BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

I am scared sh!tless of the thought of an epidural. This is the only thing I am really nervous about and at this point I am debating on whether or not I will get it at all. Please share your experiences!

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

I was in so much pain that I didn't care what they would do, I just wanted some relief... labor with my 2nd progressed really quickly and by the time I got the epidural I was almost ready to push... I had epidural with both and thankful to have it both times (with first I was induced)...

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

Did it hurt? I made the mistake of watching videos on you tube of women getting the epi and it just does not look comfy.

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

I was terrified of the epidural. I spoke to my obgyn and my friend who is an anesthesiologist and put receiving drugs PRIOR to my epidural. That made me a lot more calm once I did receive the epidural. I got some sort of shot in my butt about 3 hours prior to receiving the actual epidural.

I never turned around to look at the needle. I HAAAAATE needles and would totally have been freaked out by the size of the needle.

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

I can honestly tell you it was the best experience!
It really was.
It didn't hurt at all going in and the pain relief it gave was incredible.
The nurse was showing me these HUGE contractions I was having on the monitor- coming like every 2 minutes- and I was talking and laughing and felt nothing.

I was worried I would feel kind of paralyzed while it was in- but I could totally feel and move my legs- they just felt a little tingly and heavy.

The worst part was a "bee sting" like feeling when the Dr numbed the area with a local. It lasted 2 seconds tops. After that I didn't even feel the real needle or cather go in.

I had no side effects, no back pain afterwards etc. It felt a little sore if I touched the area the next day- like a bruise- but that was gone by day 2.

I would recommned it to anyone and do it again in a heartbeat.

You won't see the needle or anything else- they will make you lean forward and hug a pillow- and everything is done behind your back!

I'm a HUGE baby and was also nervous about it- but I was MORE nervous about the pain of labor so there was never a doubt in my mind I'd have it.
And it turned out to be SO not a big deal for me.

Let me know if you have any other specific questions.

Message edited 7/16/2010 4:22:03 PM.

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

DONT BE NERVOUS!!!!! I didnt feel a thing my contractions hurt so bad a little pinch was all I felt when they gave me the epidural I dont know how woman do it with out the epi i really dont GOD BLESS THEM

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

Thank you ladies. I am sure when I am in labor and having contractions I won't car how big the needle is! I just can't stop thinking about it now!

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

The only pain I felt involving the epi was the pinch from the Novocain to numb the area before they did it! I didn't feel the epi at all. At that point I had back labor and my contractions were 2 mins apart....once the epi hit.....BLISS. I was so relaxed that I fell asleep....but it did slow down my contractions and they put me on pitocin. My body did not progress beyond 3 1/2 cm even on the pitocin (which I don't think had anything to do with the epi) and I ended up with a c/s and a 9lb 11oz baby

I think my failure to progress had more to do with the size of my baby. GL and don't be scared. I don't know where you're delivering but the staff at Winthrop was amazing! The nurse held my hands and everything. She said it's the ones who say they're scared that end up doing just fine

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

The epi was delightful

I have some back issues to begin with so any pressure on my lower back is TORTURE for me. Really, like you cant even press on it without me screaming. Anyway, all i felt was some pressure of the needle and some poking around but it was like immediate relief.
However, they laid me down to rest and all of a sudden I felt like I couldnt breathe. my chest was tight and my BP dropped. To a dangerous low, the anesthesiologist came back in immediately, gave me something (not sure what) and i was completely fine again within secs.
I feel asleep at 4cms and woke up at 10cm!

This probably sounds worse than it really was. The whole process maybe lasted not even 5 mins.

you'll be FINE!

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

Don't be scared & don't watch any videos about it. It felt like a pinch & the pain from contractions went away very quickly. Just know that your DH could be asked to leave while they give it to you. My DH & my 2 friends DH had to leave the room while they administered the Epi.

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

Thanks again ladies. I have a history of back problems so I think that may have something to do with my nervousness.

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

I was terrified of being stuck in the back but knew there was no way I could withstand the pain to deliver without it. By the time I got to the hospital, I was already 6cm & in so much pain/discomfort. I asked immediately for the epi & let me tell you, it was the best thing. I did not feel them stick me at all, I was too busy concentrating on breathing through contractions. I remember saying "your done?"

With that said, just know that if for some reason you can't give birth vaginally, you will have to get a spinal & that is the same feeling as the epi but deeper into your spine

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

I DONT EVEN REMEMBER any pain when getting my epidural! It was the most relaxed I felt during my entire labor process...I slept and progressed to 10 cm.

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

i was terrified of the epidural and was freaking out about having one. had the dr's give me some medicine to calm me down and had the epidural and it was like heaven, such a relief. By my second child i knew exactly when to ask for the epidural and my whole labor experience was great!

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

you won't care about anything at that point. it was heaven

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

I was nervous to get it, but at that point i was in labor for around 12 hours, and felt like i was dying, so i didnt care what they gave me, as long as it was something.
after they gave it to me..i actually slept, and i didnt sleep in 24 hours. i was very comfortable and relaxed. i was happy i chose to get one.

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

You are all making me feel much more relaxed about this. Thank you

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

I was in labor about 17 hours when I had it done. My midwife told me I was looking at maybe 12 more & they were starting a little pitocin. I was & the idea of that many more hours because I was exhausted & I learned with baby #1 that Pitocin is the devil.

I'm terrified of needles. So while she was working I was holding onto my nurse & crying. It did hurt, but my fear prob made it worse. Then, as it turns out, my back must be slightly curved. It didn't go in right & she had to rip the whole thing out & start over. So I got to go through the process TWICE Afterwards it did work & give me the chance to get some sleep. After a couple hours though I was able to feel EVERYTHING on one side again while the other was still mostly numb. The doctor who did the epi came back & said that since my back must be curved, everything just wasn't flowing properly & there wasn't much she could do. So after all that, I got a couple hours of sleep & ended up feeling everything on one side anyway.

Re: BTDT Ladies - Tell me about your epidural experience

I've had two epidurals and neither hurt at all. By the time you are at the point of needing an EPI you will most likely not care how big the needle is.