My first two pregnancies I had hardly any symptoms other than being tired. It's different this time, but maybe just because I'm older. Each woman and each pregnancy is so different. Be at ease with little or no symptoms. Your body knows what to do. Enjoy your sweet babies as they grow.
I've had epidurals on the brain ever since my nurse intake appointment last week. I've read that there a couple of ways of administering them and/or levels of medication they can give that offer differences in both pain relief and level of movement. I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around what an epidural really feels like though and keep wavering back and forth on how I feel about them. I know the basic answer is that it numbs you but I'd love to hear input from STM+s re: how they would describe the sensation beyond just being numb. And I'm curious to know how much you were able to move around. Obviously walking is out of the question but I envision laying on my back for hours without being able to really shift at all.
@fattedcalf Getting it feels like a bad bee sting, but the numbness takes effect very quickly. Yeah definitely no walking, your whole lower half is basically immobile, but I was able to rotate myself to my side using the arm bars on the bed. But really only did that when the epidural stopped working on one side and they had me lay on that side until they could fix it. That was unpleasant. Once it's fully working it's perfectly comfortable to just sit reclined until go time (pushing). I know some people have trouble pushing with the epi because you literally cannot feel what your muscles are doing, but I just imagined myself pooping and that worked to target the right muscles hahahaha. I was really afraid of the epi and it wasn't very fun to have put in but it hurt less than the contractions I was having sooo...worth it. Maybe this is weird, but I watched YouTube videos of epidural getting put in to mentally prepare. I like to know what to expect and what people are doing to me, and I'm very visual so it helped me to prepare and decide if I really wanted to get one. I didn't get mine until I was 26 hours in (I was induced...so long long process for me) and my water finally broke. Until then I didn't have any very productive contractions so they had really really upped the pitocin. Once my water broke it was like a monster awoke and the contractions were crazy intense, so they let me get the epi even though I was still only a 3. I dilated quickly after that. Though I loved the relief of the epi, I will still wait as long as I can because I don't want to be unable to move. I was hooked to monitors the whole time so movement was already limited, but if I had been on my back for 36 hours I would have been absolutely miserable. I think a lot of people wait til they're 6cm or so. I was so tired by the time my labor got crazy active and painful that I wouldn't have been with it at all if I had not gotten the epi and gotten some sleep before pushing.
eta: to elaborate on what the numbness actually feels like it was like sitting on a cloud. My lower half might as well not have been there at all. I only felt the actual 'numb' sensation right around the area that the epi was placed.
Married 6/1/13
BFP #1 7/2013 MMC 9/17/13
BFP #2 5/2014 MC 6/15/14
BFP #3 11/13/14 (Found in ER with ruptured cyst) Diagnosed MC 11/15/14
BFP #4 4/2015 MC 7/1/15
BFP #5 10/21/15 EDD 7/3/16 Praying for our rainbow!
winnie1122 - Thank you, that's very helpful. Sitting on a cloud doesn't sound like the worst thing in the world. The only thing I've ever experienced that may even come close to this realm was a nerve block in my arm, up to the shoulder. I felt like I had a non-responsive piece of rubber dangling from my torso and the idea of my entire lower half feeling that way is not the least bit appealing. The YouTube videos are a great idea too. The more informed I am the more confident I am in my decisions and real life examples usually help me the most.
Something I should have asked in my earlier post too, how weird do you feel as it starts to wear off?
@fatted_calf I don't find it felt strange wearing off at all. It was wearing off when baby was in my arms for the first time so I didn't even notice that feeling had come back to my legs. My legs did feel a bit rubbery and unsteady when I got up to walk for the first time
DD born Oct 2011 - DS#1 born Jan 2014 - DS#2 born Apr 2015 - DS#3 born Sept 2016 - LO#5 due Feb 7, 2018
@fatted_calf I hated the feeling of the epidural because I felt like I had jello legs. It was bizarre. Definitely better than feeling any pain, but...it was the weirdest sensation ever.
Thanks for all your feedback ladies! Makes me feel a bit better. I'm just under 11 weeks and noticed the heartburn isn't as bad, though could be I'm just eating better haha. The other night I was actually nervous that I wasn't as heinously gassy as I usually was. It's back now, of course, haha, but I can't WAIT for that to taper off (it does taper off?)
About how far along were y'all when 1st tri symptoms started to go away? I don't think I'm showing quite yet to "feel preggo" but who knows what the next 2 weeks will bring!
