Epidurals?

Mandig990 · February 2015

I wanna to know if getting an epidural actually helped anyone. I had one with my daughter and it was kinda overrated. And I still have sucky back pain because of the catheter. Next baby I probably won't get one...but if you had one, how was your experience with it? Was it overrated to anyone else?

maryxc1 · February 2015

I had one the first time and didn't the second. There was a major difference!

Ceefome · February 2015

I had one with my first, but I also had pit. It did help, because it relaxed me and I went from 5 to 10 in about 2 hours. I wound up with a c/s, but that's because my daughter never descended and the nurse had me start pushing instead of laboring down. There were lots of things I should have done differently, it certainly wasn't the epi.

I've had 2 epi free VBACs, and honestly, I asked for the epi both times, but I was in transition when I asked for it. It was too late to get them. I'm not ruling out an epi this time again, but I'm hoping it'll be unlikely.

anxiousmommy85 · February 2015

I've had 2 epis. Both were necessary for keeping my bp down and pain management, but I've never really enjoyed labor when I had one-stop opposed to the one birth I didn't need one. Of course, both times I've had an epidural, I've also been on pitocin, so it's hard to say which drug caused what.

mommaa1615 · February 2015

I was in so much pain & it instantly went away!

tropicbreeze · February 2015

I had one this past time! I was an induction due to pre e. I didn't have a bad experience with my epi.

blinkchick765 · February 2015

I didn't want an epidural... Very much against it actually. I labored for a few hours but wasn't progressing much and was miserable. Once I got the epidural I was able to relax and let my body do what it needed. By the time I needed to push it had pretty much worn off so I was able to push pretty well. I actually regret that I didn't get the epi the first time they offered.

midwestmom12 · February 2015

I got an epi and had a really wonderful experience with it. No lasting effects afterwards and it absolutely helped during labor. My only regret is getting it so early as I do think I could have helped my labor progress had I been able to be mobile (walking, birthing ball, etc). I'm definitely pro epi but holding out as long as you can to help with labor.

junebugjam · February 2015

I had one and, although I don't have experience without one, I thought it was really helpful. I was in almost no pain until the end. It started to wear off around 8 cm and they gave me a boost to help. I haven't noticed any after effects from having it.

LoriMarie1121 · February 2015

I tried to go all natural but it waved the white flag and got an epidural. After I got it I was in heaven. I actually enjoyed labor and was able to relax. I still felt pressure when my son was making his way out. I haven't noticed an effects. I plan on having one the next time around.

MammaWolf7 · February 2015

I had one with both of my sons. This time around was a much better experience. My first son I had to have 2 because the first one fell out but the second wore off when it was time to push. This time they went to extreme measures to make it sure it didn't fall out

usmcwife89 · February 2015

I had an epi when I delivered 2 weeks ago. Worst decision of my life. I got it and had absolutely no pain relief at all. They came back down to give me a different cocktail of meds and that did nothing as well. I went through my labor and delivery feeling everything. Looking back the part I was so mad about was being confined to that uncomfortable hospital bed with a catheter for basically no reason. Even though my legs weren't numb and I had no pain relief at all- my nurses still wouldn't allow me up. I do believe that next time I have a child I will not get an epi. Luckily I don't have any current back problems from it.

AllisonS526 · February 2015

I had an epi late into my labor but it helped me to relax quite a bit. It was a back up plan for me but I'm glad I got one. My labor progressed super fast (I went from 4 to 8 cm in a hour) so the epi was a nice relief. I didn't have any negative effects during or after aside from them having trouble getting it started initially.

StephanieLBerg · February 2015

I had an epidural, it only numbed half of my body, plus I was on pit and not progressing. It definitely helped for pain management, but proved to be very temperamental. However, I definitely recommend getting the epidural over having just straight fentanyl. After my fourth round of fentanyl, I barely lasted 20 minutes, and you're allowed 1 dose per hour

Mandig990 · February 2015

usmcwife89 said:
I had an epi when I delivered 2 weeks ago. Worst decision of my life. I got it and had absolutely no pain relief at all. They came back down to give me a different cocktail of meds and that did nothing as well. I went through my labor and delivery feeling everything. Looking back the part I was so mad about was being confined to that uncomfortable hospital bed with a catheter for basically no reason. Even though my legs weren't numb and I had no pain relief at all- my nurses still wouldn't allow me up. I do believe that next time I have a child I will not get an epi. Luckily I don't have any current back problems from it.

