Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

I never had an epidural, but I might have liked to, 37 yrs. ago. With Debi considering TTC in the fall, we talked about labor pain, and at the time I suggested there are epidurals nowadays. But I am interested in knowing what experience you had with the epidural. Thanks. Mary

Message edited 5/30/2011 7:38:18 PM.

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

I didn't answer b/c you didn't leave an option for an OK experience - meaning it wasn't great but it wasn't terrible either. Yes, it made the pain go away, but it did stall my labor and I ended up with a csec. I also could feel the contractions through the catheter, so i was very uncomfortable -every minute or so it felt like I really had to pee! I'm going to try to avoid it this time around - I don't know if i'll be able to though!!!

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

Great question...im very curious to hear people's responses

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

I did not want to get one if I could help it. After 9 hours of labor and pitocin dosage upped twice, I couldn't take the pain any longer.

The epidural itself was not even close to as bad as I thought it would be. The numbing needle to the back was barely a pinch at that point, considering how the contractions were on top of each other. Once the epidural took effect, it was a lifesaver.

However, I wouldn't say my experience as a whole was "great" - only because the anesthesiologist might have given me a little TOO much. I was essentially paralyzed from the waist down for the next 8 hours. When the nurses needed me to move a little, I could not do it at all. I didn't like that feeling of helplessness.

Later, when it was decided that I would have to have a c/s - the doc gave me another dosage since I was starting to feel some tingling in my left leg. Unfortunately, he overdosed me even more and I was completely incoherent during the c/s. I do not remember much of my daughter being born. One second I was being prepped on the table, and the next second my DH was next to me saying "It's a girl!" and all I could do was say "They cut me already!?" I cried, and the next thing I know, I was in recovery.

You shouldn't be totally out of it like I was, and part of me feels like I was robbed a bit of that moment. Granted this was just my experience and I know it's rare for it to happen that way, but wanted to just give an "okay" experience perspective.

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

I did not want to get one but by the time i went to the hospital i was already 5 cm dialated and it was too late for anything else.

I had to get one at 7-8 cm because i just couldnt deal with the pain anymore and was to exhausted to even push when the time came

the first epi try the guy hit a nerve - twice. I am now on pain killers and have severe pain in my legs which the nerologist said would last 4-6 weeks

with that being said - my 2nd try at the epi went without a hitch and was the greatest thing ever - never even felt the pushing

would i get it again despite the problems i have now - absolutely!!!

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

It was a wonderful experience. After enduring 6 hours of back labor and horrific contractions, the epidural was awesomel, never felt it go in, and never had any pain whatsoever. I was able to move my legs, but had no sensation of pain. Just pressure. I would give birth again and again, if I could be guaranteed the same experience. Simply amazing and it truly was an enjoyable birth because of the epidural.

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

i want to add that i could not feel anything below my waste which was very scary. the nurse and the dr had to move my legs for me while pushing. i was beyond numb

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

Ladies, I very much appreciate your posts, and I plan to notebook, for Deb. I want her to have some info to look at, as well as Dr. opinion, to make a decision. Thanks so much!!!! Mary

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

I went into labor thinking I would like to go without an epidural, but was certainly open to getting it if I felt it was necessary. After about 4 or 5 hours of labor, and about 2 hours of pitocin, I hadn't progressed at all from 3cm. The dr. suggested that because my contractions were right on top of each other (because of the pitocin), my muscles were staying tense and not having a chance to relax in between them allowing further dilation. So he suggested I try getting the epidural to allow my muscles to relax. I got it and it was wonderful! They kept it at a low dose, so I still felt the contractions, but didn't feel the pain really. Within about a half hour, I went from 3cm to 9! Before I knew it, it was time to push. They turned off the epi, which is what I wanted, so I could feel everything during pushing. Had a great experience!

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

I had my DS just last Thursday....and after hours of early labor pains, I got my epidural. Within about 15 minutes, I updated my FB status that the creator of the epidural should be canonized as a saint.

Big fan!

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

I had a failed epidural experience. The cath was jiggled around 3x, the needle reinserted twice, and it just wouldn't work on me. One leg got some pins and needles for 15 minutes, but quickly went right back to normal. I delivered with no pain management.

I'm not even going to attempt an epi this time- multiple stabs in my spine for something to not even work? Not worth it!

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

I didn't plan on getting an epi but changed my mind at 8cm when I got lightheaded bad breathing from the pain of strong contractions from pitocin. A friend put it in and commented on my back anatomy being good. No back fat (I have it everywhere else!). It went in easy and I barely used it (only to take the edge off to be able to breathe). I felt plenty bit it was bareable. I was up amd walking within an hour no problem.

A positive experience. I think because I waited, ha a good epi, and used it to a minimum...

