Pain relief options during birth

Tiffanymitchellmeehan · March 2015

im about 38 weeks now & it's getting closer to my due date. Just wanted to see what other moms are planning on doing for pain during delivery. I'm aggenst getting a spinal block or epideral. Was hoping I could just get some Novakaine to numb just incase I need stitches later.

girlygirlk8e · March 2015

Honestly, my plan is I want to know all my options and when I can get them. I am a wuss when it comes to pain, and I have a feeling that I am going to want an epidural once I get into active labor ~7cm or so. Before that I plan to walk, get in the tub, maybe take pain meds, anything can happen during labor so for me I don't see the reason to get worked up about my perfect plan.

maelily15 · March 2015

During my birthing class, they went through pain management techniques. One of them was a pain medication delivered by IV that lasts about 2 hours (can't recall the name though) but the drawback of that one is that it crosses the placenta and if labor rapidly speeds up after being given a dose, the baby would have it in their system until it wears off.
That being said, I understand the concern about an epidural but having one already in place if an emergency c section is needed, it would be beneficial so they don't have to put you under anesthesia. Not to mention the fact that the more you're in pain, the harder labor becomes. My birthing instructors said that staying as relaxed as possible is the best thing for you and LO during labor.
I'd definitely recommend going to a birthing class to find out more and also research pain management during labor. Good luck!

BabyIxolib · March 2015

Planned c-section so spinal block it is.

Sharon&Paul · March 2015

I believe they use lidocaine to numb the vaginal skin after deliver for the stitches. However, this would not help with the delivery. I could not tell from you posting if you were looking for something for delivery or just the stitches.

I personally get the epidural, which keeps you numb for the stitches. There is IV pain med options, but most of them also make you loopy.

Jaysway08 · March 2015

Loved my epidural last time, hoping to get it again this time.

guinevereis · March 2015

Every hospital uses different options and I would suggest speaking with the anesthesiologist about them. I would be flexible, because you really have no idea going in what your labor will be like- from personal and professional experience the majority of the pain is during labor/ pushing the repair is negligible, but generally lidocaine is used.

astrat017 · March 2015

With my first they have me two different drugs by IV before the epidural ( just cause I wasn't far enough along for the epidural yet). I don't remember their names but all they did was make me feel high but still a stupid amount of pain which made me really uncomfortable. After my epidural I had a nap which was nice because it helped prepare my body for the rest of labour. Everything from there on was much more relaxing. I'm not sure people's reasons for not getting one. I respect everyone's right to choose but for those who are open to it, I found it to make my whole labour experience a pleasant one

fatcat11188 · March 2015

I am def getting an epidural! I was so relieved with it last time I will be asking for it this time around!

sschwege · March 2015

As pp mentioned IV meds are an option though everyone I know who tried them other than my cousin hated it and said 'never again'. A few hospitals do offer laughing gas, which can be a good option for taking the edge off and the nice thing is it wears off almost instantly so if you don't like it remove the mask and you are back to your old self. Honestly if I was going to get pain meds I would do an epi, seems like the way to go.

If you tear and need to be stitched up they will give you lidcaine (sp?) as pp mentioned. I asked them to use liquid lidcaine first to numb me before they gave me the shots down there, it did help to not feel the sticks.

frenchyj · March 2015

I "heard" B and B cohosh is actually used during labor to make constractions less painful and more consistent. (Yes it has other uses such as inducing labor but once you are in labor it helps with natural pain management).

Another thing you can do is go to a hospital or birthing center and try a water birth? Start taking EPO now to help ripen your cervix to slowly dilate and it won't hurt "as" bad.

I agree with a previous post about just being prepared for an epidural or spinal block. Plan for worst case scenario so you aren't upset when it happens.

mrscasey306 · March 2015

Had my daughter last Sunday , the iv pain med is a waste of time ! Atleast for me it was it only felt like it really lasted an hour thank god that was when I was getting the baby/ mild contractions from the pitosin ... I defiantly enjoyed my epidural after my dr broke my water lol and my husbands hand was very appreciative of it as well

tillabeth · March 2015

No need to be against the Epi it could end up being your best friend

bride2bnVA · March 2015

My hospital starts with stadol for pain. And then if I choose I can have an epi or spinal as I get closer or more uncomfortable. I am familiar with stadol and it's good stuff so we shall see!

KrissyPearson2014 · March 2015

Had an epidural with my son and ended up having an emergency Cesarean during the pushing process, so that made the situation much easier to deal with so that they didn't have to put me completely under where Noone could be there with me, will most definitely be getting another epidural attempting a vbac delivery! I can't imagine not having one!

JAP09-02 · March 2015

KrissyPearson2014 said:
Had an epidural with my son and ended up having an emergency Cesarean during the pushing process, so that made the situation much easier to deal with so that they didn't have to put me completely under where Noone could be there with me, will most definitely be getting another epidural attempting a vbac delivery! I can't imagine not having one!

This was me with my first. Although I made it to 8cm (unbeknownst to me) before having it placed. I do think going pain med free is definitely doable, but did enjoy the epi.

I had a spinal with my second and will with this one as well, both RCS.

AmandaDCarroll · March 2015

I hope my next labor isn't as in intense in contractions. I'm going to blame my water breaking on that one. I DEFINITELY 'needed' an epidural. I actually asked for one at 3 cm, and they were quick to come in and give it to me. However, the first one didn't work (and the person administrating it even said that he had never missed before! Just my luck). They gave me a second one at 8 cm, which worked wonders. My contractions never slowed, and I never needed poticin.

That being said, not everyone necessarily 'needs' an epidural, but just In case you need a C-section, like others have said, it is already in place and you will be set to go. Every labor is different! I hope whatever pain management you choose work out well for you. Good luck

lisajewall · March 2015

I'm hoping to go natural, looking to see just what my body can do! However I'm not completely opposed to an epidural if I decide natural isn't for me afterall. I'm not sure what it's like else where, but here in Saskatchewan (Canada) we have what's called a "walking epidural" which allows you to still be able to walk around if desired and still be able to feel and know when you need to push.

CivilMommy · March 2015

I had a 30hr and then a 12hr Pitocin inductions with #1 and #2 (39w for high BP). I got epidurals with both of those after many hours of being stalled at 4cm. It was epi or start talking c/s. I was too tense to relax and dilate. The epi's were the right choice for me in those situations.

This time I am normal-risk and don't have to be induced. I plan to go med-free. Also, this baby will be 2-3 pounds smaller than my #2 was, so hopefully that means a faster process for me.

I NEVER want to have the drunk-feeling drugs. If I want pain management I will go straight to an epi again. I want to have a clear head, not feel loopy.

jessc0616 · March 2015

I got half a dose stadol in my iv. It took the edge out of the contractions until the very end. It relaxes me enough that I could rest between contractions and I was ready to push when I was complete. They kept asking if I wanted the epi and I held my ground and did it without. I found if you're undecided follow your heart. If they ask and ask if you want it and you can't decide; then chances are you don't want it. Listen to your body, I'm so glad I did.

meremint · April 2015

I was induced with a foley bulb and then they broke my water. I wanted to go natural, however I progressed really quickly after they broke my water. I don't regret getting an epidural. I couldn't control my breathing appropriately and it helped me to relax and get me through.

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Pain relief options during birth

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DD 7/2010, DS 3/2012, #3 due 4/24/2015

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