epidural

Anne Mommy · December 2014

My boys were so large that the epi was a life saver. #2 was 10 lbs 8 oz. To say that it was hard to get him out would be an understatement. The doc said it was a good thing for me that I had the drugs.
FWIW my hospital has a massage therapist there to help relieve pain during labor. It seems like a good option.

coleybug13 · December 2014

Anne Mommy said:
My boys were so large that the epi was a life saver. #2 was 10 lbs 8 oz. To say that it was hard to get him out would be an understatement. The doc said it was a good thing for me that I had the drugs.
FWIW my hospital has a massage therapist there to help relieve pain during labor. It seems like a good option.

Omg a massage therapist?! Ugh I would die of happiness.. That needs to be at every hospital.

shlittertoots · December 2014

I went in knowing I wanted an epidural. Once my contractions were frequent enough, I went into L&D. They checked me and I was at a 6; so they set me up in a delivery room. The contractions got worse and by the time the anesthesiologist got to me about 45 minutes later, I was at a 10 (luckily they waited to check me after I got the epi). My labor seemed to slow down or she just took forever to descend because it was hours until they had me start pushing. I was grateful I got the epi because even though I dilated quickly, it took hours to get to the point that I could start pushing, so I'm glad I got some relief in the meantime from the epidural.

People keep telling me their 2nd+ babies came faster so I'm considering not getting an epi this time, but it was a good experience the first time around so I'm not sure what I'm going to do

RMama2012 · December 2014

cinnamonlatte said:

Yeah that's actually a risk of med free. If your body is so maxed out on pain you won't progress - in certain circumstances med free increases the risk of C-Section.

The anesthesiologist said that people whose pain thresholds are maxed wont feel the epidural (the big needle before the wire one) - their muscles won't even flinch heh. Probably why you don't remember it. I don't remember mine either - I have a fairly high pain threshold (I'm a big baby when I am sick but pain management I am actually really high - I would only take ibuprofen (regular) or naproxen post partum with a decent tear and distended bladder)....and I am a silent sufferer, not a screamer. So that comment came out of his mouth when the "painful" needle went in.

Just a side note to people worrying about not progressing with an epi - this is why most places will recommend you wait until 4cm to get it - there is an increased incidence of stalling and c-sections with epidurals placed at less than 4cm (though most hospitals will still place one - they will just advise you of said risk).

I think a statement like "natural birth can increase your chances of csection" is a dangerous statement. I know that you said in certain instances but I just see people seeing this as a reason not to bother tryning for a drug free birth. I have no issue with the epi but people should understand that your chances of a cs is going to be much higher with one than without.

Fear actually slows labor. If your not able to relax during contractions due to fear or pain, you'll be fighting against them. I think this is why so many people have good experiences with hypno babies. If the epi is what you need to calm down, then great.

ngolimento · December 2014

etoille said:

RMama2012 said:

cinnamonlatte said:

Yeah that's actually a risk of med free. If your body is so maxed out on pain you won't progress - in certain circumstances med free increases the risk of C-Section.

The anesthesiologist said that people whose pain thresholds are maxed wont feel the epidural (the big needle before the wire one) - their muscles won't even flinch heh. Probably why you don't remember it. I don't remember mine either - I have a fairly high pain threshold (I'm a big baby when I am sick but pain management I am actually really high - I would only take ibuprofen (regular) or naproxen post partum with a decent tear and distended bladder)....and I am a silent sufferer, not a screamer. So that comment came out of his mouth when the "painful" needle went in.

Just a side note to people worrying about not progressing with an epi - this is why most places will recommend you wait until 4cm to get it - there is an increased incidence of stalling and c-sections with epidurals placed at less than 4cm (though most hospitals will still place one - they will just advise you of said risk).

I think a statement like "natural birth can increase your chances of csection" is a dangerous statement. I know that you said in certain instances but I just see people seeing this as a reason not to bother tryning for a drug free birth. I have no issue with the epi but people should understand that your chances of a cs is going to be much higher with one than without.

Fear actually slows labor. If your not able to relax during contractions due to fear or pain, you'll be fighting against them. I think this is why so many people have good experiences with hypno babies. If the epi is what you need to calm down, then great.

.......

The sentence as worded was entirely accurate. And no different than 'in certain circumstances an epidural can increase risk for C Section'.

And thank you for your blatant agenda pushing. /salute You can try and hide behind the whole "well if you neeeeeeeed the epi that's just fine /head pat" bullshit all you want. What I said was straight forward, medically accurate, and presented both sides in an equal light.

