT having an epi for some people!). I was one of those people - I would for sure have had a c section but for the epi. And lots of babies are born more oxygenated because the mother's cortisol (stress hormone) is not elevated by pain.

    ?Yes you still need an IV for emergences (though many non-epi births in hospitals have those too) and yes you'll still mostly be in bed (but with no pain that is not a problem). But it is FAR from paralysing.

    I happen to personally think that if you didn't scream for the epi you weren't suffering enough to get the message that epis are fantastic.?

    ?

    Report Reply
  • Allie BAllie B
    I had a epidural early. I was scared of not getting it in time. Doc broke my water and the pressure was a lot harder and so I had the epidural about 20 minutes after that. I could move my legs but if I let too much medicine sit on one leg more, it was difficult to pick up my leg. The epidural makes your legs tingle as if they are asleep. As for the pain/pressure in the tummy, I could feel her and things going on but there was NO pain what-so-ever! I did end up having a c-section and for that they gave me like a big dose epidural. I couldn't move anything and the tingling was everywhere.
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"