I had a terrible vaginal delivery with my first LO and ended up with a epi and tear that amounted to a 4th degree mess seeing as how I pushed for 2 1/2 hrs with nothing. Now I have issues with weak bowels and pelvic floor (sorry, tmi). Is it possible to get an epi with a spinal so you are totally numb during delivery? I felt everything with my epi and was totally pissed. Has anyone received a spinal for a vag delivery without getting it for a c-section?
Re: not sure if this is the right board, spinal for vaginal delivery?
I'm confused.
Do you think that the reason you tore badly is because you had no pain relief? Because I don't see how those two things have anything to do with each other. Pain relief is completely separate from how the vagina stretches during childbirth and has no effect on whether or not you will tear.
If the reason you're asking is because you FELT the tearing and would really rather not go through that again, then definitely talk to your OB about proper pain management during your next labor. You may want to talk about the option of scheduling a c/s to prevent further damage. What you went through sounds traumatic and it's your choice what to do with your body next time around to avoid the same trauma, but it should be discussed with a doctor.
I believe that the anesthesia used with a spinal is stronger than that used in an epidural, but with a spinal, it's a one-time shot. Insert needle, release medicine, retract needle; and I'm thinking that they don't often do spinals for vaginal deliveries because it completely numbs you and that may inhibit pushing. With an epidural, you have the catheter inserted and can get repeated doses, and you usually can still push somewhat effectively and move your legs a bit. I'm not sure what a doctor would recommend in your case. Good luck.
Jess & Adam, married 2009, precious Audrey born in 2011. BFP 1/6/13, 6-wk MMC discovered at 9 wks 2/11/13. D&C 2/18/13, second D&C 4/23/13 for retained placenta.
BFP 8/24/13!! EDD 5/1/14, delivered healthy and sweet Zoey Leanne on 5/5/14 by repeat c-section.