Epidural when you have trapped nerve / sciatica

[Chelvis]

I am 37 weeks pregnant with my second DC and really worried about labour. I'm trying to get in to see my midwife, but she's on holiday until next week and the replacement is fully booked and hasn't returned my call :(

I had a pretty unpleasant labour/delivery last time - induced with syntocin at 40+12, used gas and air, pethadine had no effect, I was refused an epidural as I had a chest infection, laboured for 20+ hours before almost 2 hours of pushing, then had a partially retained placenta which was removed manually (took over an hour) with only gas and air, ditto the two tears.

I requested a ELCS this time because I am bloody terrified of it all happening again. I saw a consultant, who told me no and that I'm a 'silly girl' (complaint ongoing with that one!), then a 2nd consultant who was lovely and talked through my previous birth, which she said was appalling. She was very sympathetic and saw me alongside the consultant anesthatist. They really were against an ELCS and explained why an early epidural would be a better option for me (pain managed immediately, I'm in control with the topping up, no risk of pain during the placenta delivery which was my big fear). It is all over my notes that I should have an epidural as soon as I ask for one. I hopefully shouldn't have a fight to get it when I'm in labour, although I've heard a lot of stories about refusals which scares me.

However, I am now worried because I have developed a trapped nerve (sciatic nerve) so I'm in a lot of back and upper leg pain. Is it possible to have an epidural in those circumstances? and has anyone who has, had any after effects from having one? I am scared that I won't be allowed one, or that I will and will end up with this back pain constantly. I've also been told that epidural can lead to increased risk of foreceps, which can worsen back pain (as well as continence issues, which I am already struggling with).

I also have started with a bad cold, which is on my chest (I'm asthmatic and I predicted that this would happen ....) so I'm not optimistic that anything is going to go to plan!

Hi there,

I was in a similar situation to you with my first born in that I have a v long history of disc problems/sciatic pain which culminated in a back op before I became pregnant. I was consultant led & saw an anaesthetist who initially advised against an epidural or spinal because of the location of my back OP. she did recommend an alternative type of medication though (& I've forgotten the bloody name of it). As it turned out, I had to have an EMCS & they were happy to give me a spinal inspite of my OP. I've not had any side effects as a result of this. I would definately speak to your consultant & let them know about your back pain so that they're fully aware. Also ask about alternative pain relief to epidural & pethidine (it was a weird sounding name for the anaesthetic they advised for me).

Sorry, that's probably not much help ...

No, that's really helpful, thank you. I think speaking to the anaesthatist/consultant is the way to go - I might be able to get to see them sooner than the midwife too at this rate !

I hope you manage to get what you want chelvis & good luck for your birth!