This bullshit from you is why women feel shamed for choosing options other than medical intervention free births. People shouldn't feel like they have to 'try' for anything - they should go with what THEY are comfortable with. The same "dangerous" implication you are complaining about could be said of YOUR statement that "well you can get an epi just know your risk of c section is A LOT higher" - it pushes women into choosing a birth plan that may not be something they are comfortable with. Difference between what you said and I said? I presented both sides as plain fact with out agenda. You on the other hand...followed yours up with a plug for hypno babies.

There was zero chance that anyone could mistake anything I said in this thread - all statements were more than appropriately caveated in order to advise people of risks.

/eyeroll

***quote***

Amen. Saying a med free birth is more likely to produce a c section is heinously innacurate. Pitocin alone increases the likelihood of csection and further interventions.

Do what makes you the most comfortable, and gets you through. Do your own research on what meds are offered, and their potential side effects vs benefits. Some may be for you, some may not be.

And for the love of god, don't go into the birth room so dead set on a birth plan that you feel 'devistated' afterwards. Are you devastated when your body doesn't go through a bowel movement exactly as planned? No? Because your body isn't 100% under your control? Exactly.

Adele 1981 · December 2014

The reason an epidural increases the chance of having a c section is that it slows labor. That's a fact. It doesn't mean you WILL have a c section, but the risk is there and women have the right to know that. Statistics support this.

I am unaware, however, of any studies or statistics linking unmedicated birth with a higher risk of c sections. I would doubt you'd even find any, since it's likely other interventions would precede the c section and thus the birth would no longer be considered unmedicated.

None of this is to shame anyone. But people deserve to know the risks associated with their birth decisions.

Engineer81 · December 2014

I'm late on this, but I was induced due to gestational hypertension. They broke my water at 830 am and started pitocin. I got my epidural at about 1130 and was at 8. Little dude was born at 327 pm after a half hour of pushing. As soon as the doctor was done stitching up my minor 2nd degree tear, kid has a head off the charts, I got up and walked to the bathroom and peed on my own. I was a 35 yo AMA FTM.

The point of my story is that getting an epidural does not always lead to intervention after intervention. And guess what, sometimes interventions are needed. And there is no shame in that. I wish people would stop making it seem if you need or want an intervention you are doing something wrong. Because you aren't. And there are probably a lot more people like me who had pretty uneventful births even with the use of interventions.

ngolimento · December 2014

pearsforpoops said:
I really hate the phrase "risk of a c-section" as if it's some disease you may contract during an otherwise successful labor. Rawr.

Otherwise this doesn't really apply to me since I had an unplanned CS with Haden and will have a scheduled RCS with Hunter.

spinals4lyfe

LADIES, JUST GET YAH BEHBEHS OUT SAFELY! Maybe I'll leave this right here.

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/kim-simon/10-ways-c-sections-and-vaginal-births-are-exactly-the-same_b_5863204.html

That is such a beautiful article!

CoozieInMyPurse · December 2014

For me, I think I'm more dedicated to not being induced than avoiding the epidural. Medical reason for it? Go right on ahead. I'm 39 weeks and measuring appropriately for an elective induction? Nah, I think I'll pass and see what my body wants to do. I just need to keep reminding me of this when I'm 39 or 40 weeks pregnant and very uncomfortable...

Whitfry · December 2014

Adele 1981 said:
The reason an epidural increases the chance of having a c section is that it slows labor. That's a fact. It doesn't mean you WILL have a c section, but the risk is there and women have the right to know that. Statistics support this.

I am unaware, however, of any studies or statistics linking unmedicated birth with a higher risk of c sections. I would doubt you'd even find any, since it's likely other interventions would precede the c section and thus the birth would no longer be considered unmedicated.

None of this is to shame anyone. But people deserve to know the risks associated with their birth decisions.

You are correct that an epidural has the potential to slow labor. Especially, as pp have pointed out, if it is administered too early during the labor process. This is information that your care provider should go over with you.

Other things that can stall labor are fear, extreme pain, exhaustion, and stress. These things often occur during unmedicated birth and can lead to interventions and a higher chance of c-section. Many times the way to combat fear and extreme pain is to administer an epi, which can give a laboring mother much needed rest and relief.

It is important that we all take it upon ourselves to seek out education on ALL our options. EVERYTHING has risks and benefits, and the way we each choose to labor is not something that is up for debate or judgement from others.

There is no right or wrong way to have a baby. But please, stop fear-mongering the drugs. Some women want them, some women don't. It's no big deal either way. What IS a big deal is fairly and intelligently addressing the reality of ALL our options.

kcbizme · December 2014

pearsforpoops said:
I really hate the phrase "risk of a c-section" as if it's some disease you may contract during an otherwise successful labor. Rawr.

