Pain relief - if induction requires EMCS

[Dixy30]

Hey
I'm booked for 3rd induction - had pethidine with no1 and epi with no2.
Is it possible to have broth pethidine (to relax and speed it up) then an epidural, then if induction fails to have a general anaesthetic if require EMCS?

I have a huge fear of needing an EMCS and having to be awake for it (super squeamish!) due to epidural for induction. Is it possible to have both?

Thanks if anyone knows!!

[Jellymum1]

I had pethidine and later an epidural...but ended in emcs...sorry! I think the more intervention/pain relief the higher the chances of emcs.

[Foxeym]

To be honest I would have thought if you've had an epidural put in they then won't do a general. I've had an EMCS with epidural and 2 ELCS with a spinal block and they have all been fine

[Dixy30]

Thanks for your insights!
Is EMCS frightening or are you knackered etc and half out of it and not 'there' so much as normally would be?

[peeapod]

there is a massive difference between an emcs and an elcs in terms of recovery and forward planning.

If you are scared of having a C section it is worth discussing this with a midwife because as others have said the more intervention the more likely it will happen. You need to be prepared for it which will mean emotionally as well as physically.

I decided on an elcs because i have more control than if i neeeded an emcs which was higher risk of happening because i needed an epidural.

It is a tough and very personal choice and one I would do a lot of research on especially around what is involved in having a c section.

[peeapod]

o, i remember what i was going to say now. if you have a discussion with a midwife about having a c section, something that im going to have "on standby" is some sedative in case i get too anxious. its half way between an epidural and a general and will take the edge off the aniexty of the situtation. i would imagine its something you can put in your birth plan as a if i need a c section I will need to discuss having sedation in case i get anxious or scared...

[Dixy30]

Thanks very much for this advise,I have final meeting with consultant on Monday (no birth plan as high risk so not seen any midwives) so will def ask for sedative in case of c sec.

Tbh I'd prefer an ELCS over induction any day, but they will never agree as had no intervention/ problems with 2 previous inductions in the last 4yra

[weebigmamma]

Epidurals don't always slow labour down and often they give the woman a much needed rest before the pushing stage. I've known loads of women who had them and then delivered normally, so don't be too afraid of it ending in a section. Do discuss it with your midwife- they'll have seen tons of births where epidural was used and should be able to put your mind at ease. They might also be able to discuss other forms of pain relief too. Good luck!