@mrsmarygs I don't know everything but I know with the epidural a catheter is inserted into the epidural space, but with a spinal they insert the needle and deposit the medicine in there... I'd have to do some research to learn specifics but I think that's the biggest difference?
@wyomama0427 I would love to share My spinal was a complete success. I was terrified that it might go wrong, because I have scoliosis and I was shaking like a leaf. I told the anesthesiologist about my spine, which he appreciated. You sit on the edge of the operating table, they have you curve your spine and do a numbing injection, before the spinal. It hurt, but not very much and it worked very quickly. The dose was perfect, because I could start feeling my feet as they were closing the outside of the incision. You should be able to sit up and hold your baby pretty quickly and walk if you want. Let me know if there is anything else you'd like to know.
@mrsmarygs an epidural is like an iv and could provide a constant stream of medicine since it's usually administered over a long period of time. A spinal is a one time, properly dosed injection, usually used for a c-section.
@lilpoots I wish I could hug you right now lol! Thank you for sharing. Do they place the spinal higher than the epidural or at the same place? I am so thrilled that I will be able to get up and walk if I want. And hold the baby!! I didn't get to hold DS until the next day. The general really messed me up! Did you have to be in recovery for any period of time!
The epidural is inserted into the epidural space (between spinal column and outer membrane of spinal cord) and has a catheter remain in place because it will be a continuous infusion of the anesthetic, a spinal block is a one time injection of the anesthetic into the cerebral spinal fluid, usually lasts about 2 hours and no catheter is left in place because only the one dose is needed.
@wyomama0427 recovery is usually only an hour and you will hold the baby, bf if you want, etc there. The nurses will bring the baby over for you to see and touch immediately after the cord is cut. If you're crazy like me, you could ask to have them drop the curtain when they pull the baby out, but it's obviously not for the squeamish. I'm not sure about the location of the epidural. I do know that I got a little nervous at first, because I could feel it in my chest slightly, but the doctor assured me to breathe and it would dissipate.
I plan to share my birth story soon, because I never have.
Question for you ladies who have had an epidural. I did not have an epidural with my first labor, and I was able to cope fine until I had to push. This go around, I am fairly confident I'll be able to deal with the contractions, but I'm very nervous about pushing again. If you had the epidural, did you experience pain/burning while pushing? Thanks!
Question for you ladies who have had an epidural. I did not have an epidural with my first labor, and I was able to cope fine until I had to push. This go around, I am fairly confident I'll be able to deal with the contractions, but I'm very nervous about pushing again. If you had the epidural, did you experience pain/burning while pushing? Thanks!
Couldn't feel a damn thing, not even pressure. It was amazeballs
Question for you ladies who have had an epidural. I did not have an epidural with my first labor, and I was able to cope fine until I had to push. This go around, I am fairly confident I'll be able to deal with the contractions, but I'm very nervous about pushing again. If you had the epidural, did you experience pain/burning while pushing? Thanks!
----------SITB---------- I felt pressure but no pain. I liked it because I still knew what my body was doing and knew exactly when to push (when a contraction was happening, where he was, when he came out) but there was no pain and no burning. Best of both worlds
@wyomama0427 recovery is usually only an hour and you will hold the baby, bf if you want, etc there. The nurses will bring the baby over for you to see and touch immediately after the cord is cut. If you're crazy like me, you could ask to have them drop the curtain when they pull the baby out, but it's obviously not for the squeamish. I'm not sure about the location of the epidural. I do know that I got a little nervous at first, because I could feel it in my chest slightly, but the doctor assured me to breathe and it would dissipate.
I plan to share my birth story soon, because I never have.
DH asked the doctor if he could watch them do the whole procedure lol! I would love to see them pull baby out. I want to be involved in everything I possibly can be. If DH had t his way he'd probably be the one pulling the baby out haha! In fact I think if we were having a vaginal birth he'd want to be down there, catching the baby. Lol.
Question for you ladies who have had an epidural. I did not have an epidural with my first labor, and I was able to cope fine until I had to push. This go around, I am fairly confident I'll be able to deal with the contractions, but I'm very nervous about pushing again. If you had the epidural, did you experience pain/burning while pushing? Thanks!
Yes I felt pressure and the ring of Fire with my epidural, but it had partially worn off. It felt so much better while I was pushing. if I don't have an epidural this time and my doctor continues to stretch me out with his fingers I will scream at him to stop since I could feel that too.
