Epidural not wanted

5 replies

Ottmotherx2 · 01/08/2017 22:23

I am going to put on my notes that I don't want an epidural for any part of my birth.

Even if I have to have a c section. I would like to be asleep.

I have suffered from back problems from my last pregnancy and birth and had an epidural that time but it left me with worse back problems I believe.

Has anyone put this down on there notes?

I would live to know your experience and pain relief choices.

Have they insisted you have one against your will?

OP posts:

joopy79 · 01/08/2017 22:29

Ha! I asked for an epidural but was not given one (not UK). My pain relief was lots of back massage and a hot water bottle. It was alright and I wouldn't request an epidural if I have another.

ladybunnikins · 02/08/2017 07:13

You could ask for an antenatal appointment with an obstetric anaesthetist to discuss it and make a plan. Easier to do this when not in labour!

SumAndSubstance · 02/08/2017 09:00

I would definitely do more than put it in your notes as they are quite easy to ignore! My first was an EMCS under GA and it was definitely easier to get the GA having had it agreed in advance even though I had not been expecting a C-section at all.

kel1234 · 02/08/2017 11:56

I put in my birth plan that I wanted as natural a birth as possible, with minimal drugs, and that I only wanted an epidural as an absolute last resort.
I was having contractions for 4 days, and had a sweep at 40+5. I didn't need anything to manage the pain until a few hours after I had the sweep. I used my tens machine. It really helped. I took it off to go to the birth centre. I put it back on when I was settled. I didn't even need the highest few settings. I also used a birth ball which really helped with the pain. I did try a tiny bit of gas and air but it made me feel so sick I didn't want it. I got in the pool for a while which really helped the pain. I would have stayed in there much longer, possibly even given birth in there, but after 4 days of early labour I was physically exhausted, so it was agreed I should have a pethadine injection so I could rest, which I needed.
I just told the midwife that I didn't want an epidural, 1 I just didn't want it, and 2 it would have meant moving from the birth centre to the delivery suite which is something else I didn't want.
I know they say to be open minded, but for me I knew I didn't want it unless there was nothing else I could try.

ElizabethShaw · 02/08/2017 12:00

They certainly can't insist you have an epidural - you have to consent to it and physically cooperate to get it in.

Flip