This time I'm going to try without it again because I hopefully won't be induced. The pitocin made everything too strong so maybe without pitocin I will be able to take it... I am worried if I deliver in July the anesthesia resident will be a little too inexperienced to get it in so easily. I delivered DS in Jan an my fried was really skilled...

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

Sorry about the typos-my phone stinks!

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

Awesome experience both times. It allowed me to sleep in complete pain-free sleep while i dilated, i didn't feel a thing. With my second son it wasn't AS strong so i did feel pain here and there when i pushed..but overall a god send!!

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

The actual giving of the epi was fine...I was so scaed of the pain and it was NOTHING compared to the contractions I was feeling!
Con- It really didn't help the pain go away much! They topped me off like 5 times over hours and it still didn't help much : (

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

I didnt answer bc I would have answered "other".

With DS when I arrived at the hospital I was already 10cm and ready to go once my Dr broke my water. However, I refused to do anything until someone gave me an epi.....I had AWFUL back labor. So at 10cm I waited for the anesthesiologist and got my epi and it was HEAVEN.

However, this time around, I do not think I will get it. Bc with DS I pushed for 3 hours bc I couldnt feel anything at all so I wasnt pushing effectively AT ALL. My OB then said "c-section" and I was like "oh, hell no." So I asked them to turn the epi off bc I thought it was the issue. So they did, and I continued. But bc now I was doing everything in my power to avoid a c-section, I wasnt really doing any controlled pushing and I tore SO badly. So in the end, I think it prolonged the birth, I had a horrible time healing from it and really, I made it to 10cm without it, and then gave birth with the epi off anyway, so I dont think Id do it again. IMO, it wasnt worth it.

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

I was trying my hardest to avoid getting one but couldn't take the pain any longer and at 7 cm caved and got it!! It made the pain go away completely! All I felt was pressure from the contractions which was great because it helped me know when to push. The only complaint I had was that as it made me relaxed it put stress on the baby and her heart rate was dropping. Thank god everything was fine and I pushed her out so damn quick. It was the scariest 5 min of my life. I almost ended up in an emergency c section but thankfully was fully dilated at that. Point to push her out!

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

IMO:

It's an elective procedure. No one HAS to get one. It does have its risks and benefits and before one gives birth, they should go over the possible risks... keeping in mind that the benefit of no pain may seem much GREATER when you are actually feeling the pain.

That being said, I loved my epidural. I had lots of pain go to no pain. There was no way I could have given birth without it... and with the pain of the episiotomy afterwards... I THANKED GOD that I didn't feel it during!

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

I had a wonderful experience.

I felt no pain, only pressure. I slept for 5 hours and then was able to push. I felt exactly when I had to push.

I ended up pushing for three hours. I don't know if this was because of the epidural though.

I was able to fully move my legs.

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

i had planned on taking it as it goes but trying to do it naturally. I was scared of the epi- my cousin had ended up back inthe hospital with terrible migraines from it. But i got to the hospital at 7 cm but was strep b positive - so i needed 4 hours of antibotics otherwise my son would have to go to the NICU - so i choose the epidural to slow labor down and received it at 10 cm - it was great - did not hurt going in - and i got to take a nice little nap. the hospital i was at only used a cath when needed so it was not inthe entire time. I was laughing and eating an ice pop as i pushed. it was work but did not hurt

i think i could have done without it but it made things so easy. I did end up with a reaction to where the attached the epidural line up my back but i have an adhesive allergy and forgot to tell the antitesiologist

i still would recommend learnign the massage techniques and breathing because both really helped me before i got the epi - i had back labor and massaging works great

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

I didn't get one (didn't want it) and even with a terrible tear and a doctor cut, I'm still glad I didn't get it. It's a very personal decision, though. We took a L&D class at the hospital that focused a lot on medication-free childbirth and I think that really helped prepare us (plus my labor was VERY short -- only 6 1/2 hours start to finish).

You're going to get good stories and bad stories (much like if you googled it... which I highly suggest against doing lol... google is sometimes the devil) so in the end it has to be what you're comfortable with. I'm sure Debi will make the right decision when the time comes!

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

I didn't want one at all but after 20 hours of labor without dilating past 3cm, I just couldn't take the pain anymore. The anesthesiologist had to insert it twice because it didn't take the first time. As soon as he gave me the epi though, I went from 3cm to 10cm in three hours! I only pushed a half hour.

This time around I think I will try to go epi-free again but I am open to getting one if I really need it.

Re: Question about pros/cons of epidurals WITH POLL

Epidural was the best thing ever especially after the pitocin started to kick in. I highly reccomend it. I ended up with a c/s but the epidura was amazing before the decision to go ahead with a c/s was made.