Epidural?

S&N062009 · June 2014

I am thinking there is no way I can get an epidural due to my dislike/ being scared of needles. Any advice?

24karat · June 2014

Well, an epidural requires a needle so if your dislike/fear prohibits you from letting them put one in during labor, you'll have to go without. You have a couple choices for pain management, depending on what will work for your specific situation. Look into other pain-management techniques (hypnobirthing, water birth, etc) and explore the options that appeal to you...see if they are a possibility for you.

It is also worthwhile to consider that, should a c/s is necessary, needles will be involved. It also can be beneficial to mentally prepare for the possibility. Many women who hate or are scared of needles (including myself) end up being OK with them in the moment. I honestly didn't think about it too much...the contractions and everything else going on was enough of a distraction.

BabyKsMommy · June 2014

I was super terrified of needles. I have even passed out from a shot before. But after being in labor over 24hrs with contractions I was open to getting an epi. It was amazing after having it done. When you know it's your only chance to get relief your mind might change.

mb314 · June 2014

There are many reasons to choose not to get an epidural during labor (and times when it can be helpful). My advice is to read as much as possible at coping techniques for pain, different laboring positions, and different pushing positions to help make your labor progress. Look into natural birth-focused classes, and possibly consider hiring a doula who can help you during labor with non-medicated pain relief techniques (like massage, pressure on back, etc)..

If your hospital has a labor tub, I highly recommend using it! I never asked for nor wanted an epidural because I knew that getting an epidural would mean I would have to leave the tub. The tub was really great at quelling the pain for me. It was awesome! If the hospital doesn’t have a tub, you can labor in the shower. I labored in the shower at home and that also helped.

Long story short, the more you do to prepare ahead of time, the better equipped you’ll be to have an epi-free birth. Keep in mind that labor doesn’t always go as you plan – things like Pitocin can really amp up the pain. And, as pp said, an epidural is necessary for a c-section, should you need one. So I also suggest reading a lot of birth stories to get a broad sense as to what can happen during labor and the many many different scenarios that can come up.

Good luck!

brichar31 · June 2014

I was crying and shaking through every contraction, I didn't care at the time about the needle going into my back that I couldn't even see! Do research and have a birth plan although things change when you actually go into labor, its nice to know your options.

beccam1230 · June 2014

Epidurals are wonderful... I promise that the pain you feel from the needle will be significantly less than the pain from contractions. They also give you a topical and a tiny anesthetic shot before actually doing the epi. It was glorious for me!! However, that is just my opinion... Research Epidurals and make your decision based on that!

Justabean3 · June 2014

So assuming you decide you want pain management and not shooting for natural birth. I highly support drugs

At that point your fear of needles won't mean a damn thing and you won't think twice about it. Contractions are 500x worse than the needle stick and you don't have to see it. It is more like a pinch and then instant relief.

normandyn7 · June 2014

Nicb13 said:

Child birth is WAY WORSE than a needle, trust me.

This. I labored for 2 hours with no pain meds and by the time I asked for an epi I was in so much pain I didn't even feel the needle at all. It was the best decision I ever made. But that's just me. Maybe if I wasn't in labor and just got it to avoid dealing with the contractions it would have been worse. But in the midst of contractions....it was nothing. I don't even remember him doing it.

alysonmh · June 2014

It's amazing how quickly one's fear of needles will go out the window once they experience the pain of labor. I would just wait and see what happens once the time comes as far as getting an epidural. You may or may not need one. If you are miserable enough you won't care about that needle, trust me.

PrimRoseMama · June 2014

A) I didn't feel anything but a tap & sting. Getting stung by a bee hurts worse.

I never saw the needle

If you don't want one then prepare for a med free birth. I've done both. They both have their bonuses.

PrimRoseMama · June 2014

PS- the hep lock is just a catheter & not a needle that stays in. The needle is only there to thread the catheter in place.

PrimRoseMama · June 2014

https://www.fitpregnancy.com/pregnancy/labor-delivery/epidurals-fact-vs-fiction-0

GinnyJ2012 · June 2014

I didn't see the needle. They brought everything in on a covered tray and were behind me. I didn't feel the epi either, just relief. Look into all the options that your hospital offers.

MrsDL · June 2014

I was the same way. I agree with others, once you're in labor, the pain of the contractions is all you'll be thinking about. The epidural is exquisite relieve from torture - wonderful. You won't even be phased by the little needle prick. Once I had mine, I was in heaven and told the anesthesiologist I wanted to French kiss him. He of course had not sense of humor but DH laughed his ass off.

Atalayabride · June 2014

I put in epidurals and don't show the mother the needle for the exact reason your talking about. I think a lot of my colleagues are the same way. No reason for you to see it

Good luck with your decision

Want a personalized experience?

Epidural?

Re: Epidural?

LFAF Summer 2016 Awards:

LFAF Summer 2016 Awards:

LFAF Summer 2016 Awards:

Choose Another Board

Search Boards