What pain relief would you have if labouring for a while before an EMCS?

[marchpoppy]

I am due to have an ELCS but it will be an EMCS if I go into labour before my planned date. I have been told by the Dr that the full range of pain relief is available to me during any period that I labour, before an EMCS if that happens. What would you have?

With my DS, I had a TENS machine and am hiring one again this time. I then used gas and air which may have made me very sick (though I think I get sick with contractions anyway). I also had Pethidine which I would personally never have again, as it left me disorientated and very confused about who/ what or where I was.

Hopefully i would only be labouring for a few hours max this time - what pain relief would you use during that time?

I started on gas & air, bypassed the pethedine after a similar experience to yours. Had an epidural in place before being rushed in for EMCS.

In hindsight, it was a good thing as I was able to be awake during the birth whilst throwing up over my shoulder

I'd say go for an epidural with g&a if you have to wait.

If it's going to be a c-section anyway why not?

The only thing to consider is...

If you're waiting around for your EMCS (presumably because there's another section/instrumental delivery going on in theatre), where do you think the anaesthetist will be?

I'd go for G&A and hold off especially if it's not going to be long - a spinal is better for the section than an epidural anyway.

i had nothing until 38 hours in to labour when it became apparent a c section was a strong possibility, then i had an epidural. i had a emcs an hour later. i'd go for the epidural if you went into labour and needed a emcs.