@lap018 So if you don't feel that part, how do you know if you're pushing too hard? I've heard that it can take longer to recuperate after giving birth with an epidural and I assumed that was because you might tear more b/c you can't feel what's going on. Is that way off base?
My OB was standing there telling me to push harder like the entire time so I don't think I had the problem of pushing too hard lol! I think the goal of the epidural is to be able to feel pressure but not pain but mine was done at too high of a level (not complaining at all!) my husband kept saying to the nurse that "she can feel pressure" (no idea why he kept saying that because I never told him that) and I was too afraid to say anything because I didn't want them turning it down any because I didn't want to feel anything.... it was bliss for me and I only pushed for like 45 min @Cats*in*space
eta:I did have a second degree tear and I think absolutley you are more likely to tear with an epidural because you are pushing when someone tells you to not when it's instinctual. I don't think it's because you're pushing too hard just not at the exact time you would if you were feeling everything.
Question for you ladies who have had an epidural. I did not have an epidural with my first labor, and I was able to cope fine until I had to push. This go around, I am fairly confident I'll be able to deal with the contractions, but I'm very nervous about pushing again. If you had the epidural, did you experience pain/burning while pushing? Thanks!
I experienced burning and pressure, not so much pain. It was definitely manageable because I had been able to rest through contractions until near the end. I definitely did feel my doctor stitching me up though, so I know the epidural wasn't totally effective in that area, she just gave me a shot and we were good to go.
@CoastalMomma I was able to feel the pressure, but no pain. I did have some burning from the pull of the vacuum, but it was very manageable and wasn't bad at all.
I didn't feel anything. Well I actually felt some pain in my ribs because of the pushing, but that was it. My Dr told me when to push, when to stop, when to push harder, etc. he was great and I so hope he delivers this one. He knew when to tell me to stop so I wouldn't tear and I didn't. I only pushed when they told me to.
I HATE shots and needles, but at that point it was nothing because you can't see it and, contractions. Mine was amazing. Right after he was like, ok you're having a a contraction, and I was so happy! I could actually relax and enjoy what was going on around me and pay attention. I actually had an allergic reaction to the latex or something on the bandage they used, but that was the only downfall, and it was just an itchy rash. I did have to be helped to the bathroom, but that was fine with me. It's probably one of the last times everybody will be doing everything for you!
This is something I'm nervous about - and something my doctor said to mention to the anesthesiologist. I don't know if s/hee'll be able to do anything differently. It's not the latex for me, but with the pregnancy I developed a full blown allergy to the adhesives in bandaids/tape (we're talking full blisters that ITCH LIKE SATAN for a full week and take over a month to fade).
Maybe that's what mine was, too? I've never had a reaction towards latex or adhesive but I was just assuming it was the latex. definitely mention it to them because there is a lot of bandage square footage back there, and in such a place you won't be able to really itch! I'm going to mention it, too. Surely they've had enough reactions like that to have an alternative.
I was in labor for about 25 hours before checking into the hospital and another 15 once I was there. DD was sunnyside up and 9lb, 5oz. Which makes for a very difficult, painful labor. Without an epidural, I would not have had the energy to push. It allowed me to rest some overnight. As for the pushing (and stitches) I did feel those, but I assume it was easier with the epidural than without.
I will absolutely be getting an epidural this time as well. I don't even remember pain getting it, just the relief of the damn pain going away!
Mine was mostly great - I didn't feel pain. But, I needed a catheter, my right leg went totally numb for 20 hours and my labor was long enough that I needed a second dose.
***TW*** RAD born 6/2015 | mc at 7 weeks 9/2016 | rainbow baby RHD born 9/2017
I remember crowning was uncomfortable with my first, not painful but I wanted it to pass. I had an episiotomy the first time and second degree tear the second. The episiotomy felt like a slight tug but didn't have pain until the next day. The epidural lasted through stitching also so all that went ok as far as pain goes. The stitches hurt a lot by like day four but I was also not taking any pain medicine.
Can someone describe the pain of the getting the epidural? Does it feel like getting a shot or blood drawn or worse? Is it like a painful pinch that goes away or does it linger?
Honestly, I don't even remember the epidural hurting? I was so focused on the pain from contractions and staying still for the placement I don't remember anything else.
I've had an epidural both times. The first time it went great. The second time it didn't fully work on my right side but it was still 1,000,000 percent better than no epidural at all.
