Epidural Questions....

For those of you who have given birth already....I was curious about a few things.... I hope someone can answer. I guess I am starting to get nervous about delivering in 9 weeks or so.........

I know compared to the pain you are in during labor it may seem miniscule.. but is the epidural insertion painful?

Is it true that they administer a catheter with an epi?? If so .. is that uncomfortable?? Insertion /removal...

I hope I don't sound crazy... I am just getting anxious.......

Re: Epidural Questions....

Ok..this is coming from the biggest scaredy cat when it comes to needles. I mean a REAL FEAR! I pass out at blood tests so I freaked about this.

First off, its true what people say. By the time comes to get the epi, you are in so much pain, you want some type of relief. The needle doesnt seem like that big of a deal when your dieing for that contraction pain to go away.

Secondly, the put one needle in first that numbs the area. I felt a SMALL pinch, nothing that bothered me that much at all. Then came the epi, I was told not to move, I think that was the hardest since I was having a contraction at the time. But I literally almost felt NOTHING when he put it in. When they told me to lay down, I was shocked it was over.

Finally, when they removed it (the next afternoon for me since I had a c section), I had visitors at the time and the person did it then. I dont know if my friends helped me keep my mind off of it coming out or it truly didnt hurt at all but NO PAIN!

Trust me, I wouldnt lie to anyone about needles. I fear them TOO MUCH! I am sure it will be fine!

Re: Epidural Questions....

You don't sound crazy. The thought of the epidural needle freaked me out enough to forgo it. You could hold off until you need it.

Re: Epidural Questions....

Everyone is different, BUT...
I honestly didn't think getting the epidural was any worse than getting the IV in my arm. It's not fun, but it's over really quick. Yes, they put a catheter in soon after the epi, I didn't even know it was put in- I didn't even feel it. The nurse told me she was going to put it in- so I prepared myself for the worst- but when she was done- I didn't think she even did anything!!! I don't even remember when they took out the epidural- so it must not have been very bad!
Like I said- everyone is different, but my experience having the epidural was great. I actually enjoyed my labor and giving birth to my son!

Re: Epidural Questions....

I honestly would have taken 100 epis over the pain of labor. I was in labor 18 hrs before my epi - and its a pain like I've never felt before.

The epi hurt a little but for me it was because I have collapsed disks in my lower back so they were having a hard time getting it in. They had to try 3 times before it went in.

By OMG was it worth it. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. Next time I want the epi earlier.

They did put a catheter in too but I didn't feel a thing bc the spi was already working. They left my cath in until the next day which was a good thing bc after my emergency c-section I was unable to get up to go to the bathroom. When they took the cath out I didn't feel a thing.

Re: Epidural Questions....

For me, the epi did not hurt at all. It felt like a pinch going in and then you feel this warmth from your hips down. I had my dd with no drugs b/c I was so afraid of needles and ds with drugs and I can honestly say the drugs were fabulous! Also, I was concerned about the cathter and I didn't need one. Not sure at what point you get one. I only needed the epi for 40 minutes before it was time to push though so maybe that's why. Good luck and try not to worry!

Re: Epidural Questions....

thanks girls...I feel better now...
I was just a little curious as well as nervous!!

Re: Epidural Questions....

i'm so glad u asked that question - that is the one thing i freak out about. i feel better now!

Re: Epidural Questions....

I was induced and held off for hours.

My anethesilogist (sp?) was wonderful - I never even saw the size of the needle, and it didn't hurt either. To me it felt like my funnybone got hit.

Message edited 9/18/2006 9:57:20 AM.

Re: Epidural Questions....

Not to hi-jack your board but I am confused by some of the answers...the epi stays in all night? Also I remember having a cath in for something else and that really hurt when you went to the bathroom when they took it out. Is it the same case?