epidural

coleybug13 · December 2014

Ok so being in the 3rd tri I've been thinking a lot about L&D as I'm sure the majority of us are! With my last delivery I didn't use pain medication and I won't bore you with the details but it was horrific. I know every birth is different. I want to try for no meds again this time but I just wanted to see who out there used an epidural last time and their personal experience/opinion about it. I have done research on pros/cons of the epidural in case I end up wanting or needing it but I feel like having people's first hand experience with it is much more informative.

JennyP0222 · December 2014

I had an epidural last time after planning for a med free birth. 24+ hours of labor I just could not do it anymore. The epi was a life saver for me, within 3 minutes I felt amazing. Pain was gone and I took a nap after having no sleep. It did stall my labor slightly. I was asking for the epi around 6cm, finally got it around 8cm, then I stalled there for a few hours. Labor picked back up slowly though and I was pushing about 5-6 hours after. I would say that if you can hold out as long as you can, you minimize your risks a bit of having your labor stall too early in the process.

I really was hoping to avoid it last time, I had high hopes of going through the whole process naturally and was terrified of the needle. In the end, it made the final part of my labor/pushing a much more tolerable and generally enjoyable experience. And my "fear" that had plagued me was for nothing. In the throes of labor and the level of pain I had been in for the last day, getting that needle was the LEAST of my concerns. I had no f*cks to give and it was over so quickly I hardly even noticed any sensation with the needle at all!

marthah05 · December 2014

Due to my extensive medical history I am having a planned C-Section. This is my first child, so I will be getting an epidural.

MeganPobega · December 2014

Never again. I was forced into one. It was done wrong three times. It didn't work. My back is permanently messed up. I will suffer through the pain. It doesn't last forever.

wishiwaspreggo · December 2014

I'm a FTM but when I asked my mom about it she said she had epidurals with all three of us (my brothers and I) and it was the best decision she made. I'm totally going for the epidural myself!

finallyourturn2 · December 2014

I'm hoping for med free, but want to research alternative pain meds to the epi. I really don't want anything going into my spine. Are there even any other options in the United States?

CoozieInMyPurse · December 2014

FTM hoping to go med-free. I was talking to my mom about it and her first statement was that she went natural for both my brother and me. Then she asked me if I was sure about my pain tolerance. I pretty sure she called me weak with that question.

EDWHIP · December 2014

I think it's worth a try to labor without meds until you can no longer handle it. I labored as long as I could with DD#1 and I just couldn't deal anymore. When I wasn't puking, I was dry heaving and couldn't concentrate on breathing. I had the big D coming out of me and couldn't keep up with the amount of fluids coming out of every hole. Sorry for the gross description. I was a pathetic mess and the epidural was a god send. Having said that, the epidural slowed my labor and almost led to a C-section. If I was in labor for another 10 minutes, they were going to send me in for the C-section. Every woman has a different pain tolerance and I also believe some women have stronger labors than others. I think that as long as you make a try at labor, you shouldn't beat yourself up for having an epidural. The only thing I regret was not feeling the natural endorphins your body produces after birthing a baby. I've heard it is amazing. This chick just couldn't sweat the labor pains.

ngolimento · December 2014

My aunt has permenant back problems because they did her epi wrong. Ever since that happened, I am determined to try to avoid it. A lifetime of pain doesn't seem a fair trade for a few hours of no pain.

Amoreenamarlin · December 2014

When I got to the hospital with my daughter I wasn't even sure I was actually in labor (high pain tolerance) but apparently I was 8cm dilated. They presented me with a "now or never" ultimatum and I decided to just take the epidural because I didn't want my first experience to be too traumatic. I do wonder how things would have went if I turned it down, but I have no regrets about the epidural. The needle was nowhere near as painful as I anticipated and it didn't delay my labor. I didn't feel a thing and since I did tear, I'm glad I didn't feel that along with the stitching. The only thing I will say is that it was quite a reality check when the epidural wore off. Going from no pain to feeling the aftermath is rough, but obviously bearable. I am always nervous about potential back problems and complications, but as far as I know, I will be receiving the epidural again this time around!

marthah05 · December 2014

CoozieInMyPurse said:
FTM hoping to go med-free. I was talking to my mom about it and her first statement was that she went natural for both my brother and me. Then she asked me if I was sure about my pain tolerance. I pretty sure she called me weak with that question.