I'm pro-epidural
I'm not sure if I will get one this time or not. It will completely depend on how fast my labor is. My second labor was very fast and I might not have time.
Epidural was bomb AF. It allowed me to finally get some much needed rest 20 hours into a rough labor, and helped me relax and dialate when I hadn't progressed in 8 hours. Honestly you're going to hear horror stories because it doesn't work for everyone, but I've only personally known 1 or 2 people that had a bad experience compared to many that also loved theirs.
It's not not for everyone, but I'll definitely be getting one this time around too.
The hardest part of the Epi for me was staying bent over during the contraction while they placed it. DS dad wasn't allowed in the room so I had the anesthesiologist and a nurse. I got mine at like midnight and I guess I was one of the few that had a reaction to it and my body was on fire and itching. They gave me benadryl, I got to nap and it was glorious. I thought it was funny because I thought I was all badass for just giving birth and thought I could get up and I got a reality check realll quick. TBH the catheter was the scariest part, didn't feel it at all though.
eta: I didn't tear really, they put one stitch. I'm not going to lie, looking back, I felt the pressure but had no idea what I was doing. They told me to push and I didn't know what to do and thought I faked it by pretending I have to poop. I guess that's what the pushing is because I had to stop and wait for the Dr to finish scrubbing up.
To the mom who already got a epidural or anyone else with experience:
im terrified im going to get the epidural too early and it will wear off or I'll wait to long to ask and they won't give it to me. When is the best time to get one?
To the mom who already got a epidural or anyone else with experience:
im terrified im going to get the epidural too early and it will wear off or I'll wait to long to ask and they won't give it to me. When is the best time to get one?
Question for you ladies who have had an epidural. I did not have an epidural with my first labor, and I was able to cope fine until I had to push. This go around, I am fairly confident I'll be able to deal with the contractions, but I'm very nervous about pushing again. If you had the epidural, did you experience pain/burning while pushing? Thanks!
I didn't feel anything at all! I was completely numb!
The nurse basically told me when to push cause I couldn't feel the contractions and DD was out within 20 minutes.
I had a bit of a hard time afterward because i wanted to get up and move around and i couldnt and i needed help the first time going to the bathroom because I couldn't walk myself for a couple hours.
Small price to pay for having a painless delivery.
@Breath_Easy92 they might not advise you get one until you are dilated at 3cm or more, considered active labor but sometimes you can get it sooner depending on circumstances. I had mine for a while the first time (labor was 38 1/2 hours and I had the EPi for a large chunk) but it didn't run out. They stopped it closer to when I pushed, I could feel intense pressure but no pain (like I had to poop but really bad) so I could tell when to push baby. Lol after I fought with the nurse that I had to poop and she convinced me it was the baby. She was right!
I voted other because getting the epidural was such a pain in the butt. My goal was to allow myself to progress for as long as possible and THEN get the epidural. I was induced and research I found showed the chance of intervention greatly increases if you've been induced as well as get an epidural. ANYWAYS. They absolutely wouldn't wait for my contraction to end before putting it in, so I was writhing in pain at 8 cm with contractions from hell with a nurse screaming (probably not screaming but I was in labor so I felt like she was lol) for me to sit still. THEN for the next like 3 hours no one believed me when I said that it only worked on half my body. They kept telling me it would get better but it didn't. I imagine they weren't able to do it right because I was fighting moving while they put it in. So finally right before it was time to push they came in and fixed it so I like wouldn't kill someone lol. After it started fully working it was great!!!
Can someone describe the pain of the getting the epidural? Does it feel like getting a shot or blood drawn or worse? Is it like a painful pinch that goes away or does it linger?
@Breath_Easy92 At my hospital, they wouldn't even admit you until you were a certain amount dilated, unless you water broke or various other extenuating circumstances. I think that they recommended not having the epidural until at least 5cm, bc it can possibly have the effect of slowing labor down.
@GracefulStar haha I was just telling my husband I have a weird fear that I'm going to poop in the table and the baby will land in it
@ColoradoHiker that's good to know, I feel like I know nothing. My SIL just tells me horror stories when I ask her anything. She had her first about 2 years ago and still acts like she should get a trophy though.
Was induced with both of my boys and got epidurals for both. First one was glorious and worked magically. Had the ring of fire upon crowning. Second one DID NOT WORK and I felt everything including a manual internal version of DS2's head towards the end. First recovery was difficult with vomiting and passing out upon getting up. Second recovery got dizzy upon going to the bathroom, but no vomiting. I will try to progress as far as possible this time without an epidural again. It all depends on the speed of labor as to whether or not I'll get one again honestly....
