Is an epidural worth it?

[ttbren]

I am being induced on Friday and I'm looking into all of my pain relief options.

• What was it like having a catheter?

-How long after birth were you able to walk around? -Did you have to have intervention? -Did you give birth on your back?

Thank you!!

I didn't have one for the birth (didn't want one) but had to have one to stitch up my 3rd degree tears afterwards... It was fine, just annoying that I then had to stay in longer rather than going home, didn't feel the catheter though, it will be fine.

I've had two epidurals.

First one (1990's) was enough to bring an elephant down.. couldnt walk for hours.

Second one (2000's) was great. Refused the catheter and walked to the toilet. Could walk during and after.

Both births were on my back.

Didn't have a catheter, was up and having a shower fairly quickly after the birth, had no pain, but could still feel the contractions so pushed baby out very efficiently with three sets of three pushes, gave birth on my back which I found quite enjoyable to be honest. I think the epidural allowed me to relax through much of the labour (which was pretty speedy - seven hours for the first one five hours for the second), saving my strength for the action at the end.

Oh and no interventions with either.

I went into labour naturally but had an epidural when I got to 6cms. I didn't have a catheter in all the time. My midwife just emptied my bladder every 4 hours. I was up walking about 3 hours after the birth. I was on my back but wasn't laid completely flat. I did have have an intervention (ventouse) but that's because my giant baby got a bit stuck.

This is a great thread - when I was preparing to give birth in France (epidural is the only pain relief option and nearly everyone has one) I was extremely anxious because all the literature I read (in English) seemed to point to the fact that it slowed down labour and increased the likelihood of needing an intervention - the message seemed to be avoid if you can. I wish I’d had this thread to read - so many positive experiences. No need to suffer - as all French women know. Good luck for Friday OP.

• What was it like having a catheter?

Babys head was blocking my urine output so I begged for a catheter. Didn't feel a thing it going in, huge relief after. -How long after birth were you able to walk around? A couple of hours but that ws less to do with the epidural and more to do with me feeling weak and dizzy due to low iron. -Did you have to have intervention? Yes forceps. 10lb baby in distress with dropping hearbeat. Not due to epidural though - I had the epidural because there was mecconium in my waters hours before and there was talk of maybe needing an emergency cs. I didn't want to risk being put under ga. -Did you give birth on your back? Yes but was confined to my back before the epidural due to constant monitoring due to mecconium

I was really anti epidural pre birth and the idea of it terrified me. Because of the circumstances of my birth it was the best option and I wish I'd done it hours before. If I give birth again I won't hesitate.

100% would recommend. Best decision I ever made. Didn't notice the catheter as others have said. Walking a few hours after birth. Did have intervention, forceps but didn't feel it due to epidural. Gave birth on my back, I had all kinds of thoughts about crouching, walking etc for labour but was actually unable to do any of that due to how painful it was before the epi, so lying down on my back was actually nice x good luck and congrats xx

How did it go OP?

So worth it.

I really didn't want an epidural because it can slow down labour, increased chance of forceps, catheter, tearing/ episiotomy etc. I gave in and had one and all of the above happened!! BUT it was not as bad as i had envisioned. I weirdly liked the catheter, one thing not to worry about! It doesn't hurt and it's not uncomfortable. They ramped up the dosage as they thought I could need a caesarean but instead DD was born with forceps and episiotomy. I felt absolutely nothing and had very neat stitches put in afterwards which healed fast. It was scary but not painful. DD is healthy and happy. I would have epidural again, the negatives are not that bad

Didn't work for me, so no!