Fear of a catheter putting me off having an epidural - am I being ridiculous?

[Pinkflipflop]

I don't really know what a catheter is but it sounds horrific. I feel that it must surely sting and weigh you down, plus wont everyone be able to see my wee?

Anyway I'm terrified of having a catheter put in, so that means I can't have an epidural, doesn't it?

Am I being ridiculous? Should it be enough to put me off?

I due early in February so need to start thinking seriously about my option.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

[SneezySnatcher]

I had one, although I didn't have an epidural - I just wasn't passing urine.

Well, I say I had one. I didn't realise until DH mentioned it after the birth. And this was 'just' on G&A! So I didn't feel it going in, out it during!

[CatchingMockingbirds]

Can you ask specifically for a walking epidural or is it just what it's called when it only has an effect on your waist but not your legs?

[sparklekitty]

I ended up having a catheter during labour as my dd got stuck and I couldn't wee (no idea why, I normally have a tiny bladder) so they stuck a temporary catheter in. At that point I really didn't care, the MW and doc had seen worse. I was worried about it hurting, it did sting a little bit (on G&A) but only about as much as having an injection. I really wouldnt let that be the reason you dont have an epidural

[Saccrofolium]

I asked for my catheter to be left in as I couldn't be arsed to get up for a wee! They said no...
Catheters are great. Wish I'd had one whilst I was pregnant, is have got more sleep instead of being up every 90 mins with my thimble bladder!

[Karoleann]

I've had three epidurals and no catherer.