@CoozieInMyPurse‌ I don't think was calling you weak, I think she doesn't want you to be in pain...

sweetmama17 · December 2014

I really wanted a med free birth the first time. But after laboring all night without sleep and only progressing to 3cm I gave in. They anticipated the labor slow down and I did receive pitocin after given the epi. But I progressed much faster, fell asleep and delivered DS within 5 hours of receiving the epi. DH thinks I'm stupid for still wanting a med free birth but I will go until I can't hold out again knowing either way it will be fine.

cafecreme · December 2014

I got an epidural with DD, and will be getting an epidural with this LO. The pain of the epidural tube insertion sucked, but after that it was very relieving. I could relax a little bit until I was in full on, active labor, which was about 5 hours later. I don't think it stalled my delivery; after they popped my water (4 hours after the epi), I went from 6-10cm in 15 minutes, and pushed her out in a hour. By the time I was pushing they were weaning me off of it, and after I had skin to skin contact and bf DD, I was up walking. That being said, I did feel pain while pushing. I just kept thinking to myself "how in the hell can anyone do it WITHOUT medicine." That was my personal experience, and everyone has their own opinions about this topic.

Ardmhs83 · December 2014

I had a c/s last time due to baby boy being breech. I hated the spinal and being drugged. I know the eipdural is different, but I am planning to go med-free b/c I don't want anything like last time.

rm2013 · December 2014

@coleybug13‌ - what methods did you use for pain management with your last delivery that you said was horrific? I'm the worlds biggest wuss (my dr has to literally pry my locked knees apart to do a pap) and I was shocked at how well things went med-free (I did Hypnobabies). However I did end up getting an epidural bc they cranked up the pitocin so high it was just like one big contraction (there was no wave or valley so I eventually couldn't take it anymore).

I didn't feel pain from getting the epidural but DD went into distress immediately afterwards. They got her stabilized but my labor stalled and I ended up with a c/s. So I'm definitely going to avoid it this go round (luckily they can't induce me for a VBAC so I will be safe from pitocin) . For you, I'd recommend taking some type of course on med free birthing techniques to make this labor go better than your last - if you did study one method before then try a different one this time. Good luck!

Whitfry · December 2014

finallyourturn2 said:
I'm hoping for med free, but want to research alternative pain meds to the epi. I really don't want anything going into my spine. Are there even any other options in the United States?

Nitrous is widely available in Europe and almost impossible to get in the US. Alas.

You can have opiates/barbituates (not sure what it is, exactly) at most hospitals. A friend of mine got iv pain meds like that and said it didn't help much with the pain, but she was too stoned to give any fucks.

Laboring in water is supposed to help with pain.

And then there are alternative methods like hypnosis or acupuncture if you're interested in exploring those routes.

I'm a FTM, but my mom is a midwife so I'm pretty familiar with the options in my area and their risks and benefits. I'm hoping to go natural, but sort of waiting to see how things go. If I have to get a pitocin induction I'll most likely also get an epi, since pit contractions are typically more brutal than natural ones. I'm trying hypnobabies, and I'll be interested to see if it works for me. I like a lot of their ideas but don't agree with everything.

djoliet · December 2014

Had an epidural with my first and planning on one with Baby Girl. I labored 4 hours of my labor drug free and 4 hours after getting the epidural he was here. I was happy with my decision.

I have scoliosis and my spine is still a little curved despite wearing a back brace for 6 years as a kid and I was told an epidural may be hard to place and may not even take. Luckily I had an amazing anesthesiologist who placed it with no problem after an ultrasound on my spine. It took right away. I'm a little nervous this time around because I'm delivering at a new hospital so I'm hoping to get a great anesthesiologist again.

cafecreme · December 2014

Whitfry said:

I'm hoping for med free, but want to research alternative pain meds to the epi. I really don't want anything going into my spine. Are there even any other options in the United States?
Nitrous is widely available in Europe and almost impossible to get in the US. Alas. You can have opiates/barbituates (not sure what it is, exactly) at most hospitals. A friend of mine got iv pain meds like that and said it didn't help much with the pain, but she was too stoned to give any fucks. Laboring in water is supposed to help with pain. And then there are alternative methods like hypnosis or acupuncture if you're interested in exploring those routes. I'm a FTM, but my mom is a midwife so I'm pretty familiar with the options in my area and their risks and benefits. I'm hoping to go natural, but sort of waiting to see how things go. If I have to get a pitocin induction I'll most likely also get an epi, since pit contractions are typically more brutal than natural ones. I'm trying hypnobabies, and I'll be interested to see if it works for me. I like a lot of their ideas but don't agree with everything.