That's pretty much exactly what I experienced! I felt everything except pushing. I couldn't feel myself push and it was really hard to get her out. I know for sure I won't get one for baby #2.

EDWHIP · February 2015

This is one of those double edged sword questions because I don't think I would have been able to have my first baby without the epidural. I was in excruciating pain and was not progressing. Once I got the epidural I felt GREAT! But then my labor stopped altogether. So here was my timeframe- Tuesday morning 5AM labor @ 0CM. Tuesday night @ 6pm still 0. Tuesday night @ 11 PM 3CM, but hadn't eaten all day and was exhausted. Got epidural and everything stopped. Didn't have baby until Wednesday night at 6PM. So if I had not gotten the epidural would my baby have come faster? Probably. Was I making the wrong decision to get one? Probably not. I look back and see that it was a necessary evil.

Mandig990 · February 2015

EDWHIP said:
This is one of those double edged sword questions because I don't think I would have been able to have my first baby without the epidural. I was in excruciating pain and was not progressing. Once I got the epidural I felt GREAT! But then my labor stopped altogether. So here was my timeframe- Tuesday morning 5AM labor @ 0CM. Tuesday night @ 6pm still 0. Tuesday night @ 11 PM 3CM, but hadn't eaten all day and was exhausted. Got epidural and everything stopped. Didn't have baby until Wednesday night at 6PM. So if I had not gotten the epidural would my baby have come faster? Probably. Was I making the wrong decision to get one? Probably not. I look back and see that it was a necessary evil.

Holy crap god bless you for surviving that

usmcwife89 · February 2015

Mandig990 said:

usmcwife89 said:
I had an epi when I delivered 2 weeks ago. Worst decision of my life. I got it and had absolutely no pain relief at all. They came back down to give me a different cocktail of meds and that did nothing as well. I went through my labor and delivery feeling everything. Looking back the part I was so mad about was being confined to that uncomfortable hospital bed with a catheter for basically no reason. Even though my legs weren't numb and I had no pain relief at all- my nurses still wouldn't allow me up. I do believe that next time I have a child I will not get an epi. Luckily I don't have any current back problems from it.
That's pretty much exactly what I experienced! I felt everything except pushing. I couldn't feel myself push and it was really hard to get her out. I know for sure I won't get one for baby #2.

Exactly!!! It was so weird because I could feel all pain etc but couldn't tell if I was pushing! I had a hard time getting him out because of that. Very hard to explain to someone who hasn't experienced this issue.

t8keepr03 · February 2015

I have had great experiences with an epidural with both of my kids. I was induced with both so of course my contractions were very painful. With DD I got the epidural right away when my water broke and I went from 3cm to pushing within 4 hours. I couldn't feel much but I tore very bad and I'm glad j couldn't feel that aftermath. This time around my water broke an hour into induction. I asked for the epidural but both anesthesiologists were in the OR. I suffered through 2 hours of 3 min apart contractions. I finally got the epidural and an hour and a half later I was ready to push. I pushed 3 times and DS was born. With both the epidural relaxed me so I was able to progress quickly. I didn't have any side effects from either. Both of my epidurals allowed me to feel contractions by feeling pressure and with both I felt the pressure of babies head so I could push easily. If I did it again I would get it again.

HayleyBug55 · February 2015

My epidural was heaven sent!! I was induced and had horrible back labor.

lexi8990 · February 2015

The epidural worked miracles for me! This was my first and I was literally laughing through labor, it was so worth it.

Dannylion24 · February 2015

Epidurals have been a mixed bag for me ... 4 babies and pretty much 4 different experiences. Dr recommended an epi early on w my first Bc I came down w preeclampsia at the onset of labor and had to be put on mag sulfate and pitocin. Pain relief lasted about 2 hours and then wore off (starting first w an ice cold 'window' along one side of my body), booster didn't work and I could feel absolutely everything for the remaining 3 or so hours of labor. With baby #2 it was a dream come true. Arrived at hospital in fast and furious labor, 5/6 cm dialated, had epi and experienced total pain relief and my son was born in 3 pushes. With my third baby I was in screaming pain once admitted to L&D and had to wait and wait for epidural - it (barely) took the edge off for about 20 minutes and not a minute longer, my water wouldn't break, I told dr I was pushing despite her saying I was 'only' 9 cm, and LO was out in about 5-6 pushes. My last baby was similar to my second. Arrived at hospital well into labor, got epi at 5 cm, and had my second son an hour later in just a few pushes. With all of my births despite the success (or total lack there of) of the epidural I was able to push and completely move my legs and stand. I did have pretty bad back pain after my first baby, but I think it's Bc baby #1 was sunny side up. With #4 they had to play around w the spinal catheter for a bit which was annoying, but once it was set it was smooth sailing.