I second the bee sting. But, you are in so much pain you don't care anyways (at least, I didn't).
I had a reaction to the epidural. Kept making me pass out because of low blood pressure, but I know that's not too common. It was crazy weird touching my legs when they were numb... kind of like touching your cheek after the dentist when you fill a cavity or something. I could move my legs a little bit though, it took more effort, but it was possible.
@fattedcalf I don't remember it feeling too weird wearing off, mostly just that I slowly could move more easily. Some people experience itching during and after and I remember now that I had some nausea at first with it, thankfully no vomiting though. I mostly just was able to feel the soreness once it wore off but it wasn't as bad as I expected. Though I didn't have much tearing so I got off lucky. I forgot to mention my favorite part of the epidural! Not being able to feel the last few cervix checks! Omg those were the absolute worst part of the whole process for me (every couple hours for 36 hours, and they HURT) so that was super awesome haha. Though if you don't have to be induced you probably won't have to deal with those too much. I just remembered how relieved I was.
Married 6/1/13
BFP #1 7/2013 MMC 9/17/13
BFP #2 5/2014 MC 6/15/14
BFP #3 11/13/14 (Found in ER with ruptured cyst) Diagnosed MC 11/15/14
BFP #4 4/2015 MC 7/1/15
BFP #5 10/21/15 EDD 7/3/16 Praying for our rainbow!
@fatted_calf the point at which I got my epidural I honestly couldn't tell you what it felt like at all, I was so beyond the point of feeling anything but contractions at that point. My husband still brings up how he can't believe I got it and don't remember feeling anything. Just goes to show how intense labour can be that you're totally ok with a needle in the spine!
I'd been stuck at 8 cms for about 10 hrs and contractions went from 1 min apart from the beginning of labour to back to back and I was pushing involuntarily and was told I HAD to stop because I wasn't dilated enough. Trying to stop the pushing was what made me get the epidural because I simply could not. All I remember was that they put the epidural in as soon as I felt my contraction winding down and I could right away feel the next one starting but then it slowly just melted. They told me the epidural was at the lowest dosage and I could turn it up as I saw fit with a press of a button in 10 minute intervals. I wanted it as low as possible and I was able to walk to the bathroom for a bit, but I believe I was having trouble emptying my bladder so I got a catheter. While I dozed off a nurse turned my epidural all the way to max! I didn't realize what she was doing until it was too late, and after that I could feel absolutely nothing and I couldn't move one side at all. During pushing the dr was willing to let me push in a different position (as my son was still stick despite them telling me I was pushing properly) but when I couldn't move my one leg that option was gone. I had no idea going into the epidural that there were different dosages and that walking and changing positions were even an option, so it wasn't a huge let down, but frustrating. Like others described I just slowly felt movement coming back when it was wearing off. The only long lasting effect was the swelling I had everywhere from the fluids that were pumped into me in order to get the epidural. I can't remember the exact explanation but I remember being told I needed to have so many bags of fluid before they could give me the epidural and I was just a balloon for days.
I'll weigh in on my epidural experience. I wanted to avoid it with my 1st, but decided to get it at 4cm. I sort of freaked during it and the anesthesiologist told me to stop moving or he might paralyze me. Did not help. I finally got it in place. It was better, but I'm claustrophobic and felt very trapped. It wasn't a pleasant experience, but I did get a little rest before it was time to push. I said I wouldn't do it again, but the next time around, I was having twins. I was worried about if I had to have an emergency c- section. Getting it was slightly better, but I ended up with lower back pain that lingered for about 6 months. (Temporary nerve damage is one of the risks.) I don't want to have an epidural this time. Never say never, but my goal is to avoid it.
I'll weigh in on my epidural experience. I wanted to avoid it with my 1st, but decided to get it at 4cm. I sort of freaked during it and the anesthesiologist told me to stop moving or he might paralyze me. Did not help. I finally got it in place. It was better, but I'm claustrophobic and felt very trapped. It wasn't a pleasant experience, but I did get a little rest before it was time to push. I said I wouldn't do it again, but the next time around, I was having twins. I was worried about if I had to have an emergency c- section. Getting it was slightly better, but I ended up with lower back pain that lingered for about 6 months. (Temporary nerve damage is one of the risks.) I don't want to have an epidural this time. Never say never, but my goal is to avoid it.
