What does it feel like after you get the epidural?

MrsEWellman · January 2012

I hear the initial shot/numbing thing hurts, but what does it feel like afterwards? Can you really not move or feel your legs or feet? I was thinking about this today and it was freaking me out...almost like it would feel claustrophobic (not really, but you know what I mean...kind of panicky). How long does it last?

KitKat83 · January 2012

THe numbing shot didn't even hurt at all compared to the pain of contractions. My epidural wasn't in far enough, but I liked it that way because it took a lot, but not all of the pain away, and I could still move my legs around. I even moved myself onto the operating table when it came down to cesarean. The only unfortunate thing is that because it wasn't 100% effective on me, they couldn't get me frozen enough for me to stay awake during surgery, so I had to get a general.

I think the effects are different with everyone, and they can turn it up or down if you start feeling that way!! It wasn't scary at all, and the anesthesiologist was Australian and cracking jokes the whole time, so that helped get my mind off of it.

paige0328 · January 2012

I know the results of an epidural can vary by person, however I was able to feel and move my legs (not well - they felt VERY heavy). My butt was totally numb, but I could still feel contractions. It kicked in quickly, and also wore off pretty quickly. Wearing off felt tingly and I was shaky, but was out of bed relatively soon (maybe an hour? My sense of time isn't great) to use the restroom.

kaybe24 · January 2012

The initial numbing shot is a little painful but I couldn't feel much after that. My contractions were so painful the epidural was so worth it. My right leg was completely numb for a while but I'd rather have that feeling than the contractions. I think it affects everyone differently.

Rey2009 · January 2012

It feels wonderful after you get an epidural =-P

I really couldn't move my right leg. My DH had to move it for me.
But after I got it I felt soo good I was totally giddy and just laughed hysterically about it (along with trying to order epidurals for everyone in the room).

So my bottom half felt sluggish and a little tingly and I did have some minor itching that was totally gone by the time I held my baby.

It had worn off by the time I was pushing so I felt almost everything then and I could walk to the bathroom without help about 2 hours after delivering.

mudluscious4 · January 2012

For me, my legs were tingly and skin-numb but I could still move them. My behind was quite numb. I had a "hot spot" that moved, dissipated and re-appeared as I shifted around where I could still feel some pain from contractions. And in general I could still feel a mild pressure/tightening whenever I had a contraction, but they were no longer painful and I could sleep through them. The relief feels very nice!

SoonToBeMsP · January 2012

mudluscious4:
For me, my legs were tingly and skin-numb but I could still move them. My behind was quite numb. I had a "hot spot" that moved, dissipated and re-appeared as I shifted around where I could still feel some pain from contractions. And in general I could still feel a mild pressure/tightening whenever I had a contraction, but they were no longer painful and I could sleep through them. The relief feels very nice!

Congrats mud!!! Didn't realize your LO came!

lp0 · January 2012

My epidural didn't hurt at all. Honestly the iv in my hand was worst. It didn't hurt when she put it in or when they took it out. My legs were not completely numb and I could still feel and move my legs. They felt like they were about to fall asleep so I had the sensation to try and move them so they'd wake up. Similar to just before that pins and needles feeling. I wouldn't stress about it. Once those contractions really start hurting you won't worry about the epidural at all. It's amazing!

Sascha3 · January 2012

I was very, very numb. I couldn't move my legs at all, I couldn't even wiggle my toes. I know that many people do not feel this way, but mine was very effective. I was able to feel the pressure I needed to feel to push, just not my legs. After they turned it off, I walked to the bathroom after 2 hours. Not sure when the feeling came back...I was so distracted by my baby:)

Kristine Schilling · January 2012

Fresh experience. lol. Yesterday....

About 10 minutes after the epi, my belly, legs, feet, and toes were numb and tingly. I truely couldn't feel the contractions anymore. I didnt feel anything other than relief emotionally, no panic at loss of movement for me.

I later needed a CS, so they used the Epi for my CS as well. It took a couple hours for me to get feeling back, but for a CS they really numb you up. I lost feeling from about my chest down at that point.

Side effect: some women (me included) get a case of the itchies for about 24 hour the epi wears off. Benadryl didnt help me much.

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