Looking for positive epidural stories...

lgarcia1614 · April 2015

Hi ladies. I know that I want to get an epidural for labor, but for some reason I'm more scared about the epidural than anything. Is it still true that if you move it can paralyze you? I'm pretty good with needles but I'm worried I'll have a spasm out of fear something. Can anyone who's been through it before let me know what to expect? Please, only positive comments.

Miz_Liz · April 2015

I LOVED my epidural and will be getting one again without a doubt. I personally trust in my doctors and don't read the horror stories (you can find a horror story for anything if you look). They do want you to hold perfectly still, and I was terrified of having a contraction during the process and moving involuntarily out of pain, but I didn't. The epi itself is not bad, I was sooo scared before my first, but by the time I was ready to get one, I didn't care what they had to do to take away the pain - tap.it.in! They had me sit with my feet off the edge of the bed facing my husband (my hospital does not allow the husband to stand near you or behind you because they don't want to deal with husbands who pass out). They had me bend over towards my knees creating an arch in my back and then they cleaned it off, they put in a numbing agent which is just a little pinch, then it goes in and you feel a slight burning sensation as the medication goes in. Honestly, I have had shots in my arm that hurt worse! I have since opted to have a spinal instead of being put fully out for a surgery I had too and it also went just fine. I am no longer scared of the epi - I always tell people if I could have it tapped in and ready to go a week before so I could just push a button when the pain got bad, I would! Try not to stress yourself out, women get them every single day.

CaliforniaDream87 · April 2015

My epi experience was awesome and I fully plan to do the same with this babe! I don't even remember the pain of the epi because my contractions were so bad at the time. It was so quick that I hadn't even realized it was placed. I was adamant about being able to still have feeling from my waist down as I wanted to *feel* when I needed to push. I got just that! I wasn't completely numbed and was able to to still feel the contractions and if it got too intense I would hit the little *magic* button that gave me more meds. My epi wore off by the time I was in recovery, and I haven't had any issues since then.

Honestly, a med free birth isn't for me. Everyone has a different experience but trust your own judgment and feel confident in your decision

mom3babies · April 2015

I've had one with both my kids. Never had a problem after. I'm sure I will be having one with this LO.

lgarcia1614 · April 2015

Thanks!! ThIs is really helpful to understand the process. I didn't know there was a numbing agent beforehand!

Amstreagle · April 2015

Yeah it was pretty much the best thing ever after my water broke and the intense contractions started kicking in. The lidocaine burns more than the insertion of the epi catheter (I didn't know it was a flexible tube that went in at first).

sarahsairsair · April 2015

I had it - I didn't even feel it go in. It brought MAJOR relief- DH said I was like a different person after having it. It helped me feel calmer and in control

chicky0220 · April 2015

Just lurking on this board, I LOVED mine. Didn't even feel it go in as I was in the middle of a contraction. My nurse had me put my head on her and say the ABC's until it went in.

katdesear · April 2015

Had it with my first, worked like a charm, didn't feel my two years, one of which was 3rd degree.

6kidscount · April 2015

I've had 5 epidurals with 6 births one came to fast and I wish I had gotten it. A will be getting ome with this one as long as there's time so much nicer not feeling that much pain

morbid007 · April 2015

Loved it! Getting another this time around too. I could still feel what was going on down there, but it took the edge off enough so I could still focus. I was nervous about getting at first, but other than a pinch, I honestly didn't feel a thing. But when a human being is trying to come out of your body, a needle seems very insignificant! Lol

PrimRoseMama · April 2015

lgarcia1614 said:
Hi ladies. I know that I want to get an epidural for labor, but for some reason I'm more scared about the epidural than anything. Is it still true that if you move it can paralyze you? I'm pretty good with needles but I'm worried I'll have a spasm out of fear something. Can anyone who's been through it before let me know what to expect? Please, only positive comments.

My epidural experience was awesome. Only had the shakes & felt cold, but that is also likely because I had been up for so long, no food & the room was cold.

PS-- just for future reference it's not very polite to try to tell others how to post.

CatsAreShady · April 2015

lgarcia1614 said:
Hi ladies. I know that I want to get an epidural for labor, but for some reason I'm more scared about the epidural than anything. Is it still true that if you move it can paralyze you? I'm pretty good with needles but I'm worried I'll have a spasm out of fear something. Can anyone who's been through it before let me know what to expect? Please, only positive comments.

I had an epidural three times and I loved them. I wasn't numbed beforehand but the pain of the needle is nothing compared to labor pains. I hugged the anesthesiologist.

I understand only wanting positive stories but remember, the experiences of other people have no bearing on your own experience. You might experience something very different. It's better to get the full picture instead of only the bits and pieces you want to hear. Asking for only positive stories will give you a biased view on the matter and you won't be prepared for other outcomes.

NYMominCA · April 2015

I had heard too many horror stories and was terrified of getting an epidural with my first pregnancy. But I quickly learned I'm a wuss when it comes to labor pain! I was given Stadol and it worked but they were like, "Oh when you hit 9cm we have to stop it." So I was like, "Wait, you're going to take the pain away and then give it back to me?!" I wound up opting for an epidural. It was so awesome. I was able to sleep, relax, and it didn't affect my pushing at all.

With DS I knew I'd get an epidural, and did when the time was right. The same experience--no issues with pushing or anything (he was out in 3 pushes!).

I'm already signing up for another epi for this baby!

hey&june · April 2015

The paralyzing thing is kind of an urban legend. The person doing the spinal epidural would have to put it completely in the wrong place, like wrong by a LOT for something like that to happen. Knowledge is power with things like this and I'd suggest reading some of the facts in order to alleviate your fears. Keep in mind that epidurals are done for all kinds of surgeries, not just labor and delivery, and there are rarely any issues. https://www.northstaranesthesia.com/patients/labor-epidural-faqs/

I've had 2 c-section deliveries and both required an epidural. All it required was sitting on the side of the bed, leaning forward, and a small prick that was about like getting a finger pricked. The rest happens behind your back. The pain relief was instant. Don't let your fears steal your joy about having your baby!

AmommyB · April 2015

Just agreeing with everyone. I had one with my first and will do it again. I was able to enjoy the birth, was not is a lot of pain but aware enough to know what was going on.

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