Grapes13 · February 2015

I was planning on not getting one 2 weeks ago when I delivered, but for hours my contractions didn't have breaks between them and I wasn't progressing. My BP was high and I was Hooked up to monitors and not able to walk around anyway. So I finally got one after 15 hours of laboring. It helped at first take the edge off, but soon it completely stopped working and I was having the worst pain in my pelvic region. Eventually they gave me more pain meds through the epidural. They did not work. The pain became so intense my body stopped progressing again, and they redid my epidural thinking that it must have been placed wrong. Well hours later after the worst pain of my life, they redid the epidural again- with a spinal block! They told me I was one of the very unlucky few who would get numb in certain places but the epidurals do not work on me. I felt everything that I wasn't supposed to feel. But the spinal block worked enough to allow me to rest for about 40 minutes. That's all I needed apparently! The baby's heart rate had spiked and when they checked me it was either- we push now or do emergency c section... Thankfully the little relief from the spinal block allowed my body to do it's thing. So mine is a bad experience with the epidurals (who wants to get 3??? Ugh) but I think everyone is different!

shumble89 · February 2015

I just delivered on the 21st and I had an epidural. I was in soooo much pain before it and after getting it the contractions DEFINITELY subsided, which made labor bearable.

ambernicole06 · February 2015

I was in so much pain before I had planned on not gettin. A epi until 5-6 dilated and ended up getting it at 2-3 lol it was AWESOME!!! I told my husband I could push out triplets at this point and not even care!! I had no problem with pushing because I could feel just enough pressure. Started cervidil at 7 Monday night broke my water and started pitocin the next morning I was at a 2 then got my epi around 10 am and was to 10cm at 630 pm pushed for 20 min bam baby here happy and healthy. I highly recommend it :P

jesslz · February 2015

My epidural experience was almost perfect! I still had pain on my right side but it was dulled. My left side ended up getting a little too numb, so I needed help supporting my left leg. I think having some feeling on the right side helped me push. I also didn't have a problem progressing without pitocin.

LauraElizabeth85 · February 2015

I had one with DD1 and felt nothing. Had one this time for about 20 min before DD2 came and was still able feel quite a bit but it still def helped

summerandmatt · February 2015

I had one with DD1 and it was amazing. However, my recovery took a while, and I hated the catheter so I went med free for DD2 and DS1. It was a world of difference - pain in a scale I can't even explain, but so totally worth it. My last two had an easier time nursing, and recovery was way faster.

cndupree15 · February 2015

usmcwife89 said:

Mandig990 said:

usmcwife89 said:
I had an epi when I delivered 2 weeks ago. Worst decision of my life. I got it and had absolutely no pain relief at all. They came back down to give me a different cocktail of meds and that did nothing as well. I went through my labor and delivery feeling everything. Looking back the part I was so mad about was being confined to that uncomfortable hospital bed with a catheter for basically no reason. Even though my legs weren't numb and I had no pain relief at all- my nurses still wouldn't allow me up. I do believe that next time I have a child I will not get an epi. Luckily I don't have any current back problems from it.
That's pretty much exactly what I experienced! I felt everything except pushing. I couldn't feel myself push and it was really hard to get her out. I know for sure I won't get one for baby #2.
Exactly!!! It was so weird because I could feel all pain etc but couldn't tell if I was pushing! I had a hard time getting him out because of that. Very hard to explain to someone who hasn't experienced this issue.

I had this same experience with my first. I talked to my midwife about why. She says that for many women it is a great tool for pain management. But for back labor it does absolutely nothing. It's possible that's why you had too.

cndupree15 · February 2015

I had an epidural with my first. I was young and never knew it was an option to not get one. They just sort of asked if I was ready. However, I had back labor and felt everything so the doctors let it wear off before I delivered. With this labor I went natural. No pain relief except a heating pad. Which in my opinion was extremely helpful. It was a completely different experience than my first. Even though I felt everything with my first, this time it was totally different feelings. And if another pregnancy happens in the future I will opt for no epidural again

Mandig990 · February 2015

cndupree15 said:
I had an epidural with my first. I was young and never knew it was an option to not get one. They just sort of asked if I was ready. However, I had back labor and felt everything so the doctors let it wear off before I delivered. With this labor I went natural. No pain relief except a heating pad. Which in my opinion was extremely helpful. It was a completely different experience than my first. Even though I felt everything with my first, this time it was totally different feelings. And if another pregnancy happens in the future I will opt for no epidural again

Do all hospitals give the heating pad option because that sounds perfect for me for baby #2

cndupree15 · March 2015

It wasn't an actual heating pad. It was just something that the nurse made for me and offered since I knew I would have back labor. They say once you've had it once all other labor will be the same. I wasn't sure how true that was beforehand but it rang true for me. I'm sure that at least one labor and delivery nurse will know how to make one. If not and they won't let you have a plugged in pad then try a tube sock filled with rice heated in the microwave.

