mobile epidural at UCLH?

[DueInAug]

Hi Mumsnet,

I'm wondering if anyone had a mobile epidural at UCLH (or if not, any hospital in London) who might be willing to share their experience? I searched this forum and found an old thread but the actual experience was shared by DM so I thought I'd try again :)

I would like an epidural but have concerns about losing the ability to move or feel. From what I understand, at UCLH the mobile epidural dose/rate is fixed and patients are given control to top up (and therefore one can do this less frequently to reduce the dose), but the midwife said with time often legs become too weak to continue moving around or be on your knees. Also I've read on Mumsnet that epidurals "turn your pelvic floors to mush" but this was quite a long time ago so not sure if these new lower dose ones do the same.

Am wondering if anyone might share their experience, and specifically:

• were you able to continue walking with the mobile epidural, and for how long?
• were you able to choose your delivery position or did you have to deliver on your back?
• did you find you had sensation for the 2nd stage of labour? It seems a waste to be doing my pelvic floor exercises so religiously if i won't be able to use or feel them when the time comes..
• would you choose to use it again?

Many many thanks in advance for any thoughts!

[raysan1]

Hi. @dueinaug did you use it in the end?

[March24baby]

Hi @DueInAug I was wondering what you ended up doing in the end, as I’m in UCLH and considering an epidural ! Thank you :)

[raysan]

@March24baby , I had regular, self top-up epidural for 1st baby and gas & air for 2nd.

Nothing went to plan, so if you need the epidural, then do ask for it, even tho it is restrictive. It can take an hour or so, since there are forms and the anaesthetist might be called to other surgeries or emergencies first.
I had very mild side possible effects in pelvic floor, and got to see an NHS pelvic floor specialist. Most ppl would have lived with it tbh, tiny bit of wee when I sneezed!
Pushing was maybe harder, as baby had a 98th centile head 😳 . I started sitting (supported on the bed) but midwife recommended to lie down, to shorten the birth canal for baby.

Prior to epidural, during labour, I had huge unexplained stabbing pain continuously, like putting pressure on a broken limb. Didn't stop between contractions. Easy choice!

Second baby was only like big period pains, then a bit of sharp pain with a tear. Again, easy choice to stick on gas and air.

Epidurals get a bad rap but anyone in pain should have access to appropriate medication.

Hope this helps you to plan, and to feel comfortable with whatever decisions on the day xx

If you are early in labour, the injection might give respite and chance to regain strength. Again, gets a bad press but it wouldn't be offered if it was too dangerous.

Hypnobirthing was not sufficiently effective for me. Took the edge off at first but not as labour progressed. Everyone is different tho, and at least I know I tried it naturally