Stadol is an opiate, and I was able to take that before my epidural. I was in early labor for 12+ hours.

Whitfry · December 2014

cafecreme said:

Whitfry said:

finallyourturn2 said:
I'm hoping for med free, but want to research alternative pain meds to the epi. I really don't want anything going into my spine. Are there even any other options in the United States?
Nitrous is widely available in Europe and almost impossible to get in the US. Alas.

You can have opiates/barbituates (not sure what it is, exactly) at most hospitals. A friend of mine got iv pain meds like that and said it didn't help much with the pain, but she was too stoned to give any fucks.

Laboring in water is supposed to help with pain.

And then there are alternative methods like hypnosis or acupuncture if you're interested in exploring those routes.

I'm a FTM, but my mom is a midwife so I'm pretty familiar with the options in my area and their risks and benefits. I'm hoping to go natural, but sort of waiting to see how things go. If I have to get a pitocin induction I'll most likely also get an epi, since pit contractions are typically more brutal than natural ones. I'm trying hypnobabies, and I'll be interested to see if it works for me. I like a lot of their ideas but don't agree with everything.

Stadol is an opiate, and I was able to take that before my epidural. I was in early labor for 12+ hours.
-----quote fail----
Did you find it effective? I've heard mixed things about the opiates. Some people love them and some people feel like it just gets them high but doesn't help with actual pain / takes away from their overall experience. I'd be more tempted to try it than an epi, though.

cafecreme · December 2014

Whitfry said:

Whitfry said:

I'm hoping for med free, but want to research alternative pain meds to the epi. I really don't want anything going into my spine. Are there even any other options in the United States?
Nitrous is widely available in Europe and almost impossible to get in the US. Alas. You can have opiates/barbituates (not sure what it is, exactly) at most hospitals. A friend of mine got iv pain meds like that and said it didn't help much with the pain, but she was too stoned to give any fucks. Laboring in water is supposed to help with pain. And then there are alternative methods like hypnosis or acupuncture if you're interested in exploring those routes. I'm a FTM, but my mom is a midwife so I'm pretty familiar with the options in my area and their risks and benefits. I'm hoping to go natural, but sort of waiting to see how things go. If I have to get a pitocin induction I'll most likely also get an epi, since pit contractions are typically more brutal than natural ones. I'm trying hypnobabies, and I'll be interested to see if it works for me. I like a lot of their ideas but don't agree with everything.

Stadol is an opiate, and I was able to take that before my epidural. I was in early labor for 12+ hours.
-----quote fail---- Did you find it effective? I've heard mixed things about the opiates. Some people love them and some people feel like it just gets them high but doesn't help with actual pain / takes away from their overall experience. I'd be more tempted to try it than an epi, though.

It was a lifesaver. Like I said, I was in early labor for 12+ hours, and in pain. I was able to sleep that night because of it. I plan on asking for it again.

finallyourturn2 · December 2014

Thanks, I can't wait for my hospital tour to ask! After my gall bladder surgery they would give me this rescue shot that was amazing. It worked better than the morphine shot in the er. I am wondering if that would be an option. I could still want and was completely with it, but the relief from pain was immediate. I wish I remembered what it was. It was through an IV, but not a drip just a shot.

coleybug13 · December 2014

MeganPobega said:
Never again. I was forced into one. It was done wrong three times. It didn't work. My back is permanently messed up. I will suffer through the pain. It doesn't last forever.

This is my fear

I am so sorry this happened to you

chaysefaith · December 2014

I had the epidural with both my girls (10 and 8 years ago). I didn't have any issues with the epidural stalling labor and I was certainly not pushing for very long with either kid. However, with my now 10 year old they messed up the epidural and, while it worked like a charm and I couldn't feel a damn thing, I have some permanent back pain issues. The day after I had her I was in so much pain I literally could not even get out of the bed. I had to force myself to get up and walk 2 days later but the back pain was still extreme. I remember sitting in my hospital bed sobbing because the pain was so much that I couldn't even move to reach my newborn baby in her bassinet next to my bed. The back pain has subsided and is not even remotely close to how bad it was in the first week after she was born, but there are definitely days that my back hurts so bad all I can do is slap on a heating patch and relax.

