Shortage of childbirth pain relief announced

[BestZebbie]

(Posting to Chat as I couldn't find this topic anywhere on the boards already and there doesn't seem to be a general "birth" topic).

"The NHS has been hit by a shortage of epidural kits to give mothers-to-be, a key form of pain relief during childbirth, as well as the drug that women are offered as an alternative.

Supplies of epidural kits and the painkiller Remifentanil are now under such pressure that some hospitals cannot offer pregnant women their usual right to choose which one they want to reduce labour pains.

Anaesthetists have told the Guardian that the simultaneous shortage of both forms of pain management has led to “difficult discussions” with women who had been told during their antenatal care that they would have that choice but were upset to learn that it was not available."

www.theguardian.com/society/2022/aug/07/difficult-discussions-as-nhs-faces-shortage-of-childbirth-pain-relief

So this is terrifying.

Just reading this whilst up having first contractions. Let’s hope they’re available when it’s time to go in!

I don't know how I would have coped being refused an epidural during my labour. Hyper stimulation and back to back baby was not a great mix! Those poor women who may not get a choice :(

This is honestly terrifying. I would be bricking it going into childbirth knowing this.

The most sickening thing is seeing how the 'natural birth' advocates have jumped on this to say it's a good thing because it will get us back to birth not being medicalised, and empower people to birth without assistance. Ya know. Back to the days where giving birth was not unlikely to lead in you dying.

Guys, is this because of Brexit or pandemic? I haven't heard of epidural shortage in my home country.

Canada also have a shortage so not sure Brexit can be blamed

Australia also mentioned in that Guardian article.

@poppyflower1803

I had a back to back labour, it was long and I wasn't coping very well with the pain/getting tired.

They wheeled me up to the consultant unit and said basically (to my husband as I was out of it) we will try to give her an epidural as the babys heart rate and her blood pressure are very high.. The alternative is emergency caseserean.

I thank God the epidural worked, only time I was coherent and relaxed, it got everything back on track. I got some much needed rest and they decided there was no need for an emcs as it got my blood pressure and babys heart rate back down so I gave birth naturally.

I still have some ptsd but it worries me to think of the potential outcome if that wasn't an option.

My hospital has been struggling with lack of epidural kits that are compatible with our equipment. It's affecting our patients who require major abdominal surgery.

We also don't have one particular anti-emetic which we use with nearly all patients.

@NotMyselfWithoutCoffee

So sorry to hear your experience, I definitely understand the trauma side. Back labour was horrendous, wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I also got an epidural but it partially failed so when it came to a forceps delivery I had a spinal. I am so lucky that I had this medication available, otherwise like you I wouldn't have coped- I was passing out on gas and air as I wasn't breathing enough oxygen 🤣 I hope, if I ever have another, that my second birth would be much more straightforward and natural :)