Induction question

[heartmoonshadow]

If I have to be induced can I refuse the drip until they have sited an epidural. I spoke to a friend today who had her first baby three weeks ago in the hospital where I intend to give birth. Basically they gave her no option as they said anathetist (sorry cant spell) was busy so she would have to have it without an epidural and she said it was hell.

Anyway I was thinking if I said no until I had epidural would that be accepted? I have looked and seen NICE guidelines suggest all women offered syntocinon drip should be offered an epidural as standard what do you think?

there was no way i wanted an epidural so i was induced without one. I wouldnt say the birth was hell at all although the drip had to be turned down at one point as i was contracting too much. I had gas and air and a diamorphine injection instead.

I had an induction without epidural as I didn't want one. It wasn't 'hell' but was incredibly intense and as soon as I went on the drip at the lowest rate I had non-stop contractions and DS was born 3 hours later. I went from 1cm to 10cm in two hours. Gas and air was pretty ineffective because I wasn't getting a break in between contractions, and ended up having morphine at (looking back I recognise this) the point of transition and meant DS was very drowsy when born. It frustrates me, because if I'd known I was so close to having him, I wouldn't have had the morphine. Basically what I'm saying us you don't need an epidural!

I had the drip with gas and air and one dose of diamorphine. I would have had an epidural if I thought I needed one but even on the max dose it I felt I could cope without. My MW said my diamorphine had worn off by then so I was just on gas and air at that point.

yeah i'm pretty sure you can. a friend of mine was given the epi before the drip so don't see why you couldn't say you weren't consenting to the drip until you had an epidural in place.

If there is no anaesthetist available you might not be able to have an epidural. I was induced and hated it so much I elected for a home birth for the next two births. But you can refuse to be induced, but listen carefully to the medical advice.

Well ladies thanks for the advice but it looks liek the point may be moot (sorry cant spell!). I had a scan on Wednesday and when BP and urine checked it looks like I have first signs of pre-eclampsia again so I will have a medical reason now for an epidural as it lowers your BP. I am so hacked off to get it again and I just want to stay out of hospital for as long as possible. I have to see my midwife weekly now - that will please her - I have made the appointments. Then I have been asked to go back at 38 weeks for another scan and consultant appointment but my experience says I may not make it that far dependent on how my pre-ec progresses. The only bonus will be that I may get to see my lovely little girl earlier rather than later.