With my younger daughter, though, the epidural went perfectly and recovery was a breeze, so much so that I tried to talk the hospital into releasing me the next day on my promise that I would come back for my kid.

This time I'm going to attempt to go med free but only because I delivered my lost baby without meds and, while it hurt like a bitch, I did it so I think I'm like, She-Woman or some shit and can do it again. We'll see what happens when the time comes, but I won't be upset if I end up with the epi.

mattandlynda · December 2014

I had an epidural with my first at 7 cm. I couldn't handle the pain and my body responded with me vomiting everywhere...couldn't keep even ice chips down!

I'm so thankful I had one with DD. This time around I'm hoping I can make it without the epidural. Seconds before I was given one with DD I was told I had scoliosis, but was in too much pain to care at that point.

Now I know some risks with scoliosis and epidurals that I am much more nervous about it. If I can fight through it this time, I definitely will.

coleybug13 · December 2014

@rm2013‌ I was only 17 when I had DS, I didn't know there were classes or methods to study. Unfortunately I didn't know really anything except you can either have an epi or nothing and I hate needles so I opted against it. I have a small frame and was induced 9 days late. DS was 10lbs 23inches and was stuck for 3 hours too far down for a c-section but not far enough down to get him out. We both almost didn't make it, I kept going in and out of consciousness so I don't remember everything about the birth. The doctors ended up having to push down on my stomach while another literally reached in and pulled him out with her hands..

The doctors are keeping a close eye on the weight of this little one and will not allow me to go past due date again so I'm hoping that the delivery in general will be much different so I almost don't know what to expect painwise.

071115 · December 2014

My first I didn't get an epidural,it was horrible. I pushed so hard and I tore and I couldn't pee for a week.
My second I did get an epidural it was magical. I didn't tear and I could pee after.
I will be getting an epidural again.

coleybug13 · December 2014

Thank you so much everyone for sharing your experiences, I am so glad to hear how many of you have had such a successful experience with the epidural and I feel less afraid of it if I do end up going that route. The few negative experiences do worry me still because that is my fear that I will have permanent back issues or it will lead to a c-section.

starsailorr26 · December 2014

With my first, I planned to go med free and ended up with the epidural. My contractions came hard and fast once my water broke and as much as I'd wanted and planned for it, I couldn't handle the pain. I had no issues getting it placed, no lingering numbness or back pain, so I'll be getting it again once I get to the point where I need it.

allachkat · December 2014

@finallyourturn2
I read a book and in there they discussed other pain options like narcotics or a mini epi. Those seem to come with some risks/side effects also. No medication is 100% safe unfortunately.

allachkat · December 2014

@coleybug13
Yikes that sounds like a really traumatic experience. I hope it goes much more smoothly for you this time!

cinnamonlatte · December 2014

With my daughter I had really want to go med-free, but had horrible back labor. Couldn't even open my eyes I was in so much pain. The contractions were one right after the other. After several hours after staying at a four, and being up all night I got the epidural. I don't remember feeling the needle, it was hard to have to stay still through the contractions though. Half an hour after I got the epidural I was at a 10. I think the pain was making it so I couldn't relax enough to dilate.

The one downside was that I got the epidural so late I couldn't feel the contractions at all to push.

This time I would love to go med-free, but won't be upset if I have to do the epidural. I probably won't have them break my water this time, as that made my contractions way worse.

elgizzo · December 2014

I had an epidural last time (will this time too) but my nurse wanted me to hold off for some reason so she offered the medicine that they put right into the IV. I don't remember what it was called, but I believe it's what some PP's have mentioned. It makes you drowsy but really doesn't take the pain away. I just want to urge anyone considering getting that to research or talk to your doctor about it. I would go as far as to say it ruined my experience last time. I was so drowsy I could barely keep my eyes open, literally closing them between pushes and it made me EXTREMELY nauseous. The time I should have been bonding with my baby I was sick and tired. I wish someone would have warned me about it before hand.

