When is the latest that you can have an epidural?

[HappyAsEyeAm]

i.e. at what point does it become 'too late'?

i'm open to correction but medically, i don't think it's ever too late. it's just that when you are 8/9cm dilated the midwives will probably dissuade you from getting one (or tell you there is one on the way) as at that stage, the whole thing is nearly over.

personally, if that's what happens i'm going to tell them i'm crossing my legs and won't push until i get it! i have a friend who recently had twins and there was a chance she would deliver twin A and then need a section for twin B if it didn't turn. she was induced and things moved quickly so she was almost fully dilated when they checked her but she was given the epidural in case she had to be rushed to theatre for twin B.

When the head is out.

Starlight are you serious?! Why do I hear so many times "I was told it was too late to have an epidural" then? I thought there had to be a gap between contractions of a certain length of time to get the epidural in.

Nope. But you do have to be sure you can stay still.

Epidurals/spinals often go in at 10cm after pushing in order to deliver by c/s at the last minute.

Too late usually means 'we think you're in transition and it will be over by the time the epidural arrives'.

I had a spinal at 10cm for a EMCS. After almost four days of labour I was more than happy to stay still for the required amount of time to site it

I had mine very late, 10 cm for hours, contractions gone, had to be put on drip to get them going again. Was knackered, demanded an epidural, they said its too late. I said there's no way I'm continuing without one. Lots of shaking heads and dissapointed looks but was the best thing as I had to be cut and they used a ventouse.

Agree with the siting still part though.

babyblabber Unfortunately that won't work because your body will push without you consciously trying

If you are 8/9 cm and are making good progress the midwife is probably going to say 'too late'.

If progress is poor or non existent - well, any time is fine including full dilation.

Nice says epidurals should not be declined at any stage of labour.

flisspaps, don't worry there is zero chance of me getting to 9cm with no epidural, it's the first thing i'll ask for when i arrive!

Its never "too late". After all think about the emcs - 10cm and pushing to having an epidural or spinal and then major surgery.
Its more that midwives and consultants tend to think by the time they set everythng up at 7-9cm that it would be a waste of time as delivery is usually quick to follow (not in my case but you know....).

Nice (as someone said) says they shouldn't be declined at any stage of labour. The reality is very different due to staff shortages, and medical professionals making "judgements" over and above the requests of the woman. (Grrrrr).

babyblabber provided there's an anaesthetist free who isn't stuck in theatre...or that you're not one of those women who dilate super fast

Baby, I don't want to worry you but it really is a good idea to have a plan B. I was literally screaming for an epidural from 2cm and to everyone that entered the room from that point, until the end of labour. It was 'being arranged' for the whole of my labour but never came. I wasn't asking coz I fancied it, I was asking it because I was out of my mind with desperation, fear and pain and hullucinating.

What I was put through has given me PTSD which after 5 years has not reduced. Putting your faith in an epidural being available and then being denied is a real possibility for many women.

Dunno the answer but i had 1 at 8cm and it was lovely