I loved my epidural. My only complaint is that it worked a little too well -- I wish I'd asked them to turn it down a bit. I literally could not feel a thing, beyond pressure. Like, so much so that I couldn't even tell when I was having a contraction to know when to push. They'd tell me to push at the next contraction and I'd say "but I can't feel the next contraction!" I'd think I was pushing really hard, but I guess not hard enough. I pushed for 2.5 hours before she finally came out. It was exhausting, but I was grateful my OB let me continue to push and avoid a c-section.
Also - my recovery from the epidural was pretty easy. I was able to walk to the bathroom within less than an hour of them removing it. My legs felt pretty heavy for a while, but otherwise it was easy. I plan to get an epidural this time around unless my labor just goes super fast. But I was induced with my first, and expect to be induced again (Gestational diabetes).
It was the best thing in whole world! It HURTS when it gets placed but that was the only pain I felt during the whole process.
Mine felt like a wasp sting getting put in, but then was pure bliss. 30 seconds of pain for hours of comfort. By the way, can I go ahead and get mine now so I don't have to suffer through the last 4 months? Yes? 'K, Thanks!
Re: Good/Bad Epidural Experience
@mrsmarygs an epidural is like an iv and could provide a constant stream of medicine since it's usually administered over a long period of time. A spinal is a one time, properly dosed injection, usually used for a c-section.
I plan to share my birth story soon, because I never have.
Me: 35 | DH: 38
Met: 2007
Married: 2013
BFP #1: 06/21/16 MMC: 08/04/16
BFP #2: 01/08/17 DD: 09/23/17
BFP #3: 06/10/20 EDD: 02/11/2021
@Cats*in*space
eta:I did have a second degree tear and I think absolutley you are more likely to tear with an epidural because you are pushing when someone tells you to not when it's instinctual. I don't think it's because you're pushing too hard just not at the exact time you would if you were feeling everything.
I will absolutely be getting an epidural this time as well. I don't even remember pain getting it, just the relief of the damn pain going away!
RAD born 6/2015 | mc at 7 weeks 9/2016 | rainbow baby RHD born 9/2017
I'm pro-epidural
I'm not sure if I will get one this time or not. It will completely depend on how fast my labor is. My second labor was very fast and I might not have time.
Honestly you're going to hear horror stories because it doesn't work for everyone, but I've only personally known 1 or 2 people that had a bad experience compared to many that also loved theirs.
It's not not for everyone, but I'll definitely be getting one this time around too.
eta: I didn't tear really, they put one stitch. I'm not going to lie, looking back, I felt the pressure but had no idea what I was doing. They told me to push and I didn't know what to do and thought I faked it by pretending I have to poop. I guess that's what the pushing is because I had to stop and wait for the Dr to finish scrubbing up.
DS #1 [S-5]
3 Step Daughters [A-8] [E-6] [I-4]
Baby #2 09/10/2017
It's a BOY!
Babywearer&EBF
im terrified im going to get the epidural too early and it will wear off or I'll wait to long to ask and they won't give it to me. When is the best time to get one?
The nurse basically told me when to push cause I couldn't feel the contractions and DD was out within 20 minutes.
I had a bit of a hard time afterward because i wanted to get up and move around and i couldnt and i needed help the first time going to the bathroom because I couldn't walk myself for a couple hours.
Small price to pay for having a painless delivery.
They absolutely wouldn't wait for my contraction to end before putting it in, so I was writhing in pain at 8 cm with contractions from hell with a nurse screaming (probably not screaming but I was in labor so I felt like she was lol) for me to sit still. THEN for the next like 3 hours no one believed me when I said that it only worked on half my body. They kept telling me it would get better but it didn't. I imagine they weren't able to do it right because I was fighting moving while they put it in. So finally right before it was time to push they came in and fixed it so I like wouldn't kill someone lol. After it started fully working it was great!!!
DS2: EDD- 09.08.17
@ColoradoHiker that's good to know, I feel like I know nothing. My SIL just tells me horror stories when I ask her anything. She had her first about 2 years ago and still acts like she should get a trophy though.
one again honestly....
By the way, can I go ahead and get mine now so I don't have to suffer through the last 4 months? Yes? 'K, Thanks!
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