The epidural on the other hand, amazing. I don't think I took as much advantage of it though, I didn't push the button ever. I started to feel the doctor stitching me up afterwards. I could also stand up immediately so I don't think it was too strong. But enough to make it a million times better!

coleybug13 · December 2014

@happymamax2‌ wow! Sounds like we had similar experiences! I suppose everyone reacts differently to the pain and to the meds so it'll be hard to tell what will be the best choice. I am super paranoid and get anxiety really easily so I worry I Will react similar to you with the lost sensation in my legs. Like @etoille‌ said I will have to make the best choice for me when the time comes and there are risks no matter which way we choice to do it. I just wish I knew which way would be best! Darn you unknown future!

But seriously though thank you so much to everyone who shared their experiences, I feel like it has given me a better handle on what to expect if I do end up with the epidural.

mandi195 · December 2014

With my first I didn't plan on meds, and ended up with the epidural due to serious back labor. It was incredible, and I had no adverse effects. This time around I plan to go med free again, but will go with the flow and if I decide I need an epidural again, that's what I'll do. Good luck to you!

CarterWA · December 2014

I had an epidural with my first delivery and it was a life saver!! The only thing that went wrong and I'm a little afraid of happening again is the first dr. that tried to do it couldn't and he tried at least three times, I have scars on my back from him doing it. A different dr came in and did it right so it worked. But I didn't have any pain or any lasting effects from it, just the scars. I do plan on getting an epidural again though, I was so exhausted and after I got it I was able to rest before I had to start pushing.

rita213 · December 2014

I had an epidural with my first 9 years ago and after 70 hours of labor ended with a c section and could feel them cutting me; my second was. Repeat section do you get a spinal for those and didn't feel a thing during surgery or after for many hours, this one is another section so spinal again. Epidurals are good only issue is they have the problem of taking or not and sometimes only on one side not the issue with a spinal.

chelc32188 · December 2014

As a FTM - I am going in with as open a mind as I possibly can. My best friend was 100% MED FREE - and then she was induced and went for the epi because of the pain, but was DEVASTATED that she went against her birth plan. I don't want to feel bad about a decision like that, so I am trying to have a really open mind and see what birthing throws at me. I don't do WELL with pain, so I have already come to grips with the fact that I will more likely than not need one, but maybe I will even surprise myself

Adele 1981 · December 2014

If I get to have another vaginal birth (I have a low lying placenta so I'm hoping it will move so I can avoid a c section), I will definitely go without drugs again. With my daughter, I did hypnobabies in preparation. I didn't end up using it during labor, but I think it really helped me relax. Labor and delivery was painful, obviously, but it was also amazing. The adrenaline rush alone made it worth it, and my recovery was super easy. As a disclaimer, I had a relatively short/easy labor. I was only in the hospital for 5 hours before I have birth, and only pushed for 30 min. Needles scare me to death (I opted out of an Iv completely), and while I know I can push a baby out, I'm not sure I could handle a giant needle in my back!

lisap0924 · December 2014

I like to think I will be tough and not take the meds, but I am a wimp LOL so I am sure I will end up with drugs

RMama2012 · December 2014

On the flip side, I had a drug free birth and hoping to do it the same way. Overall it just wasn't really bad and I was able to avoid some of the things i was scared of- needle in my back, stalled labor leading to more interventions, a catheter, etc. I think my quick pushing was partially due to no epi. i pushed for 3 contractions (this also lead to minimal swelling in the vaginal area). In fact, when the dr said he saw hair, I stopped pushing and started discussing the color and texture of baby's hair. Everyone in the room was looking at me like I was crazy but I seriously wasn't feeling pain at that moment. I just wanted to know about the hair. I was not at all a screaming yelling laboring woman. You need to be calm.

Someone mentioned getting stitched sans epi. I tore on the top and bottom and stitching was fine. It was a quick numbing shot before the stitching on the perineum. Everything there is in shock so it was just a pinch lol. Because the top needed just one stitch, it made more sense to just stich it then do the shot and stitch. That was also just a quick pinch.

I'd like a labor as smooth as my first but I wouldn't beat myself up over getting an epi if i need it.

coleybug13 · December 2014

I can't thank everyone enough for all your answers! We just got back from our hospital tour and learned of all the laboring tools (squat bar, labor ball etc.) plus the nurses were amazing and supportive so I feel confident I will have a lot on my side for med free but now I also feel less terrified if I do end up needing an epi. Soo much anxiety has been lifted.

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