Otherwise this doesn't really apply to me since I had an unplanned CS with Haden and will have a scheduled RCS with Hunter.

spinals4lyfe

LADIES, JUST GET YAH BEHBEHS OUT SAFELY! Maybe I'll leave this right here.

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/kim-simon/10-ways-c-sections-and-vaginal-births-are-exactly-the-same_b_5863204.html

Love this. Beautiful!

chaysefaith · December 2014

pearsforpoops said:
I really hate the phrase "risk of a c-section" as if it's some disease you may contract during an otherwise successful labor. Rawr.

Otherwise this doesn't really apply to me since I had an unplanned CS with Haden and will have a scheduled RCS with Hunter.

spinals4lyfe

LADIES, JUST GET YAH BEHBEHS OUT SAFELY! Maybe I'll leave this right here.

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/kim-simon/10-ways-c-sections-and-vaginal-births-are-exactly-the-same_b_5863204.html

Dammit. I'm a notorious "I'm not clicking that link" internet user. Now all the responses make me feel like I have to click it. I'll be back later to apparently tell you guys about all the feels this article gives me.

ETA: is someone cutting onions up in here?!

RMama2012 · December 2014

I'm not pushing an agenda. I didn't do hypnobabies or any study course. I used an OB, didn't have a doula, and had no birth plan. I left my house in the morning planning for an epidural because I was struggling big time but as the day turned out, I was able to manage the pain on my own.

I shared my natural birth story and my comment on "natural birth can increase the chance of csection" because there are alot of women on here saying they are hoping to go med free. I didn't "shame" these women into feeling any which way about their "birth plan" (a ridiculous concept in my opinion).

nlinscott11 · December 2014

With DS I was 19, had no true birth plan, didn't attend any kind of birthing class or anything. I went in thinking that my body would handle it how my body handled it. Turns out, after being in the beginning stages of labor for 3 days, I was able to get by in the hospital with Fentanyl. He started coming up out of the birth canal at 7cm, so they gave me pitocin and another dose of fentanyl. He eventually came down, and at 8cm they broke my water. Within 20 minutes I was at a 10 and pushing. 20 minutes, and 6 stitches later he was here and I wasn't in pain anymore. I didn't want an epi because I was able to walk around and use a birthing ball and take a bath. I couldn't stand the idea of being stuck in the bed. At one point my pulse starting dropping so they had to hook me up to an IV, but that was also when I was knocked up on drugs and didn't give two fucks. For me the experience of the fentanyl was wonderful. I still could feel the contractions coming, so I knew my body was working, but they weren't painful. And everything had worn off by the time I was pushing, and I swear that made it so much easier to push baby out. Gave me some motivation to get him out as quickly as possible because I SWORE I was going to die.

ETA words are hard

Adele 1981 · December 2014

etoille said:

Whitfry said:

Adele 1981 said:
The reason an epidural increases the chance of having a c section is that it slows labor. That's a fact. It doesn't mean you WILL have a c section, but the risk is there and women have the right to know that. Statistics support this.

I am unaware, however, of any studies or statistics linking unmedicated birth with a higher risk of c sections. I would doubt you'd even find any, since it's likely other interventions would precede the c section and thus the birth would no longer be considered unmedicated.

None of this is to shame anyone. But people deserve to know the risks associated with their birth decisions.
You are correct that an epidural has the potential to slow labor. Especially, as pp have pointed out, if it is administered too early during the labor process. This is information that your care provider should go over with you.

Other things that can stall labor are fear, extreme pain, exhaustion, and stress. These things often occur during unmedicated birth and can lead to interventions and a higher chance of c-section. Many times the way to combat fear and extreme pain is to administer an epi, which can give a laboring mother much needed rest and relief.

It is important that we all take it upon ourselves to seek out education on ALL our options. EVERYTHING has risks and benefits, and the way we each choose to labor is not something that is up for debate or judgement from others.

There is no right or wrong way to have a baby. But please, stop fear-mongering the drugs. Some women want them, some women don't. It's no big deal either way. What IS a big deal is fairly and intelligently addressing the reality of ALL our options.

EXACTLY.

"Oh well getting an epidural increases c-section. That's a fact."

Thank you for conveniently leaving out context.

I love how people are like "well I am not shaming anyone, people have the right to know" - and then they leave out the fucking incredibly relevant context. And then they talk about making informed choices using half of the damn information

SMDH.