I also had it with my first. Don't remember pain with it going in and it kicked in quickly and It was absolutely glorious for the labour but (full disclosure) I hated feeling so shaky for so long afterward. I also had a bit of pain in that spot when they removed it. Also it's been 2 years and if I get back pain, it's right in that spot. It may sound weird but can feel exactly where it was... With my second I went so fast it wouldn't have even been an option and I had been hoping to just use the nitrous oxide gas (which I did) and as long as I can make it to the hospital that will be my plan again.
For those STMs who didn't return to work- how early did you tell your employer that you weren't coming back after the baby? How did it go? Also, did any STMs have the baby arrive earlier than expected? Were you ready w the nursery/ car seat/ necessities? I keep hearing stories where people say "be ready 3 weeks early" but I feel l like doing so will jinx it and I'll finally be induced at 41wk+
Thanks to all of you who have shared your epidural thoughts & experiences. I'm not sure if my hospital offers the nitrous oxide option but I'm definitely going to ask now so thanks to those who mentioned it. (I was immediately reminded of Call the Midwife when I read them!)
Also, I appreciate your candor when it comes to both the pros and cons. It helps me know what to think about and what questions to ask at my next appointment. Many thanks!
Thanks to all of you who have shared your epidural thoughts & experiences. I'm not sure if my hospital offers the nitrous oxide option but I'm definitely going to ask now so thanks to those who mentioned it. (I was immediately reminded of Call the Midwife when I read them!)
Also, I appreciate your candor when it comes to both the pros and cons. It helps me know what to think about and what questions to ask at my next appointment. Many thanks!
I should note that I ended up with an epidural with my first because I was only 4 cm and statistically it takes first time moms a while to go from 4 to 10 and so they were not going to allow me to start having gas at that point if it was still going to be hours and hours of labour from there. They said it wasn't good for me or the stuff in the room. Which I understand. so since I didn't want other drugs that would potential he affect the baby I opted for the epidural.
I ended up planning not to return to work fulltime during my maternity leave and arranged a part time status with my employer halfway through my leave.
I had 6 weeks "paid" (it was a percentage of my annual salary) maternity leave, then I was able to take up to a year off unpaid (could have used pto but I was saving it). Ended up going back when DD was almost 5 months, worked part time until she was 10 months, then quit to be a SAHM. I was lucky to have a flexible manager who let me essentially create my own schedule each week to work around babysitters, but it was far too stressful for me to keep working a job I hated and spend time away from my girl.
I had an epidural with a csection and I thought the actually needle part was not too bad, and when it first kicked in it fell kind of nice, you can't feel pain or move but your are not completely numb- you can feel thwm moving you- and pulling out the baby, it was quite rough actually! But fine, sounds scary but honestly, it was not that bad for me! The only bit I didn't like was it made me throw up- but they gave me maxalon in the drip and then I was fine. I actually had a "nice" experience with my csection. Recovery is a little rough- but again, for me not as bad as I expected, everyone heals different though.
My boys both came 2 weeks early. I was put on bestest at 32 wks with my first and 30 weeks with my 2nd. All you really need to be "ready" for baby to arrive is to have the carseat, place for baby to sleep, and know how you want to feed baby. The rest can be done any time. Of course, when i was a ftm "ready" looked totally different in my mind.
I had a totally healthy pregnancy, and my water broke at 36 weeks. Baby was perfect and we went home within the normal 48 hrs. So yes, be prepared! That was my first too. Only in labor for 16 hours.
@wal2017 I'm going to reply to your second question. I felt exactly the same way only because 1) my mom had every child early and nobody knows why but 2) I've jinxed plenty of things. I installed just the carseat at 34 ish weeks but made sure to have the crib set up earlier only because my husband was not here and there was a two week period where I was by myself without friends or family. I ended up getting induced a week early so as soon as I found out I might get induced was when I packed the hospital bag. I was more concerned that if I packed my bag I would jinx it!
@fatted_calf I swear the numbing prick from the lidocaine is worse than the actual epi! I jumped about a foot off the bed but then never felt the actual epi go in. For me it took the pain away almost completely, just a lot of pressure after that. The spot was painful for a couple days after but the epidural was glorious.
With my first, my epidural was a breeze. With my second....that's another story. Had DD2 at 1:10pm. My OB came in at 8 the next morning and asked how I was feeling. My only complaint was my back hurt. Apparently there were 8 separate try markings. I'm holding out hope that I can still get an epidural with baby number three. If it hurts, tell them. They may need to adjust. I felt shooting pain in my hip. Once I said something they adjusting while trying to place the epidural and it wasn't as bad.
