When would you get offered an epidural?

[Jessybear90]

I'm pretty scared about childbirth as I don't have a very high pain threshold!

At what point would you be offered an epidural? Is it something anyone can request or only given in special circumstances?

And why do so many women prefer not to have them and just stick with gas an air?

Would love to hear opinions x

I have had two epidurals. I think it was offered to me both times when it was clear I was losing control and panicking with the pain. Second time was mobile, could still walk, feel pressure, push and wee. Most amazing thing. Heartily recommended!

Hi Jessybear90,
you can request an epidural when you see your midwife.actually I had an appointment with my midwife last week and I told her that I need epidural because I am really worry about child delivery , she told me you can have it when you are 4cm dilated, also, she Said it is not necessary to cause any use of instrumental delivery , so it depends on your luck . So if you want it write it in your birth plan and you can change your opinion any time .

I coped fine on g&a for 8 hours once admitted, until suddenly it didn't cut it any more, and the MW said "I know you said you were terrified of epidurals and really didn't want one, but may I strongly recommend you seriously consider it?"
About 10 minutes later I told her I'd reconsidered. Got trundled downstairs to the CLU as the anaesthetist was on his way (about 15 min later, then about 20 minutes discussing my complex medical history).

Epidurals aren't even associated with increased EMCS, never mind causing them. See NICE guidelines. They are associated with higher instrument usage, so it's possible they might be a causative factor. That's speculation though.

I think as a general rule you have to ask for one. I can see from replies there are exceptions but generally midwives do not offer.
I was doing ok and got to 7cm with just a heat pad. But the contractions were coming with no break and I was taken down to delivery suite as couldn't cope. Had g&a for 5 minutes and was like 'nope need more than this love!' I was very lucky as within minutes of asking it was being done and suddenly the pain had gone!
And I made the right decision as daughter didn't arrive for another 14 hours...no way I could have dealt with the contractions the way they were for that long

Hope all goes well

I didn't want one as I feared the cascade of interventions. Mind you I doubt any of my labours were long enough for one anyway.