When should I ask for an epidural (am not actually in labour now but thinking about what to do when it happens!)

[redlolly]

Hi all, 37w and a bit confused. Basically, I would like to have a water birth but I have to deliver in hospital and there is only one pool so unlikely I will be able to. If no pool, I would like to have the option of an epidural if the pain becomes too much.

For all those ladies who have had vaginal deliveries with no epidural: at what point is the pain the worst? If I get to say 8cm and am doing OK with gas and air, will I be ok for the rest of it? Pushing and tearing etc objectively looks like the most painful bit but is it more painful than the contractions? I am interested in epidural as don't want to have a totally horrible painful time and end up traumatised if it's possible to avoid it. Sorry if this is a dumb question. I am listening to hypnobirthing CD etc and trying to be positive but want to be prepared for negatives too. Thanks for your help.

[dragonflyinthelillies]

I found the pushing didn't really hurt at all. I was so relieved to be nearly done and it felt like i could focus on something instead of just having to deal with the pain. If you can get to 8cm then you don't need it!

Good Luck!

[PenguinsandtheTantrumofDoom]

The honest answer is that you can't know in advance. People are different and find different bits 'most painful'. There is no rule that, if you can get past X you'll be fine.

However, if you leave it too late the sheer practicalities of waiting for an anaesthetist, getting it done, etc may mean the chance has been missed.

[Roseybee10]

My two labours were completely different.
With my first I found getting past 4cm the worst as she was back to back. I would say once I got to 8cm it didn't really hurt that badly and I was quite in control with just gas and air (not sure what point I got the gas and air as I was examined at 5am and was 3cm and then examined at 8am and was 10cm).

Second labour I was fine up until the last hour when things started going very quickly and it got quite intense but then I didn't have any pain relief as I was at home and the MW didn't arrive until I was pushing. I didn't have time to get myself back in the game with gas and air at that point as she just decided she wanted OUT!

I would say epidurals are best for people who hit the active labour stage (4cm) and then struggle to progress or who are being induced. If you get to 7/8xm without one then I would say it's pointless having one.

Also, with an epidural you're going to be on your back forcibly/coached pushing and unable to listen to your body (obviously if you're struggling with pain and you decide to have one there is NOTHING wrong with that but there can be other complications from that). I tore badly with my first as I was lying down and was being coached to push.
With my second I never once tried to push, my body just did it of its own accord, and I escaped with a minor graze and a much quicker pelvic floor recovery (also gave birth kneeling).
X

[TerryTheGreenHorse]

The later stages of dilation I found much worse. I had an Epi at that stage with DC1 through fear it would get worse, when I had DC2 without that bit wasn't as bad. It was more a massive and weird pressure.

[redlolly]

Thank you ladies, it's so helpful to hear your experiences, much appreciated