So am I going to need to buy all new bras or what?? I know I'll prob want one of those special breastfeeding bras, but what about for the rest of the pregnancy? I'm only 8w5d and my boobs feel huge. I haven't even gained any weight. Bras are getting tight. Like how much bigger will they get? I'm sure this varies for each woman but would like to know your experience. Thanks!
So am I going to need to buy all new bras or what?? I know I'll prob want one of those special breastfeeding bras, but what about for the rest of the pregnancy? I'm only 8w5d and my boobs feel huge. I haven't even gained any weight. Bras are getting tight. Like how much bigger will they get? I'm sure this varies for each woman but would like to know your experience. Thanks!
I would just buy nursing bras now. They are comfy, stretchy, machine washable, and you will need them anyway in a few months. It's better than buying bigger bras now and then nursing bras later.
mine grew a cup size in pregnancy, then probably another half cup size initially while breastfeeding. But the enlargement for me wasn't until later in pregnancy
So am I going to need to buy all new bras or what?? I know I'll prob want one of those special breastfeeding bras, but what about for the rest of the pregnancy? I'm only 8w5d and my boobs feel huge. I haven't even gained any weight. Bras are getting tight. Like how much bigger will they get? I'm sure this varies for each woman but would like to know your experience. Thanks!
If you are like me- Yes, In short. Your boobs are unlikely to return to the same size. mine grew every month right along with my bump- until my dd was was born and my milk came in and they were bigger than my head. Lmao. Everybody boobs are different though- who knows you maybe might be able to get away with extenders?!
Yes, go ahead and buy new bras, even nursing ones if you can find some for cheap, but I wouldn't spend a lot because chances are they will change again. I bought cheap Walmart nursing bras during pregnancy and they did the job until my milk came in and they were too small. I then splurged on good nursing bras only to have my boobs settle down to a smaller size and now towards the end of nursing (and beginning of a new pregnancy) they are the smallest they've ever been in my life. I've just decided to purchase cheap bras when I need a new size and eventually some day get nice ones again!
Tell me about your pregnancy pillows please. I am looking into one and can't decide which one to get. Someone mentioned the Boppy one in the Amazon thread but it doesn't get good reviews. Help!
Tell me about your pregnancy pillows please. I am looking into one and can't decide which one to get. Someone mentioned the Boppy one in the Amazon thread but it doesn't get good reviews. Help!
Two previous pregnancies I have kept quite comfortable with a regular body pillow. No fancy expensive pillow needed. That's my plan this time as well.
Tell me about your pregnancy pillows please. I am looking into one and can't decide which one to get. Someone mentioned the Boppy one in the Amazon thread but it doesn't get good reviews. Help!
I love my snoogle. My husband is already dreading it coming back into bed with us, haha.
Tell me about your pregnancy pillows please. I am looking into one and can't decide which one to get. Someone mentioned the Boppy one in the Amazon thread but it doesn't get good reviews. Help!
I love my snoogle. My husband is already dreading it coming back into bed with us, haha.
This. I love my snoogle because I'm a stomach sleeper and this is he only way I can sleep when pregnant. My husband hates it. You probably need a king size bed to use it
Oh gosh, bras. I bought a couple of nursing bras when I was around 25 weeks last time because my boobs were busting out of my bras and by the time I started nursing those ones didn't fit either. I ended up with three sizes of the comfy target nursing bras with no wire, which I cycled through as my size kept changing. I just stopped nursing about 3 weeks ago and my boobs are starting to return to original size. Basically, don't buy anything expensive for your boobs for this time of life if you can help it because you'll probably end up having to change in two months anyways. Cheap is good, no wire bras are kindest to your boobs during this time.
Married 6/1/13
BFP #1 7/2013 MMC 9/17/13
BFP #2 5/2014 MC 6/15/14
BFP #3 11/13/14 (Found in ER with ruptured cyst) Diagnosed MC 11/15/14
BFP #4 4/2015 MC 7/1/15
BFP #5 10/21/15 EDD 7/3/16 Praying for our rainbow!
I have the leechco back n belly chic and it is AMAZING! I got it when I was pregnant last pregnancy and haven't stopped using it. Well worth the money.
