Epidural

[BethAB]

I’m due in 9 weeks and getting really worried about pain during labour!
Would you recommend an epidural?

I would! I had to be induced after my waters broke then labour didn't start. They started inducing while I was waiting for the epidural, it was great and really helped. I clearly didn't look into it too much as I didn't realise you can actually still move with an epidural so that was also good. I won't lie and say it took all the pain away but I had a back to back labour so as I got to fully dilated I did start to feel pain in my back but it was horrendous. And even though I could feel the contractions in my back I didn't actually feel anything while pushing. All I would advise is if you want one PLEASE tell them! My midwife tried to talk me out of it and if it wasn't for my DP saying 'no it's on her birth plan she wants one' then I'd of just gone along with what she said even though I've said I wanted epidural. I'm now 9 weeks post birth and no issues at all, back felt slightly bruised for a few days after but pulling the plaster off hurt more 😂 xx

*wasn't horrendous that was meant to say!

Yes it was brilliant. Long first labour with hormone drip so glad I had it as meant I could then be pain free and relax.I did end up with an instrumental birth but I think I would have ended that way regardless of epidural - big baby awkward position etc.

Would recommend also learning about effective breathing as that helped with managing pain pre epidural.

Yes! I've had two, one full spinal block, one with a button you could change the amount so you can still feel things and move about. I'd recommend the button one.

I had one with DC1. Glad i did. Shit side is the zero control over your pushing and other bodily functions and you feel a bit wobbly in the shower after baby is born but its very short lived.

Then I’m glad i didn’t have one with the other 2 babies. Gave birth with no pain relief with DC2 and I got to hospital and she was out,

DC3 was induction like DC1 but just gas and pethidine.

Do not deny yourself pain relief,

I have no experience of having an epidural except that I wouldn't say no if offered.

I've recently had two boys, one last year and one the year before, and all I will say is just make sure whoever is your birthing partner knows exactly what you do and do not want and that they speak up for you loudly.

Oh and if you think that because you've written a birth plan then thats fine because they will read that then no, do not think that. It most likely will not be read or just be ignored! Pfff.

Oh and if you think that because you've written a birth plan then thats fine because they will read that then no, do not think that. It most likely will not be read or just be ignored! Pfff.

I’m very glad my birth plan wasn’t read because I said minimal pain relief / intervention but then needed an epidural at 1cm having been induced

Yes yes I’d get one again tomorrow, they’re brilliant!

I had 3 (all with inductions) and they were great. I waited too long for the first one and was knackered by the time it arrived, but had the others as soon as I could. I was nervous about the insertion each time, but that's just because I'm a bit anxious about stuff - the anaesthetists know what they're doing and the relief of the pain going away is immense!

Good luck with your birth - I hope everything goes super smoothly for you!

Yes! OMG yes.

@Pyri

Oh and if you think that because you've written a birth plan then thats fine because they will read that then no, do not think that. It most likely will not be read or just be ignored! Pfff.

I’m very glad my birth plan wasn’t read because I said minimal pain relief / intervention but then needed an epidural at 1cm having been induced

Yes yes I’d get one again tomorrow, they’re brilliant!

Oh yeah, of course and things change, but I bet being induced wasn't on your birth plan either

I had one and Wouk’s again,couldn’t feel pain of contractions put still managed to push fine.