CutieBug1 · March 2015

Just another quick question regarding the epidural... Was your OB in the room when you decided to go ahead and get one? Was it something you discussed with your OB or just asked the midwife for? I'm still a bit traumatised about my experience and blame myself for not discussing with my OB first...:(

CutieBug1 · March 2015

Also how long into your labour did you ask for one ?

cndupree15 · March 2015

CutieBug1 said:
Just another quick question regarding the epidural... Was your OB in the room when you decided to go ahead and get one? Was it something you discussed with your OB or just asked the midwife for? I'm still a bit traumatised about my experience and blame myself for not discussing with my OB first...:(

With my first My doctor told me let him know when I wanted it but he was not there for the actual decision or when it was placed in my back. I got the epidural around 4 cm. He did not get to my room until right before I started pushing.

With my second I had her natural. The ob on call let me know that if I were to change my mind and want one I would need to ask for it before a certain time before the surgical team went into surgery otherwise I would most likely have to wait until after they got out of all the c sections or whatever surgeries they had that morning. It was nice to know the window I had and as long as I could hold out until after that it no longer was an option and I had to stick with my natural childbirth decision
In my opinion if you had a bad experience with it the first time you have it in your head it's going to happen again. Are you completely opposed to not having an epidural?

CutieBug1 · March 2015

Thanks @cndupree15 ..its not that I am opposed at all. Just that in the recent birth of my son, I feel I asked for it too soon (only 1.5hrs into the active Labour phase of an induced Labour) and I had never talked to my OB about it before or during the labour...he wasn't there when I asked. My midwife tried to talk me out of it but then another midwife came in and I asked her and she organised it.
I feel the epi is what caused my son to become distressed which ultimately caused the emergency C section

and I feel responsible for not having talked to my OB first and for asking for it too soon.

cndupree15 · March 2015

Don't feel responsible for asking for it too soon. Just remember that there are woman who ask for it from the first contraction.
I was very lucky with my second because i vocalized to my nurses and midwife how much I really wanted a natural labor. Wih my first I didn't like not having control of my legs but still feeling all the pain. Both of them were very supportive about my decision. At one point even I asked for the Epi. My nurse said that I had made it that far. At that point I was 6 cm and I could keep going. She helped me breathe through each contraction. Thankfully I delivered 15 minutes later.
Best advice I've ever gotten about labor.... Get through the contraction you are currently in. Don't think about the 4 or 5 that may be coming. There is nothing you can do about them. But you can breathe through the one you are in.

cndupree15 · March 2015

I am not trying to talk you in to a natural labor. I'm not opposed to an epidural. But for me... My natural labor was a much better experience.

Mandig990 · March 2015

CutieBug1 said:
Just another quick question regarding the epidural... Was your OB in the room when you decided to go ahead and get one? Was it something you discussed with your OB or just asked the midwife for? I'm still a bit traumatised about my experience and blame myself for not discussing with my OB first...:(

He and my mother were seriously pushing me to get one. I talked with him about it and he walked me through how they put it in and the risks. He wasn't in the room when i got it though. It was right after they broke my water and the nurses said an epidural will help with the contractions (which were killing me) and it did sort of help till I got to 8 cm then it was pointless

CutieBug1 · March 2015

Thanks @cndupree15 and @Mandig990! I wish i'd been stronger and had the natural birth ie not asked for the epidural, but I still might have needed the c-section - I'll never know.

I'm feeling a bit better about the whole thing when I found out the hospital I deliver at has an 80% epidural rate and 50% c- section rate. Either way I can't change what happened and I'm going to hbe to get over it. Thanks for listening and for answering my questions- it has helped!

xojilliepie · March 2015

I was induced and was having contractions 2 minutes apart lasting 30 seconds when I got one. Yes it instantly helped but it wore off and I could still move pretty good. I still felt contractions and if I laid on a side too long the other side would gain feeling back. It was uncomfors

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