And to the people agenda pushing - thanks for reducing mothers whose unmedicated attempts stall to people who are just "afraid of pain" and/or "couldn't handle it" or "didn't take a class" or "weren't prepared." Because those are obviously the reasons our bodies behave differently than they want to. I guess every mother who prepared for an unmedicated birth was twice as fail. While we're at it let's blame loss moms for miscarrying or those who have struggled with infertility for lack of success due to stress.

I'm confused about what context I'm leaving out, or how I'm only telling half the story. Get an epidural if you want, it doesn't affect me in any way. If you think just mentioning the benefits of unmedicated birth is "shaming" anyone, then I'm sorry you feel that way. I have never heard a medical professional ever tell anyone NOT to have an unmedicated birth because their chances of a c section would be increased. It just doesn't make any sense, and what statistics there are actually support the opposite: an epidural does increase the chance of a c section. If anyone has any medical research that disputes this, I'd love to see it.

suzyq0525 · December 2014

RMama2012 said:
I'm not pushing an agenda. I didn't do hypnobabies or any study course. I used an OB, didn't have a doula, and had no birth plan. I left my house in the morning planning for an epidural because I was struggling big time but as the day turned out, I was able to manage the pain on my own.
I shared my natural birth story and my comment on "natural birth can increase the chance of csection" because there are alot of women on here saying they are hoping to go med free. I didn't "shame" these women into feeling any which way about their "birth plan" (a ridiculous concept in my opinion).

I consider giving birth to a human natural, regardless of how they come out or if medication is needed. The whole natural = med free drives me up the fucking wall.

RMama2012 · December 2014

suzyq0525 said:

I'm not pushing an agenda. I didn't do hypnobabies or any study course. I used an OB, didn't have a doula, and had no birth plan. I left my house in the morning planning for an epidural because I was struggling big time but as the day turned out, I was able to manage the pain on my own.
I shared my natural birth story and my comment on "natural birth can increase the chance of csection" because there are alot of women on here saying they are hoping to go med free. I didn't "shame" these women into feeling any which way about their "birth plan" (a ridiculous concept in my opinion).

I consider giving birth to a human natural, regardless of how they come out or if medication is needed. The whole natural = med free drives me up the fucking wall.

agreed. Typo.

Engineer81 · December 2014

suzyq0525 said:

RMama2012 said:
I'm not pushing an agenda. I didn't do hypnobabies or any study course. I used an OB, didn't have a doula, and had no birth plan. I left my house in the morning planning for an epidural because I was struggling big time but as the day turned out, I was able to manage the pain on my own.
I shared my natural birth story and my comment on "natural birth can increase the chance of csection" because there are alot of women on here saying they are hoping to go med free. I didn't "shame" these women into feeling any which way about their "birth plan" (a ridiculous concept in my opinion).

I consider giving birth to a human natural, regardless of how they come out or if medication is needed. The whole natural = med free drives me up the fucking wall.

This. My doctor plainly stated that giving birth with an epi is still a natural birth, it's just not a primitive birth. His words.

BabySuleman · December 2014

My cousin is paralyzed waist down due to an epidural. I am going to try not to have an epidural. I'm hoping for just oxygen.

coleybug13 · December 2014

BabySuleman said:
My cousin is paralyzed waist down due to an epidural. I am going to try not to have an epidural. I'm hoping for just oxygen.

Wow, I am so sorry for your cousin. That's insane.

Chana801 · February 2015

My mother had all three of us naturally med free, 7 lbs, 9 lbs, & 11lbs. Hoping I can be woman enough as she is and not get an epidural. Either way, having a baby enter this world.

MommyKe · February 2015

I got an epidural and loved it. But i hear stories from other woman about how it didnt work and how they had problems afterwards. but as for me, it worked and im glad I got it. I salute those woman who do it with no pain meds, I couldnt bare it! I'll be getting an epidural this time around also

skootnshoot25 · February 2015

Per the Bump Guidelines at the top of the forum:

...Please don’t automatically post a reply on a thread that hasn’t had any responses in weeks or months, especially on our Loss and Infertility related boards. Reactivating an old thread can resurface painful memories for current board members. Instead start a new thread of your own on the topic.

EDWHIP · February 2015

I begged for the epidural when I was only 3CM. I just couldn't labor any longer. I don't even think I labored for longer than 6 hours before I got it. It completely stopped my labor for the next 15 hours. They had to put me on a petocin drip and nothing was happening. I did end up delivering vaginally, but had I not had her within the next hour they wanted to do a C section. I am all for the epidural, but I think it's smart to try and labor longer…perhaps around 4-6CM…I think that's the general rec. Just keep in mind that things don't always go as planned. You may labor for 24 hours and not be more that 1CM. Or you could get to the hospital and have the baby right away. Do what you can and, but don't beat yourself if you end up getting it.

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