Tell me about your pregnancy pillows please. I am looking into one and can't decide which one to get. Someone mentioned the Boppy one in the Amazon thread but it doesn't get good reviews. Help!
I love my snoogle. My husband is already dreading it coming back into bed with us, haha.
This. I love my snoogle because I'm a stomach sleeper and this is he only way I can sleep when pregnant. My husband hates it. You probably need a king size bed to use it
We have a king sized bed and I plan on taking as much as I need lol.
I'd echo the PPs on buying cheap bra size for now. I had to get a few different ones throughout and once your milk comes in you're even bigger. Id say wait to get nursing bras until near the end of your pregnancy.
Re: Do you have any questions for STM+(s)?
eta: to elaborate on what the numbness actually feels like it was like sitting on a cloud. My lower half might as well not have been there at all. I only felt the actual 'numb' sensation right around the area that the epi was placed.
Something I should have asked in my earlier post too, how weird do you feel as it starts to wear off?
About how far along were y'all when 1st tri symptoms started to go away? I don't think I'm showing quite yet to "feel preggo" but who knows what the next 2 weeks will bring!
I had a reaction to the epidural. Kept making me pass out because of low blood pressure, but I know that's not too common. It was crazy weird touching my legs when they were numb... kind of like touching your cheek after the dentist when you fill a cavity or something. I could move my legs a little bit though, it took more effort, but it was possible.
I'd been stuck at 8 cms for about 10 hrs and contractions went from 1 min apart from the beginning of labour to back to back and I was pushing involuntarily and was told I HAD to stop because I wasn't dilated enough. Trying to stop the pushing was what made me get the epidural because I simply could not. All I remember was that they put the epidural in as soon as I felt my contraction winding down and I could right away feel the next one starting but then it slowly just melted. They told me the epidural was at the lowest dosage and I could turn it up as I saw fit with a press of a button in 10 minute intervals. I wanted it as low as possible and I was able to walk to the bathroom for a bit, but I believe I was having trouble emptying my bladder so I got a catheter. While I dozed off a nurse turned my epidural all the way to max! I didn't realize what she was doing until it was too late, and after that I could feel absolutely nothing and I couldn't move one side at all. During pushing the dr was willing to let me push in a different position (as my son was still stick despite them telling me I was pushing properly) but when I couldn't move my one leg that option was gone. I had no idea going into the epidural that there were different dosages and that walking and changing positions were even an option, so it wasn't a huge let down, but frustrating. Like others described I just slowly felt movement coming back when it was wearing off. The only long lasting effect was the swelling I had everywhere from the fluids that were pumped into me in order to get the epidural. I can't remember the exact explanation but I remember being told I needed to have so many bags of fluid before they could give me the epidural and I was just a balloon for days.
Also it's been 2 years and if I get back pain, it's right in that spot. It may sound weird but can feel exactly where it was...
With my second I went so fast it wouldn't have even been an option and I had been hoping to just use the nitrous oxide gas (which I did) and as long as I can make it to the hospital that will be my plan again.
how early did you tell your employer that you weren't coming back after the baby? How did it go?
Also, did any STMs have the baby arrive earlier than expected? Were you ready w the nursery/ car seat/ necessities? I keep hearing stories where people say "be ready 3 weeks early" but I feel l like doing so will jinx it and I'll finally be induced at 41wk+
Also, I appreciate your candor when it comes to both the pros and cons. It helps me know what to think about and what questions to ask at my next appointment. Many thanks!
so since I didn't want other drugs that would potential he affect the baby I opted for the epidural.
DD1 came a week early, so not really all that early. DD2 made up for it by coming two weeks late.
DD2 8.22.13
MMC 1.4.17 at 16w
Expecting #3, EDD 1.29.18
Baby #1: BFP 1/30/14, EDD 9/28/14, natural MC @ 6 weeks
Baby #2: BFP 8/1/2014, EDD 4/9/2015, It's a GIRL: Addison Elizabeth!
With my second....that's another story. Had DD2 at 1:10pm. My OB came in at 8 the next morning and asked how I was feeling. My only complaint was my back hurt. Apparently there were 8 separate try markings. I'm holding out hope that I can still get an epidural with baby number three.
If it hurts, tell them. They may need to adjust. I felt shooting pain in my hip. Once I said something they adjusting while trying to place the epidural and it wasn't as bad.
mine grew a cup size in pregnancy, then probably another half cup size initially while breastfeeding. But the enlargement for me wasn't until later in pregnancy